the rangers on the dam were greatly outnumbered. nevertheless, the combined efforts of a forward air controller-qualified pilot (fac), a combat search and rescue (csar) pilot, and observation posts manned by additional rangers and air force enlisted terminal attack controllers (who cleared airborne weapons for release) ensured the rangers on the dam would not be overrun. that operation reflected the typical attitude held by air national guard aviators, especially a-10 pilots, who believed that when ground troops needed help, the pilots would remain as long as possible to, "...lay it on the line more and expose themselves more over the target area." even when the rangers were not taking enemy fire, the a-10s provided cover so the rangers could catch a few hours of sleep. the 410th fighters also supplied air cover during medical evacuation missions for killed and wounded rangers.