May Offensive

This article is about the People's Army of Vietnam and Viet Cong offensive in the Vietnam War in 1968. For the Soviet offensive in the Polish–Soviet War in 1920, see Kyiv offensive (1920).
May Offensive
Part of the Tet Offensive in the Vietnam War

May Offensive attacks on Saigon
Date29 April – 30 May 1968
Location
South Vietnam
Result American and South Vietnamese victory
Belligerents
 United States
 South Vietnam		  North Vietnam
Viet Cong
Commanders and leaders
United States William Westmoreland
United States Creighton Abrams
South Vietnam Cao Văn Viên		 Le Duan
Hoàng Văn Thái
Casualties and losses
United States 2,169 killed
South Vietnam 2,054 killed		 U.S./South Vietnamese body count: 24,000+ killed
2,000+ captured
Civilian: 421 killed

Phase Two of the Tet Offensive of 1968 (also known as the May Offensive, Little Tet, and Mini-Tet) was launched by the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) and Viet Cong (VC) against targets throughout South Vietnam, including Saigon from 29 April to 30 May 1968. The May Offensive was considered much bloodier than the initial phase of the Tet Offensive. U.S. casualties across South Vietnam were 2,169 killed for the entire month of May, making it the deadliest month of the entire Vietnam War for U.S. forces, while South Vietnamese losses were 2,054 killed. PAVN/VC losses exceeded 24,000 killed and over 2,000 captured. The May Offensive was a costly defeat for the PAVN/VC.