How Vietnam to wipe U.S torpedos ?

"Do your own rescue before rescuers"
On 26/02/1967, U.S. Air Force released the results of the first torpedo campaign northern river port blockade.
One of America's strategy is to use mixed types of mines: mines field (magnetic induction changes, exploding), torpedoes sound (sound waves it emits ship explodes), torpedo hits explosion (the train explodes through touch), torpedoes pressure (pressure vessels going through changes, explode).
These mines are targeted on a specific target, for a variety of ships sunk, transports us different. It kind of just waiting for a new large-tonnage ship exploded, destroying the efficiency increases. In addition, the U.S. also used torpedoes "on time" (ie, 30 times over the last train explosion), used to exploit the guard, which we mistook the river road safety and boldly for many ships transport to go through ...


A sample of U.S. torpedoes.

The plot makes it difficult to force cleared. Initially, it was difficult for the support for the South and between the socialist countries help Vietnam.
Urgent situation, most of the mines are all kinds of new techniques to apply, even in the socialist bloc countries such as the Soviet Union, China does not have a lot of information and effective means of clearing. So, with the motto "save themselves before the rescue", we actively seek to torpedo anti-blockade.
For information about enemy weapons, we have found the purchase of foreign material (mainly in the U.S. allies such as Japan, France, Taiwan ...) the compiler to understand the structure, operation principle of torpedoes.
Besides, many union leaders also sent technical staff to study abroad to develop human resources for the blockade against torpedoes. In particular, the Ministry of Defense ordered 32 engineers throughout the country to study in the domain of a group to study and outlines the methods break mine. Since this is the "property" of the country's precious, so groups are not allowed to experiment, because of the safety concern. The experiments for the navy in charge. After you get the certain knowledge the better team. We conducted mine clearance work.
Promoting Intellectual Vietnam
For magnetic torpedoes, the question is to create a strong enough signal from authors "fool" the mines, and distant broadcast signals to ensure a safe distance to train and control. The engineers navy ships tankist improvements (specialized amphibious transport), fitting the coil from the generator casing and one-dimensional.
When such means, we put to the test, see the signal from the torpedo detonated in front of the train as many meters, right, left, how many meters behind. Then continue calculations, if current weak enough not knock or detonation too close to the ship, we must find ways to increase power capacity.


Major General Nguyen Thi Dinh visited soldiers of mine clearance teams.

At that time, in the north almost no high-power generators, foreign aid is difficult. But in "the wisdom that emerges difficult", the technical staff have conducted several transmitters connected to create stronger power. Thus, the clearance of mines from the field easily.
After this, we also manufacture torpedo boats through unmanned, remote control, on the shore. Thus, the clearance was reduced casualties, but still dangerous "open flow" safe enough for the convoy to pass through.
As a result, from 1967 to 1972 through the naval torpedoes are thousands of types of results. The amount of goods and manpower supply for the South does not decrease but increase. Particularly, the train does not have to be transported hundreds of thousands of tons of cargo weapons into enemy Southwest. The way aid of the socialist countries to the north brothers remain smooth until the end of the war damage.


U.S. warships involved the "Cowardly last scan".

Paris Agreement was signed in 1973, the U.S. military withdrawal from Vietnam and the implementation of commitments in terms of the agreement. In particular, there are provisions to conduct mine clearance were all thrown into the freezing river ports and seaports in northern Vietnam.
The U.S. military made "campaign last blow scan" (on 28/1-18/7/1973), bringing powerful unit Tank Force 78 ships including 10 minesweepers, tugs 6, 9 amphibious ships , three salvage ships, 19 destroyers and additional helicopter units cleared torpedo CH - 53 into the north. But the result almost nothing, this makes them surprised and wondering why drop torpedoes with such density, when the clearance is not explosive.
This victory makes unexpected U.S.. Even in the fraternal countries, it is also about "confusing". Seeing victory against torpedoes blockade of Vietnam, the Soviet Union thought that China helped Vietnam and vice versa. After this, the experience of the blockade against torpedo Vietnam are sharing the fraternal countries.
In 9 years of destructive war against the north, army and people we encounter many difficulties never seemed insurmountable. But the spirit of courage, intelligence, creativity, perseverance through hardships, the team staffs, naval combatants consensus overcome challenges and ensure the safety of river transport routes, the continuous sea to weapons, combat vehicles, military units in the south.

Vietnamese special force attack USA B.52 den (Utapao Thailand)

Vietnamese special force attack USA B.52 den

Launched in the war against France in the Southeast battlefield, force the constantly growing; become special elite army, the terror of enemy invaders.
Mark B.52 lair at Utapao
Characteristics of commando is better to use a variety of weapons. From conventional weapons like guns to the DKZ, DKB ... And they are "experts" a master of explosives, explosive. Prepare battles Nha depots in 1973, over 49 studies have large tanks, each tank must be placed at least 10 kg of C4 explosives to destroy well. Thus it takes nearly 500 kg of explosives for battle. A group of eight sorties can not carry the weight well. Previously tried DKZ artillery fire hit but did not. With knowledge and experience gained, I immediately saw his 750-pound bombs falling away, taking drugs produced 50 100 kg mines concave, each fruit weighs 1 kg. Get the bomb shell hit testing, penetrating well. As a result, fire depots beaten for 12 days and nights, 250 million liters of gasoline burned.
Features of the great warrior is melee, and even-handed dagger. The characteristics of the martial arts in the melee battle with U.S. soldiers, South Korean troops vassals, made infamous battle-hardened soldiers must be horrifying. Meet cases under siege, particularly ready to accept the sacrifice, or network to network changes and gas information confidential soldier. As the battle depots Nha Bao and two soldiers were encircled Find the sides, and he "saw double" grenade to them. A former special commander said the fighting spirit and determination of the characteristic element of making heroic qualities of men, making the enemy fear and admiration.
There have been many battles and feats are told to. Own game raids Utapao Airport (Thailand) fell into a long silence. Utapao air base is huge in Thailand in the U.S., and this is also the only airport in Southeast Asia that strategy B.52 aircraft can land, take off. U.S. Aircraft B.52 usually comes from here and Guam to bomb North Vietnam. Government of that day we had a declared enemy comes from, we have the right to fight back right where their lair. Based on this statement and on the basis of analysis of strategic intelligence, judgment of U.S. intentions, May 10/1972, the Special Command assigned to Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Duc Trung, army chief of staff, research Research and prepare plans for attack at the base of the U.S. aircraft B.52, when we increase bombed Hanoi.
The most difficult thing Utapao Airport in inland Thailand, ensuring logistics are hardly implemented.




 At first, the superior commander recommended for use overseas Vietnamese line. Military Commission Secretariat and answer phones forbidden to use force. A special group of highly selected remote 3. Among them, two soldiers again and Local Thai capital's two overseas Vietnamese repatriated to the North, fluent terrain, be speaking Thai. A detachment of more than three dozen missions to the support. Union station was set up in the woods commander Don Thom Ka located at the junction borders Thailand - Laos - Cambodia. This is the forest primeval trees three stories high, year round not see the sun. From here, the team was dispatched outpost scouting along the mountain 14 times Prech Vihia. There is an initiative launched. It is the technique used by the type of food children later. Three soldiers each carrying 32 kg of dry food, to the position A to the 10 kg, carefully buried and marked and returned. Each trip so dry food is moved to position B, C, D. .. During long way. Food is important to highlight vital condition of soldier sapper, both on the way to the target as well as the back.
The remaining problem is the media contact for orders to attack at the right time. The characteristics of the soldiers could not bring the radio, as this will affect the amount of explosives needed to carry. Union chief immediately ordered: to bring radio to hear the news, when listening to the BBC or VOA news coverage has a massive B.52 Hanoi, it is the right time to fire. Three features of our soldiers, an external protection for the two infiltrate the lair take, each hand touching the B.52. True peak 12 U.S. raiding day Hanoi, the fire fighters sapper fire hit 6 units, destroy 2 vehicles. So there are 8 B.52 were out of the fight, no chance to cross along the northern sky crimes again. The next day, the Western news agencies have reported comment. America was really frightened, they're incredibly far reaching and coordinated attention to such food. Through digital radio (secret), they talk to each other but do not understand what happened. At that time, General Vo Nguyen Giap immediately heard and asked the Special Command, the command station commander and asked hurriedly. After this hearing Colonel Nguyen Duc Trung full report details, the minister praised.
Prior to that, beginning in April 1968, Hong Lam Phung Captain and Captain Le Van Dinh at the airport beat U-Ta-pao Captain Le Thong was taken to a farm family in Bangkok Thailand. Due fluent Thai, nenhai the hard work he is confident boss. From this place, the two spy to investigate, research Airport-U-Ta Pao. U-Ta-Pao is the airport's strategic U.S. B52, how to Bangkok about 190 km. with fences, barbed wire, mines dense, carefully deployed rooms, located far from the Lao-Thai border. U.S. bases that are impregnable. Therefore, the number of frequent flying bases are present in about 20 pieces, which we used every night from 3-5 to a bombing in Vietnam. Each time studies, and Le Dinh Phung Hong Lam bus back to Bangkok at 3 pm. Until a few kilometers from the airport is dark. They get off the bus, walk to the edge of the forest and then turned off clothes, makeup and potential to enter the airport. Two him up all night to study, find work rules of the enemy to come out 4am bathing, wearing clothes and then re-draw the crowd back to Bangkok. Twice a week, two months uninterrupted so. Many times he had to take the B52, swinging up as plane tried to tuck mine. When they were sure to plan raids in early June. The last time reconnaissance incense, they found that the airport is abnormal. Cars carrying soldiers constantly patrolling on the roads around the airport, strict control all officers, soldiers and workers out in the military. It turns out that, due to the stunning blow at the U-Don, more vigilant enemy. This raid will be at risk. To postpone decisions and plans about China Uong.Thang 6.7 times guarded enemy is also at the Intelligence grasp more information and additional detail that their plan. Earlier in August, the enemy started subjective patrol said, less than the test. This is the time of the decision to attack. Evening on 08/03/1968 Phung Dinh Thanh Le Hong Lam and down the bus as usual in the U-Ta-Pao. By his second gold ore turned into forest cover, hiding places available explosives. Determined to destroy at least two B52, the two prepare two explosive results, each result 5 kg, tuck the hour, using special techniques hopefuls enter, pass through the barbed wire fence and then work quickly to where B52 two parked side by side. Fasten the right explosive finish 4 am, two members of the intelligence gathering place, bathing, dressing and cavalier about Bangkok. Car has run a distance from the airport then emits two explosions rocked the car window. A moment later a siren of a police car, fire, ambulance workers from all directions to the airport. Everyone on the agitated driver does not understand what happened without knowing the car has sung two smiling suong.Hai day after Thai media reported that "Vietnamese communist" airport set Ethyl U-Ta-pao, pepper kill two B52 aircraft and damaged two others, twenty officers and technical personnel killed Americans. Because the bridge was badly damaged so close to the airport ten days to repair. After that victory, the eighth spy medals were awarded victories (seven A-class and second class), Hong Lin Feng was awarded Hero of Armed force, two martyrs Bui and Le Duc Ke Sach goal was posthumously list Hero of armed force performance. 41 years have passed, 8 intelligence soldiers who left that day, people lose. Thong Le Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel Le Write The death was 20 years. Hong Lam Phung Colonel passed away 2 years ago. Colonel Le Van Dinh currently living in Ho Chi Minh city, Lt. Col. Kieu Vo is in the Pacific, Triem Warrant Officer Nguyen Van Quang Binh. As a secret mission so their victories were not mentioned in the mass media. And the enemy intelligence agencies have said that the raid on the two airports in Thailand is due to the force of Vietnam to implement. They could not believe that intelligence Vietnam soldiers are not only good at mind games, but the country needs, they are miles away from themselves as soldiers in battle. Because for 30 years of war, Vietnam Intelligence is an integral part of the Vietnam People's Army.

Cu Chi Tunnels - Steel Land

Cu Chi Tunnels and the pitfalls of Vietnam partisans 

Cu Chi Tunnels - Land of Steel


Diagram simulate the Cu Chi Tunnels

The resilience and strength of intense combat and civil military gesture is maintained by a system of tunnels - tunnels many laminated floor extending to 200 km, the army and people of Cu Chi tectonic continuity in many consecutive years, with numerous secret hatch to the surface, the loophole - secret fire, the bunker, the underground factories, warehouses and military barracks residence, above the dense layout and underground mines husband, pitfalls.

