The Siege at Hue [Mass Market Paperback]

George W. Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 5, 2000

The siege at Hue ultimately determined the outcome of the Vietnam War. Now, here is the most complete account yet of that fateful
battle. . . .

On 31 January, 1968, the North Vietnamese and Vietcong launched the Tet Offensive, attacking thirty-six major South Vietnamese cities and towns. While American soldiers throughout the country dealt with the ferocity of the surprise attack, the most bitter battle of the entire war was unfolding at Hue. From the first round of incoming mortars to the triumphant hoisting of the American flag over the enemy's bastion, U.S. Army captain George W. Smith was there.

With reports from many eyewitnesses, Smith presents the day-to-day struggle in gripping detail, following the bloodyfought in the street by the three U.S. Marine battalions who played the decisive role in the liberation of Hue. Smith also covers the social and political upheaval in the ancient city of temples and palaces, the now-verified executions of nearly 3,000 civilians by the NVA and VC, and the crucial role of the American press.

Four men won the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism during the Battle of Hue, and the U.S. Marines were awarded ten Navy Crosses for extraordinary gallantry. Captain Smith honors these men--and their selfless acts of courage.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The North Vietnamese and Viet Cong surprise attack on the South Vietnamese city of Hue played a pivotal role in the Tet Offensive of 1968. The city of 140,000 was lightly held by a token South Vietnamese force at the time of the stunning assault. The street fighting was as savage as any in war, and the NVA/VC managed to hold out for 25 days. By the end, a total of 1500 Americans, 2200 South Vietnamese, and 5100 NVA/VC combatants had been killed or wounded. More than 3000 civilians had lost their lives, a high percentage of them murdered by Communist killer teams. Smith was present as a U.S. Marine officer and provides a sense of intimate knowledge as he outlines the desperate nature of the urban combat. His inclusion of South Vietnamese units and the description of the role they played stands out in the reporting of the war. Missing from his chronicle, though, is any treatment of strategic Communist goals, analysis of their forces, or discussion of the reasons behind the uncoordinated Allied attacks. Still, the dramatic presentation of the siege makes the book worthy of Vietnam War collections in academic and public libraries.AJohn R. Vallely, Siena Coll. Lib., Loudonville, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From the Inside Flap

The siege at Hue ultimately determined the outcome of the Vietnam War. Now, here is the most complete account yet of that fateful
battle. . . .

On 31 January, 1968, the North Vietnamese and Vietcong launched the Tet Offensive, attacking thirty-six major South Vietnamese cities and towns. While American soldiers throughout the country dealt with the ferocity of the surprise attack, the most bitter battle of the entire war was unfolding at Hue. From the first round of incoming mortars to the triumphant hoisting of the American flag over the enemy's bastion, U.S. Army captain George W. Smith was there.

With reports from many eyewitnesses, Smith presents the day-to-day struggle in gripping detail, following the bloodyfought in the street by the three U.S. Marine battalions who played the decisive role in the liberation of Hue. Smith also covers the social and political upheaval in the ancient city of temples and palaces, the now-verified executions of nearly 3,000 civilians by the NVA and VC, and the crucial role of the American press.

Four men won the Congressional Medal of Honor for heroism during the Battle of Hue, and the U.S. Marines were awarded ten Navy Crosses for extraordinary gallantry. Captain Smith honors these men--and their selfless acts of courage.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (July 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804119465
• ISBN-13: 978-0804119467
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 3.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,209,969 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent summary, November 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Siege at Hue (Hardcover)

This slim volume, grossly overpriced, is an excellent summary of a pivotal battle of the Tet offensive of 1968. Smith was in Hue throughout the battle as an Army PIO and gives a very balanced view of what went on. Often heralded as primarily a Marine battle, Smith rightly documents the actions of the Army units and the hard fighting done by the ARVN, particularly the paratroop units and the 1st Division. He strikes just the right balance between history and memoir. For the whole story, not just Smith's view, there are a number of books on the battle of Hue which he notes for the reader. Particularly effective was his post-war visits with some of the South Vietnamese commanders. The war cost all us, those of us who served there, those who lost their loved ones, but especially those who did both of those things and lost their country too.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You're Part of the Struggle!!!, August 3, 2000

By 

"pbraz1" (Windsor, CT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Siege at Hue (Mass Market Paperback)

What a read!! The author does a superb job of outlining the plot to take Hue by the North Vietnamese and puts you in the middle of the battle. His perosnal recollection as well as the interviews with former commanders is riveting.

As a non-military person, the explanations of key events and strategies is clear and concise. I found it hard to put down!!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Made Me Proud As Hell of My Fellow Americans, August 3, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Siege at Hue (Mass Market Paperback)

who fought at Hue. And it is written by somebody who was there. Hue was every bit as tough a battle against every bit as formidable an enemy as any Americans have ever faced. The soldiers who fought and died there deserve all the respect due them for having fought an incredibly tough battle. Most paperbacks I dispose of after reading. Not this one. It goes into the Vietnam collection.