Historian’s nearly two decade quest to piece together America’s last major offensive in Vietnam

BLUF

New historical research into the Battle of Fire Support Base Ripcord highlights the human cost, leadership challenges, and operational realities of one of the Vietnam War’s deadliest and least understood American campaigns.

Learning outcomes

• Examine the human and organisational costs associated with prolonged high-intensity combat operations.
• Analyse how leadership rotation policies affected combat effectiveness and decision-making during the campaign.