Description of the Cu Chi Tunnels is simple: this is the underground system of secret underground fortifications systems are camouflaged and very thorough deep in a tropical jungle. The purpose of the system Cu Chi Tunnels - Christmas surprise attack on the enemy during the war years of the U.S. military in Vietnam. System tunnels - the struggle to be studied very carefully and think about the calculations can kill the enemy attacked from all sides. Complex network of tunnels zigzac spread in all directions from the main tunnel shaft and spread into numerous branches, some branches are hiding a secret tunnel, there are suddenly a dead arm by the special conditions of the terrain.

But guerrillas intelligent and skillful in Vietnam, to save energy and time, have dug tunnels are not very deep, but designed to compute, whether in the case of tanks and armored vehicles move switch on the tunnel roof, the top being shelled and bombed tunnels-also without loss, subsidence, collapse and remain durable for those who have built up.


Tunnel Rats

To this day, the tunnel system - multi-level tunnels, multiple layers of complexity remains unchanged as during the war, with the hatch covers and hatch secret underground passage connecting the middle of the basement . In the tunnel system, in different places have closed down special button, which is used to prevent the enemy or prevent toxic gas. On the wrists for the length of all tunnels are carved the ventilation vents and secret information on the ground and are very discreet disguise. Part of the secret door ventilation can be used as a secret of fire, and it is always one of the big surprises for the enemy.

For guerrilla intelligence, it is not enough, tunnels and paths are arranged in a multitude of deadly traps and clever ingenuity combined with the anti-tunnel and other dangerous pitfalls . Road to the tunnel and out of the hole, to ensure confidentiality and safety, arrange battle anti-tank and anti-infantry dense interwoven with each other.

During the war, there were times in the tunnel system containing both 1 army or the inhabitants of a village, which helped Vietnam to protect more lives. In the tunnel stocks armament, ammunition and explosives of all kinds, food and health care facilities battlefield, with no smoke kitchen (Hoang Cam kitchen), hospital War for the wounded, the basement - bedrooms, the original field commander, shelter and living for women, children and the elderly. More precisely, this is not a village but a city in the ground. Even during the war, people did not forget Vietnam culture and education: in the basement classroom layout, and where it can also be used to revolutionize film and art performances of Letter of battlefield missions. But more specifically, that world secrets hidden deep in the ground.
Using both the bomber and B-52 heavy artillery, the Americans had rubbed the Cu Chi for years, but a multitude of bombing and shelling the continuous phase does not bring the desired results, Cu Chi is still the land of dead U.S. Marines and squadrons Saigon, Americans themselves are forced to go down that dark tunnel. Unlike Hollywood films, (the rat tunnel - Tunnel rats) were selected from the soldiers not tall, skinny and desperate people, ready with a pistol enters the darkness of death , in tunnels, waiting for American soldiers crowded the suffocating, murky darkness, mines, traps, poisonous snakes, scorpions, and then again as the battle-hardened guerrillas.







3 layer system of tunnels dug into the hard clay soil with primitive agricultural tools of many groups of people of many Vietnam generation, each group can tunnel from 3 to 4 people. as an educator, a person pulled from the ground in a tunnel deep vertical wells, a basket of excavated soil is pulled upward, lifting someone somewhere, secretly poured marks under the dense bush or pour scattered into the river.



When the nest is adopted together tunnels, dug wells are located a lifetime in the making bamboo vents, wells were filled up, compacted and vents disguised as termite nests or tree item or any other shape ....



Secret cellar door only from Vietnam can slip underground.

The Americans decided to use dogs to search the vents and out into the tunnel. The Cu Chi guerrilla fighters used clothing Americans, typically M65 jacket (known as the Vietnamese or American shirt) usually throw away when American soldiers wounded or wound. Terriers familiar smell of Americans ignore. After this partisan use pepper minced disable sense of hounds departed the soap or the U.S., to work longer deceive the enemy hounds.
In many cases, the secret hatch also found, Americans tried pumping gas or CS gas (tear do, watery eyes) into the tunnel. But layered system, many of the tunnels corner with countless doors closed and the tunnel was flooded disable all attempts of the U.S. Army, Vietnam's guerrilla simply lost track tunnel, demolish the walls of the tunnels are sealed both ends of the tunnel and forget about it, they dug a tunnel to bypass and other efforts of U.S. troops does not bring any results are considered.


Tunnel with the air filter door and door water filter, preventing chemicals.



Cu Chi Tunnels Throughout the war years in not only the public, but the shelter's play War of workshops, providing weapons, war equipment and rudimentary rudimentary combined with modern aimed destroy the enemy. For partisans, steel and explosives are extremely valuable material, and provide regular Americans through storm waves attacking the bombs rain bullets (just suspicious signs - light smoke , sound ..) immediately the B-52 carpet bombing would wipe out the trees in the area, transforming a large area of ​​the surface of the moon.


Self-made anti-tank mines, cluster bombs homemade launchers guerrilla Ring of Steel Cu Chi

But the brave partisans collect bombs, large and small - from bombs, cluster bombs and bunker, enemy shells, a large number of bombs were removed caps, cut out to get the explosives, the smaller type easy to carry as 105 artillery shells, cluster bombs, shells are used as 20 cups of homemade mines. Iron and steel forgings used for nose up against the spikes and pitfalls service and other war supplies.
In addition to the workshops War, the tunnels have a full cafeteria, Hoang Cam kitchen team, dressed in military clothing factory and civilian use. Vietnam jungle of steel and soil his gesture in it a lot of surprises for the dangerous enemy, it can be homemade mines, enough to pierce M41 tanks, or it can be homemade rough snare, Holiwood be used in the film his famous war. The fact of the weapons that are also on display at the Museum of Cu Chi.


M48 Tanks Booty, a period is the headquarters of Cu Chi guerrilla

Pitfalls, primitive weapons of guerrilla Vietnam
In the American war, rudimentary weapons have played an important role, it will break the enemy's invasion. We see the homemade weapons - fear that Vietnam's invasion.
Pitfalls of Vietnam, is the crude homemade weapons, but very dangerous and effective, has made the U.S. expeditionary force much loss of energy. Maybe, someday, we must also use the same type of weapon.



Tiger trap jaws - GIS (Americans) are gently maneuver on the trail, suddenly ground under his feet and fallen American soldiers fell into a pit full of anti-anti iron or sharp bamboo. If you're lucky and do not die immediately, he screamed in pain, the remaining troops will be gathered to try to pull him up out of the tunnel against such horrors. Normally around the ring against which the secret door, the fear of fire marks guerrilla sniper shooters.



Gifts of Vietnam (Vietnamese souvenir) - also known as Chong poked. A homemade weapons technology with nature. In the pit with iron against cross plug, sent on a round board has full stretch, connecting with long sharp iron nails. When GIS walked on the hole carefully camouflaged with dry leaves, grass or dirt, retractable legs and pull down on the thin boards, the 4 iron nails piercing the thigh and the tree crashed against the cross ankle, injured people can not pull out without digging large holes and pull out all the nails up. Often in such cases, soldiers do not die but certainly hurt the foot completely, to quickly put the military hospital in Saigon for surgery, the soldier was awarded the nails as a souvenir, so Chong poked Celebrating aka Vietnam.


Chong hom - A husband is structured as a cuttings basket both, the key is not responsible for crashing into the ankle, but had been unable to move GIS. Chong cuttings are usually soaked in water or mud muddy field by the river. Soldiers jump from the landing helicopter or canoe down the river and ... stand still with the railway cuttings through ankle deep.


There are also homemade weapons not just damage, but also the horrific nightmares for the rest - anti-rotation axis. On turn 2 cylinder is attached to the free husband - iron nails, walked on, GIS quickly create many holes in the body.


For guys who like to break into the house without knocking, or a kick out of the spikes, Vietnam guerrilla generously donated their kind Chong added another special structure, a simple 2 bar T interconnected threshing style anchor, tied up on the ceiling and connected to the door, when the door is opened all range, anti-lock will break down and GIS go straight to hell, if he could put gun support, from the thighs and stomach will hurt for sure.


Chong wings. This is a very simple type of husband. The young guerrilla soldiers of Vietnam has made it in practice now. The principle is really simple. Place two boards against police nhauco iron plugged into a small hole has two levels and when the enemy stepped into that hole, pointy nails, have been contaminated piercing ankles. Make sure to wound infections and blood infections if not promptly taken to the hospital.


Chong barren - Built on the principles of leverage, on both ends of the boards should have a sharp husband. When enemies trample one end, the other end will pop up and hit straight in the chest and head with the husband.


Anti-arm is made up of two long planks hook sharp nails, can move to either side and tied together with rubber bands or springs. Two boards are stretched out and fight with horizontal struts - often hard bamboo. When Americans step up and step drop strut hole, he will fall into the hole and stretch her arms retractable prop blow holes, two boards with a nail lodged in his move to the middle of the body trap caught.


Chong rake. Open to the GIS, making this trap is simple. Just special bamboo sticks tied together into a T, the bar is closed against the long sharp, anti-lock hanging on the high wire and connected to a small rope was strung across the ground - usually hardly used fishing line to realize, when enemy soldiers entered the gates and entangled in the rope, the result will be two legs or thighs husband will be penetrated.


In addition, there are anti-doors, anti-auto, with the same texture as those mentioned pitfalls, but depending on the situation and terrain to layout arrangement.
In the area covered by tropical forests have not been violent destruction of herds and artillery bombing, U.S. troops faced big trap hunting buffalo bison, tigers.


Traps need to turn - Use an old bamboo trees bend, the tree cover is attached to bamboo or wooden stick pointed at a cost required to keep connected with jute and traps, fishing line often stretched thin rod knee level somewhere on the trail. When the enemy entangled in wires, wire stretching will release the brake to turn, and bamboo with bamboo sticks, wooden pointed to cross whipped body unlucky soldiers. Usually when hit, soldiers killed immediately.


Traps hung husband, similar trap to turn a piece of wood, stone or shell stone basket, hook nose against the sharp bamboo or iron, usually placed, suspended high above the trees out of sight, the connection with wires, or if the opponent is caught in a guerrilla fighters hiding somewhere jerk, piece of wood, which would have banned employees from the top down against the victim, usually to attack large groups of soldiers.


Anti-fall traps, similar to anti-hook, is a piece of woven bamboo slats old, hard, bristling mounted against the sharp nose, put heavy objects such as rocks, bricks to strengthen the attack, when the enemy fall into the trap, staging anti'll break down and damage the opponent's stones.
In addition to the anti-trap quite complicated, Americans are faced with homemade weapons dangerous but very annoying because it's hard looking. and creativity of the weapons, it seems that the damage is extremely, from the oblique bow hunt, duck grenades, bullets to 7.62 mm, 12.7 mm normal ammo, more a little creativity into, and that is the death trap.




Traps oblique nose. A combined sample of Highland crossbow launchers and Delta fish skewers, sloping nose with compressed springs or tension placed on the launch pad of rubber bands, brake key tree with fishing line used 1 can release the brake, when U.S. soldiers kicked wire, mount and hitch pin nose oblique, has been contaminated - probably oil or fish blood or regularly cross the legs, thighs, make sure septicemia .


Traps with straight bullets, a bamboo tube, plug in a piece of iron with a metal lugs like fire, a ballpoint pen springs and bullets. Buried trap on the trail, when walked on GIS, the bullet go down and touch the metal lugs fire. Lighter bullet through the foot, injury may be more serious or even fatal legs.



Traps grenade: grenade key speculum was removed and put into tube or tube for dairy cows, horizontal force in the bush or in muddy puddles or canals. When marines or commandos, infantry passing gotten into rope grenade exploded. The result is a very easy to understand for unlucky group of soldiers.

