Road 9-Khe Sanh Campaign showed via paintings and sketches

The main purpose of the Road 9-Khe Sanh Campaign was to destroy an important part of the enemy, divert the enemy from the main direction of the Tet Offensive, and perform tasks to attract the strategic forces of the enemy to create favorable conditions for the implementation of the general offensive and uprising in the whole Southern region.

The campaign started at 2am on January 21, 1968 and when the main enemy paid close attention and sent forces to Khe Sanh, the Vietnamese forces waged the general offensive on the night of January 31 (the 1968 Lunar New Year’s Eve) across big cities and headquarters and offices of the American military and Saigon government.

Over the course of 170 fierce days and nights, on July 9, 1968, the Road 9-Khe Sanh Campaign successfully concluded.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the 1968 Tet Offensive, and towards the 50th anniversary of the Road 9-Khe Sanh Campaign, PANO would like to introduce some paintings and sketches featuring activities of Vietnamese troops and local people painted by Senior Colonel, artist Pham Thanh Tam while he was participating in the campaign.

Troops maneuvering to B5 front (also known as the Road 9-North Quang Tri front)

Crossing the jungle

An artillery battery watching targets in Khe Sanh

Peaceful moment at an artillery combat position

Our artillery force shelling the enemy in Khe Sanh

Escorting POWs

Van Kieu ethnic minority people living near Road 9

Translated by Van Hieu