Battle of Khe Sanh

The Battle of Khe Sanh took place in Khe Sanh – northwestern Quang Tri province, South Vietnam from January 21 to April 9, 1968. The battle started when the People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN) troops shelled the US Marine garrison at Khe Sanh. The PAVN surrounded the base and used anti-aircraft missiles to prevent planes and helicopters from providing reinforcements. For 77 days, ARVN and U.S. Marines fought an extensive fight. It was only in March that Operation Pegasus (a land-based rescue) was able to provide reinforcements and supplies. It could not, however, remove the personnel. It took Operation Charlie on June 19 to do that after heavy shelling of the VC.

The Battle of Khe Sanh is known to be one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the Vietnam War. After the battle ended, both sides claimed victory despite heavy casualties. However, it is believed that the ARVN won the battle since The Battle of Khe Sanh seemed a diversionary tactic to distract American & South Vietnamese forces from the Viet Cong build-up in the South for the so-called “Tet Offensive”. The Battle of Khe Sanh added to the victories of the People’s Army of Vietnam, and led to so many other major battles and victories for them later in the War.

• Date: January 21 - April 9, 1968
  
• Location: Khe Sanh, Quang Tri, Vietnam
• Result: North Vietnam victory