Hamburger Hill (hashing american)

Battle of Hamburger Hill was the name of the battle between the People's Army of Vietnam with the U.S. Army from May 10 to May 20, 1969 in Thua Thien (now part of Thua Thien-Hue). The battle erupted when the United States concentrated nearly 2,000 military forces under the strong support of artillery firepower to conquer the hill (mountain A Bia, the U.S. called the high point of 937) by two enemy battalions occupied .
The battle took place mostly in the infantry, with the U.S. military to climb hills well Liberation Army attacked the entrenched power. Although backed up by artillery and air force attacks the U.S. has repeatedly repelled by weather, accidents, and especially the effective defense of the Vietnam People's Army. This hill after the battle was American soldiers known as "Hamburger Hill" - Hamburger Hill, as an expression of intense and high casualties of American soldiers. According to Samuel Zaffiri, author of Hamburger Hill, American troops had captured the hill after 10 days of fighting with casualties up to 72 people dead and 372 injured, but had to leave this place a month later.

Background
 A Bia is extraordinarily high (937m) between the rolling mountains near the Vietnam-Laos border (a 1.9 km). A Bia Top three tripod feet high cliffs that stand approximately the same, separated by about 400m. Previously, the U.S. had closed up A Bia to picnic, this is the original work, around the cans piled more ... Top A Bia artillery bombed emitting lava, dry stems back to the fire.
The whole mountain range is a rugged, forested wilderness with two or three times the canopy, dense bamboo clumps, and waist-high elephant grass that in some cases higher than an armored M -113. The local people called Ap Bia is "mountain of hidden animals".

Plan of 2 sides

United States
The battle occurred on the high point of 937 in May 1969, the second phase of Operation Apache Snow, a three-phase campaign aimed at destroying Vietnam People's Army in A Sau Valley region ( A Shau), a chain of more routes into South Vietnam Institute. 1966, the People's Army of Vietnam has successfully invade the U.S. barracks in the A Shau Valley (Battle A Shau) and set up presence here. Then the continuous efforts of the U.S. to retake the valley were unsuccessful. Lieutenant General Richard G. Stilwell, commander of 24 Corps of the United States, decided to mobilize the equivalent of two divisions strongly supported by artillery and air force to complete the task.
Forces fighting at Hill 937, including three battalions of the 101st Airborne Division, the commander is Major General Melvin Zais. The unit's 3 Brigade (commanded by Colonel Joseph Conmy) of the 3d Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment (Lt. Col. Weldon Honeycutt), 2nd Battalion 501 Infantry Regiment and 1st Battalion 506 Infantry Regiment ( Lt. Col. John Bowers). Two battalions of the ARVN (2/1 and 4/1) has been tasked to support Brigade 3. The other units participating in the campaign include 9 Regiment, 3rd Battalion of the 5th Cavalry Regiment and ARVN Regiment 3.
Colonel Conmy plan is open for 5 battalion attack by helicopter into the valley on 10-5-1969, to find and destroy ammunition depots of the Vietnam People's Army. Master plan of attack as Marines and reconnaissance units toward the Laotian border while the ARVN units cut roads through the valley. Regiment 501 and 506 will kill the enemy and prevent the escape routes into Laos. If a strong battalions clash with VPA, Conmy will support it by helicopter to one of the other units. In theory, the power of the Ultimate helicopter, Division 101 can react fast enough to prevent any unit that VPA. When a battalion of U.S. detection unit VPA, it will intercept the organization until a battalion can enhance its retreat cut and used superior firepower to destroy the enemy.
However, the U.S. has underestimated the actual strength of the VPA. As master disguise, VPA completely disguise their bases from aerial surveillance of Americans. When traveling, they usually do at night, along the trails under dense forest canopy. They made contact and controlled mainly by letters and telegrams, do not use electronic devices to avoid being tracked. Through experience in larger clash that they often engage in a short time, causing major losses to the U.S. as possible and then quickly withdrawn before suffered overwhelming American firepower . Fighting lasted as at Dak To and Ia Drang battle is relatively rare. Honeycutt anticipated his battalion fully capable to carry out a reconnaissance on High Point 937 without further enhanced, although he had asked the army reserve brigades, and its the Bravo team, ready to assist.

People's Army of Vietnam
After constantly fighting with U.S. Marines during Operation Dewey Canyon in February, the VPA has moved Regiment 6, 9 and 29 in the valley area to refit a grid, additional damage.
A Luoi Valley located northwest of Hue city about 30 km, is surrounded with a high point Dong So at (1,100 m), Ba Lao (1,400 m), A Bia (937m) and Dong Rang ... A Rap River and 14 road along the length of the valley. A northwest with Dap Lim river, A Luoi, connected to Hue by road number 12.

Plan sweep A Luoi of  the U.S. was Military Region Tri-Thien previously expected. Thus, from the beginning of March 1969 the Regiment was military zone 3 to prepare the battlefield ready to hit the U.S.. Division Chief Chu Phuong Doi, Nguyen Xuan Tra The committee went with the regiment.
The afternoon of May 7, the regiment Party conference expansion. After hearing Sanyuan Qiao, Party Secretary Regiment thoroughly purposes of deployment requirements, the conference spent time discussing choose one of the combat plans by the regiment commander Ma Vinh Lan presented .

One, with one of the 12.7 mm anti-aircraft guns, one 82mm mortar teams of 1st reinforced infantry battalion, regiment will use the strategy of mobilizing key combination, for the team, the team sorties short, an ambush on American troops clusters picnic. Depending on the specific situation changes, the regiment prepared the plans for mobilizing the key combination regimental, battalion destroy America. To achieve that goal, the regiment was to create clusters of interconnected key to attract more U.S. troops into the deep, and the ability to create the conditions for the advance detachment of troops kill picnic and military applications Research.

Two, do not build key phrase, only mobile force conducting secret set ambushes, raids, short sorties to kill American troops picnic. U.S. aggression, ambition is Vietnam forces sweep away, if meet certain key forces the U.S. will vote to "scan", then the force will be used to maneuver the area ambush on military My shrink.
After several hours of debate, the conference agreed to choose a plan, but also ready to move to the two schemes. A Bia regiment selected to build key phrase.

15 hours of May 8, the release of military units dominate the battlefield. 8 Battalion reinforced the 82mm mortar team build 14 key phrases in A Bia. 7 Battalion located in high areas 903 and 916 points. Great team 16 runs along the west line of section 14 A Shau - A Luoi. Block remaining firepower directly held by the regiment. 9 Battalion as reserve forces, is responsible for the immediate transfer of rice, ammunition from A Rum to A Luoi . The reconnaissance soldiers marching abreast of every American team.

Evolution

Opening battle
10 hours 15 minutes May 10, Battalion 8 by Dinh Xuan Bai battalion commander fired the first public university in the U.S. 3rd Battalion Although high scores on the 400, 500, a northeast around 2 A Beer km. Great team 5 is enhanced two 82mm mortars, divided into three doses, the nose hit the enemy in the squad level, "saddle" and re-emit either direction up along the top of the 500 and 400, in conjunction with two shots hit from behind 500 after tip down.
On the top edge 400, after secretly targeted approach, it's time to shoot, first crushes squad 10 squad in the U.S., later developed into "saddle", in collaboration with 3 hitting platoon upward pressure American troops in the middle.
Meanwhile at the tip 500, 9 squad hit the top, but hit two American mines planted orientation available, most casualties. Nose development from "saddle" on U.S. troops was shot down from the ledge, the team advance in this direction was halted. 5 Great teams have used 82 mm mortars and B-40 shot put from the top 400 to spend, but the hospital is still not definite. Artillery fire on U.S. avalanche tip 400, in combination with two helicopters scanning the tree tops reviewing related, drop grenades around 500 points higher. In this situation, the battalion command team 8 5 A Beer back to continue to build key battlegrounds. Battle played no more than an hour, dozens of U.S. soldiers were killed but eight battalions dispersed by force, do not focus on the target mainly U.S. headquarters, to keep U.S. troops caused many organizations resist losses.
At the direction of Battalion 7, even minute original battalion commander has focused firepower support for the university team beat the highscore 1 903, killing dozens of American soldiers. U.S. helicopters take 6 to hospital and caught 2 more teams here in the south.
U.S. military says it has met the main force, raiding intensity and helicopters used by different armed reconnaissance combat area occurs.
May 11, Honeycutt assigned Alpha and Delta 2 team of scouts to the north and northwest of Mount A beer, while the Bravo and Charlie teams strengthened in the different routes. 13 pm May 11, the U.S. poured down 2 points higher battalions 903, 916 and A Beer. The Vietnam People's Army, the battalion commander ordered 7 to 1 of the 903 children in the area of ​​military, 916, and 3 of the stick maneuver, attack  American.

When out helipad (PTT) on the northern slopes, the Bravo team was intense fighting in the area with VPA 1 km at the end of the day. Honeycutt quickly directed the armed helicopters AH-1 Cobra, equipped with rockets and heavy machine guns to support a hasty attack. In the jungle, the confusion Cobra battalion 3/187 in the United States with a landing and the Vietnam People's Army units attacked, killing two people and wounding 35, including Honeycutt. Events this shoot to break the team and the commander, and the battalion had 3/187 retreated into defensive positions overnight. However, contacts confirmed that a considerable force had come VPA, Honeycutt is estimated to increase a platoon or college team.

Also on 11 nights, sapper battalion of the military district headquarters of three U.S. airborne brigade based in Cave Paintings. May 12 Morning America to put two battalions in the regiment 506 A Le Thiem protection brigade headquarters. U.S. to withdraw two battalions of Action Painting, A Beer northern soldiers not hold latch. 3 Steering Committee decision Regiment battalion by battalion 9 Vuong Thuy and political commanders who operate from Lamson tunnels to Guava Beach area. 8 Battalion continued to strengthen key battlegrounds, prepared sugar sorties in A Bia.
During two days, Honeycutt control of his team to the location for a coordinated attack May 13 but was frustrated by difficult terrain and the resistance of the VPA. A unit of the Delta team, fell into a steep muddy ravine on 12 May, suffered very high losses in two days.

U.S. Army to promote offensive
Noon May 13, Airborne brigade commander, Colonel Conmy, has decided it will cut spending and institute of VPA from Laos Honeycutt support A Bia by attacking from the south. University Bravo team helicopter was brought up Hill 916, but the rest of the battalion moved by road, from an area 4 km from Hill 937, and the expected Conmy and Honeycutt Battalion 1/506 will willing to provide assistance no later than May 15 morning. Although the Bravo team went to Hill 916 May 15, it did not participate in attacks until May 19 due to dense forest nearly impossible to move.

12 pm May 13, the team discovered a top 6 VPA U.S. troops in the crater bottom "saddle", is used binoculars to observe the top A Bia. 20 minutes after the U.S. military pulled out in thick ken "saddle". Wait for U.S. troops in the crater climb, the captain ordered Nguyen Tuan discovered the fire deminers. In a mine explosion at the same orientation. In solid black smoke screen, infantry group darted ahead of wife-beating, verbal 82mm mortar team behind intercept. U.S. Army ran the hills. Squad and platoon to flank the Americans hit paddy. Great team 1 though 3 battalion 501 brigade wiped. U.S. Army helicopter rushed the other team down 2 feet high scores determine the team picked up A Bia, but it was dark so back to the old location.

After the battle of the 6 in A Bia, combat plans are confirmed. U.S. forces continued to counter-attack and the high point A Beer 903, 916. VPA Steering Committee decided to continue to use the primary key in A Beer Group 8 and 7 battalions kept high 903 points, making nine battalions operating in A Le Thiem , A Le Loc, and continuous training for special work click on the location of U.S. troops. To implement the policy of the regiment, the 13th night dawn May 14, the special team of 20 to headquarters raid 2 battalion regiment in the high 506 in 1078, killing an officer and soldier of the American cannon, breaking cancel a 105mm artillery.

May 13, though three U.S. brigades organized counter-attack on the high points 903 and 916. 7 Battalion by battalion commanders and political Literature Increase Chen Jiaxuan commander, stick type remote. In the alternative, the battalion soldiers ambushed 7 consecutive U.S. energy consumption, making U.S. soldiers dared not hunt, must constantly moving location, call and assist artillery fire made the belt around the billeted position.

May 14, VPA held 12 border detachments firepower including B-40, B-41, 82 mortars, 60 mortars ly, under the direct command of the regiment deputy Nguyen Hoan intense surprise raid on the team 1 of the shrinking of U.S. military two way peak 916 km to the east, damaging one of the U.S. team, pulled the intention of preparing to conquer the high point of the 2 916 U.S. though.

