With 10,000 combatants and civilians dead, the Battle of Hue was the bloodiest battle of the Vietnam War, and both sides claimed victory. This comprehensive book tells the story of this battle for each side in a detailed and readable approach. Maps and photos lead each section, and a comprehensive index is available online.

This battle was described as the turning point of the war, and the outcome of this offensive likely led to Johnson's decision not to seek reelection, along with the removal of General Westmoreland. The latter provided consistent false reports about this battle, sending small groups in to "clean up pockets", when in fact the forces of the north held the city in strength. It is also likely that less lives would have been lost, and extremely possible that less negative reaction would have followed stateside.

In a reaction vote, 1968 saw the election of Richard Nixon, who stated he had a secret plan for winning the war. I must compare to a similar recent reaction vote and secret plans, as history repeats itself - to my great disappointment.

[a:Mark Bowden|3098|Mark Bowden|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1493848145p2/3098.jpg] is also the author of [b:Black Hawk Down|55403|Black Hawk Down|Mark Bowden|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1442149156s/55403.jpg|1041952], which received much acclaim. I find I must now add it to my reading list for the near future. Hue 1968 was really an excellent read, and I highly recommend it to students of recent history.