The Battle of Khe Sanh: A Siege in the Highlands

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In this podcast episode, I narrate the gripping tale of the Battle of Khe Sanh, a 77-day siege in 1968 where 6,000 U.S. Marines faced off against a North Vietnamese force of 20,000 to 40,000 in South Vietnam’s rugged Quang Tri Province. You’ll hear about the historical stakes—set against the Vietnam War’s escalating tensions and the strategic importance of Khe Sanh near the Ho Chi Minh Trail—as well as the intense opening barrage on January 21 that destroyed 1,500 tons of ammunition. I detail the battle’s key moments: relentless NVA artillery, the fall of Lang Vei, the pivotal February 25 assault, and Operation Niagara’s 110,000 tons of bombs that turned the tide, all culminating in Operation Pegasus breaking the siege by April 8.

This audio version of my newsletter dives into the battle’s aftermath—205 Marines killed, the base’s controversial abandonment in July 1968—and its lasting legacy, from tactical airpower lessons to its role in shifting U.S. public opinion during Tet. I explore why Khe Sanh matters today, offering insights into resilience, strategy, and the complexities of war that echo in modern conflicts like Afghanistan. Narrated for those on the go, this 35-minute episode brings the article to life, blending vivid storytelling with analysis to unpack one of Vietnam’s most debated clashes. It’s a chance to reflect on what Khe Sanh teaches us about endurance and the cost of decisions in war.