View source for 1972 in the Vietnam War

{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict    = {{Years in military conflict|year=1972|conflict=Vietnam War}}
| image       = File:B-52D(061127-F-1234S-017).jpg
| caption     = B-52 bombing run
| date        = 
| place       = [[Vietnam]]
| coordinates = 
| result      = 
| combatant1  = '''[[Anti-communism|Anti-Communist]] forces:'''
'''{{flag|South Vietnam}}'''<br>'''{{flagu|United States}}'''<br>{{flagu|South Korea}}<br>{{flagu|Australia}}<br>{{flagu|New Zealand}}<br>{{flagicon|Cambodia|1970}} [[Khmer Republic]]<br>{{flag|Thailand}}<br />{{flagicon|Laos|1952}} [[Kingdom of Laos]] <br>{{flag|Republic of China}}
| combatant2  = '''[[Communism|Communist]] forces:'''
'''{{flag|North Vietnam}}'''<br>{{flagicon|Republic of South Vietnam}} '''[[Viet Cong]]'''<br>{{flagicon|Cambodia|1975}} [[Khmer Rouge]]<br>{{flagicon|Laos}} [[Pathet Lao]]<br>{{flag|Soviet Union|1955}}
| commander1  = 
| commander2  = 
| strength1   = South Vietnam: 1,048,000<br>
United States: 24,000 (end of the year)<br>
South Korea: 	36,790<br>
Thailand :	40<br>
Australia :	630<br>
Philippines: 	50<br>
New Zealand: 	50
| strength2   = 
| casualties1 = US: 759 killed <ref name=United>{{cite web|url=https://www.archives.gov/research/military/vietnam-war/casualty-statistics|title=Vietnam War U.S. Military Fatal Casualty Statistics|date=15 August 2016|publisher=National Archives|accessdate=10 October 2021}}</ref><br>South Vietnam: 39,587 killed<ref name=Clarke>{{cite book|last=Clarke|first=Jeffrey|title=United States Army in Vietnam: Advice and Support: The Final Years, 1965-1973|publisher= Center of Military History, United States Army|year=1988|url=https://history.army.mil/html/books/091/91-3/index.html|isbn=978-1518612619}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>{{rp|275}}
| casualties2 = U.S. estimate: 50,000 - 75,000 killed<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.historynet.com/north-vietnamese-armys-1972-eastertide-offensive.htm|title = North Vietnamese Army's 1972 Eastertide Offensive|date = September 2006}}</ref>
| yearcost1   = 
}}

{{Campaignbox Vietnam War}}
'''1972 in the Vietnam War''' saw foreign involvement in [[South Vietnam]] slowly declining. Three allies, [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]] and [[Thailand]], which had each contributed military contingents, left South Vietnam this year. The [[United States]] continued to participate in combat, primarily with air power to assist the South Vietnamese, while negotiators in Paris tried to hammer out a peace agreement and withdrawal strategy for the United States.

On 30 March [[North Vietnam]] launched the Nguyễn Huệ or [[Easter Offensive]], a massive conventional invasion of South Vietnam. This led to a large increase in U.S. airpower and airstrikes to defend South Vietnam and a resumption of bombing of North Vietnam. By September the South Vietnamese had regained most of the territory lost in the offensive and the North Vietnamese returned to negotiations. [[Operation Linebacker II]] in mid to late December saw intensive bombing around [[Hanoi]] and [[Haiphong]].

==January==
; 1 January
U.S. military personnel in South Vietnam numbered 156,800 while [[Free World Military Forces]] (largely [[Republic of Korea Army]]) numbered 53,900.<ref name=Willbanks>{{cite book|last=Willbanks|first=James|title=Vietnam War Almanac: An In-Depth Guide to the Most Controversial Conflict in American History|publisher=Simon and Schuster|year=2013|isbn=9781626365285}}</ref>{{rp|387}}

The South Vietnamese government announced that there had been 20 breaches of the New Year's ceasefire resulting in nine South Vietnamese and 16 [[People's Army of Vietnam]] (PAVN)/[[Vietcong]] VC killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon charges truce violations|date=1 January 1972|page=1}}</ref>

U.S. aircraft flew more than 200 sorties to attack PAVN supply lines in [[Cambodia]] and [[Laos]].<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|387}}

The U.S. Army reported that between 1969 and 1971 over 700 [[Fragging]]s occurred resulting in 82 dead and 631 wounded.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|387}}

;2 January
[[President of the United States|President]] [[Richard Nixon]] announced that unilateral U.S. troop withdrawals from South Vietnam would continue, but a residual force of 25–35,000 would remain until all U.S. [[U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War|prisoners of war]] (POWs) were released.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|387}}

South Vietnam withdrew more than 10,000 soldiers from operations in Cambodia to bolster defenses around [[Saigon]] in preparation for an expected PAVN/VC during [[Tết]].<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|388}}

;3 January
[[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] [[United States Senate|Senator]] [[George McGovern]] accused Nixon of deceiving the public by suggesting that the North Vietnamese had rejected a release of POWs in return for a firm date for withdrawal of U.S. forces, saying that Nixon was using the issue to justify bombing the North and propping up the government of [[Leaders of South Vietnam|President of South Vietnam]] [[Nguyễn Văn Thiệu]].<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|388}}

[[Max Frankel]] writing in ''[[The New York Times]]'' stated that Nixon was buying time to build up South Vietnam through [[Vietnamization]] and improve the position of anti-communist forces in Cambodia and Laos.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Buying time in the Vietnam War|author=Max Frankel|date=4 January 1972|page=3}}</ref>

PAVN ambushed a U.S. infantry patrol {{convert|40|mi}} northeast of Saigon and then shot down three [[Medevac]] helicopters, resulting in one U.S. killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. patrol ambushed|date=4 January 1972|page=5}}</ref>

;4 January
A [[Royal Lao Army]] (RLA) spokesman said that a PAVN force, supported by two [[Vietnam People's Air Force]] (VPAF) [[MiG]] jets, had destroyed a bridge on Route 13, {{convert|20|mi}} from the besieged RLA base at [[Long Tieng]]. Seven RLA and 14 PAVN were killed in the attack.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy troops, aided by MIG's destroy a key bridge in Laos|date=5 January 1972|page=6}}</ref>

;5 January
A [[United States Air Force]] (USAF) [[Republic F-105 Thunderchief|F-105G]] escorting [[Boeing B-52 Stratofortress|B-52 Stratofortresses]] on a bombing mission over Laos attacked a PAVN radar-guided antiaircraft gun {{convert|10|mi}} north of the [[Ban Karai Pass]] in the first "protective reaction" strike of the year. B-52s also bombed PAVN positions near [[Khe Sanh]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Gun site in North attacked by jet|author=Iver Peterson|date=6 January 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The South Vietnamese [[Joint General Staff]] (JGS) announced that they were withdrawing from fixed bases in Cambodia and would in future rely on a 15,000 man airmobile and armored cavalry task force assigned to Military Region 3 to undertake operations there.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Change in strategy reported|date=6 January 1972|page=8}}</ref>

North Vietnam announced that in order for the U.S. to secure the release of its POWs it must "completely end the war of aggression in Vietnam and remove all its troops from Vietnam" and "completely end the Vietnamization policy of continuing the war" which it denounced as a "plot to withdraw United States forces but still continue the war of American aggression by puppet forces under United States direction and with United States support and supplies."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi ties P.O.W. issue to end of Vietnamization|date=6 January 1972|page=8}}</ref>

;6 January
At the [[Paris Peace Talks]] the North Vietnamese reiterated their position that U.S. POWs would only be released once the U.S. withdrew all its forces and the U.S. "give up aggression, stop the "Vietnamization" of the war, pull out from South Vietnam all the troops... stop backing the Nguyễn Văn Thiệu bellicose puppet group."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy sets P.O.W. price: abandon Thieu and leave|author=Henry Giniger|date=7 January 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Democratic Senator [[Edmund Muskie]] called for the U.S. to withdraw from South Vietnam regardless of the consequences saying that 55,000 American lives and $130 billion spent on the war had been "wasted."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Muskie bid U.S. get out of war|author=James Naughten|date=7 January 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;8 January
In response to [[India]]'s decision to upgrade its diplomatic relations with North Vietnam to ambassadorial level, South Vietnam announced that India could no longer be regarded as an impartial member of the [[International Control Commission]] and barred the new Indian chair of the commission from entering South Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon bars Indian on control team|date=9 January 1972|page=20}}</ref>

;9 January
A VC threw a grenade into a youth rally in [[Quy Nhon]] in an attempt to kill the [[Bình Định province]] chief, the grenade killed two teachers and seven students and wounded 110 others.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Grenade kills 9 and wounds 110 at youth rally in South Vietnam|date=9 January 1972|page=15}}</ref>

RLA forces held off PAVN attacks on Ban Nhik, the last government position on the Boloven Plateau, {{convert|20|mi}} east of [[Pakse]]. In three days of fighting the RLA claimed to have killed more than 75 PAVN around Ban Nhik with a further 200 killed in airstrikes and reports of more than 200 wounded being taken to [[Paksong]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Laos troops hold off foe near key village in South|author=Tillman Durdin|date=10 January 1972|page=1}}</ref>

; 10 January
The Cambodian [[Khmer National Army]] (ANK) withdrew from the town of [[Ponhea Kraek]] (Krek) near the [[Fishhook (Cambodia)|Fishhook]] abandoning the last remaining road link between Cambodia and South Vietnam. Further south in the [[Parrot's Beak, Cambodia|Parrot's Beak]] the South Vietnamese [[Army of the Republic of Vietnam]] (ARVN) began [[Operation Prek Ta]] against the PAVN in that area of Cambodia. The objective of the offensive was to disrupt the preparations of the North Vietnamese for an anticipated offensive on Tết, 15 February.<ref>Deac, Wilfed P. (1996), "Losing Ground to the Khmer Rouge", ''Vietnam Magazine,'' Dec 1996, http://www.historynet.com/losing-ground-to-the-khmer-rouge.htm, accessed 9 Jun 2015</ref>

Former [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]] [[Hubert Humphrey]] announced his candidacy for the Democratic presidential nomination and criticized the slow pace of withdrawal from South Vietnam, saying that if he had been elected in 1968 all U.S. forces would have been withdrawn already.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|388}}

''The New York Times'' reported on the growing expectation of a PAVN offensive in the Central Highlands timed to coincide with Nixon's visit to China.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Fears of Tet drive are rising in Saigon|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=11 January 1972|page=3}}</ref>

Three [[Communist Party of Thailand]] sappers attempted to destroy B-52s at [[U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield]], Thailand using grenades and satchel charges. One attacker was apparently killed in the attack, while the other two managed to cause minor damage to three B-52s before fleeing the base.<ref>{{cite book|last=Vick|first=Alan|title=Snakes in the Eagle's Nest: A history of ground attacks on air bases|publisher=RAND Corporation|year=1995|url=https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/monograph_reports/2006/MR553.pdf|isbn=9780833016294|pages=83–4}}</ref>

;11 January
The South Vietnamese military acknowledged that it was withdrawing its forces from Krek and other locations in Cambodia in preparation for an expected PAVN offensive during Tết.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon pulls back forces in Krek area of Cambodia|date=12 January 1972|page=2}}</ref>

The PAVN fired two [[S-75 Dvina|SA-2]] [[Surface-to-air missile]]s (SAMs) at a USAF [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II|F-4 Phantom]] near [[Tchepone]], showing the continuous improvement of PAVN air defences in Laos. A USAF F-4 fired two missiles at a radar site in North Vietnam in a "protective reaction" strike while escorting B-52s in a bombing raid on the Ban Karai Pass.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. jet is target of missiles from deepest site yet in Laos|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=12 January 1972|page=2}}</ref>

RLA forces abandoned Ban Nhik after four days of heavy fighting.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Laotians report losses|date=12 January 1972|page=2}}</ref>

;12 January
[[Le Duc Tho]], [[Politburo]] member and secret negotiator for North Vietnam in the Paris Peace Talks, cabled the head of [[Central Office for South Vietnam]] (COSVN) in South Vietnam that "we and the enemy are preparing for a ferocious confrontation... during the upcoming spring and summer." In addition to supporting the PAVN troops in South Vietnam, Tho instructed COSVN to devote attention to attacking the [[Civil Operations and Revolutionary Development Support]] (CORDS) pacification program] and to the political struggle in the cities of South Vietnam.<ref name=FRUS1>''(FRUS) Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969-1976, Volume VIII, Vietnam, January–October 1972'', Document 1, https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1969-76v08/d1#fn3, accessed 8 Jun 2015</ref>

The 2,400-man ANK 22nd Brigade deployed near Krek dissolved itself with officers and soldiers shedding their uniforms and fleeing into South Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Entire 2,400-Man Cambodian Brigade flees posts and deserts|date=13 January 1972|page=12}}</ref>

More than 34 PAVN/VC shelling and ground attacks were reported in the most intensive attacks in three months. A VC unit attacked a 30-man ARVN patrol in the [[Mekong Delta]] killing three, with eleven missing. The PAVN/VC shot down a U.S. [[Bell UH-1 Iroquois|UH-1]] helicopter in the Mekong Delta killing all four crewmen.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy attacks reach a 3-month record|date=13 January 1972|page=16}}</ref>

Cambodian and South Vietnamese forces began a joint operation near Ang Tassom {{convert|42|mi}} south of [[Phnom Penh]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon troops in new Cambodian action|date=14 January 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;13 January
Nixon announced that 70,000 American troops would be pulled out of South Vietnam by 1 May, cutting the existing force of 139,000 by half.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|389}}

PAVN/VC attacks continued throughout South Vietnam conducting 26 attacks resulting in 33 PAVN/VC killed and 15 ARVN killed. Two USAF F-105Gs fired missiles at a SAM site on the Laos-North Vietnam border, while escorting B-52s.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon's forces hit hard|date=14 January 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;14 January
A USAF F-105G destroyed a SAM site {{convert|3|mi}} north of the [[Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone]] (DMZ) while escorting [[United States Navy]] fighter-bombers attacking the [[Ho Chi Minh Trail]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. jet apparently destroys missile unit just north of DMZ|date=15 January 1972|page=12}}</ref>

;15 January
[[Military Assistance Command, Vietnam]] (MACV) reported that the North Vietnamese were moving more SAMs closer to the DMZ with an F-105G destroying a SAM site in the eastern DMZ and two SA-2s being fired on an F-105 flying {{convert|15|mi}} north of the DMZ near the Laos-North Vietnam border. In ongoing attacks throughout South Vietnam 89 PAVN/VC, 15 ARVN and 15 civilians were reported killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy advances SAM launchers closer to the border|date=16 January 1972|page=1}}</ref>

RLA forces were flown into Long Tieng and were reported to have broken the siege of the base, recapturing Skyline Ridge {{convert|2|mi}} north of the base.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Siege reported broken|date=16 January 1972|page=2}}</ref>

;16 January
Leaders of 46 Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish organizations met in Kansas City and asked for the withdrawal of American military personnel from South Vietnam and a cut-off in aid to the South Vietnamese government.<ref name=Summers>{{cite book|last=Summers|first=Harry|title=the Vietnam War Almanac|publisher=Presidio Press|year=1999|isbn=978-0891416920}}</ref>{{rp|55}}

USAF jets engaged a VPAF [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21|MiG-21]] jet over northern Laos for the first time in a year. A PAVN/VC mortar attack on [[Cam Ranh Base]] killed seven ARVN.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. says its jets encountered MiG over north Laos|date=17 January 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;17 January
In a secret letter to Thiệu, Nixon warned that his refusal to sign a peace agreement to end the war would make it impossible for the U.S. to continue support for South Vietnam.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|389}}

U.S. aircraft flew more than 200 airstrikes against PAVN supply lines in Laos to disrupt preparations for a PAVN offensive and returned fire against PAVN SAM sites near the Ban Karai Pass.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe's supply trail in Laos pounded by U.S. aircraft|date=18 January 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;18 January
[[Seymour Hersh]] who wrote the first detailed account of the [[My Lai massacre]] reported that a U.S. Army investigation showed that more than 347 civilians had been killed at My Lai, rather than less than 200 as previously reported and that more than 90 civilians had been killed in the nearby village of My Khe 4 on the same day.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|389}}

Two VPAF MiGs conducted an unsuccessful hit and run attack on USAF F-4s over northern Laos, firing three air-to-air missiles before fleeing back across the border. USAF aircraft conducted more than 250 airstrikes over Laos.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. reports MiG attack on jets over Laos failed|date=19 January 1972|page=6}}</ref>

;19 January
A U.S. Navy F-4B piloted by Lieutenant [[Duke Cunningham]] and Lieutenant j.g. [[William P. Driscoll]] engaged and shot down a VPAF MiG-21 near [[Quang Lang Air Base]] scoring the first U.S. aerial victory in 22 months.<ref name=Sherwood>{{cite book|last=Sherwood|first=John|title=Nixon's Trident: Naval Power in Southeast Asia, 1968-1972|publisher=Government Printing Office|year=2015|url=https://www.history.navy.mil/research/publications/publications-by-subject/nixons-trident.html|isbn=9780160928697|page=54}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>

Reporters were flown into Long Tieng for the first time ever to view operations at the previously secret base.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=CIA aided Laos base hit hard|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=20 January 1972|page=1}}</ref>

A U.S. UH-1 helicopter was shot down {{convert|1|mi}} southwest of Khe Sanh while attempting to rescue the crew of a shot-down F-4. Two crewmembers were killed and a further six injured.<ref name=NYT24Jan>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Destruction of 2 enemy gun sites in DMZ by U.S. F-4's reported|date=24 January 1972|page=4}}</ref>

; 20 January
The head of MACV, General [[Creighton Abrams]] cabled Washington that "the enemy [North Vietnam] is preparing and positioning his forces for a major offensive.... There is no doubt this is to be a major campaign." Abrams requested additional authority to use U.S. American air power to mount an effective defense.<ref name=FRUS1/>

More than 10,000 ARVN began a sweep of PAVN/VC base areas in a plantation {{convert|45|mi}} northwest of Saigon as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt an anticipated Tết offensive.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|389}}

More than 12,000 [[Royal Thai Army]] and other paramilitary forces began an offensive against an estimated 150-200 communists in the mountainous [[Lom Sak District]] of northeast Thailand.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|389}}

;22 January
Heavy fighting continued on Skyline Ridge in Laos and the RLA abandoned Phou Khoun northwest of Long Tieng, however Laotian Premier Souvanna Phouma said that further U.S. aid would not be required unless the situation deteriorated further.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Souvanna Phouma says more U.S. help isn't needed yet|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=23 January 1972|page=3}}</ref>

The JGS reported that 35 PAVN/VC had been killed for the loss of four ARVN, mostly in fighting in Bình Định province, while South Korean forces reported killing 38 PAVN/VC.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=73 of foe reported slain|date=23 January 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;23 January
U.S. jets attacked two antiaircraft gun sites in the DMZ and one east of the Ban Karai Pass. The JGS reported killing 38 PAVN/VC and capturing two for the loss of two ARVN.<ref name=NYT24Jan/>

;24 January
U.S. jets carried out a further three "protective reaction" strikes against PAVN antiaircraft sites, two near the Ban Karai Pass and one near [[Đồng Hới]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. reports 3 more attacks in North|author=Fox Butterfield|date=25 January 1972|page=12}}</ref>

[[United States Army Vietnam]] acknowledged that a regulation had been passed two weeks previously allowing "local national guests" onto U.S. bases, effectively sanctioning [[Prostitution in Vietnam|prostitution]] since local towns were declared off limits except to soldiers on official duties.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. now admitting prostitutes to some of its Vietnam bases|date=25 January 1972|page=12}}</ref>

