M60
NES Member
Nobody from either side knows the number of killed and wounded. There was a massive amount of propaganda and US body counts were no better than North Vietnam's claims. What is obvious is that the 2/7 Battalion was massacred. ("We were Soldiers Once" by Col Moore is one of the better books about the war.)
There were many other smaller battles where US troops got hammered.
25 Div, HoBo woods, (Near Tay Ninh) 57 casualties out of a Co of 92
1st Div, Xa Cam My, 109 out of a Co of 134
5th Mar, Op Union, 210 out of 3 Co (Good friend of mine survived this. They advanced across open rice paddies)
1st Mar, Go Noi, 924 out of 3 Battalions (50% casualties)
Hill 875, 173rd, 340 out of 570 who went up the hill
Hamburger Hill, 101st, 564 casualties. 60% in one Bn!!!
So I don't buy into the myth that we never lost a battle. We were subjected to huge propaganda claims by both sides. My personal experience: ARVN would not defend their own country. Viet Cong would only fight if they thought they outnumbered you, and then they would disappear as quickly as they appeared. They didn't wait around for the Phantoms or 155's to come rolling in. I have a lot of respect for their courage and fighting ability.
I had no contact with NVA. They were a well equipped and trained army and their leadership and tactics were as good as ours.
I think US Marines were and are the best trained soldiers and the world. They were not allowed to fight as a result of corrupt politicians and generals. Westmoreland should be buried in a prison graveyard full of former serial killers.
Well, one thing is for sure. No one can bullshit you with phony numbers when you're one of guys doing the counting.