First Battle of Saigon

The First Battle of Saigon fought during the Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War was the coordinated attack by communist forces, including both the North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong, against Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam. In 1968 the communists launched the Tet Offensive. They attacked South Vietnam from all sides, largely by undercover Vietcong guerrillas. Saigon was the main focal point of this offensive, but a total takeover of the c... more

The First Battle of Saigon fought during the Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War was the coordinated attack by communist forces, including both the North Vietnamese Army and the Viet Cong, against Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam. In 1968 the communists launched the Tet Offensive. They attacked South Vietnam from all sides, largely by undercover Vietcong guerrillas. Saigon was the main focal point of this offensive, but a total takeover of the capital, by military units, was not intended or feasible. They rather had six main targets in the city which 35 battalions of Vietcong were to attack and capture: the headquarters of the ARVN, President Thieu's office, the American Embassy, the Tan Son Nhut air base, the Long Binh Naval Headquarters, and the National Radio Station. Attacking from all sides of the capital Saigon, the North Vietnamese Army (NVA), and VC launched 35 battalions at Saigon. Sapper Bns and the local forces attacked the Presidential Palace, the National Radio Station,... less