This Day in History: 20 May 2020
20 May 1969
51 years ago, today, the battle for Hill 937 in South Vietnam ended after it was captured by the Americans and the South Vietnamese. This hill was dubbed by the Americans as 'Hamburger Hill', as the battle and its high casualty rate reminded them of a meat grinder. The mission was part of Operation Apache Snow, intended to limit the enemy infiltration from Laos that endangered Hue and Danang. On May 10, American forces launched its first assault on the North Vietnamese stronghold, following a series of air and artillery strikes. However, they suffered high causalities and were made to fall back. More assaults were launched but the North Vietnamese defenders did not give up their position until ten days later.
In this mission, almost 100 Americans were killed, and more than 400 were wounded, resulting in a 70% casualty rate. Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts called the operation "senseless and irresponsible", proceeding to criticise the military tactics of President Richard Nixon. This speech to the Senate was seen as part of the growing public outcry over US involvement in Vietnam. 8 days later after Hill 937 was captured, it was abandoned, sparking further outrage from the public over what seemed like a futile loss of American lives. This abandonment was decided as the operation was initially a diversionary tactic. North Vietnamese forces later returned and regained their position.
Want to find out more about the controversies surrounding the battle for Hamburger Hill? Click here for more information, or watch the 1987 war drama film 'Hamburger Hill', highlighting the racial hostilities between the soldiers and the effect that the anti-war movement back home had. However, it has an age rating of 18, so do not watch if you are underaged.
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