Resources:
Langguth, pp. 610-615
Web Site: Linebacker I on Military Analysis Network
Web Site: Linebacker II on Military Analysis Network
Web Site: Trong Q. Phan, "An Analysis of Linebacker II Air Campaign"
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Operation Linebacker Maps |
Operation Linebacker I & II On April 6, 1972, the U.S. began air strikes against North Vietnam in response to the Easter Offensive. This operation, known as Freedom Train, was followed from May to October with Linebacker, a major air interdiction campaign. A variety of USAF and Navy aircraft attacked bridges, railroad yards, fuel storage, and other targets in the Hanoi and Haiphong areas. Arguably the most effective use of air power in the Vietnam War, this campaign saw the first use of modern "smart bombs." By the end of June more than 400 bridges and tunnels had been destroyed. Although Linebacker ended on October 23, bombing continued south of the 20th parallel. In order to propel the Paris negotiations toward a succesful end to the war, Nixon ordered a major bombing campaign, Linebacker II, which ran from December 18 to 29, 1972, with one day off for Christmas. Sometimes called the "Christmas Bombing", this was a strategic bombing campaign, resulting in over 20,000 tons of bombs dropped, mostly on the Hanoi area, although mines were also resown in Haiphong harbor. The U.S. claimed that 15 B-52s were lost and 9 damaged, some beyond repair; more than 10 smaller fighter-bombers were also lost. World opinion went against the U.S., most countries assuming that this was a campaign in the manner of the city-destroying WWII bombing raids. In reality, almost all the bombs fell on military targets on the outskirts of Hanoi, the city center and various residential neighborhoods being little damaged. But the bombing had a psychological effect on the DRV. North Vietnam lost over 2,000 civilian dead. Linebacker II did what Nixon wanted: It left both sides eager for a settlement. Peace talks moved ahead expeditiously. The Paris Peace Agreement, calling for a ceasefire, was signed on January 27, 1973. |
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Resources: Langguth, pp. 610-615 Web Site: Linebacker I on Military Analysis Network Web Site: Linebacker II on Military Analysis Network Web Site: Trong Q. Phan, "An Analysis of Linebacker II Air Campaign" |