NAM68TET - The Battle for Hue

By 1967, opinion in the United States was already deeply divided about the conflict in Vietnam. In the first nine months of that year, over 150 cities reported disorders ranging from minor demonstrations to major crises. Trouble was rising in Korea also. Allied patrols were being ambushed along the Imjin River, and the USS Pueblo was captured by the North Korean Navy. The siege of Khe Sanh was receiving a great deal of attention from the military and the politicians. It seemed that a victory at Khe Sanh was essential to recover the support of the American people. Few were aware of the ominous preparations occurring in the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese army. Throughout the country, troops were moving into position for a massive assault of every major city and most of the hamlets of South Vietnam. Tet was a national holiday, and a supposed truce was in effect between opposing forces.
On January 30, in the midst of raucous celebration, the communist surge broke out all over the country. Targets included the national capital, 36 of 44 provincial capitals, 64 of 242 district capitals, and 5 of 6 autonomous cities. In addition to attacking Saigon, of particular importance was the city of Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Capturing Hue would be the Communist way of making a statement to all the citizens of South Vietnam and cause a general uprising of the populous against the allied forces located there.
The battle for Hue would last from January 31 through March 2, 1968. Two North Vietnamese regiments and two Viet Cong sapper battalions would eventually take on 8 American and 13 South Vietnamese battalions in one of the most horrific conflicts of the war. Two holdouts were the MACV compound and the ARVN 1st Division HQ. The defense of most cities was the responsibility of the South Vietnamese. The first ARVN units to enter the battle suffered severe casualties. The III Marine Amphibious Force was greatly concerned about the imminent danger to the MACV compound and rushed rifle companies by helicopter and truck, along with tank support. In spite of heavy losses, control of the bridge reverted back to the Marines by the end of the first day.
As the fighting progressed, more and more allied troops poured into the conflict. In battles reminiscent of World War II Europe, the fighting ground was measured by yards and houses. The Communist troops had dug in well and were not willing to give an inch. Many homes were surrounded by hedgerows laced with barbed wire, with deadly cross fire from crew served weapons sticking out of windows and doors. Both artillery and air support were limited to the allies. The United States was aware of the historical significance of many of the buildings and sites. It turned into a real slugfest, with the marine grunt and Arvn solder baring the brunt of the battle. Using mortars, tanks, APCs, and recoilless rifles, the allied soldiers pressed on. The defenders lashed back again and again at the attackers. Precious gains were lost due to the ferocity of the counterattacks. In one spectacular night attack, Viet Cong combat-swimmers used floating mines to drop the Troung Tien Bridge. The weather was miserable. Dogged by rain, fog and cold, the allies pressed ahead. Medium marine tanks, already holed by RPG fire, and followed by flak-vested marines crawled forward a block at a time. The lumbering Ontos, mounting six 106mm recoilless rifles, proved to be crucial weapons. These sturdy little vehicles would blast bunkers and buildings with their six gun volley, then dart back around a corner and reload. The NVA developed a healthy hatred for this tactic, and the Ontos became a prime target. One Ontos was hit 12 times by B-40 rockets and detracked. It stubbornly stood its ground and continued to fight until it disappeared in a thundering explosion. By the end of February, two strong points had been retaken by allied troops. The Citadel was assaulted on February 21. Marine sniper teams fought a deadly duel with NVA snipers located on the Citadel walls. Flamethrowers and other close assault weapons snuffed out strong points. General Lam finally authorized bombing of both the Citadel and the Imperial Palace. As South Vietnamese troops attacked the palace, a massed NVA charge by the 6th Regiment took the soldiers by surprise, but a storm of artillery fire quickly broke it up. The next night a surprise charge by the 2nd Battalion/3rd ARVN Regiment was made on a dead run. Although caught off guard, NVA defenders quickly recovered, the charge surged past their weapon pits. There was hand-to-hand fighting in the eerie light of tracer streams, flares and explosions. By dawn the next day, the Viet Cong banner had been ripped from the pole over the Citadel, and the South Vietnamese flag was raised. It was decided that the Imperial Palace would be retaken by the Hac Bao (Black Panther) Company. Another bloody battle ensued. In intense close combat, the Panthers overwhelmed the Communist defenders. The fighting was savage, and no quarter was given. On February 25, Hue was declared secure, but mopping up operations continued for another week, as Marine, Army, and South Vietnamese troops continued to search out and crush the isolated pockets of stragglers and devoted defenders. What had once been the most beautiful city in Vietnam was now a mountain of charred and corpse-strewn rubble. It had become the scene of some of the some of fiercest city fighting since World War II.