Tet Offensive
1968

Maps: Battle for Hue
(very slow: 329K)

by John Hill

January 31, 1968: The initial NVA/VC attack. Each arrow represents the axis of attack of approximately one battalion. All attacks were successful except the ones on the MACV compound and the ARVN 1st Division headquarters.



JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 3: Following the initial assault, both ARVN and USMC forces rushed in reinforcements. A Marine "ad hoc" battalion fought to the MACV compound and attempted to cross the river. After taking heavy casualties, they withdrew. The Marine forces then concentrated on clearing the immediate area around the MACV compound. Meanwhile, the ARVN 3rd Regiment successfully relieved the besieged ARVN divisional headquarters.



FEBRUARY 7-FEBRUARY 10: More USMC reinforcements arrive and Marines continue pushing. Heavy casualties, particularly around Quac Hoc high school were taken by both sides. By February 9 the Marines had completely cleared the south oank of organized NVA resistance. Meanwhile, the ARVN airborne had arrived and joined with the ARVN 3rd in an attempt to clear all the area surrounding the "inner city." Very stiff NVA resistance stalled the attack and inflicted heavy casualties.



FEBRUARY 11 -FEBRUARY 24: The ARVN Marines had arrived and replaced the ARVN airborne on the right flank. USMC forces moved into the Citadel area by helicopter and landing craft to take over the attack on the left flank. On February 12 all forces attacked simultaneously. By February 22 the south wall had been reached despite fanatical resistance by NVA regulars. On February 24 an all-ARVN force, led by the elite Black Panther company, recaptured the Imperial Palace of Peace.

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