APRIL 5--Operation Freedom Train involved Navy tactical air sorties against military and logistic targets in the southern part of NVN which were involved in the invasion of SVN. The operating area in NVN was initially limited to between 17_ and 19_N parallel. However, special strikes were authorized against targets above the l9th parallel on various occasions. The magnitude of the NVN offensive indicated that an extended logistics network and increased resupply routes would be required to sustain ground operations by NVN in their invasion of SVN.

Most target and geographical restrictions that were placed in effect since October 1968 concerning the bombing in NVN were gradually lifted and the list of authorized targets expanded. Strikes in NVN were against vehicle targets, lines of communication targets (roads, waterways, bridges, railroad bridges and railroad tracks), supply targets, air defense targets and industrial/power targets. Aircraft involved in Freedom Train operations were from Hancock, Coral Sea, Kitty Hawk and Constellation. By the end of April operations were permitted in NVN throughout the region below 20_ 25' N and many special strikes above the 20th parallel had also been authorized.