On A Bia direction, after using bombs, artillery bombardment paved the way for two days 13 and May 14, the U.S. Army 1st Battalion use 101 divided into two regiments front line to A Bia.

On the south-east, round 2 of the counter-attack of the U.S. team was 6 foot pinned under the "saddle" of mines and mortars. When the pass is the "saddle" nibbled to near the summit, the team's sixth mass shootings. The joint combatant Nguyen Van Kien, B-40 gunner Dau Van Nga calm combined with infantry squad opened fire on U.S. troops kill more. Beaten and unexpected close, Americans stepped down feet high scores, and assist fire call.

Know whether 3 U.S. brigade put up A Bia efforts, from May 15 onwards, eight battalions to gain time between two waves retorted tunneling, routing key development towards the north west ridge high point A Beer to avoid U.S. artillery fire coming from the northeast. Trenches built Semi-submersible, basement bedroom, basement floor fight many, many layers. Agency regiments and units turns up A Beer 8 battalion helped build trenches. With this the system, hiding his eight battalions of ground artillery bombs the U.S. has avoided plowed hill day, organized counter-attack broke dozens of U.S. military batch process. U.S. troops with the support of napalm, flame throwers, recoilless cannons forced to proceed with a very slow speed, each of the captured both dearly. VPA also organized around the helipad of the U.S., shot down or damaged firing multiple helicopters though only small arms and rocket-propelled grenades.

After 3 days before the key blocked "death" in A Bia, U.S. Army tactical change. Just use fierce artillery hit the key battlegrounds, just use the force of hitting the high points of 916, 900, enclosure to isolate battalion 8, then use large force to attack, invade A Bia .

Noon May 15, the U.S. helicopters pour 1 team (the Bravo Team) 1st Battalion of the brigade though 3 down 916 points higher, and launched two battalions to the direction of peak 900, taking over coordination to A Beer 2 battalion regiment with 506 organizations retorted. The two parties vied for two days. U.S. Army Corps replaced three times, along with Vietnam People's Army forces gradually collapse trenches, could not consolidate. The bottom of the eighth battalion lost, especially towards the bottom 8 teams. Still retains the VPA A Bia.

8 Battalion was cut off from the regiment squad. Department battalion commander decided to confer the 6 teams continue to strengthen the battlefield, enemy from the north; pulled out of 7 teams reinforce key points higher at 991, the core team of 5 additional 8 teams , and the rest as reserve forces. Simultaneously power battalion regiments reported: "The situation is difficult, do not move the wounded soldiers, ammunition shortage, no motive force. Directive am capable of holding up to May 17. Direction retreat south A Bia ".

Party Standing extraordinary meeting Regiment 3 pm May 15 to consider the situation carefully. 3 U.S. tour though was the deal in terms of tactics, from place to hunt actively looking to return to kill the target capture true intentions of the VPA. The meeting concluded: "After nearly a week, the U.S. military has consumed a lot of energy, mental decline. Though I have problems, but this is the time to make plans regimental combat attack campaign whole regiment key combinations in order to destroy more American energy, make A Beer  as American paratroopers tomb. "

Board regimental commander for battalion command 8 A beer to keep and attract the enemy, enabling two battalions of 7 and 9 at the flip side of the fire to the south A Beer campaign attacks on military slopes My immediate future to beat the U.S. team at the high point of 916 to repeat the entirely related regiment.

8th Battalion was to obey orders of the regimental commander, for two days 16 and May 17, many battles took place continuously in the hill areas 903, 916 and south A Beer. May 16, 16 border regiment concentrated mortar, B-40, B-41 and the 12.7 mm surprise raid on the U.S. team at The Banana, U.S. helicopters have taken 4 to deal with the consequences.

9 pm May 17, the 2nd battalion commander 7 by spring water, and politics Cao Tran Van Quang, commander, secret woods bike, the first surprise of the U.S. team at the high point of 916. With close fighting style, fierce assault, the second team beat the Americans in tip 1, the survivors fled to tip 2. During the pursuit, Nguyen Van Browse soldiers led the team lineup, using the inter-American soldiers killed dozens. U.S. Army drifted off cliffs running down 2 feet high score of the bottom face 5 teams, 30 more soldiers killed. Two pm May 17, 916 U.S. troops were wiped out. Corridor between 916 and A Beer was opened. Road to 8 battalions to be open. 3 brigade commander despite not knowing anything about the fate of the U.S. team in the 916 should remain high for helicopters ferried troops to the application for this team, so the team was knocked out 2 2 helicopters and soldiers went along.

This time, in the direction A Bia also occur fierce battle. U.S. trying to invade A Bia to remove face and body to pick up teammates killed during the past two days. After 8 battalions cut from the team Regiment 3, 3rd U.S. tour though the two battalions of the 2nd and 3rd battalions of the regiment elected 506 turns around A Beer retorted. U.S. strategy of "large waves overwhelming the enemy" strategy that performs more "seamless waves" that cause stress leading to depression and mental willpower, VPA forced to withdraw tired A Bia .

In two days 16 and May 17, the U.S. artillery along 12th Street toward A Bia pouring bullets, both fired chemical shells cause watery eyes, runny nose. Retorted the final match in May 17th place at 15 o'clock. U.S. Army with 4 nose, using chemical shells hit up A Beer. User of the 6, 1 to 5 on the tip of the soldiers by Tran Van Loi deputy commander, although still slightly contaminated flexibility to maneuver around the battlefield, using a variety of weapons, beat out several times in a row retorted, maintaining battlefield. Mom 3 to 8 soldiers under the command of squad leader Nam Thang Mai fight with one of the United States, killing dozens of soldiers. At the end of the round, only 3 person squad. By 16 hours, 1 of the American artillery to support the advance of closing. Nguyen Trong Phan  killing two men at the forefront AK, and blasting more compact scan-oriented Americans. Hoang Van Doi by an effective B-40 to kill some more. Tran Huy Dua on the number of scanning the inter survivors fleeing down the hill, key battlegrounds three soldiers still holds.

At the direction of Team 7, south A Bia soldiers Nguyen Van Hieu alone undertake one direction, using a firearm at three infantry. In May 17, three bombs were buried, Hieu still up and continue fighting. Hieu recorded 38 American soldiers were killed before his battle, hold the final battle.

While U.S. forces are focused in the direction of the team 5 and 6 of the 2nd, 7th Battalion unexpected offensive squad on the left side of the first counter-attack the U.S. team, knocked down foot peak. Final round of the U.S. counter-attack on A Bia Day 17 has been broken.

Angry that were held over five days, the U.S. brigade commander ordered an attack on a combination of two battalions and 18 May, with a battalion of 1/506 attacked from the south and 3/187 attack from the north, trying to isolate enemy forces. University of the battalion's Delta 3/187 was not running close to the hill, but were ambushed and serious casualties, including all of its officers. From an observation helicopter, the battalion commander was trying to coordinate the other team into a great offensive end, but a violent rain reduces air support and battle ends . Battalion 3/187 again to retreat down the mountain. Three's company 1/506th battalion battle for gaining the 900, south of the mountain, also met with strong resistance.

Because of heavy casualties in one week and under pressure from the unwanted attention the press, some commanders seriously consider stopping the attacks. Both the corps commander and the MACV commander, General Creighton W. Abrams, publicly supported this decision. But the local commanders would feel humiliated when to retreat by a force much smaller opponent. So Zais decided to continue the attack, launched three new battalions into combat for the replacement unit was heavily damaged. Battalion 3/187 severe damage, with about 320 killed and wounded more than 60% of the 450 soldiers who have first-hand experience. Two of the four commander and eight of twelve platoon were casualties.

Vietnam People's Army retreated
After 1 week of fighting, two battalions of the VPA completed the assigned goal is to destroy a significant amount of American soldiers. As a common strategy in the battle against America, VPA did not try to grab the battlefield ((fact)) but just trying to cause maximum casualties before the enemy retreated organizations to avoid power mobility and firepower superiority of U.S. encirclement destroyed. The initial plan was drawn on the night of 17, but the good units completed and extended to be 1 day. Night 18, the VPA began organizing mountain retreat from the battlefield A Beer, leaving only a small part as diversionary.

May 19, 2 infantry battalions were airborne landing in the northeast and southeast of the mountain. Both battalions immediately moved up the mountain to get to the location from which they will attack the next morning. Meanwhile, Battalion 1/506 for the third consecutive day to ensure the safety of point 900.

3rd Brigade launched its four-battalion attack at 10:00 on 20, including two of the team's 3/187 is enhanced by the Alpha Team 2/506. The attack was supported by two hours of air strikes and shelling ninety minutes. The battalion attacked simultaneously, 12:00 battalion 3/187 up to the top. Subunit diversionary mission of VPA remaining after the shooting stall U.S. withdrew to Laos in the main unit, and Hill 937 are held in U.S. military 17:00. ((Fact))

Results

U.S. Army loss of hundreds of lives, but ultimately only a hill no military value. Major General John M. Wright ordered quietly withdrew from the hill June 5. The debate on "Hamburger Hill" took place in the U.S. Congress, with particular criticism of the serious Senator Edward Kennedy, George McGovern, and Stephen M. Young. Edward Kennedy called it "The operation insane and irresponsible. Partial lives of U.S. soldiers to be wasted just for the military area commander"

U.S. Press May 25, 1969 A beer is called "Hamburger Hill of American paratroopers," condemning the U.S. military forces threw up a mountain only to turn beer operations "snow on the mountain" (Apache Snow) in "blood fell on the mountain." In the June 27, Life magazine published photographs of 241 American soldiers killed in a week in Vietnam, which is considered a turning point of the war. Although only a portion of them are casualties on Hamburger Hill, many Americans are aware that all those who died were victims of "fighting mad and pointless" .

Controversy over Hamburger Hill battle led to a reassessment of the U.S. strategy in South Vietnam. As a direct result, to keep excessive casualties, General Abrams stopped the policy of "maximum pressure" against the People's Army of Vietnam, while President Richard Nixon accelerate implementation of the new strategy is Vietnam of the war, and declared withdrawal of the first crusaders. Although the battle at the battalion level, but it has become a turning point in the Vietnam War.

With VPA, the results obtained in the battle at A Bia and offensive deployment of 324 in Division A Luoi valley cheered and promote movement raiding "pacification" was developed in the locals. A Bia Victory went into the history of the first traditional 324 divisions since reorganization and the opening level for the period to recover the ball, plain, repeat the following three strategic areas after Tet Mau Than1968.

The Campaign 9th Road - Khe Sanh

The Campaign 9th Road - Khe Sanh

The Campaign 9th Road - Khe Sanh known as "Operation Street 9" or "Battle of Khe Sanh", is a major campaign in the War Department in 1968 in Vietnam.
U.S. documents often recorded battles took place in the 77 days from January to April 1968, and also refers to events in 77 days, which ended with the U.S. Marines Khe Sanh was played in Division airmobile rescue. But for the VPA, this is only Phase 1 of the campaign, stretching from the period 2 April 9 to 25 months 7nham up finish Khe Sanh, was also very aggressive. 2 total phase lasted 170 days, ending when the last U.S. troops withdrew from Khe Sanh and VPA complete control over every point, marking an end cuaHang McNamara electronic fence. Khe Sanh became the place for the first time, U.S. troops have withdrawn a key military base by the pressure of the opponents.
Because of the strategic role of the crucial battles, this is one of the fiercest battles and most discussed. Command base at Khe Sanh The Colonel Lownds (U.S. Marines), including 1 artillery battalion, 4th Marine battalions and then receive 37 Ranger Battalion - Army Republic of Vietnam, raising total up to 6,680 combat troops by the end of January.
The main purpose of the Vietnam People's Army attacked Khe Sanh when the order "decoy" for the main direction of the campaign Tet 1968, by:
Particularly important position of Khe Sanh as "anchor" in the map of the U.S. military, especially the Ho Chi Minh threatened and protected areas strategy first. This is the command center of the McNamara electronic fence that the U.S. is building to cut off the Ho Chi Minh City. Destroy this is just the new VPA spit is "thorn" that Americans had pierced the route and assist this strategy.
Concentrate hit and 1 siege to attract large forces fighting U.S. troops, attracting thrill-country track "2nd Battle of Dien Bien Phu" can change the Vietnam war.

