A Shau Valley: A Crucial Battle in Vietnam war

Hamburger Hill, also known as Hill 937, stands as one of the most significant and controversial battle sites in the Vietnam War. This fierce engagement took place from May 10 to May 20, 1969, just a year after the Tet Offensive by the Vietnam Liberation Force in 1968. Nestled within the lush greenery of the A Shau Valley, this hill reaches an elevation of 937 meters above sea level, situated approximately 40 kilometers from Hue and just 3 kilometers from the Laotian border. Locally known as Nui A Bia, meaning the Mountain of Hidden Beasts, this rugged terrain is adorned with dense forests and towering elephant grass, creating an enchanting yet formidable landscape.

The Context of the Battle

The clashes at Hill 937 during May 1969 marked the second phase of Operation Apache Snow, aimed at eliminating Vietnam Liberation Force forces in A Shau Valley, a vital link in the supply route for communist forces entering South Vietnam. Following the withdrawal of American troops in 1966, Vietnam Liberation Force units moved in to occupy former American bases, establishing a stronghold in the area. In response, the U.S. Military Command decided to deploy a regiment-sized force, supported by heavy artillery and air power, to fulfill their mission.

Engaged Forces

The forces involved in the battle included four battalions from the renowned 101st Airborne Division, under the command of Major General Melvin Zais. These units belonged to the 3rd Brigade, led by Colonel Joseph Conmy. Additionally, two battalions from the 1st Infantry Division of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam were tasked with supporting the assaults by the 3rd Brigade. Other supporting units included the U.S. Marine Corps 9th Marine Regiment and the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.

The Progression of the Battle

The plan for the U.S. Army's 3rd Brigade was to use helicopters to launch a four-battalion assault into the valley, where approximately one Vietnam Liberation Force regiment was positioned, seeking to locate and destroy their weapons caches. Concurrently, the South Vietnamese forces were tasked with severing supply routes through the valley.

On May 10, U.S. paratroopers engaged Vietnam Liberation Force forces on the slopes of Hamburger Hill within hours of their landing. The well-prepared defensive positions held by the 3rd Brigade of the Vietnam Liberation Force repelled the initial American assault, forcing U.S. troops to retreat.

On May 11, amidst the dense forest, U.S. Cobra helicopters mistakenly targeted friendly forces, resulting in casualties and leading to a temporary halt in the offensive as American troops withdrew to defensive positions for the night.

Subsequent Assaults

On May 13, Colonel Conmy decided to attack Hamburger Hill from the south, along with nearby hills 903 and 916. However, this effort also met with failure. On May 14, Vietnam Liberation Force forces launched a surprise attack on a U.S. paratrooper company approximately 2 kilometers east of Hill 916, compelling American forces to retreat further down the slope.

From May 15 onward, Vietnam Liberation Force troops used the intermissions between counterattacks to dig trenches and foxholes to shield themselves from American artillery and air bombardments. This extensive fortification allowed them to withstand numerous American assaults effectively.

On May 15, U.S. helicopters dropped a paratrooper company onto Hill 916 while deploying two battalions towards Hill 900, gradually pressing towards Hamburger Hill. For two consecutive days, both sides fiercely contested every inch of ground. The U.S. forces had to rotate troops three times, while the Vietnam Liberation Force suffered from crumbling fortifications.

Decisive Assaults

On May 16 and 17, intense fighting erupted across hills 903, 916, and the southern approaches to Hamburger Hill. The U.S. forces shifted to a tactic of continuous attack to wear down the Vietnam Liberation Force's morale and compel them to withdraw due to fatigue.

After being stalemated for five days, U.S. commanders ordered a coordinated assault on May 18, deploying two battalions from the south and north. However, torrential rain diminished air support and hindered the infantry’s effectiveness.

Due to sustained casualties and mounting pressure from anti-war sentiments in the United States, some military leaders began to consider halting the assaults on Hamburger Hill. Nevertheless, General Zais resolved to continue the offensive, deploying an additional battalion to replace those lost in combat.

On May 20, the 3rd Brigade launched a final assault with four battalions at 10 a.m., following a series of preparatory bombardments. Remaining Vietnam Liberation Force forces were forced to engage and retreat towards the Laotian border. By 5 p.m., U.S. troops had fully secured Hamburger Hill.

Results of the Battle

The U.S. forces captured Hamburger Hill but at a significant cost, suffering 72 fatalities and 372 injuries. Remarkably, they abandoned the position just a month later, as it held little strategic value. Estimates indicate that around 630 Vietnam Liberation Force troops were killed, not including the wounded, after 10 days of fierce fighting.

Debates over the Hamburger Hill battle erupted in the U.S. Congress, with strong criticisms from Democratic Senators. They labeled the operation as “a reckless and irresponsible campaign,” arguing that American lives had been squandered merely to maintain military prestige. The American left-leaning press dubbed Hamburger Hill “The Meat Grinder of U.S. Paratroopers.”

While the U.S. forces, supported by South Vietnamese units, achieved a tactical victory, the soldiers who participated acknowledged the harrowing nature of the battle and the fierce resistance of the Vietnam Liberation Force. This sentiment is understandable, as the Vietnam Liberation Force were indoctrinated to view American troops as invaders, fostering deep resentment due to the relentless bombing campaigns in their northern homeland.

Conclusion

The Hamburger Hill battle serves not just as a chapter in the annals of warfare but also as a poignant lesson in military strategy and political ramifications. It catalyzed a reassessment of U.S. tactics in Vietnam and highlighted the complexities and tragedies inherent in the conflict. This battle remains a significant part of the historical narrative for both sides, embodying the resilience and determination of the Vietnam Liberation Force amid the stark realities of war.

Insights provided by Andy Nguyen based on personal knowledge.