Posted on Sep 4, 2017
Ultra Rare Vietnam War Footage | Assault on Hamburger Hill (CBS Archives 1969)
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"The Battle of Hamburger Hill was a battle of the Vietnam War that was fought by the United States and South Vietnam against North Vietnamese forces from May 10–20, 1969 (main part of Operation Apache Snow). Although the heavily fortified Hill 937 was of little strategic value, U.S. command ordered its capture by a frontal assault, only to abandon it soon thereafter. The action caused a controversy both in the American military and public.
The battle was primarily an infantry engagement, with the U.S. Airborne troops moving up the steeply-sloped hill against well entrenched troops. Attacks were repeatedly repelled by the North Vietnamese People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) defenses. Bad weather also hindered operations. Nevertheless, the Airborne troops took the hill through direct assault, causing extensive casualties to the NVA forces."
The battle was primarily an infantry engagement, with the U.S. Airborne troops moving up the steeply-sloped hill against well entrenched troops. Attacks were repeatedly repelled by the North Vietnamese People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) defenses. Bad weather also hindered operations. Nevertheless, the Airborne troops took the hill through direct assault, causing extensive casualties to the NVA forces."
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 12
Posted >1 y ago
Two different sets of young people at that time,one given the almost impossible task of assaulting a worthless piece of real estate with heavy casualties maybe even their own and then the other group of young people safe,coddled with the World as their oyster,and yet I'm still glad I was part of the former and honored to have served in their generation.
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Posted >1 y ago
Thank you for sharing this SFC (Join to see). Wars are always harder when those who fight go back to a thankless Nation. Fighting for something you love is much different when it loves you back.
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SPC Todd Rhoades
>1 y
One of the men that was in Southeast Asia got a welcome home today. My uncle was a heavy equipment mechanic over there. He has never spoken about it much, other than he won't eat rice, not too much fish, although I have seen him go to town on some fried bluegill, and would die of thirst before he drank a glass of tea. Out of respect, I let it go at that. I saw him working in the yard today, I could not let it go any longer, as he is now 74, and none of us live forever, so before time deprived me of the opportunity I had to. We exchange the usual greetings. "Hey uncle Jack" "Hi Toddy" he still calls me that after 50 years, I love it! I asked him to put down the screwdriver in his right hand, he did with a puzzled look. I extended my hand and as he grasp it, I pulled him in to a hug as a scratchy voice and tear filled eyes stated "Welcome home brother, you are not forgotten". I never remember seeing him shed a tear in my entire life, he did today. We talked for a short while about the wonderful brothers that I have met here, from all generations. Before parting, I informed him that even though his country had forgotten him, his brothers hadn't, and that as long as I draw breath nobody would ever be forgotten again. As I walked back to my truck, I glanced back at him and in perfect timing he looked up from the work he had went back to with a slight grin on his face. What a wonderful day.
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SSgt Terry P.
>1 y
SPC Todd Rhoades - Wow,just wow,caused me to tear up reading this.This type of support would have gone a long way in mending many of those who came home from VN.
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Posted >1 y ago
Such a waste- intense combat for zero tactical results.
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