Hamburger Hill: The Battle for Nothing?
From May 10th through May 20th, United States and South Vietnam infantrymen fought against North Vietnam soldiers on Hamburger Hill. This battle was part of an effort to neutralize A Shau (a route leading to South Vietnam). With 450 tons worth of bombs dropped, United States soldiers claimed 675 lives, and captured three North Vietnamese soldiers. But with the hundreds of American soldiers dead, followed by the recent announcement stating that the United States has abandoned the fight for Hamburger Hill, debate has risen over the validity of this battle really was.
Though a successful battle, controversy has risen over the validity of the attack on the homefront. Little strategic deliberation was put into the attack, leading to many unnecessary casualties. With North Vietnamese soldiers having the upper ground, the American forces encountered severe disadvantages throughout the battle. Late in the battle, United States Air Force got involved, and carried out 275 missions. They eventually won the battle, gaining territory for the US. Merely weeks later, the American soldiers abandoned the land, voiding the preceding battle unavailing. This caused small uprisings by United States citizens, and the United States Congress.
When asked about the battle, one US infantryman stated, “That damn Blackjack (General) won't stop until he kills every one of us.” Eventually, seventy-two United States soldiers ended up dead, and 372 wounded. This left a shocking seventy percent casualty rate. What was Hill 937 became Hamburger Hill, due to the battle becoming a “meat grinder.”
Now, the United States has stated that the land won by the battle has been abandoned, and taken over by North Vietnamese infantry men. Matthew Kennedy released a statement criticizing Nixon’s decisions on this battle, calling them “senseless and irresponsible.” Life Magazine also recently published pictures of the battle of Hamburger Hill. A picture depicting 240 US casualties laying in the forest has managed to spark the interest of the media, and the public. Complaints around the United States has lead to the Government declaring that “Vietnamization” will soon be taking place. This means the US will be turning over most of the war to South Vietnam to fight, leaving the US less involved.
While the United States begins to initiate “Vietnamization,” hopes have been raised to reach peace in the war. Politicians have began to foreshadow the United States leaving the war. With hopes being raised, pressure has been put on the US government to end the war. As President Lyndon B. Johnson said in 1968, “Let men everywhere know, however, that a strong, a confident, and a vigilant America stands ready tonight to seek an honorable peace--and stands ready tonight to defend an honored cause--whatever the price, whatever the burden, whatever the sacrifice that duty may require.”
From May 10th through May 20th, United States and South Vietnam infantrymen fought against North Vietnam soldiers on Hamburger Hill. This battle was part of an effort to neutralize A Shau (a route leading to South Vietnam). With 450 tons worth of bombs dropped, United States soldiers claimed 675 lives, and captured three North Vietnamese soldiers. But with the hundreds of American soldiers dead, followed by the recent announcement stating that the United States has abandoned the fight for Hamburger Hill, debate has risen over the validity of this battle really was.
Though a successful battle, controversy has risen over the validity of the attack on the homefront. Little strategic deliberation was put into the attack, leading to many unnecessary casualties. With North Vietnamese soldiers having the upper ground, the American forces encountered severe disadvantages throughout the battle. Late in the battle, United States Air Force got involved, and carried out 275 missions. They eventually won the battle, gaining territory for the US. Merely weeks later, the American soldiers abandoned the land, voiding the preceding battle unavailing. This caused small uprisings by United States citizens, and the United States Congress.
When asked about the battle, one US infantryman stated, “That damn Blackjack (General) won't stop until he kills every one of us.” Eventually, seventy-two United States soldiers ended up dead, and 372 wounded. This left a shocking seventy percent casualty rate. What was Hill 937 became Hamburger Hill, due to the battle becoming a “meat grinder.”
Now, the United States has stated that the land won by the battle has been abandoned, and taken over by North Vietnamese infantry men. Matthew Kennedy released a statement criticizing Nixon’s decisions on this battle, calling them “senseless and irresponsible.” Life Magazine also recently published pictures of the battle of Hamburger Hill. A picture depicting 240 US casualties laying in the forest has managed to spark the interest of the media, and the public. Complaints around the United States has lead to the Government declaring that “Vietnamization” will soon be taking place. This means the US will be turning over most of the war to South Vietnam to fight, leaving the US less involved.
While the United States begins to initiate “Vietnamization,” hopes have been raised to reach peace in the war. Politicians have began to foreshadow the United States leaving the war. With hopes being raised, pressure has been put on the US government to end the war. As President Lyndon B. Johnson said in 1968, “Let men everywhere know, however, that a strong, a confident, and a vigilant America stands ready tonight to seek an honorable peace--and stands ready tonight to defend an honored cause--whatever the price, whatever the burden, whatever the sacrifice that duty may require.”