Tet Offensive

Khe Sanh.

Khe Sanh was a US firepower base near the DMZ that was attacked by 18,000 NVA troops defended by 6,000 US Marines and ARVN rangers on the 21st January.

Siege lasted 77 days.

CAS. 110,000 tons of bombs.

What military operation lifted the siege of Khe Sanh in April 1968?

Operation Pegasus lifted the siege of Khe Sanh.

Tet. Jan 31st.

4500 VC fighters kept ARVN away for 2 days.

15 men broke in US embassy Saigon. Held out for 5 hours.

All shown on US TV.

What was the result of the battle for Hue from January 31 to February 25, 1968?

Hue was captured by 10,000 VC guerrillas and NVA, held for 25 days, with significant casualties on both sides.

How many US casualties were recorded during the Tet Offensive in the period of February 11-17, 1968?

There were 543 recorded American deaths during this period, the highest number.

How many NVA casualties in Khe Sanh?

The estimated NVA casualties during the Khe Sanh campaign ranged between 5,500 and 15,000.

How many civilians were killed during the battle of Hue?

Approximately 800 civilians were killed during the battle of Hue.

What does NVA stand for, and what role did they play in the Vietnam War?

NVA stands for North Vietnam Army, which was the military force of North Vietnam during the war.

What does ARVN stand for and what was its significance during the Vietnam War?

ARVN stands for Army of the Republic of Vietnam, the military forces of the South Vietnamese government supported by the US.

CAS? (Khe Sanh)

Close Air Support. 110,000 tons of bombs dropped by B-52, helicopter gunships + fighter jets. (Aerial warfare in close proximity with groundies)

How long did the siege last and when was it lifted?

77 days. Lifted in April 8 but recaptured in July.

Impact of Khe Sanh on America

Not of great strategic importance.

Became a symbol of American resolve and determination in the Vietnam War, influencing public opinion and military strategy.

This attack was a feint to take troops away from places like the embassy in Saigon.

Casualties of Hue

800 civilians

600 ARVN

5000 VC and NVA

Impact of Hue on America

Swayed opinions. People overlooked that the enemy had lost and they had their confidence knocked. The resilience of the VC made people doubt whether they should continue the war.

What happened when the Americans tried to provide reinforcements?

They reached the South Bank of the Perfume River but were forced to retreat as they were surrounded by NVA.

How many were killed by the VC who were suspected of working with SV government or US

3000

Casualties of Tet

75000 homes destroyed

100 cities attacked

10,000 experienced VC fighters lost.

Khe Sanh Casualties

500 ARVN casualties

5,500 - 1500 NVA casualties