The importance of Khe Sanh

Since 1962, the U.S. and South Vietnam to build an air base - the army in a secluded valley near the Vietnam-Laos border, have strategic significance due to its location close to transportation routes Ho Chi Minh Trail famous . In 1962 this is grounds Forces Green Beret (Green Berets) U.S. first used as a place to come reconnaissance missions deep into Laotian territory. Strategic placement of Khe Sanh had caused so many problems for the next big transportation from North to South Vietnam battlefield.

After the defeat in the 1965-1966 dry season, Robert McNamara, the U.S. defense secretary has had the idea of ​​setting up a line of defense against intrusion modern Ben Hai River south coast to prevent the enemy. The idea of ​​McNamara 47 scientists have been America's most talented research organizations execute. After three months of research, science councils under the control of McNamara outlined an ambitious plan to:
Room service is estimated width of about 20 km, from south of the 17th parallel to Route 9, over 100 km in length running parallel to the Ben Hai River from Sea to Se Pol (PDR) in the ground corridor construction 500 m width shall be made as a football field.
Building a dense system boots station, about 2 km on 1 tower about 4 km with 1 base or battalion-sized.
Arrange a system that includes all the trenches, concrete bunkers, dozens layer interlaced barbed wire, interspersed with enough style laminated mine: mine orientation, drive mine, mine leaves, Claymore mines, lighting mines, grenades explode instantly (U.S. expected to use 20 million and 25 million landmines small bomb). Especially lines equipped modern electronic media as "tropical", "intelligent machines", "little people detector". This is the type of transceiver sound sophisticated enough size 15 days, 3 months, or 6 months change the batteries once.
Khe Sanh Combat Base was identified as the center of the electronic systems on the fence. Therefore, Khe Sanh - Tri US corporations build a strong defense, continuous, permanent location of the southern United States in Vietnam, including the village itself, only military Huong Hoa district, outpost the Ta Con airfield defense.
Ta Con outpost is the Group's core defense of Khe Sanh America, with a length of about 5 km, 3 km wide, with a makeshift runway 3,000 meters long to ensure the operation of the aircraft C- 130 Hercules and a number of armed helicopters. Of the system, obstacles are solidly constructed and interconnected; fortifications precast concrete, pit fighter cover individuals with sandbags, a number of concrete bunkers, underground tunnels, the system trenches, the trenches continuous, around 6 to 10 surrounded by barbed wire fences of all kinds, the dense minefields, alternating spray "tropical" (electronic equipment revenue) over the place .

The plan of the two sides

United States
At the threshold of 1968, the U.S. commander in Vietnam, General William Westmoreland, decisions that need to "drop prey to" lure the enemy into a trap, Giap was forced to fight on the way to the convention, which is U.S. military forte. The campaign called Operation Scotland (from November 1, 1967 to March 31, 1968), received the applause of the later "hawks" in the U.S. and Saigon, President Johnson for mock up slot Born in the White House and heard daily "briefing" about the war here. So, in the iron belt based on region bordering north and Laos, McNamara electronic fence and gate mass basis as Vietnam, Con Tien, Dong Ha, Cam Lo ... Khe Sanh is expected to be "magnets" attract the North Vietnamese, the United States used to advantage in firepower to destroy a ball, "Dien Bien Phu reverse".
Both the White House, the Pentagon and the U.S. expeditionary commanders in Saigon (MACV) focused research strategy of Dien Bien Phu (profile battle of Dien Bien Phu research service for President Johnson thick dozens of pages) . Both MACV Command and U.S. Supreme Khe Sanh have noticed there is a fundamental advantage over not only the Dien Bien Phu, which had a fort with all the history. That Khe Sanh was supported by intense firepower systems, institutional independence from external pressure, including dozens of times a B-52 bombers raiding every day (from Operation Arc Light, 1965-1973, according to White House records confidential), including air support close by force of about 2,000 fighters of other tactical air, naval air force, air force of Marines, with a frequency of 500 times a day, were both active in zero visibility conditions (complete with air weapons) as well as at night. And this has become "support campaign dense air firepower in the history of warfare"
However, among those in Washington who believe that there will be a "Dien Bien Phu" in Khe Sanh, not character also insisted that America must win there. In a letter to the President dated 10 January 1968, a representative for this tends to distrust said: "The concern is the concentration of troops in Laos Vietnam combat Marines stationed at Khe Sanh . President should ask Westmoreland weighing about withdrawal from Khe Sanh, especially when Route 9 was cut ... the President should be reassured that, Westmoreland absolute confidence in the ability to cope in Khe Sanh; because this is the best chance for a Dien Bien Phu occurred. Which enemy is looking for a battle of Dien Bien Phu. " Although the message of the President in 1968 encouraging, but concerns about the bite "Dien Bien Phu" is still hovering in the Oval Office. There are times, Johnson turned to the military assistant and shouted: "Damn the battle of Dien Bien Phu to the other."
Journalists, American historian Stanley Karnow said: "President Lyndon Johnson and Washington had thought that Khe Sanh was a Dien Bien Phu anymore. And they did the mock Khe Sanh in Washington. Even, they also require Westmoreland - Command commander U.S. military advisers in South Vietnam - have signed an undertaking not to take Khe Sanh because it is the honor of the United States. " Westmoreland later wrote that "Washington fears that some heavy words that I said to the press needs to stop, ironically, answer those consequences might be: a political disaster "

Democratic Republic of Vietnam

By studying the layout situation forces late in 1967, the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of Defense DRV has outlined a strategic plan in 1968 is: With the strike by the regular army in order to attract and scattered forces, to destroy the enemy that is the main battlefield of sunflower 9 - Khe Sanh, made offensive on the city en masse, the town combined with the rise of mass prelude to an offensive, total Uprising took the field as Saigon, South Vietnam, Tri - Thien - Hue, Saigon is key, Hue, Da Nang. The Front 9 - Khe Sanh will perform tasks attraction, legs locked important part of the strategic forces of the enemy (mostly Americans), contributing to favorable conditions for the implementation of the whole region strategy of advancing attack Tet 1968.
To implement the strategy determination, December 6, 1967, the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of Defense has decided to establish Party and Campaign Command line 9 - Khe Sanh. According to the decision, Major General Tran Quy Hai deputy chief of staff to the commander, Major General Le Quang Dao, deputy head of the General Political Department to the Commissioner fronts.
Central Military Commission and the commander in chief, Party Front Command Route 9 - North Quang Tri specify the resolution: In Spring - Summer 1968, full-front commitment to perform the following tasks: destroy an important part of the enemy, mostly American. When possible, break the enemy defense system developed in the 9th and the Tri - Thien - Hue. Attractive, detention feet, killing U.S. forces - a Route 9 disguise as much as possible.
For the U.S., so many decades after the Vietnam War ended, the real purpose of the Vietnam People's Army in Operation Road 9 - Khe Sanh remains a mystery. According to Westmoreland believed the main purpose of the VPA is occupied Khe Sanh and create a "new battle of Dien Bien Phu." Accordingly, this is the reason why the VPA concentration a huge force for this battle (4 divisions, including 2 direct combat divisions). Many other comments that forces around Khe Sanh simply for the purpose of local defense in the demilitarized zone at the 17th parallel, or for redundancy in case of an attack to the north of the U.S. military Battle of Inchon similar in the Korean War. According to John Prados and Ray Stubbe is "or can Tet offensive was a blow to distract for the preparation of VPA / NLF for a decisive battle at Khe Sanh, or Khe Sanh was a blow misleading to draw the attention of Westmoreland in the days before the New Year "After this, the comparison with the material side of VPA showed second precision, which means Westmoreland was actually distract opponents direction

Parties troops

People's Army of Vietnam

The Infantry Division 304, 320, 324B and 325 (from May, 308 and Division 246 Regiment on behalf of the Division 324B and 325 to other battlefields), 270th Regiment (Vinh Linh) and 2 battalions Local soldiers in Quang Tri Province, 1 and 5 great group of team characteristics, 5 artillery regiments (16, 45, 84 and 204), three anti-aircraft artillery regiments, 1 battalion increased - armored vehicles (16 tanks PT-76 light), 1 battalion of information, one reconnaissance battalion, one battalion chemical, 1 and 2 regiments of infantry battalions, one of the flamethrowers, 6 transport battalions and forces Armed Gio Linh, Cam Lo, Huong Hoa.
Total force on the entire route with about 40,000 troops. In this Division 304 and Division 325 (total about 17,000 troops) made Khe Sanh siege, while the 320 and 324 Division St. 9 perform cutting, blocking of American reinforcements. The local armed forces made raids hit kill the transport union, attrition enemy

U.S. Marines

U.S. forces in the Battle of Khe Sanh love all combat marine Corps - Marines of III (III Marine Amphibious Force). There are about 45,000 troops across the line (including 28,000 U.S. troops), 3 regiments enhance the Marines Division 3, 4 Battalion patrol boats and transport (5, 10, 53 and 301) , 9 artillery battalion, three battalions and one company of the world, in the process of defending the spending power of non-military hospital, artillery behind.
Particularly in Khe Sanh, the U.S. has three battalions of the Regiment 26, 1st battalion 9th Marines, Department No. 3 U.S. Central Command (Forward Operating Base 3) of the U.S. Army soldiers with 5,880 troops, 1 ly 155 artillery battalions, 1 tank company, one of the anti-tank Battalion Ranger RVN 37, 1 300 soldiers reconnaissance teams, a total of 6,680 soldiers.


Center commander of U.S. radar in Khe Sanh

From April to U.S. Open campaign mobilized Pegasus Division 1 of the U.S. Cavalry, 1st Regiment U.S. Marines and 26 Regiment, Task Force 3 RVN despite the many units and Ranger Security, a total of 20,000 300 troops supported by helicopters, 148 artillery pieces.
Besides, Niagara Campaign and Operation Arc Light for air support for Khe Sanh is also attracting a powerful force: more than 1,000 helicopters (more than 3 combat helicopters of Britain, France and Germany combined left), U.S. Air Force had 24,000 times the size of aircraft, including B-52 strategy, pouring more than 114,000 tons of bombs of all kinds (7 times the U.S. atomic bomb dropped in Hiroshima and Japanese bombs dropped during the 1945).
Ensure technical - Khe Sanh logistics, including helicopter evacuation (Medivac) and resupply methods Lapės (airdrop at altitudes lower level) conducted by a modern air bridge, giant scale on the giant transport aircraft C-130. U.S. can respond to Khe Sanh to supply 600 tons / day (while the French are only provided for Dien Bien Phu 100 tons). From 19 to 25 January, a system of electronic sensors modern effect secrets Muscle Shoals also deployed around Khe Sanh to support the scouting system and not on the road.
U.S. troops in Khe Sanh be fire support by the most modern weapons of the time. The combination of new radar countered SKY SPOT; 16 self-propelled artillery "King of Battle" M107 175mm located at Camp Carroll in battle near Cam Lo and the Rockpile hilltop, 18 105mm howitzer, 8 155mm guns in the house any artillery in Quang Tri, midrange heavy support from the battlefields north of Hai Van Pass ... is there special trust COFAM 105mm shells (Combined Ordinance Fragmentary Antipersonnel Munition) had colonic explosion overhead, couch covered countless pieces a wide range of damage, like cluster bombs, and artillery shells "honeycomb" (flechettes), when the fire broke numerous steel arrows in a cone of 30 degrees, very effective against infantry ...

Evolution

Vietnam People's Army campaign divided into 4 stages:

Session 1 (January 20-February 7), the Vietnam People's Army of the county seat of Huong Hoa and Huoi San entrenched (see game Huoi San, January 24, 1968), Lang Vay kill every point (see match Lang Vay, 6 and February 7, 1968), all the way to 9 from Ca Lu to the Vietnam - Laos.
Phase 2 (February 8-March 31): grow up and shelling siege of Khe Sanh base for 50 days and nights, surrounded Con Tien, hitting a game at East Highway 1.
Phase 3 (April 1-April 30): hit U.S. troops in Operation Pegasus rescue, release, hold the potatoes village area, Cu loading, the 689 and 622 peak, destroying traffic on Route 9 .
Series 4 (8 May to 15 July), the fin restore Ta Con crowd, hitting U.S. troops withdrew from Khe Sanh.