; 25 January
Nixon revealed that National Security Adviser [[Henry Kissinger]] had been meeting secretly with North Vietnamese representatives for more than 2 years. He also revealed the U.S. peace plan that had been proposed to Hanoi. Nixon proposed that, within six months of an agreement, all U.S. military be withdrawn from South Vietnam, POWs exchanged, an internationally supervised ceasefire implemented and a presidential election held in South Vietnam. Nixon did not demand the withdrawal of North Vietnamese military forces from South Vietnam.<ref>"Address to the Nation on Plan for Peace in Vietnam", Miller Center. http://millercenter.org/president/nixon/speeches/speech-3879 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317023055/http://millercenter.org/president/nixon/speeches/speech-3879 |date=2015-03-17 }}, accessed 8 Jun 2015</ref> In a radio address, Thiệu endorsed the proposal, including the provision that he and the Vice President would resign one month before the presidential election.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Thieu, on radio, endorses election plan|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=26 January 1972|page=11}}</ref>

;25-6 January
The [[Republic of Vietnam Air Force]] (RVNAF) reported sighting six PAVN [[T-54]] tanks {{convert|7|mi}} south of [[Ben Het Camp]]. RVNAF aircraft attacked PAVN convoys {{convert|9|mi}} west of Ben Het Camp and 7 miles southwest of Firebase 5 in the [[Central Highlands (Vietnam)|Central Highlands]].<ref name=NYT27Jan>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. attacks radar in the North for the 19th time this month|date=27 January 1972|page=16}}</ref>

;26 January
North Vietnam rejected the U.S. peace proposal and submitted a counterproposal at the same time as publishing bellicose messages alluding to a coming offensive.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|390}}

A USAF F-4 carried out a "protective reaction" strike on a SAM site near Đồng Hới. The JGS reported that 31 PAVN/VC had been killed in operations in the Mekong Delta.<ref name=NYT27Jan/>

;27 January
North Vietnam criticized the U.S. for making public the details of secret peace talks and repeated its demand for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of U.S. military personnel from South Vietnam and the removal of the Thiệu government.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe again insists U.S. set pullout and expel Thieu|date=28 January 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The Nixon administration acknowledged that an offer of up to $2.5 billion of U.S. aid had been offered to North Vietnam as part of a $7.5 billion reconstruction aid package for Indochina.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Aide said U.S. suggested $2.5 billion help to Hanoi|date=28 January 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;28 January
The JGS reported that 116 PAVN/VC had been killed in two battles in the Central Highlands.<ref name=NYT28Jan>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Two enemy attacks reported in Vietnam|date=28 January 1972|page=7}}</ref>

MACV and the JGS released casualty figures for the war to date, reporting 45,639 U.S., 138,803 South Vietnamese and 792,437 PAVN/VC killed.<ref name=NYT28Jan/>

In a performance at a [[White House]] gala dinner by the [[Ray Conniff]] Singers, one of the singers, Carole Feraci, held up a banner reading "Stop the Killing" and said "President Nixon, stop bombing human beings, animals and vegetation. You go to church on Sundays and pray to Jesus Christ, if Jesus Christ were here tonight, you would not dare to drop another bomb."<ref>{{cite news|title=Richard Nixon and the Oobie-Doobie Girl|author=Bob Thompson|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=27 July 1997|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/lifestyle/magazine/1997/07/27/richard-nixon-and-the-oobie-doobie-girl/3e23c6d9-eb6c-44a8-bae8-daae0ab6b205/}}</ref>

;29 January
''The New York Times'' reported on the widespread corruption throughout South Vietnam and also on the confusion within the South Vietnamese government in reporting on the war with frequent retractions and denials.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times |title=Bribes to evade draft or pass a test or get a job make corruption a way of life in South Vietnam |author=Gloria Emerson |author-link=Gloria Emerson |date=30 January 1972 |page=3}}</ref>

;30 January
U.S. intelligence sources stated that PAVN political officers had instructed PAVN/VC soldiers that decisive blows would be made while Nixon visited China in February and U.S. Army Chief of Staff General [[William Westmoreland]] on a visit to Saigon said that an offensive was expected in February.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi said to mass force for offensive in February|author=Tad Szulc|date=31 January 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;31 January
North Vietnam released a peace proposal it had made to the U.S. in June 1971 together with other correspondence relating to the secret talks conducted with Kissinger, in an apparent attempt to counter any propaganda gains the U.S. had made earlier in the month by revealing such talks.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi discloses peace proposals it made in Paris|author=Henry Giniger|date=1 February 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The JGS reported that three PAVN tanks had been destroyed by RVNAF aircraft in the Central Highlands and that 54 PAVN and nine ARVN had been killed in fighting along the DMZ over the weekend with more than 200 rockets and mortar rounds hitting ARVN bases on 29 January.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Three tanks reported destroyed|date=31 January 1972|page=14}}</ref>

The Cambodian government was reported to have approached the Soviet Embassy to initiate peace talks with North Vietnam that would provide for an internationally supervised withdrawal of PAVN forces to the east of the Mekong River and north of Route 7.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Cambodia Asks Talks Through Soviet|date=1 February 1972|page=13}}</ref>

[[David Morrell]]'s novel ''[[First Blood (novel)|First Blood]]'' about a troubled homeless Vietnam veteran named Rambo is published. In October 1982 the film adaptation ''[[First Blood]]'' was released.

==February==
;1 February
U.S. aircraft conducted seven "protective reaction" strikes against PAVN antiaircraft sites near the Ban Karai and Ban Ravieng Passes.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. planes attack foe in North; Attack termed heaviest of '72|date=1 February 1972|page=13}}</ref>

;2 February
After observation aircraft saw a PAVN force west of [[Tây Ninh]], airstrikes were conducted on them and then more than 3,000 ARVN Rangers and armored cavalry pursued approximately 400 PAVN across the border into Cambodia.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Air strikes reported|date=3 February 1972|page=12}}</ref>

PAVN forces captured Muong Kassy {{convert|90|mi}} north of Vientiane.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe takes Laotian town|date=4 February 1972|page=7}}</ref>

;3 February
The VC delegation at the Paris Peace Talks formally rejected Nixon's peace proposal of 25 January and reissued their 1971 peace proposal calling for the resignation of Thiệu, a cessation of South Vietnam's "warlike policies", a firm date for U.S. withdrawal and release of all military and political prisoners. The plan was immediately rejected by the South Vietnamese delegation.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|391}}

''The New York Times'' reported that U.S. officials in South Vietnam "appear to be going to extraordinary lengths to spread bad news about the war in Vietnam" in discussing the PAVN offensive expected in February, apparently in an attempt to prevent any repeat of the shock to the American public caused by the 1968 [[Tet Offensive]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Behind rumors of a Tet drive|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=4 February 1972|page=6}}</ref>

The JGS reported that RVNAF [[Cessna A-37 Dragonfly|A-37 Dragonfly]] jets had destroyed four PAVN tanks {{convert|3|mi}} inside Cambodia, near the tri-border area in the Central Highlands.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon Says Its Jets Destroyed 4 Tanks Just Inside Cambodia|date=3 February 1972|page=12}}</ref>

The ARVN [[9th Division (South Vietnam)|9th Division]] killed 14 PAVN/VC in the [[U Minh Thượng National Park|U Minh Forest]] for the loss of nine ARVN killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Fighting returns to U Minh Forest|date=4 February 1972|page=7}}</ref>

;4 February
Nixon approved additional authority to Abrams in South Vietnam to use American power to counter the anticipated North Vietnamese offensive. Specifically, the President acknowledged the growing threat from North Vietnamese SAMs and authorized the USAF to strike against SAM sites in the southern part of North Vietnam and neighboring Laos.<ref>FRUS, document 15, https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1969-76v08/d15, accessed 8 June 2015</ref>

The last 824 [[Thailand in the Vietnam War|Thai soldiers]] departed South Vietnam.<ref name=Bowman>{{cite book|last=Bowman|first=John|title=The World Almanac of the Vietnam War|publisher=Pharos Books|year=1985|isbn=978-0886872724}}</ref>{{rp|298}}

China condemned Nixon's 25 January peace proposal, endorsed the VC peace proposal and pledged ongoing support for North Vietnam and the VC.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|391}}

;5 February
North Vietnam formally rejected Nixon's 25 January peace proposal.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|391}}
[[File:U-Tapao Air Base,Thailand. Low angle, 3-4 front view of a U.S. Air Force B-52 aircraft coming in for a landing after... - NARA - 542312.tif|thumb|right|A B-52 lands at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield]]
Nixon ordered the draw down of USAF assets halted and the reassignment (Operation Bullet Shot) of 150 B-52s to [[Andersen Air Force Base]] in Guam and U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield in Thailand in anticipation of the PAVN offensive in South Vietnam.<ref>Tucker, Spencer, C. (1998), ''The Encyclopedia of the Vietnam War'', Vol. 1, Oxford: Oxford University Press, p. 141</ref>

Cambodia executed three men for terrorist attacks including the attempted assassination of [[List of ambassadors of the United States to Cambodia|U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia]] [[Emory C. Swank]] on 7 September 1970.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Moments from death|date=6 February 1972|page=3}}</ref>

ARVN generals in [[I Corps (South Vietnam)|I Corps]] expressed doubts about a PAVN offensive in February, stating that they believed no major action would take place until March at the earliest due to the need for the PAVN to build up their logistics.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Officers feel foe won't strike now|author=Joseph B. Treaster|date=6 February 1972|page=5}}</ref>

The JGS reported that 82 PAVN/VC had been killed for the loss of two ARVN in ten clashes, many in ambushes in the Central Highlands.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon says enemy lost 54 in clashes|date=6 February 1972|page=5}}</ref>

;6 February
In a televised interview recorded in Paris, the North Vietnamese negotiator [[Xuân Thủy]] stated that U.S. POWs would not be freed until the U.S. withdrew its support for the Thiệu government and the war was ended, reversing their earlier position that a fixed date for withdrawal of all U.S. forces would secure the release of the POWs.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi says POWs will not be released until war is over|author=Tad Szulc|date=7 February 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The JGS reported that 59 PAVN/VC had been killed in five separate clashes, including 41 in the U Minh Forest for ARVN losses of 12 killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. is said to drop napalm on foe|date=7 February 1972|page=11}}</ref>

;6 February - 17 March
[[Operation Strength (1972)|Operation Strength]] was an RLA offensive against PAVN forces in northern Laos to drawn forces away from besieging Long Tieng.<ref name=Conboy/>{{rp|335–6}}

;7 February
Nixon aide [[H. R. Haldeman]] in a television interview said that domestic opponents to Nixon's 25 January peace proposal were "consciously aiding and abetting the enemy of the United States."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Nixon's aide says peace plan foes help the enemy|author=Bernard Gwertzman|date=8 February 1972|page=1}}</ref>

PAVN forces overran Dong Hene on Route 9 in Laos forcing the two RLA battalions defending the outpost to withdraw.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe said to seize Laotian outpost|date=8 February 1972|page=9}}</ref>

;9 February
A PAVN rocket attack on [[Da Nang Air Base]] killed three South Vietnamese civilians. A PAVN/VC sapper attack on Firebase 97 near [[An Khê]] killed six ARVN, while ten PAVN/VC were killed and two captured.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Danang air base attacked by foe|date=9 February 1972|page=13}}</ref>

;10 February
Thiệu rejected any further concessions beyond those in Nixon's 25 January peace proposal and criticized [[United States Secretary of State|U.S. Secretary of State]] [[William P. Rogers]]' statement that the U.S. would be flexible.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Thieu, criticizing Rogers, rejects new concessions|date=11 February 1972|page=1}}</ref>

PAVN/VC forces conducted 41 attacks across South Vietnam. In an attack on An Bao 40 PAVN/VC and ten ARVN were killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=War intensifies in Highlands area|author=Fox Butterfield|date=11 February 1972|page=1}}</ref> In response U.S. and RVNAF aircraft completed a 24-hour period of bombing strikes across South Vietnam, with almost 400 airstrikes carried out.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|391}}

The {{USS|Constellation|CV-64|6}} arrived off the coast of Vietnam joining two other aircraft carriers in preparation for the expected PAVN offensive.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|391}}

Pentagon officials stated that the expected PAVN offensive could last as long as three months.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Any Enemy offensive expected to be long|author=William Beecher|date=11 February 1972|page=14}}</ref>

;11 February
[[G. McMurtrie Godley]], U.S. Ambassador to Laos, responded negatively to a proposal by the White House, [[United States Department of Defense|Defense Department]], [[United States Department of State|State Department]] and [[CIA]] that Laotian and Thai troops and American CIA operatives be withdrawn from Long Tieng, the headquarters of Laotian resistance to the communist [[Pathet Lao]] and PAVN. Godley argued that withdrawing from Long Tieng would plunge the United States into "an abyss" and be "a dramatic military setback and political disequilibrium at the time of the President's visit to [[Beijing|Peking]].<ref>FRUS, document 21, https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1969-76v08/d21, accessed 10 Jun 2015</ref>

The "World Assembly of Paris for Peace and Independence of Indochinese Peoples" opened at the [[Versailles, Yvelines|Versailles]] Congress Hall outside of Paris and accused the U.S. of escalating the war and sabotaging peace negotiations.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=800 at rally near Paris say U.S. sabotages talks|author=Henry Giniger|date=12 February 1972|page=3}}</ref>

U.S. and RVNAF aircraft completed more than 200 airstrikes, largely against PAVN targets in I Corps, while the number of PAVN/VC attacks declined.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. jets continue raids as foe cuts ground attacks|author=Fox Butterfield|date=12 February 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;11 February - 31 March
[[Operation Sinsay]] was a planned RLA offensive that was pre-empted by a PAVN attack the reached Pakse, but RLA forces were then deployed to attack the PAVN lines of communications forcing their withdrawal.<ref name=Conboy>{{cite book|last1=Conboy|first1=Kenneth|last2=Morrison|first2=James|title=Shadow War: The CIA's Secret War in Laos|publisher=Paladin Press|year=1996|isbn=0-87364-825-0}}</ref>{{rp|339–40}}

; 12 February
Washington responded to Ambassador Godley in Laos conceding that it was "not in position to give you detailed tactical instructions from this distance." The Department of Defense maintained that Godley should be ordered to "thin out" the forces defending Long Tieng. The State Department, CIA, and White House disagreed and left the proposed thinning out to Godley's discretion.<ref>FRUS, document 22, https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1969-76v08/d22, accessed 10 Jun 2015</ref> Godley chose to defend Long Tieng and the town was held for another three years until the final Communist victory in Laos.

The U.S. indefinitely postponed weekly meetings in Paris which it regarded as more for North Vietnamese propaganda purposes than negotiation.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. move to defer peace talks is seen as implicit warning|author=Henry Giniger|date=13 February 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Approximately 6,000 ANK troops began an operation to recapture the [[Angkor Wat]] temple complex, which was defended by more than 4,000 PAVN. Despite reinforcements the operation was ultimately unsuccessful.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|392}}

; 13 February
The U.S. conducted its fifth day of airstrikes in the most intense bombing since 1970. Nineteen B-52 strikes were conducted in the 24 hour period ending at midday, the largest number since records began to be kept in June 1968.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|392}}

An RLA armored task force recaptured Muong Kassy.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Laotians retake town|date=14 February 1972|page=2}}</ref>

;14 February
Heavy U.S. airstrikes continued, largely concentrated against PAVN supply lines and base areas 609 and 611 in the Central Highlands with 17 B-52 strikes conducted in the 24 hour period ending at midday. U.S. helicopter gunships killed 41 PAVN near [[Kon Tum]]. A unit of the [[3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division|3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division]] killed six PAVN {{convert|22|mi}} southeast of [[Bien Hoa Air Base]], with one U.S. killed and one helicopter destroyed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Intense bombing continued by U.S. in South Vietnam|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=14 February 1972|page=1}}</ref>

''The New York Times'' reported on the nervous mood in South Vietnam ahead of Tết due to the anticipated PAVN/VC offensive. A banner on the [[Ho Chi Minh City Hall|Saigon City Hall]] read "Enjoy Tết, but remember what happened to you in 1968."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=As Tet nears, nervousness increases|author=Fox Butterfield|date=14 February 1972|page=3}}</ref>

The PAVN/VC began a four-day ceasefire at 01:00, while Allied forces began a 24-hour ceasefire at 18:00, limited only to South Vietnam.<ref name=NYT15Feb>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Air raids heavy on the eve of Tet|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=15 February 1972|page=1}}</ref>

; 15 February
The Tết holiday began in Vietnam. The JGS said that 35 ceasefire breaches had been made by PAVN/VC forces resulting in 24 PAVN/VC killed and two captured for the loss of eight ARVN killed, however the anticipated Tết offensive by the PAVN/VC did not occur. MACV reported that 61 PAVN/VC had been killed in U.S. airstrikes in the previous 24 hours. MACV also reported that three PAVN soldiers from the [[304th Division (Vietnam)|304th Division]] were captured {{convert|30|mi}} northwest of Kon Tum, indicating that elements of the division had moved south from their normal positions along the DMZ.<ref name=NYT15Feb/>

The Allied ceasefire concluded at 18:00 and U.S. aircraft immediately resumed bombing PAVN/VC base areas, particularly in the Central Highlands.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. renews raids after ceasefire|date=16 February 1972|page=9}}</ref>

; 16 February
With no offensive commencing at Tết, some U.S. analysts discounted an offensive until after Nixon's visit to China, however they expected increased pressure on ARVN positions in the Central Highlands and this and increased infiltration from North Vietnam was the reason for increased U.S. airstrikes.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Bombing linked to rise in infiltration rate|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=16 February 1972|page=8}}</ref> However the senior American advisor in II Corps, [[John Paul Vann]] claimed that the offensive had already started and that he welcomed it.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|392}}

The U.S. began a "limited duration" bombing campaign against PAVN artillery positions in southern [[Quảng Bình province]] and the DMZ. The raids destroyed five artillery pieces with one F-4 shot down and its crew missing.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. jets make new attacks in the North|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=17 February 1972|page=1}}</ref>

A [[Gallup (company)|Gallup]] poll found that 52% of Americans approved of Nixon's handling of the war, while 39% disapproved.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|392}}

;17 February
The U.S. concluded its 29-hour "limited duration" campaign against PAVN artillery, having lost three USAF jets to SAMs. MACV claimed that seven [[130 mm towed field gun M1954 (M-46)|130mm artillery guns]], five antiaircraft guns and two SAM sites were damaged or destroyed in the raids.<ref name=Bowman/>{{rp|300}}<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. ends its stepped-up raids on North|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=18 February 1972|page=3}}</ref>

The JGS reported that 1,105 PAVN/VC and 360 ARVN had been killed in the preceding week. U.S. losses were two killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=2 G.I.s killed in week|date=18 February 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;18 February
The PAVN/VC Tết ceasefire concluded at 01:00. U.S. aircraft conducted 148 airstrikes in the 24 hour period up to midday, while having one observation plane shot down {{convert|30|mi}} north of Phnom Penh and three other aircraft lost in non-hostile incidents.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. says planes hit two convoys|date=19 February 1972|page=9}}</ref>

;19 February
Five USAF airmen shot down in the "limited duration" campaign were displayed to the international press in Hanoi.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|392}}

Four PAVN/VC attacks in the Mekong Delta killed 57 ARVN, while an attack on an ARVN outpost {{convert|25|mi}} south of [[Huế]] killed six ARVN and destroyed a railroad bridge. ARVN Rangers fought approximately 150 PAVN {{convert|3|mi}} south of Firebase 5 in the Central Highlands.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon says foe steps up attacks|date=20 February 1972|page=5}}</ref>

;20 February
The PAVN/VC shelled Bien Hoa Air Base, [[Phan Rang Air Base]] and [[Phu Loi Base Camp]] and shot down two U.S. helicopters killing two crewmen. In the Mekong Delta a VC threw a grenade into a restaurant killing six civilians and wounding 110 others.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=2 Americans Die as Foe Attacks 3 U.S. Air Bases|date=21 February 1972|page=3}}</ref>
 
; 21 February
[[File:President Richard Nixon and Mao Zedong.jpg|thumb|right|Chairman Mao Zedong and President Nixon]]
Nixon arrived in [[Beijing, China]] and met with [[Chinese Communist Party]] chairman [[Mao Zedong]] in the first direct face to face meeting between a [[Leader of the Chinese Communist Party|Chinese Communist leader]] and an American President. North Vietnam feared that the Americans and Chinese would come up with a deal disadvantageous to North Vietnam.<ref name=Bowman/>{{rp|300–1}} With the relationship of the United States improving with both the [[Soviet Union]] and China the Vietnam War "began to seem an irrelevant, troublesome historical leftover that might endanger the new relationships."<ref name=Isaacs>{{cite book|last=Isaacs|first=Arnold|title=Without Honor: Defeat in South Vietnam and Cambodia|publisher=Johns Hopkins University Press|year=1983|isbn=978-0801861079}}</ref>{{rp|28}}

