Today in History - Nov 14 - The Battle of La Drang

November 14 is the anniversary of the start of The Battle of La Drang in 1965. This was the first major battle that the US took part in of the Vietnam War, and set the tone for the next 8 years.

The US was eager to get into the war, and to test their new tactics (air cavalry). So they had planned an attack on La Drang, which was a strategically important location that was being threatened by the North Vietnamese army. The fighting was intense.

The new American tactics involved transporting infantry to the battlefield using helicopters, and continuing to reinforce and supply using air power and artillery. This worked well, and would be a commonly used tactic throughout the war. But in this battle, North Vietnam realised that if they engaged the American units at close range, they would have the advantage, as the American forces would not be able to call in artillery or air support. This would also prove to be an effective strategy going forward.

In the end, the battle was basically a draw. North Vietnam had taken significantly more casualties, but they had withstood the full might of the US forces. The US president was reportedly shocked at the US military's casualties. Roughly half of their attacking force was destroyed. It was obvious that for all their proclaimed might, Vietnam would not be won easily.

A mere three years later, November 14 1968 became known as "National Turn in Your Draft Card Day". In the wake of a sea of bodies returning home, the American people had lost interest in fighting a war halfway around the world that wasn't any of their business. But the US being a beacon of democracy, kept the war going for as long as they could. Millions died, and they lost the war anyway.