Phase 1
The battle raged opening January 20, 1968, occurred on High Point 881 South (There are two hills named "881", located on the hills north of Khe Sanh, and the other located on the south hills) . This hill fortified by a battalion of the military wing third U.S. Marines, including the Steering Committee of the M, the two guards, and all the forces of the K. The early morning of January 20, the team I Battalion 3/26 Marines was ambushed near VPA 881 South, just a few minutes more than 15 U.S. soldiers have been killed, 21 wounded and 19 missing (next day found determined). The U.S. bases around the fire response, napalm from air support aircraft dropped prevent the assaults of the VPA. Math Marines badly, to retreat into position on the high point of 881-South.
Meanwhile, two platoons of the Marine Battalion Team M 3/26 in by helicopter to the High Point 881 South. The troops prepared team I teamed up with the Battalion 3/26 the next day to open the search toward the 881-North Peak. This operation led to a fierce clash of 881-foot high north to Battalion 6, 95C Regiment VPA. U.S. forces have overwhelming firepower advantage thanks to helicopter combat support and repel the attack. End of the battle, U.S. 7 killed and 35 losses hurt, the VPA has 15 people dead and 95 injured.
Rang January 21, 1968, using the VPA Division 325 Regiment Battalion 6 832 2 beat High Point (USA called 861, northwest of Ta Con approximately 4 km) from the University Team K, Battalion 3/26 Marines U.S. defense organizations. Although artillery fire and assist the U.S. military, but the advantage is based on grades, with the battle system solid defense, especially the phrase Ta Con cannon should direct and assist the battalion attack 6 have been pushed back and lost big, 20 people died, 68 were injured. U.S. Army 4 dead and 11 injured.


Khe Sanh Combat Base for artillery fire

20th Night, January 21st dawn, artillery campaign fired VPA 304th Division. Sudden strike by the powerful prolonged power hitting multiple targets at Khe Sanh was important "drill" multiple holes on the runway, burns 1,500 tons of ammunition, breaking a helicopter. [21] Description on the scene, American journalist Michael McClear wrote: "Dawn January 21, 1968, artillery range of North Vietnam opened the siege at Khe Sanh with devastating accuracy, 300 rounds did 18 soldiers American dead, 40 injured as shells fell right into her birth-Oa-Clinton "
January 22, 1968, Khe Sanh danger situation by dump 1,500 tons, accounting for the majority of stocks were destroyed. 1st Battalion 9th Marine Regiment U.S. transport plane carrying the ammunition to reinforce emergency Khe Sanh.
Intention to continue implementing the campaign, January 23, Front Command line 9 - Khe Sanh ordered the killing of every point lies close to the border of San Huoi Vietnam - Laos. San Huoi the defense area of ​​the Royal Lao Army (6 college teams) and a number of civil defense platoons, totaling nearly 1,000 troops entrenched organized into 12 small, every point is the center of machine. To ensure highly'm winning, external forces Regiment 24 Division 304, the High Command has further strengthened the team's first amphibious tanks (11 vehicles PT-76) 1, War of the team, a platoon of local and a number of officials of the enemy transport Liberation Army of Laos.
19 hours of January 23, when firing artillery preparation, the front line of infantry and tanks began to come VPA volunteers. Institutions are more tanks, the front line of infantry quickly through open doors, carry on intensive launched, divided the enemy, destroy headquarters, occupying objectives and quell any resistance by the Imperial Army Laos. 8 am the same day, the VPA has mastered the base machine weights San Huoi defense system. Much more than 800 troops in Laos hold this key are destroyed or captured, only a small part (about 350 soldiers) of the village of Fin escape. VPA only slight damage to the 29 dead and 54 wounded.
Night January 23, 320 VPA Division commanded 1st Battalion 64th Regiment and the 14th Battalion (artillery, mortars carry) and 16 anti-aircraft machine gun 12.7 ly ... maneuver developed on the battle system in The Code, ordered 64 Battalion 8th Regiment on the east layout Dinh Cu (182 peak) enemy ready to rescue Road 9. After 4 days of heavy fighting (23 to January 28), losses 97 killed, 7 and 8 Battalion 64th Regiment destroyed 10 military vehicles (tanks have 2), fighting out of the ring over 200 U.S. Army, completed tasks cut Route 9, creating favorable conditions for the 304 and 325 Division tightened the siege at Khe Sanh.
Along with the strike by the ground, in the 20, 21, January 22, 1968, the Union Navy Special VPA 126 is the combination of Battalion 47 combat troops Vinh Linh and Gio Linh guerrilla consecutive LCU sank 6 ships in port and river village of Dong Ha Xuan Khanh. Then, in 3 days 26, 27 and January 28, features 126 teams of naval mines used to destroy another 3 LCU ships loaded with U.S. military cargo from Danang to Cua Dong Ha Vietnam. 9 am February 8, specifically naval delegation of 126 to ambush American convoys, LCU sank 4 ships with thousands of tons of ammunition.
Initial victory in Vietnam estuary port blockade has significantly contributed to the isolation of mainly U.S. troops in Khe Sanh direction.
After destroying the bases Huong Hoa, Huoi San, hitting U.S. forces on the damage and cost the Orange Street Route 9, the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army have sent urgent for 9 Front Street - North Quang Tri: "Must Village fin base killed February 6 in order to coordinate with the entire region warfare ".


Diagram Lang Vay game

To make winning hit Lang Vay, Front Command advocated for an overwhelming force of Division 304 Regiment 24, 3rd Battalion (Division 325), 7th Infantry Regiment of the (lack of), 2 of the tanks PT-76 with 14 cars, 2 of the special teams. Up to 3 h 30 min February 7, the three basic directions have completed the capture objectives as assigned. By 10 noon February 7, Lang Vay game ended, out of more than 900 military commando defense Lang Vay, 316 soldiers were killed and 253 were captured alive, only 255 out of the Khe Sanh (including 75 injured). VPA crushes an important pearling outpost on Route 9, Ta Con outpost pushed into complete isolation between Khe Sanh valley basin.
The pressure of the VPA in 9 - Khe Sanh made increasing the U.S. military commander in South Vietnam really worried. Westmoreland from Saigon to Da Nang to see the commanding generals of the Army and Marine divisions in I strategy on how to deal. Along with troops, the United States established a military headquarters America (MACVFOARD) at Phu Bai to control forces beat back the offensive by North Vietnam on Route 9 - Khe Sanh. So the number of U.S. combat troops in here rose to 43 battalions of (25 U.S. battalions, 18 battalions of ARVN) troops with a total of 69 490 soldiers (including 40,800 Americans).
At this point, the Front Street 9 - Khe Sanh had completed the task attraction, dampers important part of the strategic forces of the United States, creating favorable conditions for the entire region made strategic moves Tet offensive. Typically, as in Hue, the U.S. military from cities that have facilitated the rapid Liberation Army controls 90% of the city in just 2 days. Phase 1 campaign came to an end.

Series 2
After the Battle of The Prophet, Huoi San, Huong Hoa, Cam Lo ... defeat at Lang Vay pushed outpost of Khe Sanh in the U.S. completely isolated valley basin between Khe Sanh. To protect Khe Sanh, outside forces fire in the base layout, U.S. artillery also used the same mixture of aircraft types, including B-52 spending maximum Institute (with date of 15,000 results artillery fire and aircraft tactical bombers to bases around 300 times per day).
February 8, to ensure that the service in the western siege sure victory, Front Command has power to Division 304, Division 325 have done a good job of quickly prepared with all of the elements necessary to put into practice forces siege immediately. Implementation of the directive Front Command, with very high efforts of the soldiers, to February 10, 1968, two Regiment 9 and 66 of the 304 Division, the Regiment of Division 95C and 101D 325C and the local army Huong Hoa has built 13 siege battle surrounding Khe Sanh. The strategy worked siege to victory at the Battle of Dien Bien Phu Vietnam People's Army will be used.


U.S. M107 artillery was dubbed King of the battlefield for a range of power and strength.

U.S. Air Force tried to find ways to destroy heavy artillery placement of the VPA. Vietnam deal by scattered location of the guns (some locations 800 meters apart, though more typically 100-300 meters), dock shelters available to pull the gun after firing, locations around the tiger room. The deployment of artillery and extremely secret carefully camouflaged. Thanks so during the campaign, the U.S. military can not quell the Vietnam People's Army artillery fire. Two of the Vietnam People's Army artillery regiment campaigned only 185 casualties, flak units, only 88 casualties. As of early April, the VPA has used 9,423 artillery and mortar rounds, 4,040 rounds including 82 mm mortars, 3,781 shells and 700 rockets 122 glasses, made nearly 2,000 U.S. soldiers killed or wounded (see Detailed statistics of shelling in February taiday).
Because outpost Khe Sanh is a strong defense clusters, solid, top U.S. firm in Southern Vietnam, so Vietnam People's Army advocated "Killing a peripheral outpost then squeezing force surrounded the enemy release , in addition to one of the enemy, the enemy has killed many, to reduce our casualties. " Right February 9, a war game scenario happened on Peak 64 between U.S. military helicopters and support aircraft with one battalion of the regiment VPA 101D. U.S. forces have killed 26 soldiers and wounded 27. VPA take casualties 58 dead and 71 wounded, but kept the battle.


Adviser Walt W. Rostow presented to President Lyndon B. Johnson laid on the table Khe Sanh, 15-2-1968

9 Regiment VPA to direct siege on 2 directions: east south east and west, and the 101D Regiment 95 (F325) fin on the far northern peak: 845, 852, 550. Only a short time siege battle has built a relatively complete: Yes the combat system with cover, trench systems, continuous trenches, the regiment was mobilized forces units 2 trenches dug 5 km long connecting pin from the battlefield with the men behind the 9. The system is arranged firepower can tightly control the airport, and have a number of sniper infrared viewfinders to build the fence close to the fight, both day and night. In addition to the fire itself, upon the occurrence of combat regiments are also clusters of divisional artillery and direct and assist fronts.
After the battle to build a relatively complete, the key battlegrounds and mortar fire, the 12.7 ly started making airports controlled U.S. aircraft to resupply difficulties, active travel U.S. military bases also be restricted, a sniper was killed. At the same time the crowd wiggle your nose is growing into themselves pressed the point, there is wiggle your nose through the fence was encroaching 2nd, 3rd U.S..
February 11, the bad news to the transportation system's support for the U.S. Khe Sanh. Two C-130 transport of Khe Sanh landed the first shot exploded for shelling, all 6 pilots killed. The remaining urgently repaired and flew "limping" to Da Nang airport. Since then, the U.S. transport plane landed no longer dare to use that runway to fly close to the runway and trolley is forced through the back door though belly of the aircraft, although how this will make a large amount of goods damaged when landing.
The logistics for the hills around the basin is also vital to the U.S., because if they lose this hill artillery VPA will be able to direct fire on the base with very high accuracy. America must mobilize hundreds of helicopters to resupply every day for the hills. Even the washing of water by U.S. troops dropped from helicopters. A VPA officer wrote in his diary: "We travel hundreds of kilometers of forest with only 1 bi eastern countries, while U.S. troops to the helicopter used for bathing and washing. Seeing this scene, I'm sure if perseverance, we will win this war. "
Know the rules of helicopter activity, VPA layout ly export 12.7 machine gun team disguise padded closer to the release of U.S. helicopters. In just 2 weeks had dozens of U.S. helicopter shot down. U.S. Air Force to arrange the bombing missions for the helicopter support the new damage reduction.


