Battle of Hue 1968: Fight for the Imperial City

In late January 1968, 84,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops launched a general offensive in South Vietnam, including simultaneous assaults on 36 of 44 provincial capitals and five of six autonomous cities. The longest and bloodiest battle occurred in Hue, the ancient capital of Vietnam, where four North Vietnamese battalions and supporting Viet Cong units attacked and occupied both parts of the city straddling the Perfume River. The US Marines and South Vietnamese soldiers were ordered to clear the city, supported by US Army artillery and troops, resulting in a brutal urban battle and large-scale destruction. The battle was one of the longest and bloodiest of the Tet Offensive and led to a sea change in US policy in Vietnam.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In late January 1968, a significant military offensive was launched by approximately 84,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops across South Vietnam. This offensive involved simultaneous assaults on 36 of the country's 44 provincial capitals, as well as five of the six autonomous cities, including the capital city of Saigon. The most prolonged and intense battle unfolded in Hue, a revered and historically significant place in Vietnam. The intense fighting that lasted for over three weeks attracted global attention. Hue, being the ancient capital of Vietnam, had previously been avoided by both sides due to its historical significance. However, everything changed on the night of January 31, 1968, when four North Vietnamese battalions and supporting Viet Cong units simultaneously attacked and occupied both parts of the city situated along the Perfume River. The Communist forces quickly fortified their positions and prepared to defend their newly acquired control over Hue. To counter this threat, US Marines and South Vietnamese soldiers were dispatched to clear the city, with support from US Army artillery and troops. The ensuing urban battle was a brutal and intense conflict that saw combat raging from house to house and door to door. It resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life in Hue. Despite the eventual reclamation of Hue by the Marines and South Vietnamese forces, this battle stands as one of the longest and bloodiest engagements of the Tet Offensive. It had a profound impact on US policy in Vietnam, marking a significant turning point in the conflict.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 184 x 246 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472844712