;22 February
In a six-hour clash in the [[Quế Sơn District|Quế Sơn Valley]], six ARVN and 60 PAVN/VC were killed, including 28 killed by U.S. helicopter gunships. U.S. jets attacked a PAVN antiaircraft position {{convert|45|mi}} north of the DMZ in another "protective reaction" strike.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=A U.S. compound is shelled by foe|date=23 February 1972|page=4}}</ref>

;23 February
Exiled ARVN General [[Nguyễn Chánh Thi]] was prevented from disembarking by Saigon police after arriving on a flight into [[Tan Son Nhat International Airport]] and the flight was ordered to depart with Thi as the only passenger.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Fear of opposition seen in Saigon's ban on General|author=Fox Butterfield|date=24 February 1972|page=8}}</ref>

Thiệu claimed that the Soviet Union had pushed North Vietnam to begin an offensive in order to undermine any peace discussions between the U.S. and China during Nixon's visit, but that U.S. and South Vietnamese air attacks had prevented such an attack.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Thieu says Soviet urged a drive by Hanoi|author=C.L. Sulzberger|date=25 February 1972|page=2}}</ref>

Abrams said that the addiction rate among U.S. forces had declined and that morale had improved.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=General Abrams says addiction in Vietnam is down, morale up|author=C.L. Sulzberger|date=26 February 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;24 February
The North Vietnamese and VC delegations walked out of the Paris Peace Talks in protest at the recent upsurge in U.S. bombing. They would return to the negotiations the following week.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|393}}

;25 February
A U.S. UH-1 crashed into Danang harbor killing four Americans and three South Vietnamese, including Brigadier General Phan Đình Soạn, deputy commander of Military Region I and Colonel Albert Ward Smarr Jr, a senior adviser.<ref name=NYT26Feb>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=22 G.I.'s wounded in clash with enemy near Saigon|date=26 February 1972|page=2}}</ref>

;26 February
Twenty-one soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division were wounded and one killed attacking a PAVN/VC bunker complex {{convert|42|mi}} east of Saigon, a [[BLU-82]] bomb was later dropped on the bunkers. Six South Vietnamese militiamen were killed in a clash in [[Xuyên Mộc District]]. An ARVN reconnaissance unit killed eight PAVN/VC for the loss of two killed in [[Bình Dương province]]. Fourteen VC and two ARVN were killed in a clash in [[Bình Thuận province]].<ref name=NYT26Feb/>

;27 February
In a joint communique issued by Nixon and [[Zhou Enlai]], the U.S. reiterated its 25 January peace proposal, while China reiterated its support for the VC position.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|393}}

Saigon reported that 56 PAVN/VC and 19 ARVN had been killed in three clashes, one {{convert|7|mi}} northwest of [[Svay Rieng (town)|Svay Rieng]], Cambodia, another at [[Đất Đỏ]] and third in the Quế Sơn Valley.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports killing 56 of foe in 3 tough battles|date=28 February 1972|page=6}}</ref> Saigon also began another reconnaissance in force into Cambodia with a 1,500 armored task force crossing the border {{convert|150|mi}} northeast of Saigon.<ref name=NYT29Feb>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports another thrust in Cambodia to block infiltration|date=29 February 1972|page=4}}</ref>

;28 February
Units of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division killed nine PAVN/VC in two clashes {{convert|30|mi}} northeast of Saigon.<ref name=NYT29Feb/>

;29 February
[[South Korea]] completed the withdrawal of its [[2nd Marine Division (South Korea)|2nd Marine brigade]] from South Vietnam. Two Republic of Korea Army divisions totaling 36,000 men remained in South Vietnam.<ref name=Bowman/>{{rp|301}}<ref name=Summers/>{{rp|55}}

==March==
;1 March
A USAF F-105G attacked a SAM site near Đồng Hới in the 67th "protective reaction" strike of the year.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Missile site hit on raid in North|date=1 March 1972|page=7}}</ref>

Two VPAF MiG-21s attacked two USAF F-4s over the North Vietnam-Laos border and one of the F-4's piloted by Lieutenant Colonel [[Joseph Kittinger]] shot down one MiG-21.<ref name=Futrell>{{cite book|last=Futrell|first=Frank|title=United States Air Force in Southeast Asia 1965-1973: Aces and Aerial Victories|publisher=Air University, Headquarters USAF|year=1976|url=https://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001329821/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-010.pdf}}</ref>{{rp|122}}

;2 March
MACV ended a special alert that had kept U.S. troops confined to their bases in preparation for an anticipated PAVN/VC offensive. B-52s conducted 13 sorties against PAVN troop concentrations in the tri-border area.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. ends alert|date=3 March 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;3 March
U.S. jets conducted three "protective reaction" strikes against antiaircraft sites in North Vietnam. The ARVN began a sweep in the Central Highlands killing five PAVN while finding 20 PAVN killed by airstrikes.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. Reports Jets Launch 3 Strikes Into North Vietnam|date=4 March 1972|page=4}}</ref>

;4 March
U.S. jets conducted another three "protective reaction" strikes against antiaircraft sites in North Vietnam. Radio Hanoi claimed that many civilians had been killed in the recent U.S. airstrikes.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. jets bomb 3 sites in North|date=5 March 1972|page=2}}</ref>

;5 March
The VC attacked an ammunition convoy on the [[Đồng Nai river]] sinking three barges carrying 300 tons of munitions.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy blows up big river convoy|date=6 March 1972|page=7}}</ref>

;6 March
Twenty U.S. jets attacked six antiaircraft positions in North Vietnam. One VPAF [[Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17|MiG-17]] was shot down after five MiGs engaged three U.S. aircraft near Quang Lang Air Base.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|393}}

;6-31 March
[[Operation Strength II]] was an RLA offensive designed to draw PAVN forces away from besieging Long Tieng. The operation failed to divert PAVN forces.<ref name=Conboy/>{{rp|335–9}}

;7 March
U.S. bombing of anti-aircraft installations extended up to {{convert|120|mi|km}} north of the DMZ. The 86 air raids carried out in North Vietnam so far in 1972 equaled the number of air raids against North Vietnam during all of 1971.<ref name=Bowman/>{{rp|301}}

;8 March
MACV announced that it would no longer provide details of the numbers of U.S. aircraft involved in raids on North Vietnam as such information could be useful to the North Vietnamese.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. decides to bar some data on aircraft involved in bombing|author=Fox Butterfield|date=8 March 1972|page=5}}</ref>

The PAVN conducted ten rocket and mortar attacks against ARVN bases along the DMZ. B-52s conducted 20 sorties in western [[Quảng Trị province]] and ARVN forces found ten PAVN killed by bombing in the [[A Sầu Valley]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=South Vietnamese come under attack near the DMZ|date=8 March 1972|page=3}}</ref>

U.S. aircraft struck North Vietnamese antiaircraft sites for the eighth successive day, hitting targets in the DMZ and {{convert|40|mi}} to the North.<ref name=NYT10Mar>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. bombs North 8th day in a row|date=10 March 1972|page=9}}</ref>

;9 March
Prince [[Norodom Sihanouk]] stated that Zhou Enlai had met with North Vietnamese leaders after Nixon's visit and assured them of China's support "until total victory."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=North Vietnamese briefed by Chou on Nixon talks|date=10 March 1972|page=1}}</ref>

ARVN forces from the 1st Division engaged PAVN forces {{convert|12|mi}} northwest of Huế killing seven for the loss of three killed. ARVN forces killed 12 PAVN for the loss of one ARVN in the Central Highlands near Tân Cảnh, while two tanks were seen near Ben Het Camp. ARVN forces killed six PAVN/VC in the U Minh Forst for the loss of three killed.<ref name=NYT10Mar/>

;10 March
Prime Minister [[Lon Nol]] took power as head of state of Cambodia and nullified the constitution.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Lon Nol tightens rule in Cambodia|date=11 March 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The U.S. [[101st Airborne Division]] left South Vietnam, the last U.S. ground combat division to be withdrawn.<ref name=Daugherty>{{cite book|last=Daugherty|first=Leo|title=The Vietnam War Day by Day|publisher=Chartwell Books, Inc.|year=2002|isbn=978-0785828570}}</ref>{{rp|181}}

An ARVN armored task force comprising approximately 5,000 soldiers swept into the Parrot's Beak, Cambodia in an attempt to preempt a PAVN attack. The ARVN killed 23 PAVN from the 52nd Regiment, 320th Division in an ambush {{convert|1|mi}} north of Ben Het Camp.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon force opens campaign in eastern Cambodia|date=11 March 1972|page=7}}</ref>

;11 March
Approximately 2,000 ARVN [[Vietnamese Rangers|Rangers]] launched an attack on PAVN bases near [[Doun Kaev (town)|Takeo]], Cambodia killing 17 PAVN for the loss of three ARVN. B-52 bombers supporting the assaults into Cambodia destroyed a PAVN/VC base containing 30-40 bunkers.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy bunkers in Cambodia reported destroyed by B-52's|date=12 March 1972|page=3}}</ref>

In Laos PAVN forces bombarded Long Tieng and Skyline Ridge and attacked Sam Thong, {{convert|6|mi}} northwest of Long Tieng, in a new offensive to capture Long Tieng.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|394}}

;12 March
MACV reported that U.S. aircraft had destroyed several PAVN tanks on Route 9 in Laos in the preceding week.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy tanks reported hit|date=13 March 1972|page=12}}</ref>

The [[1st Australian Task Force]] completed its withdrawal from South Vietnam.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|394}}

;13 March
PAVN forces captured Sam Thong after a 36-hour battle forcing the 4,000 T'ai defenders to withdraw.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe said to seize key base in Laos|date=14 March 1972|page=1}}</ref>

ARVN forces killed 13 PAVN and captured one near Firebase 5 in the Central Highlands and killed a further four PAVN near Firebase 17 {{convert|11|mi}} south of Kontum. ARVN forces killed seven PAVN northwest of [[Firebase Gio Linh]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Attacks increase in South|date=14 March 1972|page=6}}</ref>

;14 March
B-52s bombed a PAVN bunker complex in the Parrot's Beak, killing 34 PAVN. RVNAF aircraft destroyed three tanks and eight trucks in a PAVN convoy {{convert|6|mi}} southwest of Ben Het. ARVN forces killed 64 PAVN in clashes near Firebase 5.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Raids on enemy base reported|date=15 March 1972|page=9}}</ref>

;15 March
A PAVN rocket attack on [[Quảng Ngãi]] killed four civilians and wounded 27. The U.S. conducted "protective reaction" strikes on two antiaircraft sites in North Vietnam. The JGS reported that the bodies of 112 PAVN/VC had been found after U.S. bombing raids, including 75 in Cambodia where B-52s had destroyed more than 500 bunkers.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Danang base attacked|date=16 March 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;16 March
PAVN/VC attacks continued in Quảng Ngai province with numerous attacks aimed at militia units resulting in 13 ARVN and 18 civilians killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon says foe steps up action|date=17 March 1972|page=8}}</ref>

An explosion destroyed the main ammunition dump at [[Phnom Penh International Airport|Pochentong Airport]], Phnom Penh.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Cambodian cache explodes|date=17 March 1972|page=8}}</ref>

Approximately 10,000 Royal Thai Army soldiers began an operation against communist insurgents {{convert|16|mi}} northwest of Lom Sak District.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Thais attack a rebel stronghold|author=James P. Sterba|date=17 March 1972|page=8}}</ref>

;17 March
A UH-1 of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division crashed into the Đồng Nai river killing all 11 on board. In clashes west of Huế ARVN forces killed 55 PAVN for the loss of seven ARVN. RVNAF fighter-bombers destroyed ten PAVN trucks southwest of Ben Het.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. copter crash kills 11 in Vietnam|date=18 March 1972|page=3}}</ref>

Nearly half of Saigon's Vietnamese language newspapers were reported to have shut down after a Government ordered 120% increase in the price of newsprint paper in a step described as an attempt to silence opposition to the Government.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Many Saigon dailies ceasing publication|date=18 March 1972|page=4}}</ref>

;18 March
In clashes at [[Firebase Bastogne]]/Phu Xuan west of Huế, ARVN forces killed 127 PAVN and captured 43 weapons and later found the bodies of 53 PAVN killed by airstrikes. U.S. airstrikes on the Ho Chi Minh Trail caused 800 secondary explosions. Seventh Air Force spokesmen said that 15 PAVN tanks had been destroyed and 14 damaged between 3 and 8 March near Tchepone and Chavane, Laos. In operations in the Parrot's Beak, ARVN forces found two large supply caches including 1,000 fuel drums.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon says foe lost 180 in clash|date=19 March 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;19 March
The PAVN launched a mortar barrage and assault on Firebase Bastogne wounding 42 ARVN. ARVN forces killed 19 PAVN for the loss of one killed {{convert|25|mi}} south of Danang. In Cambodia ARVN forces killed 17 PAVN.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=3 U.S. airmen rescued in battle in Laos|date=20 March 1972|page=1}}</ref>

''The New York Times'' reported on the improved PAVN antiaircraft defenses of the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos, noting that air defenses fired day and night and that U.S. attack aircraft were having to fly at higher altitudes and that some areas were too well defended to enter.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Bombing Ho Chi Minh Trail is harder|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=20 March 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;20 March
The PAVN continued their assault on Long Tieng with renewed attacks on RLA positions on Skyline Ridge.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Key base besieged|date=21 March 1972|page=8}}</ref>

The ARVN reported that in two weeks of fighting around Firebase Bastogne/Phu Xuan 513 PAVN and 42 ARVN had been killed, with 235 PAVN killed at Cu Mong/Hill 640. The PAVN were reported to be from the 6th Regiment who had withdrawn into base areas in the A Sầu Valley and Cambodia.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy repulsed in hills near Hue|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=21 March 1972|page=9}}</ref>

;21 March
The [[Khmer Rouge]] bombarded Phnom Penh with artillery, killing more than 100 civilians with the main attack directed against Pochentong Airport. This was the heaviest attack on Phnom Penh since the [[Cambodian Civil War]] began in 1970.<ref name=Bowman/>{{rp|302}} Following the bombardment, 500 Khmer Rouge attacked Takh Mau, {{convert|6|mi}} southeast of the city and killed 25 civilians. The PAVN also lay siege to [[Prey Veng (city)|Prey Veng]].<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|395}}

PAVN/VC sappers attacked [[Tây Ninh Combat Base]] killing 13 ARVN, while 16 of the attackers were killed. The base was the major support base for ARVN operations in southern Cambodia.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Vietnam base attacked|date=22 March 1972|page=4}}</ref>

;22 March
A PAVN rocket attack on Tây Ninh Combat Base killed two ARVN and five civilians and ignited more than 100,000 gallons of fuel.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Tayninh base attacked|date=23 March 1972|page=3}}</ref>

PAVN forces were reported to have captured four of the nine RLA positions on Skyline Ridge. RLA sources said that U.S. and [[Royal Lao Air Force]] had caused more than 1,000 PAVN casualties and destroyed four tanks and ten trucks.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe in Laos is reported to hold 4 points overlooking key base|date=23 March 1972|page=3}}</ref>

Thiệu dismissed five senior aides to Defense Minister [[Nguyễn Văn Vy]] due to a scandal relating to the Servicemen's Mutual Aid and Savings Fund (SMASF), a government-run and owned pension fund for South Vietnamese military personnel.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Thieu ousts five defense aides in scandal on retirement fund|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=23 March 1972|page=4}}</ref>

;22 March - 30 April
The PAVN 101D Regiment attacked the ARVN 42nd Ranger Group at Kompong Trach in Cambodia. Each side reinforced and the fighting continued until the end of April when the ARVN withdrew having inflicted heavy losses on the PAVN [[1st Division (Vietnam)|1st Division]]. The battle was the first phase of the [[Easter Offensive in southern Cambodia and the Mekong Delta]].<ref name=Truong>{{cite book|last=Ngo|first=Quang Truong|title=The Easter Offensive of 1972|publisher=U.S. Army Center of Military History|year=1980|url=https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a324505.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813062844/https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a324505.pdf|url-status=live|archive-date=August 13, 2020}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>{{rp|143–5}}

;23 March
The United States boycotted peace negotiations in Paris with the North Vietnamese, citing the failure of North Vietnam to negotiate seriously.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|395}}

North Vietnamese sources described the POW issue as a smokescreen being used by Nixon to divert from peace talks and prolong the war.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=P.O.W.'s secondary, Hanoi says|author=Seymour Hersh|date=24 March 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;23 March - 24 October
The ''Lavelle Affair'' began when USAF General [[John D. Lavelle]], commander of [[Seventh Air Force]], was accused of breaching the rules of engagement for reconnaissance patrols and "protective reaction" strikes over North Vietnam, allowing the falsifying of records to show that U.S. aircraft had been fired on and so allowing them to hit North Vietnamese targets. Lavelle would be forced to retire as a Major General and was replaced by General [[John W. Vogt, Jr.]] on 10 April.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lavelle|author=John T. Correll|magazine=Air Force Magazine|date=1 November 2006|url=https://www.airforcemag.com/article/1106lavelle/}}</ref>

;24 March
PAVN/Khmer Rouge sappers blew up the [[Chroy Changva Bridge|Japanese Bridge]] in Phnom Penh, collapsing several spans of the only highway bridge across the [[Tonlé Sap River]] and killing three civilians. Sappers also sank two barges and a cargo ship moored {{convert|1|mi}} south of the city.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy blows up span of main bridge in Pnompenh|date=24 March 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;25 March
PAVN forces captured Phou Phane, {{convert|19|mi}} northeast of [[Luang Prabang]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy captures a town|date=26 March 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;26 March
ARVN forces killed 106 PAVN for the loss of four ARVN in three clashes near Huế. In the largest battle {{convert|15|mi}} southwest of Huế, 85 PAVN were killed by infantry and airstrikes.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon's troops report killing 106 of foe in clashes near Hue|date=27 March 1972|page=13}}</ref>

;27 March
ANK high command claimed that 70 PAVN had been killed in fighting near Paing Kasey, {{convert|20|mi}} southwest of Phnom Penh and that two ANK soldiers had been killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe said to lose 70 south of Phnompenh|date=28 March 1972|page=3}}</ref>

The PAVN/VC shot down one U.S. and one RVNAF helicopters in the Central Highlands killing one American, while another U.S. helicopter was shot down {{convert|22|mi}} northeast of Saigon.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe downs 3 copters|date=28 March 1972|page=3}}</ref>

ARVN forces withdrew from the Parrot's Beak, Cambodia to prepare for a new operation.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Regrouping reported|date=28 March 1972|page=3}}</ref>

A USAF [[Sikorsky MH-53|HH-53C]] operated by the [[40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron]] crashed in Stoeng Treng Province, Cambodia, about 10 miles (16&nbsp;km) southeast of [[Siem Pang District]], all five crewmen were killed.<ref name=NYT31Mar>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Nine bases near DMZ heavily attacked by North Vietnam|date=31 March 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;28 March
Six civilians were killed in a terrorist bombing in Phnom Penh.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=6 Killed by Terrorist Bomb in Pnompenh|date=29 March 1972|page=10}}</ref>

The U.S. handed over Phan Rang Air Base to the RVNAF.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon given U.S. base|date=29 March 1972|page=10}}</ref>

A USAF [[Lockheed AC-130|AC-130A]] gunship operated by the [[16th Special Operations Squadron]] was shot down by an SA-2 on a night mission over the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos with all 14 crewmen killed.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|395}}

;29 March
Two soldiers from the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division were killed by a booby-trap on patrol {{convert|31|mi}} east of Saigon. ARVN forces engaged PAVN troops {{convert|18|mi}} southwest of Huế, killing 53 PAVN.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Booby trap kills 2 G.I.'s|date=30 March 1972|page=11}}</ref>