Super Gaggle: Helicopter Sea Knight CH-46 cargo resupply (top) and A-4 Skyhawk air support

To repel the VPA forces from Khe Sanh, the U.S. has used artillery and air without restriction. As from January 21 to March 3, 1968, the U.S. Air Force had 24,000 times the size of aircraft including the B-52 strategic, pour 114 810 tons of bombs of all kinds, in all of American bombs dropped Japan in the year 1945. Also artillery from the base, from Camp Carroll and the Rockpile fired 159,000 rounds up a wide area is only 32 km2 around Khe Sanh, creating intense firestorm ever in the history of warfare.
Dealing with intense firepower of the U.S., the VPA has been used rudimentary weapons, but the most effective: the trenches, which had been tested in the Battle of Dien Bien Phu. According to calculations by the U.S., to 1,000 shells to destroy only 30 meters along the trench in which a few soldiers. But before overwhelming fire power of the enemy, which is considered far more powerful than the French at Dien Bien Phu, the damage of the VPA also increased. Every day to fix, digging new trenches 40-50%, with peak days towards raiding, nose to fix 70% of the battle. Along with the loss of the physical techniques, some officials and soldiers who died or were injured nearly 200 people each week. Credit to mid-March 1968, the total number of wounded soldiers from the 1,436 who started the campaign. Among them, 484 people suffered minor injuries unit is returned after treatment, 396 injured, the treatment given North.
See for air and artillery not prevent the development of nasal siege, U.S. forces must be put into practice in the grounds retorted attempt to push back the encroaching wiggle your nose away and some key accounts. Many struggle takes place extremely fierce. For example skirmishes February 25, 1 platoon of the battalion team B 1/26 of the U.S. military lost most of the 9 soldiers killed, 25 wounded, 18 missing and one was arrested.
Combined with the siege, artillery shelling VPA continuous attrition of U.S. troops. The peak is February 23, 1 artillery munitions blast, which killed 12 American soldiers and wounded 51. [25] Recall period under siege at Khe Sanh veteran John Scott Jones is not alone obsessed: "We were under the small shelter house, a lot of bombs dropped, so many dead and wounded. It is very difficult period. We do not have drinking water and severe food shortage, just trying to hold out hope of survival. "
After 2 months of being surrounded, the fate of more than 6,000 U.S. troops in the besieged extremely miserable, but this time fierce fighting is taking place across the battlefields of Vietnam, so U.S. troops can not award radiating to Khe Sanh.
In mid-March 1968, the Vietnam People's Army commander expected "If the end of March 1968 has not hit enemy troops cleared, we will put forces captured one of the enemy defense predestined to increase the pressure"; responsibility predestined for invade assigned to 3rd Battalion, 9th Regiment pegged at Ta Con airfield east. March 22, 1968, decided to hit up front money on the east coast Ta Con airfield. Yes 23 hours and 30 minutes, March 22, 1968, attack command of Division Artillery and shot in front headquarters Ta Con clusters defense and pressure the regime artillery, mortars and direct fire by fire U.S.. Fierce battle took place, the explosive near the end of the Vietnam People's Army casualties. Realizing the difficulty to capture the predestined Front and Division should have to stop the attack, retreat to reinforce key battlegrounds. U.S. Army soldier with 8 dead and 21 injured, 57 people have died VPA.
An attack captured in eastern parts predestined Ta Con airfield, but has not yet succeeded to increase pressure on the already formidable U.S. side. The U.S. media exclaimed: "Living in Khe Sanh what else condemned to sit on a chair" (AP News). To reduce the pressure, March 30, 1968 U.S. military held a big counter-attack on the key battlegrounds of the team's No. 3 6 9 Regiment 2nd Battalion 2nd Battalion Marines with, 2 of ARVN troops and vehicles rose umbrella, with the intention of closing the account, but after nearly 5 hours of continuous fighting, American troops had to retreat to the 12 soldiers killed and 100 wounded. This is the final game of counter-attack U.S. military bases.
By this time both President Johnson and Congress were worried about nearly 6,000 U.S. troops under siege at Khe Sanh, the whole world also track developments thrill fighting at Khe Sanh. Facing Khe Sanh killed as Dien Bien Phu, President Johnson have finally decided that a rescue force was strong for Khe Sanh. Phase 2 campaign moves to end 3.

Series 3
April 1, 1968, Operation Pegasus (flying horse) in order to relieve Khe Sanh begins. Cavalry Division No. 1 - the most powerful forces of the U.S. Marine Corps, Khe Sanh came on. Division consists of 3 brigades, each brigade has three battalions, each battalion from 800 to 1,000 troops, 1 Cavalry Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st battalion helicopter gunships, 3 105mm artillery battalion; 2 University the flares; 1 of the transport aircraft with a total of 439 helicopters and transport aircraft. In addition, there War 3 ARVN airborne and 1 105mm artillery battalion to join.
With around 15 787 military personnel, 434 aircraft (mainly helicopters), 1,600 vehicles, 54 105mm guns, 87 rocket staging with 1,872 glass tubes installed size 70 helicopter gunships, Division 1 is a cavalry maneuverability and firepower that no other unit in the world to be.


Anti -Tank Vietnam People's Army combat

Shortly after the U.S. launched a military operation to relieve Pegasus Khe Sanh, Vietnam People's Army High Command ordered a further 308 Division into combat instead of 304 Division battle at Khe Sanh. 304th Division was ordered to march to the support for the other fronts.
The morning of April 1, 1968, U.S. Air Force uses 15 times the B-52, 450 tons of bombs scattered along both sides of Route 9 axis, then the helicopter airmobile battalion poured down 1 small ball, The Ash and Australia Nghi, one of the artillery poured into Khe Sanh. Along with air in the U.S. on 147 times longer for trucks moving military supplies and ammunition from the New Forest to Ca Lu. April 2, B-52 bombers southeast Khe Sanh, 1430 1 helicopter battalions poured down the eastern U.S. and the Sand 1 battalion to Ca Lu. After the drop-down landing, Battalion fifth goal oriented Cavalry old French station, clashed with a defense battalion VPA is here, Battalion fifth of Americans suffer heavy losses, China The battalion commander Col. Runkle died. Battalion 2/5, but was ordered to replace the Vietnam People's Army withdrew.
April 3, U.S. troops continued to pour 200 helicopters to the 1st Cavalry Brigade Ka Pa, Lang Son, 420 High Point, she Aluminum. The morning of April 4, 1968, with the intention of being captured by High Point 471, southwestern controlled Ta Con, Americans used artillery and air bombardment intense hours on high and put the 1st Battalion 9 Marine Regiment occupied the tip of the 3, 4, 5 in the special statute, but was the team's seventh Regiment 2nd Battalion detachment of 9 and 1 9 Battalion, 66th Regiment VPA blocked beat. Pulling battle lasted from 10 am to 15 pm still inconclusive, American casualties were 10 dead and 56 wounded, the U.S. military command decided to pour a helicopter airmobile battalion running down the tip 3 and 4 separate regulations, organizations continue to capture high point 471.
After a day of fierce fighting, the VPA has killed 16 people, but the night was April 5 surprise raid on the residence of the U.S. military on the tip 2 in 1 special statute that American soldiers dead and 28 soldiers injured.
In the other direction, 3rd Battalion was ordered VPA key building block in the village of Taro, layout closing force of 20 soldiers potatoes village by Nguyen Van Binh - Battalion Chiefs and Bui cooperative, the vice-captain of the team 11 3rd Battalion commander. The morning of April 4, 1968, after the artillery and helicopter gunships bombarded for hours in key battlegrounds potatoes village, a U.S. battalion divided into 2 doses key attack on the village of Taro. On this day, 5 U.S. attack finally broke, nearly 100 soldiers casualties (according to the Vietnam); 3rd round of the vice-captain of Bui Ngoan wounded leg 1 asked soldiers used bayonets broken leg cut command to fight and sacrifice in battle (the end of the campaign, Bui Ngoan proposed People's Armed forces honored hero and was awarded the Military Medal Third Class).
After one day of fighting, 20 soldiers were killed or wounded lost 10 battle damaged part should retire afternoon VPA 2 key holding service. Fasteners potatoes village was constantly fighting to April 7, 1968 it was ordered to withdraw south to coordinate with the fire continued to beat the Americans.


Fight in the hills

Typically, most of the key battles won in the early days of April 1968 the High Point 558, located in the western outpost Ta Con. VPA hold key force here than 2 infantry squad captured two hills in the border there are two cups and a gun 12.7 60 cups arranged trees in the saddle area, systematic trenches, fortifications pretty solid battle. At 595 key place fierce battle for 2 days, from day 6 to April 7, known as the "period of 1 against 40." VPA 2 squad stopped hitting 2 U.S. battalion in 2 days, is recorded to have undermined nearly 200 American soldiers (Nguyen Huu Bao own soldiers killed 79 U.S. soldiers, was honored last campaign heroic armed forces people). Documents confirm U.S. hit bottom in the first day has 10 U.S. soldiers died and 47 were injured.
However, with the power and overwhelming firepower, the U.S. military is taking over the Khe Sanh. April 6, 1968 Cavalry units embarked with Marines inside peak at 471 bases. Then the battalion ninth Marines began sweeping the area around the base starting from High Point High Point 552 then 681 but does not have a resistance.
About the VPA, in parallel with the U.S. military mission hitting the clearance of high military importance around Khe Sanh and Route 9, the High Command of the Vietnam People's Army unit organization active game raid destroyed the positions the temporary military forces of the U.S. Cavalry.
The morning of April 5th, 4th Battalion 24th Regiment of the Vietnam People's Army suddenly put out of nearly 100 soldiers fighting Cavalry on High Point 400. The morning of April 7, 3 ARVN Airborne Task Force used some 132 helicopters from Nhon schedule down the hill northwest of the old village of fins landed and conducted the second round of Ro fuck down. But immediately after the artillery troops were hit squad raids, dozens of men and 6 Although 2nd Battalion were out fighting. Battalion 3 and 8 Although ARVN Regiment 24 Division were 304 consecutive VPA hit stick, a division attrition forces and means, forced to shrink to High Point 400. Night April 8th, 4th Battalion 24th Regiment surprise raids kill some more, including Chief of Staff Maj. Task Force 3 is whether the Bui Van Thach also killed.
At the April 7, at the high point of 552 and 689, Battalion 1/9 of the U.S. Marines who were shelling with mortars made 9 American dead and 27 wounded.
To create a safe corridor, U.S. military forces continue to hit the peak concentrations. April 10, 6 Although ARVN battalion was a battalion of the U.S. Cavalry divided into 3 doses support the former army invaded Lang Vay. Institutions are more artillery, 66th Battalion 7 VPA has repeatedly pushed back 3 assaults on bases Lang Vay, 6 ARVN battalion had moved back to High Point 500 (northwestern Lang Vay). Even night April 11, 7 Battalion decided to attack Peak 500, killing a great team, a great damage to the other team. The U.S. forces then used maximum advantage of the air force, artillery and chemical toxins that 66 Regiment to retreat.
U.S. 1st Cavalry Brigade of the village of Fin after taking old has quickly captured Ka Pa, The Village, Village Camp, guests, pushing some of VPA units away. However, after a week of fighting in the village area fins, 3 ARVN Airborne Brigade has lost 40% of troops. ARVN spirit of serious instability, to withdraw to bases in Hue to strengthen. The operation of the Lam Son 207 Airborne Brigade No. 3 to this end.


Pictures at Khe Sanh combat

According to the statement of the United States, Operation Pegasus ended April 8 and Khe Sanh was relieved. At April 14, 1968, UPI and the BBC have announced: "The operation has ended Pegasus". But the fact the U.S. military has only created a logistical route to Khe Sanh from the east, three of the remaining liquid base is besieged, the fierce battles still going on and the U.S. military frequently raids. Typically as April 13, 1968, at High Point 881 North, take advantage of Battalion 3/26 of U.S. Marines hit the bottom of Highway 622 on the entire team battle, 66th Battalion 8 were children available at the location had unexpectedly beneficial in many directions forces invaded the U.S. squad, put out dozens of U.S. soldiers fighting. April 15, VPA ambush the landing of a battalion team ninth in southwest High Point 689 and remove the C and D teams of Marines to the hospital to do 41 more U.S. soldiers killed, 32 wounded and 3 missing . Khe Sanh continued shelling endured, with the date recorded up to 100 bullets sprayed from the Vietnam People's Army artillery located in Laos, outside the reach of U.S. troops in artillery bases.
At the same time, on the east, 320 Division VPA also enhance combat operations. 64 Regiment continually advancing on the 9th motorized vehicles and killing more U.S. combat troops. Many American military front line of breaking the siege hot in the Con Tien, Doc Mieu, Horizontal Bars, Thai ... The regiment was hit and 48 VPA blocked drain.
April 21, three U.S. Marine battalions divided into the nose hit the peak of 622. Regiment Battalion 9 66 VPA 304th Division was the battle of cling firmly associated with the movement of small-scale in each direction, each front line to beat the high score, pushing back the U.S. military Khe Sanh .
April 23, nearly one airmobile battalion from Lang Son - Ha Yan has opened an operation in the village, when the U.S. Army troops occupied both positions were derived volunteer force of the 304th Division VPA drastically blocked beat, fire shoot 2 military transport aircraft, destroyed a significant part of energy ... Preemption were great losses of troops, heavy mental damage, and the rest retreated hastily abandoned Yan Xia operations.
On route 9, Battalion 8 VPA constantly ambushed hit the convoy carrying weapons and equipment. April 19, killing 5 GMC cars, 1 car M-113, April 20, 2 kinds of hors de combat platoon of military vehicles carrying troops on 6, April 21, add 108 troops to bring down the 1 car and an increasing number of vehicles.
At the end of April 1968 the U.S. and South Vietnamese military force to end the operation Lam Son 207 Pegasus and the intention to relieve Khe Sanh unfulfilled. Anyway, the U.S. military operation has pushed some away nose siege, capturing a significant number of key areas in the region around Khe Sanh, causing great losses of troops and armament technology Specifications for the enemy. The risk of Khe Sanh was completely destroyed as Dien Bien Phu was removed.
About the VPA, after the siege had been breached U.S. military in Operation Pegasus, the unit began to phase 4: Encircle restore the pressure to force the U.S. to withdraw Khe Sanh.

