The Battle of Dak To, 1967

The Scuttlebutt: Understanding Military Culture

Join us for a special Veterans Breakfast Club Monday Night Livestream on November 24 marking the 58th anniversary of the Battle of Dak To, one of the fiercest and bloodiest engagements of the Vietnam War. We’ll be joined by veterans who fought there—men who endured the steep jungle slopes, relentless artillery, and desperate close-quarters combat of the Central Highlands in November 1967. Their firsthand stories will bring to life the courage, chaos, and sacrifice that defined this pivotal and horrific battle.

The Battle of Dak To took place in Kon Tum Province, near the border with Laos, as U.S. Army units—mainly from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, and 1st Cavalry Division—clashed with well-entrenched North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces. For weeks, paratroopers and infantrymen fought for control of jungle-covered ridges like Hill 875, where heavy bombardment turned the forest to ash and cost hundreds of American lives. By the time the battle ended, over 280 Americans were killed and more than 900 wounded, while NVA losses numbered in the thousands. It was a pyrrhic victory that revealed both the extraordinary valor of U.S. troops and the brutal futility of the wider war.

In this livestream, veterans of Dak To will share their memories of combat, loss, and survival—and reflect on what the battle means today, nearly half a century later. We’ll explore the human dimension behind the headlines: the fear, the brotherhood, and the haunting aftermath carried home. Join us for an evening of remembrance and reflection as we honor those who fought at Dak To and keep their stories alive.

We’re grateful to UPMC for Life for sponsoring this event!