Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Communist forces keep pressure up on approaches to Hue, South Vietnam. Food, gasoline scarce; arson, looting, gun fighting reported Thousands of panicky refugees, ldrless. retreating South Vietnam soldiers blamed. Many leave via Highway 1 for Danang. Fire Base Nancy falls; Fire Base King attacked; Phu Bai hit by rockets - thus Hue is encircled. In Binh Dinh Province, Fire Base English falls. American fighter bombers pound enemy positions in South Vietnam. 3 jets, helicopter, downed; crews rescued.
REPORTER: Walter Cronkite

(Highway 13, South Vietnam) Line of retreating South Vietnam soldiers stretches 32 mile north of Hue. In panic to leave, no one had much time for the wounded. [American adviser, Major Robert SHERADAN - says South Vietnam had 10,000 troops while North Vietnam had 40,000. Doesn't think Hue will fall.] South Vietnam protect major bridge with less than 60 men.
REPORTER: Michael Nicholson {Independent television News}

(Studio) Secretary Defense Laird orders fact-finding team include 5 Gens. to South Vietnam to find out what Saigon needs in arms and supplies.
REPORTER: Walter Cronkite