Marine Corps Knowledge Practice

The main characteristic of the battles fought in Hue City was house-to-house and street-to-street combat. This type of urban warfare was a defining feature during the Tet Offensive in 1968, where Marine forces engaged in intense and close-quarter battles against North Vietnamese troops and Viet Cong insurgents. Hue City, being an ancient city with dense urban areas and historical significance, presented unique challenges for the combatants. The fighting was particularly brutal as troops had to clear buildings and navigate through narrow streets, often encountering ambushes and fierce resistance in a situation where traditional military tactics were less effective. The urban environment necessitated small unit tactics, direct engagement, and a high degree of caution to avoid civilian casualties, making house-to-house and street-to-street combat a hallmark of the conflict in Hue.