Khe Sanh

[wukong]

I was amazed when I read this article concerning the Siege of Khe Sanh. This is a good read for all current and future military professionals.

http://www.library.vanderbilt.edu/ce...y-Khe-Sanh.htm

[steelplateinmyhead]

Good read.

Eye opening.

[EClark]

I was in Veitnam in early 68 we flew all over. Moveing things around from, the last of Jan. to the last of March.We flew out of Clark. Those guys on the the ground earned their pay.

[EClark]

My brother Sgt. James I. Clark was in country for 13 months mid 68 to late 69. He was a Gunnery Sgt on 155 Hol. on some hill, he had some pic. of dead V.C. that would not be suitable today.

[Ben Shotalot]

Originally Posted by EClark

My brother Sgt. James I. Clark was in country for 13 months mid 68 to late 69. He was a Gunnery Sgt on 155 Hol. on some hill, he had some pic. of dead V.C. that would not be suitable today.

Did you or your brother know HE? He was a legend you know....

[EClark]

Okay I get it. You guys just want to make fun.

[Ben Shotalot]

Originally Posted by EClark

Okay I get it. You guys just want to make fun.

I was not poking fun at you, more like poking fun at HE.

I have more than enough respect for those that came before me and served over in 'Nam.

I have been to Clark AFB myself. Once as a Marine on a layover, and the second time as a Soldier on duty and that time the base was not operated by the US (2005). It sure did look run down.

You and your brother served between the times my Dad and I served. Total respect. I didn't mean it to come across that way if that is the way you 'read' my tone over the internet. Sarcasm doesn't come across very well.

[Ben Shotalot]

BTW,

Post pictures if you got'em. I'm into military history and love to hear the stories associated with images. PM me your email address. I would like to send you a link 'invite' to a website you would enjoy.

[MOM]

Originally Posted by Ben Shotalot

Did you or your brother know HE? He was a legend you know....

That came out of no where, and I laughed RIGHT out loud!

Originally Posted by EClark

Okay I get it. You guys just want to make fun.

EClark, I notice that you have only 12 posts at the time I'm writing this. You may not have caught the inside joke if you just landed here, but I know I can speak for most likely 100 % of the people here in saying that we can all joke and laugh about a lot of things, but never someone's service time. You and your brother both have our utmost respect and appreciation for that. I bet it was hard on your mother to have two sons over there at the same time.

[Redleg]

Originally Posted by wukong

I was amazed when I read this article concerning the Siege of Khe Sanh. This is a good read for all current and future military professionals.

http://www.library.vanderbilt.edu/ce...y-Khe-Sanh.htm

I have always believed the siege at Khe Sanh was an American ruse to lure the NVA into a trap and to zapp their sorry asses.
Back in the states the MSM was harping how our Marines were trapped and on the verge of annihilation, thus giving more fodder to the anti-war movement. The MSM did get their wish with '68 TET, even thought they neglected to release the fact that 48,000 Viet Cong were KIA in the process and were eliminated as any type of future effective fighting force against the Americans.

The NVA would have never taken Khe Sanh due to superior US firepower deployed in I Corps. I would bet that every square inch of Khe Sanh was plotted and targeted by all arty guns with in 20 miles and TAC/air support was fueled and ordnance loaded. Most likely, ARC LIGHT was on alert and standing by to drop a giant shit on NVA positions.
Not sure if Naval gunfire could reach the FSB, but if it could it would have been another deterrent factor for the NVA's wishfull thinking.

Might want to read up on Hill 875, another of the NVA's belief that they could cohabitate an AO with US forces.