"Hue 1968: A Turning Point of the American War ...." Topic

….in Vietnam by Mark Bowden.

"The first battle book from Mark Bowden since his #1 New York Times bestseller Black Hawk Down, Hue 1968 is the story of the centerpiece of the Tet Offensive and a turning point in the American War in Vietnam. In the early hours of January 31, 1968, the North Vietnamese launched over one hundred attacks across South Vietnam in what would become known as the Tet Offensive. The lynchpin of Tet was the capture of Hue, Vietnam's intellectual and cultural capital, by 10,000 National Liberation Front troops who descended from hidden camps and surged across the city of 140,000. Within hours the entire city was in their hands save for two small military outposts. American commanders refused to believe the size and scope of the Front's presence, ordering small companies of marines against thousands of entrenched enemy troops. After several futile and deadly days, Lieutenant Colonel Ernie Cheatham would finally come up with a strategy to retake the city, block by block and building by building, in some of the most intense urban combat since World War II.

With unprecedented access to war archives in the U.S. and Vietnam and interviews with participants from both sides, Bowden narrates each stage of this crucial battle through multiple viewpoints. Played out over 24 days and ultimately costing 10,000 lives, the Battle of Hue was by far the bloodiest of the entire war. When it ended, the American debate was never again about winning, only about how to leave. Hue 1968 is a gripping and moving account of this pivotal momento"

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Have anyone read this book?
If the answer is yes… comments please?
Thanks in advance for your guidance.

Amicalement
Armand

I went to Hue in 1969. Kind of a beautiful city, although the Perfume River was lined with garbage. They had 10-12 foot boards across it to get to their boats. The Inner City was spectacular with its temples and Buddhas and lawns. Got past the Vietnamese guards for 2 packs of Salem cigarettes. Good restaurants, too. They even had a China Town, which struck me weird somehow…

Read it this summer. I can say without reservation, it is one of the best books I've ever read. Bowden does such a great job of presenting multiple perspectives on the Battle of Hue-American, North Vietnamese, South Vietnamese military and civilian. It's a super narrative history, with much of the analysis taking place in the concluding chapter--not everyone is in agreement.

Very readable, highly recommended. I've generally stayed away from combat histories of Vietnam, but this book is exceptional. I read the Kindle version on my iPad, but it's good enough that I'd add it to my stuffed bookshelves.

Looking forward to it. Bowden does solid work.

(Scott made a dismal hash of Blackhawk Down. Not Bowden's fault.)

One of the better books I've read this year. Can't wait to visit the city in March

Check out the reviews in the link. The one by Charles with 3 stars is of particular interest.

Thanks!

Amicalement
Armand

Thanks for posting this. I'm a big fan of Mark Bowden, and look forward to reading this soon.

I read it. While I agree with other TMPrs that it is well narrated and full of drama, I also believe it has some drawbacks. My main complain is that most of the focus is on US experience. Certainly, Bowden has made an effort to include the North Vietnamese point of view, as well as that of South Vietnamese civilians. However, the South Vietnamese Army is just background noise, almost an afterthought. You don't learn anything about South Vietnamese Armed forces experience of the battle, nor what lessons they learned, causalties, ecc.

IMO, the Battle of Hue was just part of the turning point that was the Tet Offensive. I've read at least one book and a number of articles about Hue and Tet. Even wargamed both on a board with counters, etc.

Even had a few of officers and NCOs in units I served in. '79-'90. That were involved/deployed to Vietnam when Tet occurred. It clearly was a turning point in the War in SE Asia…

A votre service mon ami!. (smile)

Amicalement
Armand

I know a Marine officer that commanded a battalion at Hue. During the battle, he met with his counterpart handling Marine helicopter operations. The Marines refused to fly in supplies or evac causalities because it was too dangerous. Fortunately, an Army chopper unit with mostly 19 and 20-year-old pilot Warrant Officers volunteered to make the trips. Those young Army Warrant Officer pilots were some of the bravest in the war.

They also had a great reputation in I Corps with the Marine 3rd Force Recon teams.

Wolfhag