;30 March
[[File:DRVA.jpg|thumb|right|PAVN M46 130mm guns]]
The long anticipated offensive by the PAVN/VC began. Called the '''Nguyễn Huệ Offensive''' or '''Chiến dịch Xuân hè 1972''' in Vietnamese and the [[Easter Offensive]] in English, three PAVN divisions (30,000–40,000 men) with support from tanks and artillery crossed the DMZ or came from Laos to the west to attack the ARVN 3rd Division in the [[First Battle of Quảng Trị]]. Although a PAVN offensive had been expected, the invasion across the DMZ was a surprise and the ARVN was ill-prepared. Several small firebases were overrun within hours. Storms and cloud cover hindered U.S. and RVNAF air support.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|395–6}}

North Vietnam's military objectives in launching what would be a three-pronged offensive were the capture of the cities of [[Quang Tri]] in the northern part of South Vietnam, Kontum in the Central Highlands and [[An Loc]] in the south.<ref name="historyplace.com">"The History Place--Vietnam War 1969-1972", http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/vietnam/index-1969.html, accessed 16 Jun 2015</ref> Other objectives were believed to be to impress the North Vietnamese people and the Communist world with its determination, reinvigorate antiwar sentiment in the U.S. and undermine Nixon's reelection chances, disrupt Vietnamization and undermine the Thiệu government and seize territory ahead of any peace settlement.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|396}}

A USAF AC-130E gunship operated by the 16th Special Operations Squadron was shot down by antiaircraft fire over Laos, but all 15 crewmen survived and were rescued.<ref name=NYT31Mar/>

;31 March
[[VAL-4]], the U.S. Navy's last combat unit in South Vietnam conducted its last mission and was disestablished on 10 April 1972.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|396}}

==April==
;1-27 April
[[Operation Fa Ngum]] was an RLA operation to capture the villages of Ban Ngik and Laongam as bases for incursions onto the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The RLA captured Laongam, but were repulsed by the PAVN in their attacks on Ban Ngik.<ref name=Conboy/>{{rp|340–1}}

; 2 April
The ARVN 56th Regiment, 3rd Division numbering about 1,500 soldiers at [[Camp Carroll]] surrendered to the PAVN. Camp Carroll was important to South Vietnam because of its [[M107 self-propelled gun|M107]] 175&nbsp;mm artillery with a range of up to {{convert|20|mi|km}}. The capture of Camp Carroll gave the PAVN control of western [[Quảng Trị Province]].<ref name=Truong/>{{rp|24–30}}

With the city of [[Đông Hà]] near the DMZ threatened, Nixon authorized U.S. naval vessels offshore to strike at the PAVN with warplanes and naval gunfire.<ref name="historyplace.com"/>

Captain [[John Ripley (USMC)|John Ripley]] an adviser to the Vietnamese Marines spent three hours under the road bridge at Đông Hà installing demolition charges to destroy the bridge.<ref name=Melson>{{cite book|last=Melson|first=Charles|title=U.S. Marines In Vietnam: The War That Would Not End, 1971–1973|publisher=History and Museums Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps|year=1991|url=https://archive.org/details/TheWarThatWouldNotEnd|isbn=978-1482384055}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>{{rp|56–60}}

;2-14 April
[[File:Iceal gene hambleton.jpg|thumb|right|Iceal Hambleton]]
Lieutenant Colonel [[Iceal Hambleton]] was the sole survivor of an [[Douglas B-66 Destroyer|EB-66]] shot down near Đông Hà. His [[Rescue of Bat 21 Bravo|rescue]] was the longest and most costly search and rescue mission during the war resulting in the loss of five aircraft, 11 U.S. killed and two captured. The rescue diverted U.S. aircraft from supporting the ARVN in the defense of Quảng Trị Province.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Stoffey|first1=Robert|last2=Holloway|first2=James|title=Fighting to Leave: The Final Years of America's War in Vietnam, 1972-1973|date=5 September 2008|publisher=Zenith Press|isbn=978-0-760333105|page=69}}</ref>

;3 April
The U.S. accused North Vietnam of invading South Vietnam in "flagrant violation" of both the [[1954 Geneva Conference|1954 Geneva Accords]] and the November 1968 understanding that led to the end of [[Operation Rolling Thunder]], the U.S. bombing of North Vietnam and warned that all retaliatory options were open.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. says Hanoi 'invaded' South, keeps all reprisal options open; Air armada prepared to attack|author=Bernard Gwertzman|date=3 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Newspapers in Saigon were instructed by the National Press Center that they should only publish the Government's official reports on the fighting in Quảng Trị Province and threatened to take action against [[UPI]] for a "completely false" account of the surrender of Camp Carroll.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon restricts its press on war|author=Fox Butterfield|date=3 April 1972|page=9}}</ref>

The RLA reported that it had recaptured three of the four positions on Skyline Ridge that had been lost earlier to the PAVN.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Laotians recapture 3 helicopter pads|date=3 April 1972|page=9}}</ref>

;4 April
Nixon authorized increased bombing of PAVN troops in South Vietnam and B-52 strikes against North Vietnam. He said, "These bastards have never been bombed like they're going to be bombed this time."<ref name="historyplace.com"/>

The PAVN attacked South Vietnamese positions in northern [[Binh Dinh province]] from their stronghold in the [[An Lão District, Bình Định|An Lao Valley]]. PAVN/VC forces overran many ARVN positions.<ref name=Andrade>{{cite book|last=Andrade|first=Dale|title=Trial by Fire: The 1972 Easter Offensive, America's Last Vietnam Battle|publisher=Hippocrene Books|year=1994|isbn=978-0781802864}}</ref>{{rp|252–9}}

The {{USS|Kitty Hawk|CV-63|6}} joined two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers already operating off the coast of Vietnam.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|396}}

North Vietnam and the VC called for the resumption of the Paris Peace Talks, but this was rejected by the U.S. and South Vietnam with a South Vietnamese spokesman saying "It is ridiculous to talk about wanting to negotiate while carrying out an invasion."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy asks new Paris talks; Allies reply with indignant no|author=Henry Giniger|date=5 April 1972|page=17}}</ref>

;5 April
In a televised address Thiệu stated that the decisive battle for the survival of South Vietnam was underway.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=New enemy offensive reported, drive towards Quangtri goes on; Thieu see battle for 'survival'|author=Joseph B. Treaster|date=6 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

U.S. jets destroyed the [[Bến Hải River]] Bridge in the DMZ.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Span linking Vietnams is destroyed, U.S. says|date=8 April 1972|page=11}}</ref>

U.S. military sources criticized the defensive mentality of the South Vietnamese noting that ARVN units were retreating and relying on U.S. airpower rather than standing and fighting.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|397}}

;5–7 April 
The second prong of the Easter Offensive was the movement across the border from Cambodia of the VC [[5th Infantry Division (Vietnam)|5th Division]] and an attack on 4,000 ARVN defenders at the [[Battle of Loc Ninh]]. [[Lộc Ninh, Bình Phước|Lộc Ninh]] was a small district town in [[Bình Long Province]], approximately {{convert|75|mi|km}} north of Saigon. Nearly all of the ARVN defenders were killed or surrendered.<ref name=Andrade/>{{rp|398–420}}
[[File:A-7s from USS Oriskany (CVA-34) dropping bombs over Vietnam c1972.jpg|thumb|right|U.S. Navy A-7s bomb North Vietnam]]
;6 April
U.S. aircraft and warships began [[Operation Freedom Train]] (later renamed Operation Linebacker) a sustained program of attacks against North Vietnam. The initial targets were SAM sites and troop concentrations in and north of the DMZ.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. planes and warships attack missile sites in north near DMZ; Enemy troops press offensive|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=7 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;7 April
Secretary of Defense [[Melvin Laird]] stated that the U.S. would continue bombing North Vietnam until it withdrew its forces that had invaded South Vietnam and showed interest in "serious" peace negotiations.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Laird says U.S. will bomb until North pulls back|author=William Beecher|date=8 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

North Vietnam appealed to the French government to use its influence with the U.S. to try to stop the bombing of North Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi bid France to intercede with U.S.|date=8 April 1972|page=11}}</ref>

''The New York Times'' reported that the North Vietnamese invasion had stirred anger and patriotism among South Vietnamese.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi drive stirs patriotism in South|author=Fox Butterfield|date=8 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;8 April
After capturing Lộc Ninh, PAVN/VC soldiers succeeded in surrounding the city of An Lộc, the capital of Bình Long Province and the objective of the southern prong of the Easter Offensive. The city was defended by the ARVN 5th Division who would henceforth be supplied and reinforced by air in the [[Battle of An Lộc]].<ref name=Andrade/>{{rp|423–4}}

The USS ''Constellation'' joined three U.S. Navy aircraft carriers already operating off the coast of Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=South Vietnamese force loses a district capital; Bombings slow invasion|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=8 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Abrams and Bunker advised the White House and the Pentagon that the PAVN offensive was likely to last for months and would only end when their objectives, believed to be the capture of Quảng Trị and [[Thừa Thiên Huế province|Thừa Thiên province]]s had been achieved or they were defeated.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Bunker, Abrams see a long drive|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=9 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

PAVN/VC units attacked Cam Ranh Base killing three Americans and [[Nui Ba Den]] killing two Americans.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy's troops encircle division north of Saigon; Rescue column blocked|author=Fox Butterfield|date=9 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>
[[File:T-59 VC.jpg|thumb|right|South Vietnamese troops with a captured [[Type 59 tank]].]]
; 9 April
In Washington, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger warned Soviet Ambassador [[Anatoli Dobrynin]] that the U.S. might take "drastic measures to end the [Vietnam] war once and for all."<ref name=Prados>{{cite book|last=Prados|first=John|title=The Hidden History of the Vietnam War|publisher=Ivan R. Dee|year=1995|isbn=978-1566630795}}</ref>{{rp|265}}

At dawn 2,000 PAVN launched an attack, led by tanks, against [[Firebase Pedro]] southwest of Quảng Trị. The PAVN tanks had outrun their infantry support and nine tanks were lost in a minefield around Pedro. An ARVN armored task force of eight [[M48 Patton|M48s]] and 12 [[M113 armored personnel carrier|M113s]] from the ARVN [[20th Tank Regiment (South Vietnam)|20th Tank Regiment]] were despatched from [[Quảng Trị Combat Base|Ái Tử Combat Base]] to support the Marines at Pedro. At the same time a flight of RVNAF [[Douglas A-1 Skyraider|A-1 Skyraiders]] arrived overhead and destroyed five tanks. When the ARVN armor arrived they destroyed five [[T-54/55|T-54s]] for no losses and captured one tank.<ref name=Melson/>{{rp|68–9}}

The JGS ordered the [[21st Division (South Vietnam)|21st Division]] to move north to support the Battle of An Lộc as all of South Vietnam's reserve forces were already committed to containing the PAVN offensive.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|398}}

U.S. intelligence analysts said that all but one PAVN division had been committed to the offensive.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. analysts in Saigon say Hanoi threw all but one division into the offensive|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=10 April 1972|page=16}}</ref>

Total PAVN losses during the attacks on Firebase Pedro, Đông Hà and [[Hải Lăng District]] were more than 1,000 killed and 30 tanks destroyed. A further 182 PAVN were killed in an attack on Firebase Bastogne/Phu Xuan for the loss of nine ARVN. [[I Corps (South Vietnam)|I Corps]] commander General [[Hoàng Xuân Lãm]] stated "This was the big battle. We have defeated them." and claimed that the PAVN advance had been stopped.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=North Vietnam's losses in a day in Quangtri area put at 1,000 men, 30 tanks|author=Fox Butterfield|date=11 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The PAVN 12th Regiment, 3rd Division cut [[National Route 19 (Vietnam)|Route 19]] {{convert|8|mi}} east of An Khê.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Ankhe, now a Highlands ghost town, remains an important battlefield|author=Malcolm Browne|date=22 April 1972|page=10}}</ref>

; 10 April
For the first time since 1967, U.S. B-52s bombed North Vietnam. Their priority targets were SAM sites described as "the most sophisticated air defenses in the history of air warfare.<ref name=Bowman/>{{rp|305}}

Nixon said that big powers had a special responsibility to discourage countries from attacking neighbouring countries, while the State Department said the offensive would not be possible without the Soviet Union supplying North Vietnam with sophisticated weapons.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Nixon indirectly criticizes Soviet arms aid to Hanoi|author=Bernard Gwertzman|date=11 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The aircraft carrier {{USS|Midway|CV-41|6}} was ordered to Vietnam.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|398}}

;11 April
The PAVN lay siege to Firebase Bastogne/Phu Xuan losing 102 killed as an ARVN armored column tried for the third day to relieve the base. In fighting at Kampong Trach, Cambodia the ARVN killed 251 PAVN for the loss of seven ARVN killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon's forces said to repulse foe west of Hue|author=Fox Butterfield|date=12 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

North Vietnam stated that "every Vietnamese citizen has the right and duty to fight the American aggressor anywhere on Vietnamese territory." while continuing to claim that no North Vietnamese forces were fighting in South Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi asserts right to battle the U.S. in North or South|date=12 April 1972|page=1}}</ref> North Vietnam again called for a resumption of the Paris Peace Talks and demanded that the U.S. stop bombing and other "acts of aggression."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi aagains asks renewal of talks|date=12 April 1972|page=16}}</ref>

Two more squadrons of B-52s were ordered to be deployed to Indochina, increasing the number to more than 130, the highest at any point of the war. In addition the [[United States Atlantic Fleet]] aircraft carrier {{USS|Saratoga|CV-60|6}} was ordered to deploy to Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. cautiously optimistic but sends further B-52s|author=Terence Smith|date=12 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

'''11-26 April'''

South Korean soldiers won their bloodiest battle of the war at An Khe Pass, dislodging PAVN forces to reopen a key supply route. Officially, 75 ROK were killed and another 222 wounded, but this number was disputed by veterans and CNN, with the latter alleging that actual casualties were double the official figures.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Shim |first=Hosub |date=2020 |title=The Battle of An Khe Pass (1972): The Implications of the South Korean Army's Pyrrhic Victory in the Vietnamization Phase of the Vietnam War |journal=International Journal of Military History and Historiography |volume=74 |issue=109 |pages=75–77}}</ref>

;12 April
A PAVN rocket attack on Da Nang Air Base killed 14 civilians and destroyed a USAF [[Douglas C-47 Skytrain|EC-47]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/reports/images.php?img=/images/1683/168300010829.pdf|title=United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam 1972-1973 Command History Volume 1|publisher=United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam|date=15 July 1973|access-date=14 July 2020|page=44}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>

Approximately 50 men from Company C, 2nd Battalion [[1st Infantry Regiment (United States)|1st Infantry Regiment]] which had been flown into [[Phu Bai Combat Base]] from Danang to provide base security the previous day, refused to go on a combat patrol in the hills west of Phu Bai, but eventually undertook the patrol.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=50 G.I.'s in Vietnam refuse patrol duty, then agree to go|date=13 April 1972|page=1}}</ref> The 2nd Battalion commander [[Lieutenant colonel (United States)|Lieutenant colonel]] Frederick P. Mitchell blamed television newsmen and journalists for inciting the combat refusal.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Colonel assails newsmen|date=13 April 1972|page=16}}</ref>

;13 April
The United States Senate voted 68–16 to approve the [[War Powers Resolution|War Powers Act]], which would limit the power of the President to commit American forces to hostilities without Congressional approval. The legislation then moved on to the House.<ref>{{cite news|title=War Powers Limits Voted in Senate|newspaper=Oakland Tribune|date=13 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

After two B-52 strikes around Firebase Bastogne/Phu Xuan, the ARVN relief force reported finding 210 PAVN dead.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy captures a half of An Loc; 40 tanks in push|date=14 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

In fighting in Kampong Trach the ARVN reported killing 127 PAVN for the loss of 13 ARVN.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Cambodia clash reported|date=14 April 1972|page=14}}</ref> 
   
; 13 April – 20 July
After several days of artillery strikes, the PAVN [[9th Division (Vietnam)|9th Division]] attacked An Lộc supported by 40 tanks. They captured the northern half of the city but the ARVN defenders held the rest supported by heavy U.S. air attacks. The Battle of An Lộc became a siege that lasted for 66 days and culminated in a victory for South Vietnam. North Vietnam devoted 35,000 soldiers to the battle and siege. The victory at An Lộc halted the PAVN advance towards Saigon.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|398}}

;14 April
South Vietnam reported more than 107 individual attacks across the county in the preceding 24 hours, the highest level since the 1968 Tet Offensive. A rocket attack on Tan Son Nhut International Airport killed 15 civilians while a rocket attack on Danang killed 13 civilians.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|399}}

The U.S. expanded B-52 strikes across the North Vietnam up to {{convert|200|mi}} north of the DMZ.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|399}}

The ARVN abandoned Firebase Charlie ({{Coord|14.576|N|107.778|E|display=inline}}) 10&nbsp;km from Dak To after it was attacked by the PAVN [[320th Division (Vietnam)|320th Division]].<ref name=Truong/>{{rp|86–7}}

;15 April
ARVN 3rd Division troops began some limited counterattacks in Quảng Trị province. Rocket and artillery attacks on Danang killed 39 civilians and destroyed one U.S. helicopter at [[Marble Mountain Air Facility]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=A shift by South Vietnamese troops to offensive in Quangtri Province is reported|author=Joseph Treaster|date=16 April 1972|page=20}}</ref>

Democratic senators Hubert Humphrey, [[Edward Kennedy]] and Edmund Muskie criticized the expanded U.S. bombing, saying it jeopardized the U.S. exiting the war.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Humphrey, Muskie and Kennedy assail bombing|date=16 April 1972|page=20}}</ref>

The {{USS|Worden|CG-18|6}} operating in the [[Gulf of Tonkin]] was accidentally hit by two [[AGM-45 Shrike]] anti-radiation missiles fired by U.S. aircraft, killing one crewmember.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|399}}

; 15–17 April
The U.S. carried out heavy B-52 and fighter bomber strikes against Hanoi and Haiphong in Operation Freedom Porch. Nixon said, "we really left them our calling card this weekend."<ref name=Prados/>{{rp|266}}

; 15–20 April
Anti-war demonstrators protested the bombing of North Vietnam throughout the United States. Hundreds of protesters were arrested.<ref name=Summers/>{{rp|56}}

;16 April
The Soviet Union formally protested the U.S. bombing of North Vietnam, warning that it would aggravate the situation in Indochina and internationally.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=A Soviet warning|author=Hedrick Smith|date=17 April 1972|page=1}}</ref> The Soviet's claimed that four of their ships had been hit in the raids on Haiphong, the U.S. rejected the protest and denied responsibility saying that nations that provided offensive weapons to North Vietnam shared responsibility for Hanoi's actions.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Soviet says 4 of its ships were struck in Haiphong; U.S. rejects the protest|author=Hedrick Smith|date=18 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Zhou Enlai condemned the U.S. bombing saying that the U.S. had "embarked again on the old track of war escalation."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Chou condemns U.S. 'escalation'|author=Tillman Durdin|date=17 April 1972|page=10}}</ref>

USAF jets shot down three VPAF MiG-21s southwest of Hanoi while escorting U.S. bombing missions.<ref name=Futrell/>{{rp|122–3}}

;17 April
Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Secretary of State Rogers defended the bombing of Hanoi and Haiphong stating that the Nixon Administration would take "whatever military action is necessary" to stop the North's "massive invasion" of the South.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Rogers defends bombing; Warns of further moves|author=Bernard Gwertzman|date=18 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The {{USS|Buchanan|DDG-14|6}} was hit by PAVN coastal artillery on Hon Mat Island near Vinh, killing one crewman.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|399}}

;18 April
Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Secretary of Defense Laird said that bombing of North Vietnam would continue as long as the invasion lasted and didn't rule out blockading or mining Haiphong harbor.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|399}}

ARVN relief forces approaching Firebase Bastogne/Phu Xuan reported approximately 400 PAVN and 21 ARVN killed in fighting {{convert|4|mi}} east of the base.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe seems to tighten hold on Route 13|author=Malcolm Browne|date=18 April 1972|page=18}}</ref>

