This study also provides insight into the mechanics of the battle from the highest echelon of command to the smallest unit. In addition, appropriate coverage is provided to the supporting arms and the mammoth logistics effort which spelled the difference between victory and defeat. While this is basically a story about Marines, it notes the valiant contributions of U. S. Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel, as well as the South Vietnamese. The account is based on records of the U. S. Marine Corps, selected records of other Services, and appropriate published works. The comments of and interviews with key participants have been incorporated into the text. Although this monograph has been cleared for publication by the Department of Defense, most of the documents cited retain a security classification. [Illustration: Handwritten signature] R. E. CUSHMAN, JR. Lieutenant General, U. S. Marine Corps Commanding General, III Marine Amphibious Force TABLE OF CONTENTS Prologue v Foreword vi Preface ix Introduction 1 Part I: Background 3 Part II: The Lull Between The Storms 18 Part III: The Buildup and The Opening Round 29 Part IV: The "So-Called" Siege Begins 53 Part V: The Airlift 72 Part VI: Supporting Arms and Intelligence 93 Part VII: The Turning Point 113 Part VIII: The Breakout 132 Part IX: Epilogue 145 Appendices: A. Bibliographical Notes and Footnotes 152 B. Glossary 169 C. Chronology 180 D. Task Organization 187 E. Command and Staff List, 3d Marines 193 F. Command and Staff List, 26th Marines 196 G. Military Map Symbols 203 =The Battle for Khe Sanh= by Captain Moyers S. Shore II, USMC INTRODUCTION