Series 4
May 4, VPA surprise ambush of U.S. high 552 points, hitting 2 of the damage Cavalry, a company of U.S. Marines, destroying four guns and 105mm mortars exported 106.7 9 cups . At the same time, in the west and northwest of Khe Sanh, 66 Regiment surrounded practice restrain the high point 832, 689. In the south east of the Regiment pressed 9 pounds of potatoes, a nose defeat organized counter-attack in the U.S., 3 downed helicopter and destroy, wounded American soldiers.
On route 9 consecutive days 14 and May 15, the VPA has held a number of raids in the southern village game Potatoes, killing many trucks and vitality, making it difficult for the resupply of troops to Khe Sanh U.S..


The weapons that the U.S. military leaves at Khe Sanh.

While the 304 and 308 division promoting activity in Ta Con, Road 9, Delta Division has also created the continuous fighting in the east wing has studied law works on the river and harbor layout guard Vietnam's door, prepared for combat waves hit ship on Vietnam estuary. Due to the preparation and use of firepower DKZ, 82 mm mortars, B-40, B-41, 12.7 ly important ... a flexible way, the VPA has sunk a lot of U.S. cargo ship on the estuary Vietnam. The most typical activities during May of the 320 Division battle on the beach area Vietnamese-way doors May 2, 3rd Battalion, 6th Battalion coordinated with artillery and other units of local teams hit damage 2nd Battalion 4 Marines Regiment.
The commander of III Corps Marines Regiment to 4 (missing 1 battalion), 1st Battalion, 9th march organized relieve Khe Sanh 2nd II codenamed Scotland squad to stretch the siege of VPA, intended to facilitate withdrawal of Khe Sanh. By day 18, U.S. Marine commander decided to "draw all forces scattered in the high scores KO Long, Pa Page, 635 ... put on strengthening the Route 9, South Ta Con and Dong Ha, Vietnam Cua" . This is also the time of U.S. military operations ended relieve Khe Sanh 2nd - bring tenScotland II obtained without much result. After 1 month of fighting, the VPA has been reported out of action more than 1,000 U.S. troops, 11 aircraft were destroyed and the kind of shot down, 7 cannons and mortars destroyed, damaged, hit 3rd Battalion damage 4 Marines Regiment. The documents also confirm the U.S., alone in Scotland II campaign has killed 412 American soldiers (double the 205 soldiers killed in the U.S. which officially launched for the entire battle at Khe Sanh).


U.S. Marines withdrew from Khe Sanh, photos on 07/01/1968 at Ta Con airfield.

Scottish Campaign II ended, U.S. forces in Khe Sanh remaining 5 marines battalion, in which parts scattered along a line 9 to defend and resupply Khe Sanh ensure close support timely, effective Results for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Khe Sanh when necessary. June 26, General Abrams - the U.S. commander in Vietnam has ordered Charlie campaigning organization for U.S. troops withdraw Khe Sanh. U.S. Army at Khe Sanh was ordered to destroy all the buildings, heavy weapons can not be evacuated to avoid fall into enemy hands.
But retreat is basically arranged, but many of the U.S. troop withdrawal VPA has been detected and intercepted highly organized. VPA 246th Regiment of the Americans held constant retreat on the west, but by the forces so thin that just hit the rear group after all, impossible to hit the main force should not break the team withdrew. On the south, the VPA 102 Regiment withdrew after consolidating routes, 88 Regiment also deployed U.S. military forces attack on the direction of Route 9, but also beat the guard is the team that does not beat retreat Key. Particularly artillery forces held VPA is effective in blocking type Ta Con airport and hit the road block caused more damage to U.S. military forces and weapons, means war.
Due to the active operations of the VPA should withdraw from the United States to Khe Sanh lasted nearly 20 days, to July 15, 1968 New U.S. military withdrew troops concentrated in Ca Lu - Tan Lam. VPA has mastered the Route 9 from Ca Lu Lao Bao to see (except on the Dynamic Tri), full control of Khe Sanh - a strategically important area in the west Route 9. U.S. troops finally withdrew from the area on July 25, before July 9, 1968, the flag National Liberation Front of South Vietnam flag was mounted on Ta Con airfield.
For almost 20 days to block the U.S. military withdrawal rating, 308 and Division 246 Regiment in collaboration with local armed forces were removed from the recorded 1,333 American soldiers fighting ring, shot down, destroyed 34 aircraft, 5 cannons, mortars and 5 trucks.

2nd Dien Bien Phu 

The reason Campaign 9 - Khe Sanh was dubbed the "2nd Dien Bien Phu" because this battle between two similarities:

First, the Khe Sanh and Dien Bien Phu were adjacent to the border of Vietnam - Laos. Khe Sanh from the Vietnam - Laos about 20km, Dien Bien Phu was only about 8km.
The second similarity are rugged topography, difficult to access. Only accessible by air Dien Bien Phu. For Khe Sanh, in addition to access by air, there is more approach by road via Route 9.
On the nature of both the battle then became the focus of attention of the press and other public agencies. For the enemy both games are the same lessons, which is a failure.
After withdrawal of Khe Sanh, almost everything is done, but the White House and then tanked again for Khe Sanh. June 24, reporter John Carol of The Baltimore Sun has reported U.S. Command "has forced withdrawal of Khe Sanh, a military base was (U.S.) defense with a heavy price, due to hedge positions interfere with its vital areas below the line ". The American commander vague negative news, but John Carol said, "The Marines know this, that the people of North Vietnam, the American people just do not know. Although the U.S. commander explained it (off Khe Sanh) is due to military requirements in place, but this is the northern most serious defeat both tactics and strategy of the U.S. in war This ".
According to a report for President 25 and June 26, 1968, the presidential adviser was quick to hand out. First, they persuaded the U.S. news agency AP global stature do coverage of the Baltimore Sun. Second, they have to draft a statement MACV. Central to this is the statement, American troops must leave Khe Sanh because "due to enemy tactics change." On the other hand, the U.S. government announced they were casualties of 205 dead and 443 injured. The study of later American historians have pointed out many deliberate omissions in calculating casualties then, and the actual number is higher than the roughly 11 times, comparable to the fierce battles of war Pacific war. In the context of America was shocked because the Tet Offensive, if the actual number is not exposed to any other "add fuel to the fire" with major consequences unpredictable.
The impact of the U.S. withdrawal of Khe Sanh was Peter Bush public assessment as follows: "General Abrams ordered kept secret bases closed as long as possible. Until this official must, only a small amount of information provided. The event was put Khe Sanh U.S. public recognizes a "suspiciously and bewildered." Noted the Pentagon announced its decision to leave Khe Sanh was "a difficult mission in terms of propaganda." Only four months earlier, President Johnson proclaimed that "Khe Sanh will hold at all costs", then 2 months ago, the U.S. government has declared "victory" and "Khe Sanh was relieved." Now the "quiet retreat" has been revealed, it will be a blow to the prestige of the U.S. military, as well as anti-war movement as rise.
July 7th, the New York Times reported from Hong Kong said: 70% of Asian Americans believe that the reason to abandon Khe Sanh is because they have been defeated enemy, and rejected the interpretation of the U.S. , which is due to the removal of Khe Sanh "military situation has changed."
Unlike some other battles, Khe Sanh has captured attention of the mass media and public opinion in the United States. 25% of the time in the movies, TV shows evening in February and March 1968 reported the situation at Khe Sanh. CBS alone, the ratio is 50 percent. Gallup Institute gures, 1 in 5 people are just moving from stance to anti-war supporters in late February and early March. Thus, "the best way to make Khe Sanh from the negative impact on the American public is left base." So, Khe Sanh became the first place, the United States must draw up a base significant military pressure by the enemy.

Results

United States
The besieged maintained until April 1968 can be considered a success in terms of U.S. strategy. Although many units were heavily damaged, but not destroyed U.S. troops captured in its entirety or French at Dien Bien Phu. But the price is not cheap, with nearly 7,500 U.S. troops and allied casualties in just 77 days (not including casualties in 3 months later), the garrison at Khe Sanh took nearly half of the Army . The casualty rate of American soldiers even higher in the Second World War
The price is too expensive, making the American people feel angry. It Reuter commented: "Khe Sanh is written in the history of the American war in South Vietnam as a place to pay the highest price in blood ...".
Along with the impact of the Tet campaign, the American people require U.S. withdrawal of water. Thus, although U.S. commanders continue to cling to and even extended into Laos grounds, Congress's answer is "No." Finally, the base's fate is determined when the American politician do not want to bet the fate of thousands of U.S. troops again, because it will lead to a strategic disaster as the Battle of Dien Bien Phu has caused France. They decided to destroy and withdraw from Khe Sanh, terminated its strategic role. Scotland II U.S. Open campaign organization for U.S. troops withdrew from Khe Sanh while it was still liquid surrounded by 2 divisions VPA. U.S. troops continue to be pursued on its retreat.

The Vietnam People's Army
  Over 170 day siege of Khe Sanh, Vietnam People's Army claimed to have hit severe damage III Marine Corps and the 1st Cavalry Division United States, killing 11,900 U.S. and South Vietnamese troops (of which more than 10 thousand U.S. troops), destroyed 197 aircraft, 78 tanks - armored vehicles, 46 guns, 50 ammunition, releasing a vast western province of Quang Tri province with one thousand people, breaking the defensive line array in place to prevent the steel South Vietnam. Notice of VPA Front Command said: "After 170 days and nights of continuous fighting, incredibly brave and fierce, liberators Khe Sanh Front resounding victory, smashing an extravagant intentions and obstinate enemy of the United States in the field Route 9 - North Quang Tri, forcing them to take the fall Khe Sanh "


Victory Monument Khe Sanh

When considering the campaign objectives, the VPA has completed the second goal, as even finished 3rd goal is to gain control of Khe Sanh, although this has not much meaning for War My art has been active as the withdrawal and destruction of the base. In terms of strategy, plans McNamara electronic fence to cut off the Ho Chi Minh trail in the United States as bankrupt. This is the basis for the VPA consider this a major strategic victory. President Ho Chi Minh sent a telegram compliment: "... clear victory Khe Sanh tactical and military strength champion of the people and our staff, contributing to the great success of the opening of the South ... the way for greater victory ... ". After the campaign, 304th Division was awarded the Medal of the Second Army, the regiment were awarded Medals, 1,482 officers and soldiers were awarded the Medal; 2 Comrade Hero honorees armed forces People.
This is the first deployment in Vietnam People's Army Divisional facing U.S. forces. While many suffered huge casualties caused by American firepower, especially B-52 carpet bombing, but they also cause damage equivalent to the most elite forces of the United States Marine Corps, Cavalry and popular forces CIDG. This is very encouraging performance for the VPA, when they are attacked inside and completely overshadowed the fire.
With the U.S. out Khe Sanh, electronic fences McNamara as joint. U.S. strategic plan that is designed to cut off the Ho Chi Minh trail as bankruptcy. From now on, there is no basis for any possible menace direct route along the line of making money online. Thus it can be said that the pedal Khe Sanh battle for the big campaign later VPA (Laotian campaign, the 1972 campaign ...), and finally decided to spring 1975 campaign, just as all President Ho Chi Minh said: "Open the way for greater victory ...".