Ep 4. An Endless War (1968-1969)

The episode called "An Endless War (1968-1969)" is the fourth in season one of the show Vietnam in HD. The episode explores the period in Vietnam war that saw some of the deadliest battles and turning points for both sides. It documents the events unfolding between 1968 and 1969 where the Americans and their allies launched several operations to capture the Ho Chi Minh trail, the primary supply line of the North Vietnamese army.

The episode opens with the Tet Offensive, a coordinated attack by the North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong on the South Vietnamese cities and military bases. The attack during the Vietnamese New Year caught the Americans and their allies by surprise, leading to widespread destruction and casualties.

The show interviews several American soldiers who recount their experiences during the offensive. The soldiers highlight the fierce fighting with the Viet Cong and the bitter feelings they had about the propaganda that portrayed the offensive as a success for the North Vietnamese.

The episode highlights the struggle of the Americans in Vietnam, where they faced numerous challenges from the terrain, guerilla tactics by the Viet Cong, and the unyielding commitment of the North Vietnamese army. It documents the operations launched by the Americans to capture parts of the Ho Chi Minh trail, which resulted in some of the deadliest battles of the war, including the battle of Khe Sanh.

Throughout the episode, the show presents the complexities of the war and how it impacted the lives of the soldiers on both sides. It also covers the home front, where opposition to the war continued to grow, and increasingly vocal protests erupted across the country.

The episode also features interviews with several soldiers who returned home from Vietnam only to face a hostile reception from anti-war activists. These soldiers recount the struggles of readjusting to civilian life and the long-term emotional and physical trauma they suffered from their experiences in Vietnam.

The episode concludes by highlighting the high cost of the war in both human and financial terms. It reminds the viewers that the conflict in Vietnam lasted for several more years and resulted in significant losses for both sides.

Overall, "An Endless War (1968-1969)" is a powerful and moving episode that captures the struggles of the Americans and their allies fighting in Vietnam. The show provides a vivid account of the deadly battles, the human toll of the war, and the complex emotions surrounding the conflict. Vietnam in HD is a highly recommended series for anyone interested in learning more about the Vietnam war and its impact on American society.