New Message to Gen Tran Van Do

Comrade General, it is a glorious day—the capitalist media are reporting that Hue has fallen to forces under your august leadership!

We are supporting your drive to victory although the enemy is getting stronger and pressing his attacks.

The 806th Battalion, which was holding Rt 1 north of Hue at 27, 67 has taken heavy losses and been forced off the road.  They are retiring to the southwest to disengage from the enemy until they can reform and re-attack.

A large enemy force of approximately 2 battalions has moved to Rt 1 north of Hue at 26, 69 and is digging in.

Our attack on the airfield at Van Xa (27.5, 64) has gone in but we have no clear reports on how it is going.

The 3 reserve battalions have moved down the main supply road to 22, 67 and they will continue to Hue to transfer to your command.

The 416th Battalion, holding Rt 1 south of Hue (at 17.5, 84), is under attack by Americans from Phu Bai and is holding but taking losses.

We eagerly await your orders!

Comrade General, congratulations on bringing down the bridges over the river in Hue to keep the Americans at bay.  

Reinforcement battalions heading for Hue report arriving and under your command!

Our other forces outside the city have fought valiantly and bought time but they are becoming spent.

Attack on airfield at Van Xa did not succeed.  806th Bn withdrawing to river crossing on main supply route at 25.5/60.5.  The enemy are reinforcing the airfield and reconnaissance helicopters are operating in the area.  I will attack airfield with rockets to disrupt enemy airmobile operations.

416th Bn south of Hue has taken heavy losses and has been pushed back off Rt 1 towards 18/79

Enemy force reported previously is digging in on Rt 1 in vicinity of 26/69.

General, we now have no significant force able to keep our main supply route open if the enemy cuts it.  If a reaction force were positioned somewhere up the main supply route from Hue, for example, near the rocket battery at 22, 65, that would give us the option of counterattacking more quickly, and from outside the city, to re-open our supply route.

Awaiting your wise leadership to carry us to victory!

Orders to Forces Outside City (Col. Gen. Tran Van Tra):

I am defending city against American attacks from the south and counterattacking to drive ARVN forces out of SE corner of the city.  Other units are preparing all-around defense of the city.  American airborne units are reported advancing toward Hue from north down Rt 1.

Carry out orders previously given.  Primary mission is now holding open main supply route to Hue City.  Forces south of Hue should continue to try to harass enemy moving north on Rt 1 toward Hue.  5th and 6th Bns should serve as operational reserve for keeping route open.  Use them to perform that mission.  Report to me on events and conditions outside Hue City.

sean b wrote:Orders to Forces Outside City (Col. Gen. Tran Van Tra):

I am defending city against American attacks from the south and counterattacking to drive ARVN forces out of SE corner of the city.  Other units are preparing all-around defense of the city.  American airborne units are reported advancing toward Hue from north down Rt 1.

Carry out orders previously given.  Primary mission is now holding open main supply route to Hue City.  Forces south of Hue should continue to try to harass enemy moving north on Rt 1 toward Hue.  5th and 6th Bns should serve as operational reserve for keeping route open.  Use them to perform that mission.  Report to me on events and conditions outside Hue City.

General, radio intercepts now indicate that the Americans have crossed the river south and west of Hue and have advanced a small force (two companies) into the ARVN 1st Division Training Center (roughly at 72.5, 20.5).  Use your reserves as necessary to neutralize this force.

Radio intercepts also indicate that the enemy may be reconnoitering our supply line around 25.5, 60.5; ensure that they cannot cut it.  If you get resupplied, send supplies to Hue--we will need them to fight the enemy's attempt to break into the city.