Page 51 - The Viet-Cong Tet_Offensive_1968

The Viet Cong call this the rrone point, two frontrr tactic
while western strategists terrn it rrfeintrr,

Casualties

Although casualties do not constitute the rnost reliable
rneasure by which to asse6s the success or failure of a rnilitary carn-
paign in the Vietnarn walr, a cornparison of losses suJfered by both
sides during the crucial rnonths of February and March - the first
phase of the Viet Cong Tet offensive - rnay give an indication of the
general trend of the situation.

Following are figures of losses recorded by the Joint
General Staff of the Republic of Vietnarn Arrned Forces for the first
phase of the Viet Jong Winter-Spring Carnpaign (February-March
1968). This period was rnarked by the unprecedented attacks on the
cities of South Vietnarn during the lunar New Year. These figures also
include the second wave of assaults which began 17 February as well
a6 the various srnaller actions recorded until the end of March.

J. Friendly Losses:
(a) South Vietnarne se Per sonnel F ebruarv Mar ch
Killed in Action . 3,501 I,453
Wounded in Action 10,578 4,4t9
Mis sing in Action 543 383
TOTAL 74,722 6, 255

(b) AlLied Per sonnel bae-L4v-g=-q-.)
Killed in Action z, 832 r,292
Wounded in Action 15 ,832 3,453
Mis sing in Action 352

TOTAL 19, 016 4, 997
(.) Weapon Lo s se s (911X_grr\)
Crew-Served Weapons . . r05 /o
Individual Weapons I ,418 74t
TOTAL 1 E.2 A 819

(d) Airc raf t Los ses (i4erd (t)
Cornpletely Destroyed , . 63 60
Heavily Darnaged r54 60
Slightly Darnaged 99 rr6
rorAl (2) 316 236

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