February 10, 1968
The Triangle is Secured
An aerial view of the LCU ramp
With the previous day’s artillery barrage, the Marines in the Triangle prepared to push eastward and destroy the remnants of the 804th NVA Battalion there, while the attentions of both US and RVN command began to decidedly shift toward clearing the Citadel of the still determined NVA presence. In preparation for this, today would see the redeployment of additional units to the city, including fire support assets.
The Citadel
Today the ARVN continued to hold its position in the Citadel, but with the impending operation there, orders came down to General Truong at Mang Ca. The 1st ARVN Airborne Task Force, which had been deployed mainly along the eastern wall, was recalled to Saigon by ARVN Command, and was to be replaced by units from the Republic of Vietnam Marine Corps (RVNMC). This would be in the form of two battalions of Vietnamese Marines, along with an artillery battery.
RVNMC Battle Group Alpha, consisting of 1st and 5th RVNMC Battalion and a six gun 105mm battery were tasked with the Hue operation, and were airlifted from Saigon to Phu Bai today, but they come no further. Despite the urgings of the US command there, the Vietnamese Marines have arrived at Phu Bai without needed equipment after heavy fighting in Saigon, lacking even jackets for the miserable weather. The commander, Major Huong Thong, elects to remain at Phu Bai until his equipment is brought up.
In addition, a US Marine battalion, Alpha/1/5, received orders today to redeploy from south of Phu Bai, marching tomorrow morning to be airlifted into the city. Some advance elements, along with some from Bravo/2/5, move out in the afternoon today, with the remainder of Alpha/1/5 ordered to move tomorrow under the command of Major Bob Thompson.
The NVA 6th Regiment, which remained in firm control of most of the Citadel, also was reinforced today, with units pulled from the ongoing Siege of Khe Sahn.
The Citadel: 2-10-1968
Mang Ca - ARVN 1st Division Headquarters
Tay Loc Airfield
Surrounded ARVN units continue to hold
ARVN 1st Airborne Task Force receives orders to prepare to move out
Imperial Palace - NVA Headquarters
Citadel Gates - Flags indicate controlling faction
The Triangle
A Marine carefully steps through a ruined building
US National Archives, Original Color, Film Still
In the Triangle the massive barrage on the areas east of the Stadium had reduced much of the area to rubble, and at dawn the Marines of Alpha/1/1 open their attack by firing CS gas at the NVA command post before assaulting it. Numerous dead NVA are found throughout the rubble, and the post falls with limited resistance from the shell-shocked remnants of the communist force. Scattered remnants of the NVA force remained around the Triangle, but at this point they effectively ceased to operate as coherent military units. Despite these isolated pockets of resistance that remained, today the 1st Marines declared their objectives in the New City accomplished.
“I must have a bunch of Chicago or Detroit gangsters, they are really skilled at street fighting.”
Additional Marine reinforcements were brought in to assist in the mop-up, with 200 Marines crossing what remained of the An Cuu Bridge on foot today. An attempt had been made to send a bridging unit to replace the span, but they had been ill informed regarding the damage done to the structure, and were thus forced to turn back to Phu Bai to gather the needed supplies and equipment to repair it. Some additional NVA reinforcements also arrived today to bolster the collapsing 4th NVA Regiment, although the writing was on the wall regarding their control of the Triangle at this point.
Walter Cronkite interviews Professor Mai, a teacher at Hue University
US National Archives
Also of note today is the arrival of Walter Cronkite, the CBS News anchor often cited as the “Most Trusted Man in America” in the city of Hue. Having observed the Tet Offensive from his newsroom, Cronkite had made the decision to travel to Vietnam himself to uncover the real situation in the country, as the official reports from the military seemed to conflict with the images and reports coming in from civilian sources. Cronkite was no stranger to war, having served as a correspondent during the Second World War, having in many instances being in direct danger from enemy fire. Indeed, the second in command at MACV, General Creighton Abrams, was an old friend, and Cronkite planned to meet with him after leaving Hue as his tour of Vietnam wound down. His report on the situation in Vietnam was to have great repercussions when it aired.
The Triangle: 2-10-1968
MACV Compound - US Headquarters
Doc Lap Park LZ
LCU Ramp
Hue University - Refugee Center, Walter Cronkite begins interviewing refugees here
Thua Thien Provincial Headquarters
Tu Do Stadium
Alpha/1/1 Marines take the command post of the 804th NVA Regiment
The remnants of the 804th Regiment remain in pockets throughout the area
Some reinforcements arrive to bolster the 4th NVA Regiment, but the US Marines have locked down most of the Triangle
The Hamlets
To the north little changed today. The troopers of 5/7 Cav remained in position at Thon Lieu Coc Thuong, although resupply was accomplished by truck. To the south at Nui Nha Nhan the 2/12 Cav discovered that after the pervious day’s fighting the NVA had abandoned Thon Bon Tri, and moved into it, sending a reconnaissance force to scout toward Thon La Chu.
The Hamlets: 2-10-1968
Thon Lieu Coc Thuong - 5/7 Cav holds position here today, and is resupplied by truck
Thon Bon Tri - The NVA pulls back, allowing 2/12 Cav to move into the village
Thon Que Chu - NVA remain entrenched here
Thon Bon Phu - NVA elements from Thon Bon Tri remain here
Thon La Chu - NVA Tri-Thien Hue Front Headquarters
Nui Nha Nhan - ARVN Outpost