You’re exactly right.
Currently reading “The Last Stand at Khe Sanh” right now, and Buffs are prominently mentioned. When the NVA started the siege, there was a 3000 meter distance from the base limit on B-52 bombing missions, and though I am not all the way through, I wonder if they changed it over time. Tactical could obviously get closer...
I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of a Buff strike, no doubt.
I loved the stories of our POW’s in Hanoi jumping up and down yelling with joy and the B-52’s rained down the bombs (even while scared to death...it was just worth it!) while the guards cowered in abject fear!
I recall someone said “That was American power!”