Triumph Regained: The Vietnam War 1965-1968

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The Vietnam War was a long and deadly conflict that spanned over two decades. It left a significant impact on the world, both politically and socially. The years between 1965 and 1968 were particularly crucial, marking a turning point in the war. It was during this time that the United States regained control and changed the course of the conflict. This article will take you on a journey through those pivotal years, unveiling the triumphs and challenges faced by American forces as they fought to regain control of the war.

The Escalation: 1965

In early 1965, the situation in Vietnam was dire for the American troops. The Viet Cong, a guerilla force allied with North Vietnam, had been making significant gains, undermining the South Vietnamese government. The U.S. decided to escalate its involvement and deploy ground troops. This decision marked a significant change in the war strategy.

Triumph Regained: The Vietnam War, 1965-1968

by Mark Moyar(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	39516 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	128 pages

FREE

As American forces poured into Vietnam, the situation became increasingly complex. The Viet Cong were masters of unconventional warfare, blending in with the civilian population, and launching surprise attacks. The guerrilla tactics adopted by the North Vietnamese forces posed serious challenges for the Americans.

However, the United States was determined to regain control and turn the tide of the war in their favor. The Johnson administration advocated a strategy of attrition, aiming to inflict significant casualties on the enemy forces. The U.S. military launched massive bombing campaigns to weaken the enemy's infrastructure and push them back.

Breaking Point: 1967

By 1967, the war had reached a breaking point. The American public was growing increasingly skeptical of the U.S. involvement in Vietnam. Anti-war sentiment was on the rise, fueled by media coverage of the conflict and growing casualties.

However, the U.S. military was determined to regain control and exert its dominance. It launched a major offensive known as Operation Junction City, involving over 22,000 troops. This operation aimed to destroy the Viet Cong's ability to launch large-scale attacks against American and South Vietnamese forces.

Operation Junction City was a significant milestone for American forces. Despite facing heavy resistance, they were able to deal significant blows to the Viet Cong. By the end of the operation, the U.S. military had achieved its objectives, reestablishing control over vast areas of Vietnam.

The Tet Offensive: 1968

As 1968 dawned, the war took an unexpected turn. The North Vietnamese and Viet Cong launched a massive offensive during the Vietnamese New Year celebrations, known as the Tet Offensive. It was a coordinated series of surprise attacks on over 100 cities and towns across South Vietnam.

The Tet Offensive was a shock to American forces, who had believed that the Viet Cong were on the verge of defeat. The scale and coordination of the attacks caught them off guard. Although the U.S. military quickly regained control and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy, the offensive had a significant impact on public opinion back home.

The Tet Offensive marked a turning point in the war. It shattered the illusion of American invincibility and highlighted the challenges faced in Vietnam. The U.S. government faced mounting pressure to find a way out of the conflict and start negotiations for peace.

The Road to Victory: 1968

Despite the setbacks caused by the Tet Offensive, 1968 marked a turning point in American fortunes. The United States launched a series of successful operations that helped regain control of the situation.

One notable operation was the Battle of Khe Sanh, in which American forces successfully defended an important base against a prolonged siege by North Vietnamese troops. The successful defense of Khe Sanh boosted American morale and demonstrated their ability to withstand heavy attacks.

Another significant event was the capture of Hue City, which had been occupied by the North Vietnamese. American and South Vietnamese forces engaged in intense urban combat to retake the city. Despite facing significant challenges, they were ultimately successful in liberating Hue City, dealing a major blow to the enemy forces.

The years between 1965 and 1968 were a turning point in the Vietnam War. American forces were able to regain control of the conflict by implementing new strategies and launching successful operations. The U.S. military's determination and resilience were crucial in changing the course of the war.

While the Vietnam War would continue for several more years, the triumphs achieved during this period set the stage for future victories. The lessons learned and the challenges faced during these years would shape the strategies employed by American forces for the remainder of the conflict.

The triumph regained from 1965 to 1968 was a pivotal moment in the Vietnam War, and its impact can still be felt today. It serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the American military, and the sacrifices made by those who fought in this controversial war.

Triumph Regained: The Vietnam War, 1965-1968

by Mark Moyar(Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	39516 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	128 pages

FREE

Triumph Regained: The Vietnam War, 1965-1968 is the sequel to the immensely influential and controversial Triumph Forsaken: The Vietnam War, 1954-1965. 

Like its predecessor, this book overturns the conventional wisdom using a treasure trove of new sources, many of them from the North Vietnamese side. Rejecting the standard depiction of U.S. military intervention as a hopeless folly, it shows America’s war to have been a strategic necessity that could have ended victoriously had President Lyndon Johnson heeded the advice of his generals. In light of Johnson’s refusal to use American ground forces beyond South Vietnam, General William Westmoreland employed the best military strategy available. Once the White House loosened the restraints on Operation Rolling Thunder, American bombing inflicted far greater damage on the North Vietnamese supply system than has been previously understood, and it came close to starving North Vietnam into submission. 

American military operations enabled the South Vietnamese government to recover from the massive instability that followed the assassination of President Ngo Dinh Diem, while American culture sustained public support for the war through the end of 1968, giving South Vietnam realistic hopes for long-term survival. America’s defense of South Vietnam averted the imminent fall of key Asian nations to Communism and sowed strife inside the Communist camp, to the long-term detriment of America’s great-power rivals, China and the Soviet Union.