The South Vietnamese reported that more than 200 PAVN/VC had been killed in attacks on outposts south of Danang in the previous four days.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon says its troops beat back tanks pressing attack on besieged Anloc|date=19 April 1972|page=16}}</ref>

Hanoi reported that 47 civilians had been killed in Haiphong and 13 in Hanoi in the recent U.S. bombing raids.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=60 killed, Hanoi says|date=19 April 1972|page=16}}</ref>

; 19 April
[[File:Destroyed gun turret aboard USS Higbee (DD-806) at Da Nang, Vietnam, in April 1972.jpg|thumb|right|Gun mount of USS ''Higbee'' destroyed in the Battle of Đồng Hới]] 
Several VPAF MiG-17Fs attacked U.S. Navy warships in the [[Battle of Đồng Hới]]. This was the first air attack on U.S. warships of the war. A gun mount on the {{USS|Higbee|DD-806|6}} was destroyed. The U.S. Navy sunk two [[P 4-class torpedo boat|P 4/6 class]] [[motor torpedo boat]]s and shot down one MiG-17 and also engaged shore batteries in North Vietnam.<ref name=Bowman/>{{rp|306–7}}

PAVN force overran [[Hoài Ân District]] in Bình Định province after the ARVN defenders fled.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|400}}

PAVN forces captured most of Kompong Trabek, Cambodia, on Route 1 {{convert|50|mi}} east of Phnom Penh.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Fighting flares in Cambodia|date=20 April 1972|page=20}}</ref>

The presidents of the eight [[Ivy League]] colleges and [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology]] issued a joint statement criticizing the renewed U.S. bombing and supporting peaceful antiwar demonstrations.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|400}}

; 20 April
South Vietnam announced its highest weekly casualties since the Tet Offensive, losing 1002 killed and 408 while claiming 7,117 PAVN/VC killed and 71 captured.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Besieged Anloc is said to repel another assault|author=Fox Butterfield|date=21 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The PAVN captured a {{convert|50|mi}} stretch of Route 1 in Svay Rieng province, Cambodia. At Kompong Trabek more than 450 soldiers of the ANK 58th Brigade were reported to have been killed or captured with only 50 soldiers from the unit escaping.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Section of highway seized|date=21 April 1972|page=16}}</ref>

The PAVN [[325th Division (Vietnam)|325C Division]], North Vietnam's last combat division, was reported to be moving through the DMZ into South Vietnam, leaving only two training divisions in North Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Units of last division left in North said to move South|author=William Beecher|date=21 April 1972|page=16}}</ref>

North Vietnam and the VC again called for the U.S. to resume the Paris Peace Talks with no precondition of a bombing halt.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|400}}

The U.S. State Department claimed that North Vietnam was trying to rewrite history by denying the existence of an understanding that North Vietnam would show restraint in return for the November 1968 U.S. bombing halt.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi distortion is charged by U.S.|author=Bernard Gwertzman|date=22 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

; 21–25 April
Kissinger visited Moscow and met with  [[General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union]] [[Leonid Brezhnev]] to prepare for an upcoming [[summit meeting]] between Nixon and Brezhnev. Nixon instructed Kissinger that his top priority was to get Soviet cooperation in seeking an agreement to end hostilities in South Vietnam. Brezhnev said he would use Soviet influence but he could not dictate to North Vietnam.<ref name=Asselin>{{cite book|last=Asselin|first=Pierre|title=A Bitter Peace: Washington, Hanoi, and the Making of the Paris Agreement|publisher=University of North Carolina Press|year=2002|isbn=978-0807854174}}</ref>{{rp|39–42}}

; 22 April
South Vietnam reported the heaviest fighting in 18 months in the Mekong Delta where PAVN/VC had attacked numerous government outposts and overrun up to half of [[Chương Thiện province]].<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|400}}

100,000 people in various cities around the U.S. protested the increased bombing of North Vietnam.<ref name=Bowman/>{{rp|307}}

;23 April
The PAVN used [[9M14 Malyutka|AT-3 Sagger]] anti-tank guided missiles for the first time in combat, attacking the ARVN 20th Tank Regiment west of Đông Hà, destroying one M48A3 and one M113 armored cavalry assault vehicle (ACAV) and damaging a second ACAV.<ref name=Starry>{{cite book|last=Starry|first=Donn|title=Mounted Combat In Vietnam Vietnam Studies|publisher=Department of the Army|year=1978|isbn=978-1780392462|url=https://history.army.mil/html/books/090/90-17-1/index.html}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>{{rp|210}}

Military sources in Saigon said that the South Vietnamese had suffered approximately 10,000 casualties in the offensive so far, including about 3,000 killed while the PAVN/VC were estimated to have lost more than 13,000 killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon puts foe's dead at 13,000, own at 3,000|date=24 April 1972|page=16}}</ref>

Reports from the "liberated" town of Lộc Ninh said that the PAVN/VC had imprisoned all South Vietnamese government officials and ARVN officers and non-commissioned officers and executed three of them. All private vehicles were confiscated and a rubber plantation's rice stores were trucked to Snuol, Cambodia.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Refugees describe life in town foe cccupied|date=24 April 1972|page=16}}</ref>

; 23–24 April
After preliminary encounters, the third prong of the Easter Offensive began in the Central Highlands. The PAVN [[2nd Division (Vietnam)|2nd Division]] supported by tanks attacked the ARVN 47th Regiment, [[22nd Division (South Vietnam)|22nd Division]] at [[Tân Cảnh Base Camp]]. By nightfall on 24 April, the PAVN had overrun Tan Canh and nearby [[Đắk Tô Base Camp|Dak To II Base Camp]] and the 22nd Division had disintegrated.<ref name=Andrade/>{{rp|265–84}}

;24 April
[[File:Huey armed with TOW missiles in Vietnam.jpg|thumb|right|UH-1B with XM26 TOW weapons system]]
The U.S. ''1st Combat Aerial TOW Team'' arrived in South Vietnam to test the new [[BGM-71 TOW]] anti-armor missile under combat conditions. The team consisted of two UH-1B helicopters each mounting the XM26 TOW weapons system.<ref name=Starry/>{{rp|215}}

Da Nang Air Base was hit by PAVN 122mm rockets prompting a call for Marines to provide base security and on 25 May the [[3rd Battalion, 9th Marines]] was deployed to the base.<ref name=Melson/>{{rp|158–9}}

Seven crewmen from the {{USS|Nitro|AE-23|6}} jumped overboard as the ship departed [[Naval Weapons Station Earle]] for South Vietnam in protest against the war. The sailors were picked up by a [[United States Coast Guard]] vessel and returned to the ''Nitro''.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Seven Sailors Leap From Picketed Ship|date=25 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

A [[Republic of Vietnam Navy]] destroyer sank a {{convert|100|ft}} North Vietnamese trawler carrying munitions near [[Phú Quốc]] and rescued 16 of the 22 man crew.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=North Vietnamese craft sunk|date=25 April 1972|page=18}}</ref>

;25 April
PAVN/VC forces attacked the remnants of the ARVN 42nd Regiment, 22nd Division at [[Hoài Nhơn]] in Bình Định province, which combined with the attacks towards Kontum threatened to cut South Vietnam in half.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=North Vietnamese appear on way to dividing South|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=26 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The U.S. and South Vietnam announced they were willing to resume the Paris Peace Talks on 27 April with the first matter for discussion being ending "the flagrant North Vietnamese invasion of South Vietnam."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. and Saigon agree on new talk if Hanoi discusses invasion halt|author=Robert B. Semple Jr.|date=26 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The VC 48th Battalion was reported to have destroyed 23 villages around the [[Batangan Peninsula]], killing 23 civilians and making a further 30,000 homeless in an attempt to disrupt South Vietnamese pacification efforts. Among the villages destroyed were two housing survivors of the Mỹ Lai massacre.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Two villages of Mylai survivors laid waste by enemy in drive|author=Fox Butterfield|date=26 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

PAVN forces supported by ten tanks besieged the city of Svay Rieng, Cambodia.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Cambodian city periled|date=26 April 1972|page=17}}</ref>

;26 April
In a televised address Nixon announced that U.S. troop numbers would be reduced by 20,000 to 49,000 by 1 July despite the ongoing North Vietnamese offensive. He said that U.S. actions were aimed to achieve "peace with honor" in Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Nixon to withdraw 20,000 more|author=Robert B. Semple Jr.|date=27 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;27 April
The PAVN began a renewed assault in Quảng Trị province.<ref name=NYT27Apr>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=City in northern region reported under attack|author=Joseph B. Treaster|date=27 April 1972|page=1}}</ref> The U.S. accused North Vietnam of acting in bad faith by renewing their offensive on the same day that the Paris Peace Talks resumed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. calls Quangtri attack act of bad faith by Hanoi|author=Terence Smith|date=28 April 1972|page=16}}</ref>

The PAVN captured Firebase Dunglieu {{convert|60|mi}} east of Kontum. Meanwhile, an ARVN convoy succeeded in reaching Pleiku after ARVN and South Korean troops cleared the PAVN roadblock on Route 19.<ref name=NYT27Apr/>
[[File:ThanhHoaBridge1.jpg|thumb|right|Thanh Hoa Bridge after being hit by laser-guided bombs]]
USAF jets knocked down one of the spans of the [[Thanh Hóa Bridge]] using [[Paveway]] [[Laser-guided bomb]]s. The bridge had withstood 871 previous sorties.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|401}}

The JGS reported that in the preceding week they had suffered the highest casualties of the war losing 1,149 killed and 3,376 wounded while PAVN/VC losses were 4,890 killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon forces' casualties at war's high last week|date=28 April 1972|page=16}}</ref>

The United States [[Joint Chiefs of Staff]] assessed the performance of South Vietnamese armed forces thus far in the Easter offensive as "encouraging."<ref>Webb, William J. and Poole, Walter S. (2007), ''The Joint Chiefs of State and the War in Vietnam, 1971-1973'', Washington, D.C.: Office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, p. 214. http://www.dtic.mil/doctrine/history/vn71_73.pdf{{Dead link|date=August 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}, accessed 17 Dec 2015</ref>

;28 April
The commander of the 20th Tank Regiment withdrew from Đông Hà to deal with a PAVN force threatening Ái Tử Combat Base. Seeing the tanks leaving, the soldiers of the 57th Regiment, 3rd Division panicked and abandoned their positions leading to the collapse of the ARVN defensive line.<ref name=Melson/>{{rp|78}}

The first kill was made by a PAVN [[9K32 Strela-2#Southeast Asia|SA-7]] [[Man-portable air-defense system]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/reports/images.php?img=/images/1683/168300010832.pdf|title=United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam 1972-1973 Command History Annex B|publisher=United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam|date=15 July 1973|access-date=10 September 2020|page=B-28}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>

A senior U.S. officer described the performance of the ARVN 22nd Division as "inadequate" as PAVN forces closed in on Kontum and Pleiku.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|401}}

;29 April
At 02:00 the PAVN attacked the ARVN positions north and south of Đông Hà Combat Base and the ARVN defenses of Quảng Trị began to crumble.<ref name=Melson/>{{rp|79}} The PAVN captured Đông Hà later that day.<ref name=NYT29Apr>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy overruns Dongha in drive on Quangtri City|author=Henry Kamm|date=29 April 1972|page=1}}</ref>

PAVN forces captured Firebase Bastogne/Tho Xuan and its defenders withdrew east to [[Firebase Birmingham]].<ref name=NYT29Apr/>

PAVN/VC forces overran [[Bồng Sơn]] after its defenders, militiamen and soldiers from the ARVN 42nd Regiment, 22nd Division fled in the face of mortar fire and infantry attacks. One U.S. adviser said "there was a lot of valor by some individuals and a lot of cowardice."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=As town falls, American sees valor and cowardice|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=30 April 1972|page=20}}</ref>

;29-30 April
More than 10,000 South Vietnamese soldiers and civilians were evacuated by helicopter from Kontum to Pleiku.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|401}}

; 29 April - 2 May
Approximately 2,000 South Vietnamese civilians were killed by indiscriminate PAVN artillery fire as they [[Shelling of Highway 1|fled Quảng Trị along Highway 1]].<ref name=Melson/>{{rp|84–5}}

;30 April
At midday Giai ordered a withdrawal from Ái Tử to a defensive line along the south of the [[Thạch Hãn River]] and the withdrawal was completed late that day.<ref name=Melson/>{{rp|80}}

ARVN and ANK forces abandoned [[Bavet]] and Kampong Trach in Svay Rieng province, leaving only Svay Rieng under Cambodian control.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe captures 2 positions in Cambodia|date=1 May 1972|page=10}}</ref>

==May==
;1 May
Giai decided that any further defense of Quảng Trị was pointless and that the ARVN should withdraw to a defensive line along the [[Battle of the Mỹ Chánh Line|Mỹ Chánh River]].<ref name=Melson/>{{rp|82–3}} The PAVN then captured Quảng Trị, the only provincial capital to fall to them during the Easter Offensive.<ref name=Isaacs/>{{rp|2}}

The PAVN captured Tam Quan in Bình Định province and besieged the ARVN 40th Regiment at [[Landing Zone English]]. The 40th Regiment, supposed to number 3,000 soldiers had been reduced 40% by desertion and 30% by casualties in what was described as a failure of Vietnamization.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Allied program fails a key test|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=2 May 1972|page=1}}</ref>

RLA forces recaptured all of Skyline Ridge from the PAVN.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Ridge above ex-C.I.A. base reported taken by Laotians|date=2 May 1972|page=20}}</ref>

Radio Hanoi said that the DMZ was not a border and that the movement of forces across it did not constitute an invasion, saying that "All Vietnamese have the right and duty to defend Vietnam against the aggressor who came 10,000 miles across the ocean to invade our land."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi says DMZ is not a border|date=2 May 1972|page=21}}</ref>

60,000 people protested the U.S. bombing in [[Stockholm]], [[Sweden]].<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|402}}

;2 May
The ARVN 3rd Division disintegrated with many of its soldiers fleeing down Route 1 towards Huế, while South Vietnamese Marines held onto defensive positions north of Huế.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Bases near Hue attacked; South Vietnamese troops flee Quangtri in disorder|author=Sydney Schanberg|date=3 May 1972|page=1}}</ref> That evening, following intense artillery fire and ground attacks the ARVN abandoned [[Firebase Nancy]] and fell back to the Mỹ Chánh Line.<ref name=Truong/>{{rp|50}} North Vietnam claimed that the Allies had suffered more than 10,000 casualties in the fighting in  Quảng Trị province.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|402}}

The ARVN 40th Regiment abandoned Landing Zone English and fled {{convert|4|mi}} east to the coast where they were picked up Republic of Vietnam Navy landing craft. The PAVN now controlled the northern third of Bình Định province.<ref name=NYT4May>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=1968 hero sent in|author=Fox Butterfield|date=4 May 1972|page=1}}</ref>

In the first combat kill using the TOW missile the U.S. ''1st Combat Aerial TOW Team'' destroyed an American-made [[M41 Walker Bulldog|M41]] operated by the PAVN near An Lộc.<ref name=McKenna>{{cite book|last=McKenna|first=Thomas|title=Kontum: The Battle to Save South Vietnam|series=Battles and Campaigns|publisher=University Press of Kentucky|year=2011|isbn=978-0813165820}}</ref>{{rp|143}}

The [[Pulitzer Prize for Public Service]] was awarded to ''The New York Times'' for publication of the [[Pentagon Papers]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=The Times wins a Pulitzer for the Pentagon Papers|author=Peter Kihss|date=2 May 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;3 May
Thousands of deserters from the ARVN 3rd Division looted Huế where they burned the central market and harassed civilians. The troops blamed their officers for abandoning them in the evacuation of Quảng Trị.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title='It's everyone for himself' as troops rampage in Hue|author=Sydney Schanberg|date=4 May 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Lieutenant General [[Ngô Quang Trưởng]] assumed command of I Corps replacing the ineffectual General Hoàng Xuân Lãm.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|402}} Lãm claimed that he had resigned and blamed his subordinates for ignoring his orders, saying that he had ordered Quảng Trị to be held.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=General says men disobeyed orders|author=Joseph B. Treaster|date=4 May 1972|page=1}}</ref>  Meanwhile, Giai was relieved of command and placed under investigation.<ref name=NYT4May/>

U.S. advisers and officials blamed the poor performance of the ARVN on poor leadership and the system of patronage that rewarded loyalty rather than skill.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Failure of leadership|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=4 May 1972|page=20}}</ref>

;4 May
Trưởng met with Thiệu in Huế.<ref name=NYT5May>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Raids on North planned|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=5 May 1972|page=1}}</ref> In a televised speech Trưởng pledged to defend Huế, called on civilians not to evacuate, announced that there would be no further evacuation of military dependents and threatened capital punishment for any deserters.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Thieu Confers With Hue Commander|author=Sydney Schanberg|date=5 May 1972|page=21}}</ref>

More than 200,000 refugees were estimated to be in Danang with a further 30,000 still moving down Route 1 towards the city from Huế.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Refugees choking Danang as threat to Hue mounts|author=Joseph B. Treaster|date=5 May 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The USS ''Saratoga'' was ordered on station off Vietnam, bringing the number of U.S. aircraft carriers to six. A further 50 strike aircraft were ordered to Indochina, bring total strength to more than 1,000 aircraft.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|402}}

USAF aircraft began flying replacement M48 tanks into Danang Air Base from Japan to replace those lost in Quảng Trị.<ref name=NYT5May/>

The Paris Peace Talks were suspended indefinitely after the United States and South Vietnam pulled out because of "a lack of progress".<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|402}}

The VC announced the establishment of a "provisional revolutionary administration" in Quảng Trị and called for all South Vietnamese military, police and government officials to turn themselves in.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Broadcast by foe|author=Terence Smith|date=5 May 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;5 May
Firebase Birmingham was shelled by the PAVN and in two clashes {{convert|2|mi}} west and southwest of the base, 39 PAVN and two ARVN were killed. The PAVN also closed Route 14 between Pleiku and Kontum. U.S. troops from the 196th Light Infantry Brigade engaged PAVN forces on "Charlie Ridge" {{convert|15|mi}} southwest of Danang suffering two wounded.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy overruns base near Pleiku, killing about 80|author=Fox Butterfield|date=6 May 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The Pentagon announced that U.S. Marines might be landed to defend the withdrawal of U.S. forces from South Vietnam, as only about 6,000 of the more than 60,000 Americans remaining were combat troops, however any renewed ground combat responsibility was ruled out.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. says Marines may land to protect G.I.'s|author=Terence Smith|date=6 May 1972|page=11}}</ref>

;6 May
The PAVN attacked Firebase 42 {{convert|3|mi}} north of Pleiku, which was the headquarters of the ARVN 2nd Airborne Brigade and the 44th and 45th Regiments, [[23rd Division (South Vietnam)|23rd Division]]. The attack was repulsed with 35 PAVN, more than 50 ARVN and one U.S. adviser killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Fire Base 42 the morning after|author=Malcolm Browne|date=7 May 1972|page=1}}</ref> The South Vietnamese government announced that all 30,000 civilians in Kontum would be evacuated by road south to Pleiku.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|403}}

The PAVN fired 115 rockets, mortar and recoilless rifle rounds into Phnom Penh, killing two civilians and wounding 44. They then unsuccessfully attacked the [[Monivong Bridge]] just {{convert|1|mi}} south of the U.S. Embassy.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Pnompenh Struck By Rockets as Foe Attacks Key Bridge|date=6 May 1972|page=10}}</ref>

U.S. Navy fighters shot down two MiG-21s and a Mig-17 in dogfights southwest of Hanoi.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Dogfight fought near Hanoi|author=Fox Butterfield|date=8 May 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The U.S. began reopening [[Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base]] which they had closed in April 1971.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. airmen seem to be reopening base in Thailand|date=7 May 1972|page=21}}</ref>

[[United Press International]] photographer [[David Hume Kennerly]] was awarded the [[Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography]] for his photos taken in Cambodia and South Vietnam.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/dave-kennerly|title=Dave Kennerly of United Press International|publisher=Pulitzer.org|access-date=12 July 2020}}</ref>

