The Battle of Huế

South Vietnam - 1968

Vietnam War

Follow the Battle of Huế, height of the Tet Offensive, as the city falls to communist forces, and is retaken by American and RVN troops in a brutal urban struggle day by day as it happened.

 Contextual Information


Walter Gurske Walter Gurske

February 5, 1968

The marines in the Triangle push the NVA back to engage in fighting for the hospital complex, while the ARVN attempts to gain a foothold in the south of the Citadel. Outside the city, 5/7 Cav is committed to attack Thon La Chu as the remnants of 2.12 Cav reach their new positions after last night’s escape.

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Walter Gurske Walter Gurske

February 4, 1968

In the Citadel, the ARVN secures the last gate on the north wall, while the US Marines take control of the Treasury and Public Health Department in the Triangle. Meanwhile, the US Army’s 2/12 Cavalry breaks out of its encirclement at Thon La Chu after dark.

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Walter Gurske Walter Gurske

February 3, 1968

The marines in the triangle try to capture the Treasury and Public Health Department but are not able to secure it today, even though Col. Cheatham has arrived with large stocks of weapons. To the north, meanwhile, the 2/12Cav finds itself surrounded by a large NVA force near the village of La Chu.

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Walter Gurske Walter Gurske

February 2, 1968

The ARVN and the USMC both expand their holds in the city, with the Tay Loc Airfield in the citadel and Hue University falling to the allied forces. meanwhile, the US Army’s 1st Cavalry Division sends out troops to cut off the NVA line of reinforcement to Hue.

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Walter Gurske Walter Gurske

February 1, 1968

Reinforcements are still not enough to allow the ARVN to break out of Mang Ca, and the same is true for the US Marines in the Triangle, who are unable to advance more than a block from the MACV compound, outnumbered 10-1 by the NVA.

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Walter Gurske Walter Gurske

January 31, 1968

The Tet Offensive commences in the pre-dawn hours, with the city of Hue falling almost totally under NVA control by daybreak. The few remaining ARVN and US forces find themselves cut off and besieged, as US Marines from Phu Bai are moved north to clear out what is believed to be a small enemy presence.

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Sources