To further our knowledge and understanding of The Vietnam American War, the next day we set off for the Cu Chi Tunnels. The tunnels were about two hours by bus from HCMC. The tunnels were vital to the war effort, and if America had managed to take Cu Chi the war may have ended differently.
After touring the area, however, it was easy to see why our military had such a difficult time taking Cu Chi. There were traps everywhere. The Vietnamese were also very resourceful. For example, they took American bombs that did not explode and refashioned them into bullets, and other weapons. They were also more determined and committed to their cause. They would sometimes live in those tunnels for weeks and months at a time. Food was scarce, a bowl of rice, maybe some tapioca, and the weather didn't make their stay any more pleasant.
We had the opportunity to go down into one of the tunnels. Apparently these tunnels have been altered to accommodatefat westerners tourists. Our particular stretch of tunnel was 30 meters long with exits at 10 and 20 meters. My 6'4 180lb body could only handle crawling the 10 meters. I left Cu Chi with deep respect for those Vietnamese soldiers who endured so much.
Bomb Crater
Our guide shows us an example of a booby trap
After touring the area, however, it was easy to see why our military had such a difficult time taking Cu Chi. There were traps everywhere. The Vietnamese were also very resourceful. For example, they took American bombs that did not explode and refashioned them into bullets, and other weapons. They were also more determined and committed to their cause. They would sometimes live in those tunnels for weeks and months at a time. Food was scarce, a bowl of rice, maybe some tapioca, and the weather didn't make their stay any more pleasant.
US tank left behind
Bombs that were refashioned
We had the opportunity to go down into one of the tunnels. Apparently these tunnels have been altered to accommodate
Entrance to tunnel
This is incredible and insightful. Keep it up!
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