;6-9 May
From midday on 6 May the PAVN began an intensive bombardment of [[Polei Kleng Camp]] with over 500 rounds systematically destroying the base bunkers and an infantry assault by the PAVN 64th Regiment penetrated the perimeter. The attack was repulsed and the ARVN continued to hold for a further 3 days during which time U.S. airpower, including gunships and 16 B-52 strikes, was concentrated on the attacking PAVN. On the night of 7 May the PAVN attempted another assault but were again repulsed suffering 300 killed.<ref name=McKenna/>{{rp|154–6}} On the morning of 9 May the ARVN abandoned the base in the face of a PAVN tank and infantry assault, only 97 ARVN and their dependents reaching safety in Kontum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vva.vietnam.ttu.edu/images.php?img=/images/1683/168300010837.pdf|title=U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Command History 1972, Volume 2 Annex K. Kontum|publisher=Military Assistance Command, Vietnam|date=15 July 1973|page=K-14|accessdate=21 January 2021}}</ref>

;8 May
Nixon withdrew his demand for a withdrawal of all North Vietnamese forces from South Vietnam as a precondition for a peace agreement. Nixon proposed that all U.S. POWs be released and an internationally supervised cease fire take place. The U.S. would cease bombing and withdraw from South Vietnam within six months after those conditions were met.<ref name="nixonlibrary.gov">"Memoirs v Tapes: President Nixon and the December Bombings",  http://www.nixonlibrary.gov/exhibits/decbomb/chapter-ii.html {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712134415/http://www.nixonlibrary.gov/exhibits/decbomb/chapter-ii.html |date=2018-07-12 }}., accessed 23 Jun 2015</ref>

Nixon also announced [[Operation Pocket Money]], the mining of Haiphong and other North Vietnamese harbors, calculating correcting that he could take such a step without endangering the U.S.'s improving relationships with China and the Soviet Union. The mines would activate in three days allowing ships in port time to leave<ref name=Isaacs/>{{rp|18}} Nixon's action inspired an outbreak of anti-Vietnam War protests around the U.S. with 1,800 arrests of protesters reported.<ref name=Bowman/>{{rp|320}}

Hanoi accused the U.S. of bombing dikes and other civilian targets in a series of raids {{convert|15|mi}} west of Hanoi.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi says raids struck at dikes|author=Craig Whitney|date=8 May 1972|page=1}}</ref>

[[Rear admiral (United States)|Rear Admiral]] [[Rembrandt C. Robinson]] and two others were killed when their helicopter crashed while landing on {{USS|Providence|CL-82|6}} in the Gulf of Tonkin. He was the only U.S. Navy [[Flag officer]] killed in the war.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rear-admiral-rc-robinson.com/images/RobinsonJA07.pdf |title=Pounding the Do Son Peninsula|last=Robinson|first=John|publisher=Naval Institute Proceedings|access-date=21 August 2020}}</ref>

;9 May
The PAVN 203rd Tank Regiment attacked Ben Het Camp. ARVN Rangers destroyed the first three [[PT-76]] tanks with BGM-71 TOW missiles, thereby breaking up the attack.<ref name=Starry/>{{rp|215–217}} The Rangers spent the rest of the day stabilising the perimeter ultimately destroying 11 tanks and killing over 100 PAVN.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.virtual.vietnam.ttu.edu/cgi-bin/starfetch.exe?GHvdsrMcNUbgpFLh7.PAaAJGjLaql6zyM0ISRqz.ZgGULq230shPPA8tnMzMQDBYepRlUkJsHXZTdICEjs9CoKm5yRT7hy@F2jRyub3Usy4iKY2Td2qBYg/1070703002b.pdf|title=U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Command History 1972, Annex K. Kontum, 1973. MACV|page=K-14|access-date=28 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303170722/http://www.virtual.vietnam.ttu.edu/cgi-bin/starfetch.exe?GHvdsrMcNUbgpFLh7.PAaAJGjLaql6zyM0ISRqz.ZgGULq230shPPA8tnMzMQDBYepRlUkJsHXZTdICEjs9CoKm5yRT7hy%40F2jRyub3Usy4iKY2Td2qBYg%2F1070703002b.pdf|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=dead}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>

North Vietnam accused the U.S. of breaching the 1954 Geneva Accords and the November 1968 by the renewed bombing of North Vietnam and mining of North Vietnamese ports.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|403}}

The Soviet Union and China condemned the mining of North Vietnamese harbors and the continued U.S. bombing.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|404}}

Senate Democrats voted 29:14 to disapprove "the escalation of the war."<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|403}}

;10 May
[[File:F-4J VF-96 Showtime 100 in flight.jpg|thumb|right|F-4J of VF-96 flown by Lieutenants Cunningham and Driscoll]]
Lieutenant Duke Cunningham and Lieutenant William P. Driscoll of [[VF-96]] become the only U.S. Navy [[flying ace|ace]]s of the war scoring their third, fourth and fifth kills of MiG-17s in a single mission. Their F-4J was then hit by a SAM-2 missile and they ejected successfully over the Gulf of Tonkin and were rescued.<ref name=Marolda>{{cite book|last=Marolda|first=Edward|title=By Sea, Air, and Land: An Illustrated History of the U. S. Navy and the War in Southeast Asia|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_d73UUmKru9IC|publisher=DIANE Publishing|year=1996|isbn=9780788132506|page=393}}</ref>

U.S. aircraft achieve their highest number of aerial kills of the war, downing 11 VPAF jets (seven MiG-17s and four MiG-21s) while supporting bombing missions across North Vietnam.<ref name=Marolda/> U.S. jets damaged the [[Paul Doumer Bridge]] in Hanoi with laser-guided bombs rendering it unusable.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|404}}

A U.S. Army CH-47A crashed near [[Bearcat Base]] killing all 34 on board.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/76006|title=Boeing CH-47A Chinook 64-13157|publisher=Aviation Safety Network|access-date=23 November 2020}}</ref>

Thieu declared martial law.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|404}} He also replaced II Corps commander Lieutenant general [[Ngô Du]] with Major general [[Nguyễn Văn Toàn (general)|Nguyễn Văn Toàn]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon replaces Highlands commander|author=Malcolm Browne|date=11 May 1972|page=19}}</ref>

;11 May
The PAVN 5th and 9th Divisions launched a massive infantry and armor assault on An Lộc. This attack was repulsed by a combination of U.S. airpower and ARVN soldiers on the ground. A B-52 strike took place every 55 minutes for 30 hours straight—using 170 B-52s. Despite this air support, the PAVN made gains, and reached within a few hundred meters of the ARVN 5th Division command post.<ref name=Lam>{{cite book|last=Thi|first=Lam Quang|title=Hell in An Loc: The 1972 Easter Invasion and the Battle that Saved South Vietnam|publisher=University of North Texas Press|year=2009|isbn=9781574412765}}</ref>{{rp|145–50}}

USAF First Lieutenant [[Michael Blassie]] of the [[8th Special Operations Squadron]] was killed when his A-37B Dragonfly was shot down near An Lộc. His remains and some personal effects were recovered from the crash site by the ARVN five months later and turned over to the U.S. military. The remains were later reclassified as unknown and on 17 May 1984 his remains were designated as the Vietnam Unknown service member. On 28 May 1984 his remains were entombed at [[Arlington National Cemetery]]. The remains were exhumed on 14 May 1998 and identified as Blassie through [[DNA testing]]. Later in 1998 he was reburied at [[Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nlm.nih.gov/visibleproofs//galleries/cases/blassie.html|title=Michael Blassie unknown no more|date=3 May 2006|publisher=National Institutes of Heath|access-date=9 July 2020}}</ref>

The South Vietnamese government ordered all universities closed, the lowering of the draft age from 19 to 17, the recall of 45,000 draftees and a 23:00 to 05:00 curfew.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Strict regulations imposed by Saigon|author=Henry Kamm|date=12 May 1972|page=19}}</ref>

;12 May
The PAVN launched new attacks in an effort to take An Lộc, but again failed.<ref name=Lam/>{{rp|153}}

China condemned the mining of North Vietnamese ports and pledged ongoing support for North Vietnam.<ref name=Nguyen>{{cite book|last=Nguyen|first=Lien-Hang|title=Hanoi's War: An International History of the War for Peace in Vietnam|publisher=University of North Carolina Press|year=2012|isbn=978-0-8078-3551-7}}</ref>{{rp|251}}

Speaking in Paris, Lê Đức Thọ claimed that North Vietnam and the VC did not want to impose a Communist or socialist government in Saigon as that would "not reflect the reality of the situation."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Tho spurns Nixon's plan, but would resume talks|author=John Hess|date=13 May 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;13 May
South Vietnamese Marines conducted Operation Song Than 5-72, with two battalions landing in USMC helicopters in the Hải Lăng district and then moving south where they engaged the PAVN 66th Regiment and then returned to the Mỹ Chánh Line. The operation resulted in 240 PAVN killed, three tanks destroyed and two 130mm guns put out of action.<ref name=Melson/>{{rp|94–6}}

The U.S. completed the destruction of the Thanh Hóa Bridge with laser-guided bombs. The U.S. had first bombed the {{convert|540|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} concrete and steel structure in 1965.<ref>{{cite book|last=Gillespie|first=Paul|title=Weapons of choice: the development of precision guided munitions|publisher=University of Alabama Press|year=2006|isbn=978-0817315320|page=116}}</ref>

A [[The Harris Poll|Harris Poll]] found that 59% of Americans supported the mining of North Vietnam, while 24% disapproved and 17% were unsure.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Harris Poll finds 59% backed harbor mining|date=14 May 1972|page=28}}</ref>

;14 May
Approximately 4,000 ARVN 1st Division troops supported by artillery and B-52 strikes advanced west along Route 547 coming to within {{convert|0.5|mi}} of Firebase Bastogne and killed 110 PAVN.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|405}}

; 14–16 May  
In one of the largest and most intense battles of the Easter Offensive, PAVN forces assaulted the city of Kontum and the nearby South Vietnamese base in the [[Battle of Kontum]]. Intensive U.S. airstrikes helped the ARVN fend off the PAVN and retain control of the city and nearby area although fighting in the area would continue.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Fulghum|first1=David|last2=Maitland|first2=Terrence|title=The Vietnam Experience South Vietnam on trial, mid-1970 to 1972|date=1984|publisher=Boston Publishing Company|isbn=9780939526109|pages=156–9}}</ref>

;15 May
ARVN 1st Division forces recaptured Firebase Bastogne.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|405}}

The U.S. disclosed that mining operations included canals and other inland waterways.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. discloses mining of canals in North|date=16 May 1972|page=14}}</ref>

Cam Ranh Base was transferred to the South Vietnamese.<ref name=MACV>{{cite web|url=https://vva.vietnam.ttu.edu/images.php?img=/images/1683/168300010839.pdf|title=Command History January 1972 - March 1973 Volume II|publisher=Military Assistance Command, Vietnam|date=15 July 1973|accessdate=12 September 2021}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>{{rp|N-3}} That night PAVN sappers entered the base and blew up more than 1,000 tons of ammunition.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. says planes cut big fuel line to foe in South|author=Malcolm Browne|date=17 May 1972|page=1}}</ref>

United States Army Vietnam was merged with MACV to become USARV/MACV Support Command.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|405}}

;16 May
MACV announced that U.S. airstrikes over the preceding five days had destroyed all pumping stations in the southern panhandle of North Vietnam, effectively cutting the fuel supply pipeline to South Vietnam.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|405}}

U.S. aircraft attacked [[Bach Mai Airfield]], the VPAF air defense command and control center in Hanoi and destroyed several buildings.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Major field hit|date=17 May 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Eight Soviet vessels comprising one cruiser, six destroyers, a tanker and an attack submarines were reported to be operating near the [[Paracel Islands]] {{convert|200|mi}} off the Vietnamese coast as 13 Soviet bloc merchant ships were en route to Haiphong.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Soviet unit of 8 warships is reported off Vietnam|author=Benjamin Welles|date=17 May 1972|page=19}}</ref>

120 antiwar protesters were arrested during a sit-in at the [[United States Capitol rotunda]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=120 war protesters are seized over sit-in at Capitol's Rotunda|date=17 May 1972|page=20}}</ref>

;17 May
Preceded by B-52 strikes which were reported to have killed 300 PAVN, ARVN Airborne and 21st Division troops advanced up [[National Route 13 (Vietnam)|Route 13]] to within {{convert|2|mi}} of An Lộc.<ref name=NYT18May>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon's troops advance within two miles of Anloc|author=Fox Butterfield|date=18 May 1972|page=1}}</ref>

A USAF C-130E was hit by a PAVN 122mm rocket as it took off from [[Kontum Airfield]] and crashed killing four Americans.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19720517-0|title=Lockheed C-130E Hercules 63-7798 Kontum Airport|publisher=Aviation Safety Network|accessdate=28 January 2022}}</ref><ref name=NYT18May/>

ARVN forces killed 97 PAVN for the loss of six killed in a battle near Đức Thành, [[Phước Tuy province]].<ref name=NYT18May/>

{{USS|Oklahoma City|CL-91|6}} sank ten North Vietnamese supply vessels and damaged 20 others near [[Cửa Việt Base]].<ref name=NYT18May/>

North Vietnam claimed that it was removing U.S. mines from Haiphong harbor as soon as they were dropped and that shipping was moving unimpeded.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Communists report mines at Haiphong swept, ships sailing|author=Anthony Lewis|date=18 May 1972|page=1}}</ref>

[[Operations Enhance and Enhance Plus|Operation Enhance]] began with the objective of replacing material and equipment expended or lost by South Vietnam during the Easter Offensive. From May to October under Operation Enhance, the U.S. provided the South Vietnamese armed forces with artillery and anti-tank weapons, 69 helicopters, 55 jet fighters, 100 other aircraft and seven patrol boats.<ref name=Isaacs/>{{rp|511}}

Vice President [[Spiro T. Agnew]], Ambassador [[Ellsworth Bunker]] and Abrams met with Thieu.<ref name=MACV/>{{rp|N-3}}

;18 May
The last two Soviet ships bound for Haiphong diverted to other ports in a sign that the Soviets did not wish to confront the U.S. over the closure of North Vietnamese ports.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Last 2 Soviet ships bound for Haiphong said to veer away|author=Benjamin Welles|date=19 May 1972|page=1}}</ref> Soviet supplies to North Vietnam were instead being transported by rail from China.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Soviet is reportedly moving aid for Hanoi across China by rail|date=19 May 1972|page=8}}</ref>

PAVN/Pathet Lao forces captured Khong Sedone {{convert|30|mi}} north of Pakse after a 12 hour battle.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Laotian town overrun|date=19 May 1972|page=8}}</ref>

Testifying before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, former Secretary of Defense [[Clark Clifford]] said that bombing North Vietnam was prolonging the war and risked bringing in the Soviet Union.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Clifford says Nixon moves prolong war|author=John Finney|date=19 May 1972|page=9}}</ref>

;19 May
ARVN Airborne, 9th and 21st Division forces fought a series of battles along Route 13 to clear the way to An Lộc.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|405}}

;20 May
PAVN forces attacked the ARVN 53rd Regiment {{convert|3|mi}} north of Kontum. Supported by tanks and helicopter gunships the ARVN regained their positions.<ref name=MACV/>{{rp|K-20–2}}

PAVN infantry supported by tanks attacked the ARVN relief column on Route 13 south of An Lộc.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|405}}

;21-2 May
The PAVN mounted a full-scale armor and infantry attack on the Mỹ Chánh Line in an attempt to regain the initiative and succeeded in crossing the river and forcing back the 369th Marine Brigade. After fighting all day the Marines had regained most of the lost ground. On the 22nd the PAVN supported by 25 tanks, overran the forward Marine battalion, but not before the Marines had destroyed eight tanks with M72 LAWs and direct artillery fire. The PAVN continued to advance but were met by further missile fire losing ten tanks and armored personnel carriers and the 8th Marine Battalion then counterattacked forcing the PAVN to retreat back across the river.<ref name=Melson/>{{rp|97–8}}

;22-9 May
Nixon began a state visit to the Soviet Union. The visit was part of his strategy to improve relations with both the Soviet Union and China in order to pressure North Vietnam to accept peace on terms acceptable to the United States.<ref>{{cite book|last=Nixon|first=Richard|title=No More Vietnams| publisher=Arbor House Publishing Company|year=1985|isbn=978-0-87795-668-6|url=https://archive.org/details/nomorevietnams00nixo|pages=105–6}}</ref>

;23 May
U.S. jets bombed power plants at Hongai and [[Nam Định]] and shot down five VPAF MiGs.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. planes strike at power plants in the Hanoi area|author=Craig Whitney|date=25 May 1972|page=1}}</ref><ref name=Futrell/>{{rp|123}}

The 39th Rangers captured two SA-7 missile launchers, one was immediately sent to the U.S. for evaluation.<ref>{{cite book|last=Hartsook|first=E.H.|title=The Air Force in Southeast Asia Air Power helps stop the invasion and end the War 1972|publisher=Office of Air Force History|year=1978|isbn= 9781780396538|url=https://media.defense.gov/2011/Mar/23/2001330091/-1/-1/0/AFD-110323-033.pdf|page=53}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>

;24 May
South Vietnamese Marines conducted Operation Song Than 6-72, with one battalion conducting an amphibious assault on [[Wunder Beach]] and two battalions landing in USMC helicopters nearby. The combined force then engaged PAVN forces and then moved south to return to the Mỹ Chánh Line. The operation resulted in 369 PAVN killed and three tanks destroyed.<ref name=Melson/>{{rp|98–100}}

;25 May
A PAVN tank-infantry force hit the 258th Brigade in the western portion of the Marine division's large area of responsibility of the Mỹ Chánh Line. The regimental-size force made a stubborn attempt to break through the line but was repulsed.<ref name=Melson/>{{rp|100–1}}

;25-8 May
Following intensive artillery fire on 25 May the PAVN mounted their final assault of Kontum on the 26th attacking from the north with armor and infantry. Helicopter gunships and airstrikes were used to destroy the tanks and while the battle see-sawed on the 27th and into the 28th the PAVN assault was halted and they were eventually forced to withdraw.<ref name=MACV/>{{rp|K-22–3}}

;26 May
A reinforced PAVN battalion launched an attack against the 258th Brigade's western flank of the Mỹ Chánh Line. One element of the PAVN force made the 9th Battalion pull back more than 1,000 meters to consolidate. Heavy air strikes and naval gunfire was directed onto the attackers, who finally broke contact, leaving more than 200 dead on the battlefield.<ref name=Melson/>{{rp|102–3}}

;29 May
In the joint communique issued at the end of Nixon's visit to the Soviet Union, the two sides restated their usual positions on the war with the Soviets requiring unilateral U.S. withdrawal and the end of bombing.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|406}}

;31 May
Thiệu visited Kontum and then flew on to Huế where he promoted Marine Division commander Colonel Bui The Lan to Brigadier General.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon units and enemy clash at Kontum, Anloc and north of Hue|author=Sydney Schanberg|date=31 May 1972|page=2}}</ref>

==June==
;2 June
[[File:Roger-locher-rescue-1972.jpg|thumb|right|Roger Locher following his rescue]]
USAF Major [[Roger Locher]], whose F-4D had been shot down on 10 May, was finally rescued after 23 days behind enemy lines. He was {{convert|60|mi}} northwest of Hanoi and within {{convert|5|mi}} of the heavily defended [[Yên Bái Air Base]]. His time behind enemy lines and successful rescue was a record for the war and was the farthest penetration of an American [[combat search and rescue|search and rescue]] operation into North Vietnam.<ref>{{cite journal|title= Valor: A Good Thought to Sleep On|first=John L. |last=Frisbee|publisher=AirforceMagazine.com|volume= 75|number=3|date=March 1992}}</ref>

The South Vietnamese Senate voted 27:21 against allowing Thiệu to rule by decree for six months.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Senate in Saigon rejects Thieu bid for decree rule|author=Joseph Treaster|date=3 June 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;3 June
South Vietnam was reported to be in its worst economic recession on record with high urban unemployment attributed to the withdrawal of U.S. forces.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Deep recession grips Saigon|author=Malcolm Browne|date=4 June 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Monsoon rains reduced the fighting across South Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe believed to be marshaling forces as monsoon rains impede air activity|date=4 June 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;3-4 June
The contents of the Peers Report on the Mỹ Lai massacre are made public by Seymour Hersh. The report concluded that the entire command of the 25th Infantry Division intentionally or unintentionally covered up the massacre. Hersh also revealed the massacre of 60-155 civilians at Mỹ Khê 4 on the same day as the Mỹ Lai massacre.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|406–7}}

