Khe Sanh, Siege of
Khe Sanh, Siege of (1968).Among key engagements of the Vietnam War, the siege of Khe Sanh also marked one of the largest setpiece battles of that conflict. The relationship between Khe Sanh and the Tet Offensive of 1968 continues to be the most controversial aspect of the siege. In fighting prior to the offensive, U.S. commander Gen. William C. Westmoreland became convinced that this base at the northwestern corner of South Vietnam would be the major objective for North Vietnamese forces in the attack he expected. Instead, the forces directed by Gen. V. Nguyen Giap struck cities and towns throughout South Vietnam. Whether or not Hanoi mounted a deliberate deception remains at issue. In any case, Westmoreland's focus on Khe Sanh helped Hanoi gain position for its assaults at Tet.
In the prelude to the Khe Sanh siege, increasing numbers of Hanoi's...
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