The Battle of Khe Sanh was a protracted siege of a U.S. Marine Corps combat base and its surrounding outposts by the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) during the Vietnam War, marked by intense bombardment and multiple infantry assaults.
The Siege Begins
On January 21, 1968, the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) initiated the siege by surrounding and besieging the U.S. Marine base at Khe Sanh, specifically targeting the Khe Sanh Combat Base (KSCB) and the various hilltop outposts located around it. This action marked the beginning of one of the most significant and sustained engagements of the Vietnam War.
Five Months of Relentless Attacks
For the ensuing five months, the KSCB and its outlying positions faced a daily barrage of attacks from PAVN forces. The U.S. and allied troops endured continuous artillery, mortar, and rocket attacks, indicating the PAVN's sustained effort to dislodge or destroy the base. Beyond the daily bombardments, the base also withstood several direct infantry assaults, highlighting the close-quarters combat and strategic importance of the location.
Human Cost
The intense and prolonged fighting at Khe Sanh resulted in significant casualties for U.S. forces. The commitment of resources and the ferocity of the attacks underscored the high stakes involved in holding the strategic position.
The casualties suffered by U.S. troops during the five-month siege were substantial:
| Casualty Type | Number of U.S. Troops |
|---|---|
| Killed | More than 274 |
| Wounded | More than 2,500 |
These figures reflect the brutal nature of the battle, characterized by relentless shelling and direct ground assaults.