; 3–12 June
[[Operation Thunderhead]] was a secret combat mission conducted by [[United States Navy SEALs#SEAL Teams|U.S. Navy SEAL Team One]] and [[Underwater demolition team|Underwater Demolition Team (UDT)]]-11 off the coast of North Vietnam to rescue two U.S. airmen said to be escaping from a prisoner of war camp in Hanoi.<ref>{{cite news|title=Navy honors SEAL killed in secret mission in Vietnam|author=Dale Eisman|newspaper=The Virginian-Pilot|date=26 February 2008|url=http://www.pilotonline.com/military/article_300db346-dde5-51d7-9895-ae5cae91c69f.html}}</ref>

;4 June
PAVN forces attacked [[Phù Mỹ]] in Bình Định province, but were forced back by airstrikes that killed at least 60 PAVN.<ref name=NYT5Jun>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe attacks town on Vietnam coast|author=Fox Butterfield|date=5 June 1972|page=1}}</ref>

U.S. pilots reported that North Vietnam was now firing less than ten SA-2s a day, when dozens were fired daily against the early missions over North Vietnam.<ref name=NYT5Jun/>

The first presidential election held in the [[Khmer Republic]] resulted in a victory for the incumbent, Lon Nol, although counting within the capital Phnom Penh showed a majority for challenger [[In Tam]]. Lon Nol ordered the FANK to collect and count the poll results from the countryside, where In Tam had had greater support, and was soon declared the winner.<ref>{{cite book|last=Soonthornpoct|first=Punee|title=From Freedom to Hell: A History of Foreign Intervention in Cambodian Politics and Wars|publisher=Vantage Press|year=2005|isbn=978-0533150830|page=216}}</ref>

;5 June
An [[Air America (airline)|Air America]] [[Curtiss C-46 Commando|C-46]] crashed on approach to [[Pleiku Air Base]] killing all 32 on board.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19720605-2|title=Aircraft accident Curtiss C-46A-45-CU Commando|publisher=Aviation Safety Network|access-date=21 August 2020}}</ref>

Six civilians were killed in a rocket attack on Phnom Penh.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=6 killed in Phnompenh|date=6 June 1972|page=9}}</ref>

Testifying before the [[United States Senate Committee on Appropriations|Senate]] and [[United States House Committee on Appropriations|House Appropriations Committee]]s, Laird said that increased U.S. air and naval activities would add $3–5 billion to the defense budget for the year.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|407}}

;6 June
The JGS reported that almost all PAVN had been ejected from Kontum and that more than 200 had been killed in six separate clashes the previous day, however PAVN forces remained in strength around the city.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|407}}

;7 June
The advanced element of the ARVN relief column finally reached the southern defensive line at An Lộc after almost two months of fighting along Route 13.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=An Loc is reached by a relief unit|author=Sydney Schanberg|date=8 June 1972|page=17}}</ref>

B-52s attacked PAVN positions north of the DMZ in the first B-52 raids over North Vietnam in seven weeks.<ref name=NYT9Jun1>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=B-52's hit North Vietnam for first time in 7 weeks|author=Joseph Treaster|date=9 June 1972|page=1}}</ref>

RVNAF A-37s accidentally bombed an ARVN Airborne position {{convert|7|mi}} southwest of Mỹ Chánh, killing nine and wounding 21.<ref name=NYT9Jun>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=South Vietnamese drop napalm on own troops|author=Fox Butterfield|date=9 June 1972|page=9}}</ref>

;8 June
South Vietnamese Marines launched Operation Song Than 8-72, a four-battalion attack across the Mỹ Chánh River. The Marines moved forward under the cover of a closely coordinated fire support plan which included B-52 strikes, tactical air, artillery and naval gunfire. The PAVN took heavy losses, with the operation accounting for 230 PAVN killed, seven tanks destroyed and 102 weapons, including several SA-7 missiles captured or destroyed, while nine Marinese were killed. At the conclusion of the operation the Marines held positions north of the Mỹ Chánh River.<ref name=Melson/>{{rp|101–4}}

A further eight B-52 strikes were conducted against PAVN positions north of the DMZ, the B-52s were used due to the diminished SAM threat with no SAMs were fired at any U.S. aircraft operating across North Vietnam. U.S. jets bombed the Lungtruong rail tunnel {{convert|10|mi}} west of [[Lạng Sơn]] collapsing the southern end of the tunnel.<ref name=NYT9Jun1/>

ARVN 1st Division forces were landed by helicopter on hills near [[Firebase Veghel]] which had been abandoned to the PAVN in April.<ref name=NYT9Jun1/>

At least 30 122mm rockets hit Phnom Penh, killing 23 people and wounding 30 others.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=23 die in Phnompenh rocket attacks|date=8 June 1972|page=16}}</ref>

[[File:Nick Ut speaks with the press.jpg|thumb|right|Nick Ut with his famous picture]]
A South Vietnamese village outside of [[Trảng Bàng District]] was bombed with [[napalm]] in an errant air strike by the RVNAF. [[Nick Ut]] took a photograph that became an iconic symbol of the horrors of war. The wirephoto, published on the front pages of newspapers that evening and the next morning showed children crying in pain from their burns, including a 9-year-old girl, [[Phan Thị Kim Phúc]], who had torn her clothes off after catching fire. The image would win a [[Pulitzer Prize]].<ref name=NYT9Jun/><ref>{{cite book|last=Chong|first=Denise|title=The Girl in the Picture: The Story of Kim Phuc, the Photograph, and the Vietnam War|publisher=Penguin Books|year=2001|isbn=978-0140280210}}</ref>

;9 June
John Paul Vann, the senior U.S. adviser in II Corps, died when his helicopter was shot down {{convert|10|mi}} north of Pleiku. During his years in South Vietnam Vann had acquired much influence and fame and his funeral in Washington was attended by a who's who of U.S. civilian and military leaders.<ref>{{cite book|last=Sheehan|first=Neil|title=A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam|year=1988|publisher=Vintage Books|pages=4–21}}</ref>

While some ARVN relief forces had reached An Lộc the majority of the relief column remained bogged down on Route 13 and while helicopter resupply was possible, fixed-wing resupply was impossible due to heavy PAVN artillery fire.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|407}}

The PAVN fired rockets on Phnom Penh and [[Ta Khmau municipality|Ta Khmau]] {{convert|7|mi}} to the south and then launched an assault on Ta Khmau. Thirty people (including 15 children) were killed and 40 injured.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Pnompenh Hit by Rockets|date=9 June 1972|page=10}}</ref>

The U.S. had more than doubled the number of fight-bombers, tripled the number of carriers and quadrupled the number of B-52s in Southeast Asia in expanding the air war far beyond its previous peak in 1968.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|407}}

;10 June
U.S. jets used laser-guided bombs to destroy the [[Thác Bà Lake|Lang Chi hydroelectric power plant]], one of the largest power plants in North Vietnam.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|407}}

''The New York Times'' reported that Lavelle had been relieved for unauthorised bombing of North Vietnam reported as "protective reaction" strikes.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=General bombed in North before President's order|author=Seymour Hersh|date=11 June 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;11 June
Ambassador Bunker reported to Washington that South Vietnamese civilian casualties in the offensive were far higher than during the 1968 Tet Offensive, with more than 25,000 civilians killed and over 1.2 million new refugees.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Bunker says civilian toll runs higher than at Tet|author=Tad Szulc|date=16 June 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;12 June
Lavelle testified before the House Armed Services committee that he was relieved in March for ordering air strikes on North Vietnam, but that he had kept his superiors fully informed of his activities.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|408}}

Beijing described the U.S. air raids close to the North Vietnam-China border as a threat to Chinese security and a "grave provocation to the Chinese people."<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|408}}

[[Joint United States Public Affairs Office]] closed its Saigon headquarters ahead of its disestablishment at the end of June with its role being taken over by South Vietnamese organizations and the [[United States Information Agency|United States Information Service]].<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|408}}

;13 June
A regiment of the ARVN 18th Division was landed by helicopters in An Lộc as civilian refugees fled the wreckage of the town, however Route 13 still remained blocked by the PAVN who fired on the refugees.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|408}} An RVNAF CH-47 carrying refugees from An Lộc crashed killing all 47 onboard.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Spans near port hit|date=16 June 1972|page=2}}</ref>

U.S. aircraft flew a record 340 airstrikes over North Vietnam, destroying or damaging ten bridges including four on the northwest rail line from Hanoi to China.<ref name=NYT15Jun>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Copters ferry More Saigon troops Into Anloc as enemy fire ebbs|author=Malcolm Browne|date=15 June 1972|page=2}}</ref>

The U.S. reassured China that bombing raids close to their border with North Vietnam was not intended to threaten their security. Meanwhile U.S. jets used laser-guided bombs to destroy two rail bridges within {{convert|25|mi}} of the border the previous day.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. assures Chinese bombing of Vietnam does not peril them|author=Tad Szulc|date=14 June 1972|page=19}}</ref>

;14 June
More ARVN troops were landed by helicopter in An Lộc as the PAVN apparently withdrew its forces under the cover of artillery fire.<ref name=NYT15Jun/>

MACV reported that the rail line between Hanoi and Haiphong had been cut by the bombing of the rail and highway bridge at [[Hải Dương]]. Other airstrikes destroyed a factory in northwest Hanoi that was the only facility producing pontoon bridges.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Key rail line reported cut|date=15 June 1972|page=2}}</ref>

U.S. aircraft began an informal four day bombing halt of the Hanoi area while [[List of heads of state of the Soviet Union|Soviet head of state]] [[Nikolai Podgorny]] visited Hanoi. USAF officers were reported to be unhappy with the pause as it would allow the North Vietnamese to reinforce their air defenses.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Airmen say raids on Hanoi are off for Podgorny trip|author=Craig Whitney|date=11 June 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;15 June
U.S. aircraft matched their previous record of 340 airstrikes over North Vietnam. The attacks included fighter-bomber raids on the VPAF's [[Kép Air Base|Kép]], Quang Lang and [[Tho Xuan Airport|Bai Thuong air bases]] and B-52 raids on Đồng Hới.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. planes raid MIG bases in North but shun Hanoi|author=Joseph Treaster|date=17 June 1972|page=6}}</ref>

[[Cathay Pacific Flight 700Z]], operated by a [[Convair 880]] (VR-HFZ) from [[Bangkok]] to [[Hong Kong]], disintegrated and crashed while the aircraft was flying at {{convert|29000|ft|m}} over Pleiku after a bomb exploded in a suitcase placed under a seat in the cabin, killing all 81 people on board.<ref>{{cite web|title=Criminal Occurrence description – Convair CV-880-22M-21 VR-HFZ|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19720615-1|publisher=[[Aviation Safety Network]]|access-date=10 September 2020}}</ref>

;15 June - 19 October
[[Operation Black Lion]] was an RLA counter-offensive against a PAVN offensive at Khong Sedone. The RLA succeeded in capturing Salavan, but failed to capture [[Paksan]].<ref name=Conboy/>{{rp|349–52}}

;16 June
MACV announced that the [[196th Infantry Brigade (United States)|196th Infantry Brigade]] was being disbanded and that its responsibility for the defense of Danang would be assumed by the reforming ARVN 3rd Division.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. is disbanding major combat unit in South Vietnam|author=Malcolm Browne|date=17 June 1972|page=6}}</ref>

;17 June
Burglars broke into the [[Democratic National Committee]]'s headquarters at the [[Watergate complex]] in Washington D.C., starting what would become the [[Watergate scandal]].<ref name=Melson/>{{rp|285}}

;18 June
U.S. aircraft conducted another 320 airstrikes on North Vietnam, including further strikes on Kép, Quang Lang and Bai Thuong air bases.<ref name=NYT18Jun>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Airfields are hit as heavy strikes continue in North|author=Malcolm Browne|date=18 June 1972|page=1}}</ref>

In fighting near Firebase 41 halfway between Kontum and Pleiku the ARVN reported destroying eight tanks and killing more than 100 PAVN.<ref name=NYT18Jun/>

The ARVN III Corps commander, Lieutenant General [[Nguyễn Văn Minh]], declared the Battle of An Lộc over and Thiệu briefly visited the town.<ref name=Truong/>{{rp|135}}

A USAF AC-130A gunship operated by the 16th Special Operations Squadron was shot down by an SA-7 over the A Sầu Valley, killing all twelve onboard.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|408}}

MACV announced the 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division had begun to stand down.<ref name=NYT18Jun/>

In order to reestablish Soviet supply lines to North Vietnam, China agreed that Soviet bloc ships could unload supplies at Chinese ports which would then be moved by rail into North Vietnam.<ref name=Nguyen/>{{rp|254}}

;18-27 June
South Vietnamese Marines launched Operation Song Than 8A-72 involving all three VNMC brigades. 147th Brigade struck north along Route 555, into the notorious [[Street Without Joy]] coastal area. 369th Brigade held the center position as it attacked across open rice paddies, flanked to the west by 258th Brigade, moving along Highway 1. PAVN counterattacks on 20 June were repulsed in heavy fighting with 237 PAVN and 31 Marines killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Many in Quangtri die in daylong battle|date=21 June 1972|page=15}}</ref> By 27 June, the Marines had successfully established a new defensive line 4&nbsp;km north of the Mỹ Chánh River. The operation had resulted in 761 PAVN killed and eight tanks destroyed.<ref name=Melson/>{{rp|104–5}}

;19 June
In an Armed Forces Day radio address, Thiệu declared that the North Vietnamese offensive had been defeated and pledged to recapture all lost territory within three months.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Offensive failed says Thieu|date=19 June 1972|page=10}}</ref>

''The New York Times'' reported that the offensive had severely undermined pacification efforts in South Vietnam's six northernmost provinces.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Pacification hopes battered in Vietnam|author=Craig Whitney|date=21 June 1972|page=1}}</ref>

''[[Newsweek]]'' published the story "Pacification's deadly price" that speculated that up to 5,000 civilians had been killed by U.S. forces during [[Operation Speedy Express]] in the Mekong Delta between December 1968 and May 1969.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|408}}

U.S. military advisers criticized the move of three USAF fighter-bomber squadrons from Danang Air Base to Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base complaining that the added distance would require more aerial refueling and reduce time on station. The Nixon administration said the move was necessitated by the withdrawal of the 196th Infantry Brigade.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Shift of planes to Thailand stirs concern|author=Craig Whitney|date=22 June 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;20 June
Responding to a U.S. request for a resumption of secret negotiations, North Vietnam. responded that "clothed by its goodwill, [it] agrees to private meetings."  The meetings between Kissinger and Le Duc Tho would begin on 19 July.<ref name=Lipsman>{{cite book|last1=Lipsman|first1=Samuel|last2=Weiss|first2=Stephen|title=The Vietnam Experience: The False Peace, 1972-1974|publisher=Boston Publishing Company|year=1985|isbn=978-0939526154}}</ref>{{rp|8}}

Nixon named Abrams as the next [[Chief of Staff of the United States Army]] to replace Westmoreland on 3 July.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|409}}

The 3rd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division commanded by Brigadier General [[James F. Hamlet]] was stood down at Bien Hoa Air Base in a ceremony attended by Abrams and Lieutenant General Nguyễn Văn Minh.<ref name=MACV/>{{rp|N-4}}

;21 June - 21 September 1973
United States Marine Corps aircraft begin operating from [[Royal Thai Air Base Nam Phong]] hitting targets in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.<ref name=Dunham>{{Cite book|last=Dunham|first=George R|title=U.S. Marines in Vietnam: The Bitter End, 1973–1975 (Marine Corps Vietnam Operational Historical Series)|publisher=History and Museums Division Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps|year=1990|isbn=9780160264559|pages=23–4}}</ref>

;22 June
ARVN 25th Division troops replaced 21st Division troops on Route 13 south of An Lộc and more troops from the 18th Division were flown into the town.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|409}}

A PAVN attack on ARVN Airborne positions {{convert|4|mi}} southwest of Mỹ Chánh was repulsed by the ARVN supported by B-52 strikes. Sixteen tanks were destroyed and 146 PAVN killed for the loss of one ARVN.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|409}}

;23 June
''The New York Times'' reported that nearly all helicopter missions into An Lộc were being flown by U.S. helicopters because the RVNAF were too afraid to fly there and ARVN commanders had requested U.S. helicopters.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon's pilots shun dangers of Anloc|author=Sydney Schanberg|date=24 June 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Another PAVN attack west of Huế was repulsed with 13 tanks destroyed and 98 PAVN killed for the loss of five ARVN killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports new attacks on troops defending Hue|author=Malcolm Browne|date=24 June 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;24 June
Another PAVN attack on the Mỹ Chánh Line was repulsed with 22 tanks knocked out and more than 100 PAVN killed by the South Vietnamese Marines.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe apparently repulsed in new thrusts near Hue|author=Craig Whitney|date=25 June 1972|page=1}}</ref>

U.S. fighter-bombers attacked the [[Thái Nguyên]] steel plant with laser-guided bombs, halting production at North Vietnam's only modern steel plant.<ref name=NYT26Jun>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Raids near Hanoi are said to wreck big steel works|date=26 June 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;25 June
ARVN forces fought approximately 120 PAVN near Firebase King ({{Coord|16.4|N|107.453|E|display=inline}}), west of Huế, killing 63. U.S. fighter-bombers destroyed two tanks in Quảng Trị province.<ref name="NYT26Jun" />

U.S. fighter-bombers attacked the [[Việt Trì]] power plant with laser-guided bombs rendering it inoperational.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. reports bombing of a power plant, blacking out part of Hanoi|date=27 June 1972|page=15}}</ref>

;26 June
The U.S. was reported to have established a {{convert|25|mi}} wide buffer zone along the North Vietnam-China border that was off-limits to U.S. bombers.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|409}}

North Vietnam was reported to have almost completed a {{convert|4|in}} fuel pipeline from Hanoi to [[Lạng Sơn]] on the Chinese border.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Pipeline work reported|author=Tad Szulc|date=27 June 1972|page=15}}</ref>

U.S. aircraft bombed Bach Mai Airfield near central Hanoi and other targets close to the center of Haiphong. North Vietnam claimed that [[Bạch Mai Hospital]], adjacent to the airfield had been bombed causing civilian casualties.<ref name=NYT28Jun>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. reports air strikes close to center of Hanoi|author=Craig Whitney|date=28 June 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;27 June
The South Vietnamese Senate passed a bill authorizing Thieu to rule by decree for six months. The vote was passed after the curfew when opposition members were absent.<ref name=MACV/>{{rp|N-4}}

PAVN forces fired more than 1,000 mortar rounds on ARVN positions {{convert|2|mi}} southeast of Firebase Bastogne. The PAVN attack was repulsed for the loss of 60 PAVN and nine ARVN.<ref name=NYT28Jun/>

;28 June
Nixon announced that draftees would no longer be sent to South Vietnam unless they volunteered to go.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|410}}

163 U.S. aircraft dropped more than 4,000 tons of bombs on PAVN positions north and southwest of Huế between the 26th and 28th while a PAVN attack {{convert|2.5|mi}} southwest of Mỹ Chánh was repulsed with four tanks destroyed.<ref name=NYT28Jun/>

; 28 June – 16 September 
The [[Second Battle of Quảng Trị]] ({{langx|vi|Thành cổ Quảng Trị}}) began on 28 June and lasted 81 days until 16 September, when South Vietnamese forces recaptured most of the province.

Leading U.S. officials in Saigon expressed optimism that South Vietnam could now withstand any further North Vietnamese offensive action, however they believed that South Vietnam would require at least three more years of training and equipping before they could withstand another North Vietnamese offensive without the U.S. air support that had stalemated the current offensive. North Vietnamese objectives in the offensive remained unclear, other than inflicting severe losses on the South Vietnamese military, which they had succeeded in doing with the ARVN 1st, 3rd, 5th, 21st and 22nd Divisions all suffering heavy losses and the strategic reserves of Airborne, Marines and Rangers overstretched and depleted.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. aides believe Saigon can withstand foe's drive|author=Craig Whitney|date=29 June 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;29 June
The 196th Infantry Brigade departed South Vietnam becoming the last U.S. combat brigade to leave.<ref name=Dunham/>{{rp|286}}

Nixon agreed to the resumption of the Paris Peace Talks.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|410}}

; 30 June
[[File:Fred Weyand Vietnam.jpg|thumb|right|General Frederick Weyand]]
General [[Frederick C. Weyand]] assumed command of MACV from Abrams.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|410}}

[[XXIV Corps (United States)|XXIV Corps]] was inactivated and its assets formed the basis for its successor, the First Regional Assistance Command (FRAC).<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|410}}

==July==
;2 July
The PAVN shelled An Lộc and then launched an attack on the town that was repulsed for the loss of 86 PAVN and 16 ARVN killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe's shelling and rain slow the drive for Quangtri|date=2 July 1972|page=3}}</ref>

PAVN artillery shelled Huế killing ten civilians and wounding at least 38.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy forces shell Hue for 4 Hours, killing 10|date=3 July 1972|page=2}}</ref> 750 shells hit Firebase Bastogne.<ref name=NYT4Jul>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hue bombarded by foes big guns|author=Malcolm Browne|date=4 July 1972|page=1}}</ref>

An antiwar South Vietnamese student, [[:vi:Nguyễn Thái Bình|Nguyễn Thái Bình]], attempted to hijack [[Pan Am Flight 841]] as it flew from Manila to Saigon, demanding that the flight be diverted to Hanoi. The [[Boeing 747]] landed at Tan Son Nhut and after scuffling with the pilot Bình was shot dead by a passenger, a former police officer who had been alerted by the pilot and retrieved a stowed handgun.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hijacker killed in Saigon; Tried to divert jet to Hanoi|author=Paul Montgomery|date=3 July 1972|page=1}}</ref>

U.S. military sources acknowledged that they had been using [[Cloud seeding]] in Indochina since 1963 to disrupt PAVN/VC logistics.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Rainmaking is used as weapon by U.S.|author=Seymour Hersh|date=3 July 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;3 July
PAVN 130mm guns targeted the [[Imperial City of Huế|Huế Citadel]], 14 rockets hit Phu Bai Combat Base and 500 artillery shells hit an ARVN position {{convert|5|mi}} south of Mỹ Chánh.<ref name=NYT4Jul/>

The [[RMK-BRJ]] construction consortium formally ended its construction program in South Vietnam in a ceremony attended by Ambassador Bunker.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Big U.S. contractor in Vietnam ends operations after 10 years|date=4 July 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;4 July
ARVN Airborne and South Vietnamese Marines were reported to have entered Quảng Trị recapturing about one third of the city. A U.S. fighter-bomber accidentally bombed an ARVN position {{convert|5|mi}} southeast of the city killing 10 ARVN and wounding 30.<ref name=NYT5Jul>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports its troops enter Quang Tri capital|author=Joseph Treaster|date=5 July 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Five PAVN rockets hit Huế killing three civilians and wounding seven. Two South Vietnamese outposts {{convert|11|mi}} southwest of Huế were hit by 800 and 200 artillery shells respectively, killing seven ARVN. The PAVN assaulted ARVN positions on the approaches to Huế losing 49 killed.<ref name=NYT5Jul/>

In clashes in the Parrot's Beak 123 PAVN and 18 ARVN were killed.<ref name=NYT5Jul/>

;6 July
PAVN artillery fired 130 rounds into Huế causing minimal damage. The PAVN assaulted [[Firebase Checkmate]] west of Huế capturing the base while losing more than 120 PAVN killed.<ref name=NYT7Jul>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Showdown near at Quang Tri City|author=Sydney Schanberg|date=7 July 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The total number of PAVN killed in clashes in the Parrot's Beak was reported to exceed 500.<ref name=NYT7Jul/>

;7 July
South Vietnamese sources corrected earlier reports that their forces had entered Quảng Trị City, with the forces engaged in heavy fighting at [[La Vang]] {{convert|2|mi}} from the city center. Airborne troops repulsed a PAVN armored attack destroying three tanks while B-52s and fighter-bombers attack PAVN positions in and around the city.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Quang Tri drive is at standstill as enemy holds|author=Malcolm Browne|date=8 July 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;8 July
USAF F-4Es shot down three VPAF MiG-21s.<ref name=Futrell/>{{rp|123}}

;9 July
Brigadier General [[Richard J. Tallman]] died of wounds from PAVN artillery fire in the Battle of An Lộc. He was the last U.S. general officer to be killed in action during the war.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|410}}

Two U.S. soldiers were killed when U.S. artillery accidentally fired on their patrol near Danang. U.S. jets accidentally bombed an ARVN position near Kontum killing six ARVN.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Quang Tri drive is still stalled|author=Sydney Schanberg|date=9 July 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;10 July
ARVN Airborne forces repelled a PAVN armored assault {{convert|9|mi}} east-northeast of Quảng Trị destroying six tanks while U.S. fighter-bombers destroyed three 130mm guns near Quảng Trị.<ref name=NYT11Jul>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Fight is intensified for Quangtri city but enemy holds|author=Malcolm Browne|date=11 July 1972|page=1}}</ref>

PAVN artillery fired more than 100 rounds on ARVN positions {{convert|1|mi}} east of Firebase Checkmate.<ref name=NYT11Jul/>

;11 July
A USMC CH-53D was hit by an SA-7 and crashed near Quảng Trị, killing 3 crewmen and 45 South Vietnamese Marines.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=148204|title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence #148204|publisher=Aviation Safety Network|access-date=10 September 2020}}</ref>

In seven PAVN attacks near Quảng Trị the PAVN were reported to have lost eight tanks and 149 soldiers for the loss of 14 ARVN killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon forces are now reported planning to isolate enemy in Quangtri City|author=Sydney Schanberg|date=12 July 1972|page=4}}</ref>

;12 July
PAVN armored forces attacked Airborne and Marine units around Quảng Trị reportedly losing 20 tanks and 155 killed for the loss of 21 South Vietnamese killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Heavy fighting reported at 3 points near Quangtri|date=13 July 1972|page=3}}</ref>

Correspondent [[Alexander D. Shimkin]] was killed in a PAVN ambush in Quảng Trị Province. He had earlier raised concerns about potential indiscriminate fire during Operation Speedy Express.<ref>{{cite news|title=Newspaperman believes service training kept him from being killed|author=Chad Huntley |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1454&dat=19720717&id=qWg0AAAAIBAJ&pg=900,3890412|agency=[[United Press International]]|newspaper=[[Star-News|The Star-News]] (Marine Edition)|date=17 July 1972|access-date=9 July 2020}}</ref>

[[Malcolm Browne]] writing in ''The New York Times'' reported on the growing hostility amongst the South Vietnamese military towards foreign journalists and claimed that he and other journalists had been deliberately misdirected into unsecure areas by South Vietnamese soldiers.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon officers' hostility to foreign newsmen at peak|author=Malcolm Browne|date=13 July 1972|page=2}}</ref>

The Pentagon disputed a report by journalist Jean Thoraval of [[Agence France-Presse]] that U.S. aircraft had deliberately [[Proposed bombing of Vietnam's dikes|bombed dikes in North Vietnam]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. disputes French newsman on bombing of dikes|author=Seymour Hersh|date=13 July 1972|page=2}}</ref>

;13 July
The Paris Peace Talks resumed.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|411}}

;14 July
In fighting {{convert|4|mi}} northeast of Quảng Trị 115 PAVN and three South Vietnamese Marines were reported killed.<ref name=NYT15Jul>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports 3-hour battle northeast of Quangtri|author=Joseph Treaster|date=15 July 1972|page=6}}</ref>

PAVN artillery fired more than 1,300 artillery rounds on ARVN positions near Firebase Checkmate and then assaulted the position killing six ARVN.<ref name=NYT15Jul/>

Six leaders of [[Vietnam Veterans Against the War]] were indicted on Federal charges of conspiracy to provoked an armed rebellion at the [[1972 Republican National Convention]].<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|411}}

;15 July
Actress [[Jane Fonda]] posed for photographs at a North Vietnamese [[anti-aircraft gun]] near Hanoi. Pictures of the actress ran worldwide the next day and earned her the nickname "Hanoi Jane".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/dec/23/list-top-10-jane-fonda-mistakes/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012201224/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/dec/23/list-top-10-jane-fonda-mistakes/|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 October 2014|work=Washington Times|title=The List: Top 10 Jane Fonda mistakes|date=23 December 2012|access-date=7 July 2020}}</ref>

ARVN airborne forces reported finding more than 250 PAVN killed in 60 bunkers destroyed by B-52 strikes {{convert|8|mi}} south of Quảng Trị, while Marines found six graves containing more than 48 PAVN dead in an area hit by B-52 strikes {{convert|2|mi}} northeast of Quảng Trị.<ref name=NYT16Jul>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. says B-52 raids kill 300 of foe near Quangtri|author=Joseph Treaster|date=16 July 1972|page=3}}</ref>

PAVN forces again bombarded and then assaulted ARVN positions near Firebase Checkmate and also Firebase Bastogne resulting in 40 PAVN and eight ARVN killed.<ref name=NYT16Jul/>

;16 July
Airborne forces killed 46 PAVN and destroyed one tank in clashes southeast of Quảng Trị while more than 125 B-52 sorties were flown north and south of the DMZ to interdict resupply of PAVN forces fighting in Quảng Trị Province.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=B-52's bomb north of DMZ against reported troop shifts|date=17 July 1972|page=4}}</ref>

;17 July
North Vietnam ordered the mobilization of all able-bodied civilians for a period of six months to two years, with a penalty of two years hard labor for anyone refusing to comply.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=North Vietnamese are now requiring everyone to work|date=18 July 1972|page=3}}</ref>

The U.S. destroyer {{USS|Warrington|DD-843|6}} was damaged beyond repair by two underwater explosions while operating in the Gulf of Tonkin. The blasts were believed to have been caused by American naval mines that had washed away after having been laid in North Vietnam's ports. The ''Warrington'' was towed to [[Subic Bay Naval Base]] and decommissioned.<ref>{{cite news|title=2 Underwater Blasts Batter U.S. Destroyer in Tonkin Gulf|newspaper=Bridgeport Telegram|date=18 July 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;18 July
PAVN artillery fire on Huế killed ten civilians and wounded three.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=House-to-house fighting still raging in Quangtri|date=19 July 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;19 July
In fighting around Quảng Trị South Vietnam reported killing 295 PAVN and capturing two tanks, while near Mỹ Chánh 27 PAVN were killed and one U.S. LOH and one AH-1 were shot down.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon says foe fails to thwart drive on Quangtri|date=20 July 1972|page=3}}</ref>

The ARVN 22nd Division and Ranger units began a counteroffensive in Bình Định province.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|411}}

The U.S. and North Vietnam confirmed that secret talks between Kissinger and Le Duc Tho had resumed in Paris.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|411}}

;21 July
ARVN forces recaptured the district capital of Hoài Nhơn in Bình Định province.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon's troops recapture town on central coast|author=Joseph Treaster|date=22 July 1972|page=1}}</ref>

USMC AH-1s operating from {{USS|Denver|LPD-9|6}} attacked North Vietnamese barges {{convert|30|mi}} north-northwest of Đồng Hới.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. says planes damage 2 depots in raids on Hanoi|author=Joseph Treaster|date=24 July 1972|page=1}}</ref>

''The New York Times'' reported that the U.S. had unsuccessfully attempted to create forest fires in South Vietnam in 1966-7 under the codename Operation Pink Rose.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|411}}

;22 July
The PAVN cut Highway 1 {{convert|3|mi}} north of [[Phong Điền district, Thừa Thiên Huế|Phong Điền]] in an attempt to stop resupply of South Vietnamese forces engaged at Quảng Trị.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Dug-in North Vietnamese slash at the lifeline connecting Hue and Quangtri City|date=23 July 1972|page=14}}</ref>

In the first U.S. air attacks on Hanoi in a month, U.S. jets used laser-guided bombs to destroy warehouses {{convert|2|mi}} southeast of the city center.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|412}}

;23 July
ARVN Rangers supported by armored cars killed 47 PAVN in Kampong Trabek, Cambodia.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Cambodia action reported|date=24 July 1972|page=10}}</ref>

The PAVN attacked Firebase Lion {{convert|25|mi}} south of Danang killing or wounding 20 ARVN, the base was abandoned the next day.<ref name=NYT24Jul>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Tamquan reported taken|author=Malcolm Browne|date=25 July 1972|page=6}}</ref>

;24 July
ARVN forces recaptured Tam Quan in Bình Định province.<ref name=NYT24Jul/>

More than 700 PAVN artillery shells hit ARVN positions near Firebase Bastogne.<ref name=NYT24Jul/>

The U.S. Senate passed the [[John Sherman Cooper|Cooper]] Amendment to a military aid bill, the amendment called on U.S. forces to withdraw from South Vietnam within four months of the release of all U.S. POWs, but the bill was defeated 48:42.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|412}}

[[Secretary-General of the United Nations]] [[Kurt Waldheim]] accused the U.S. of deliberately bombing dikes in North Vietnam, the charges were denied by the Nixon Administration.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|412}}

;25 July
South Vietnam claimed that its forces had recaptured the Quảng Trị Citadel and controlled the entire city, but reports indicated that PAVN forces continued to hold out there.<ref name=NYT26Jul>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports capturing Citadel and all of Quangtri|author=Sydney Schanberg|date=26 July 1972|page=3}}</ref>

A PAVN rocket and artillery attack on Quế Sơn killed five civilians and wounded four soldiers and 15 civilians.<ref name=NYT26Jul/>

;26 July
The Nixon Administration said that damage to North Vietnamese dikes was minor and incidental to attacks on legitimate military targets.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|412}}

;27 July
The ARVN again abandoned Firebase Bastogne in the face of heavy PAVN shelling and ground attacks.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Firebase yielded to foe a 2d time|author=Malcolm Browne|date=28 July 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;28 July
In Quảng Trị ARVN Airborne forces were replaced by South Vietnamese Marines however the Quảng Trị Citadel was abandoned to the PAVN in the face of continued resistance.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon units quit Quangtri Citadel|author=Sydney Schanberg|date=29 July 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The Nixon Administration released an intelligence report stating that damage to North Vietnamese dikes was minor and accidental.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|412}}

;29 July
U.S. Navy jets accidentally bombed ARVN positions near Firebase Bastogne killing eight ARVN and wounding 25. A PAVN artillery and ground attack on the position resulted in 25 PAVN and one ARVN killed.<ref name=NYT30Jul>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Close-quarter fight rages near Citadel at Quangtri|date=30 July 1972|page=1}}</ref>

ARVN forces abandoned Tam Quan after evacuating the civilians there and PAVN forces seized half of Bồng Sơn.<ref name=NYT30Jul/>

USAF jets shot down two VPAF MiG-21s.<ref name=Futrell/>{{rp|124}}

;30 July
A B-52 crashed north of Ubon, Thailand while en route to a bombing mission, only one crewman survived.<ref name=NYT1Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Thailand crash kills five on B-52|date=1 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;31 July
A PAVN rocket attack on Bien Hoa Air Base killed one American.<ref name=NYT1Aug/>

U.S. Navy jets attacked a shipyard in Haiphong that built and repaired shallow-draft boats that were being used to evade U.S. naval mines.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. reports raid in Haiphong on yard for small supply boats|author=Joseph Treaster|date=2 August 1972|page=8}}</ref>

==August==
;1 August
More than 2,000 ARVN began an operation near Kampong Trabek in the Parrot's Beak region of Cambodia to reduce PAVN infiltration into the Mekong Delta.<ref name=NYT6Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports Cambodia drive|date=6 August 1972|page=5}}</ref>

;2 August
PAVN artillery fired more than 2,000 shells against South Vietnamese Marines near Quảng Trị killing eight Marines.<ref name=NYT3Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe's guns pound Quangtri targets|date=3 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

ARVN forces preceded by B-52 strikes recaptured Firebase Bastogne, meeting no resistance. In fighting east and north of Bastogne 56 PAVN were reported killed.<ref name=NYT3Aug/>

ARVN forces patrolling near [[Cái Bè]] found the graves of more than 130 PAVN/VC killed in B-52 strikes.<ref name=NYT3Aug/>

;3 August
A rocket attack on Danang Air Base killed one American.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Danang base attacked|date=3 August 1972|page=6}}</ref>

Allied intelligence sources in Saigon said that the PAVN/VC had executed 250-500 South Vietnamese government officials and imprisoned more than 6,000 during their occupation of Bình Định province.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Mass executions by enemy reported in South Vietnam|author=Joseph Treaster|date=4 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;4 August
In Quảng Trị the South Vietnamese admitted that the Marines were stalled, but reported killing more than 100 PAVN in the preceding two days, while U.S. jets destroyed six PAVN tanks.<ref name=NYT5Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon admits its Marines are stalled in their drive for Citadel of Quangtri|date=5 August 1972|page=3}}</ref>

In fighting in the [[Plain of Reeds]] 77 PAVN were killed by ARVN forces while the graves of 25 PAVN killed in B-52 strikes were found.<ref name=NYT5Aug/>

The U.S. reported that a second fuel pipeline from China to [[Kép]] was nearing completion and would be capable of pumping 600 tons of fuel per day.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. tells of a 2d pipeline from China to fuel Hanoi|author=Benjamin Welles|date=5 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Thieu passed a decree law restricting newspaper and magazine publishing.<ref name=MACV/>{{rp|N-5}}

;5 August
Units of the ARVN 7th Division engaged PAVN/VC {{convert|8|mi}} north of [[Cai Lậy district]] killing 79 for the loss of five ARVN killed. ARVN forces recaptured Nhị Bình east of Cai Lậy with 20 ARVN and 16 VC killed.<ref name=NYT6Aug/>

ARVN forces recaptured Firebase Checkmate.<ref name=NYT6Aug/>

;5–10 August
''Task Force Gimlet'', Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, [[21st Infantry Regiment (United States)|21st Infantry]] undertook the last patrol by U.S. troops in the war to seek out PAVN/VC forces firing rockets at Danang. Two U.S. soldiers were wounded by booby traps. The unit was relieved by ARVN soldiers.<ref name=Andrade/>{{rp|544–5}}

;6 August
U.S. Navy jets attacked a vehicle depot {{convert|2|mi}} south of central Hanoi with laser-guided bombs.<ref name=NYT7Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Navy jets hit truck depot two miles south of Hanoi|author=Joseph Treaster|date=7 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

PAVN/VC sappers attacked Cam Ranh Base killing one ARVN and losing one killed.<ref name=NYT7Aug/>

PAVN forces captured five hamlets {{convert|10|mi}} southeast of Huế.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe takes 5 hamlets|date=7 August 1972|page=4}}</ref>

[[Khmer Air Force]] planes destroyed six PAVN tanks and damaged four more near Kampong Trabek.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Cambodians destroy tanks|date=7 August 1972|page=4}}</ref>

;6 August - 25 October
[[Operation Phou Phiang II]] was an RLA operation to relieve the PAVN siege of Long Tieng. Five columns of RLA/Thai forces attacked PAVN forces but all were defeated despite intensive U.S. air support.<ref name=Conboy/>{{rp|343–8}}

;7 August
USAF and USMC jets destroyed 14 PAVN T-54 tanks near Kampong Trabek.<ref name=NYT8Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. planes, in Cambodia, said to destroy 14 tanks|date=8 August 1972|page=3}}</ref>

PAVN forces attacked three ARVN outposts in Quảng Ngãi province resulting in 86 PAVN and four ARVN killed.<ref name=NYT8Aug/>

ARVN forces ejected the PAVN from hamlets southeast of Huế and fought off two attacks on Firebase Checkmate.<ref name=NYT8Aug/>

;8 August
PAVN/VC units attacked ARVN Regional Forces in [[Long Thành (township in Đồng Nai)|Long Thành]] {{convert|17|mi}} east of Saigon killing almost 100 ARVN.<ref name=NYT9Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Battle develops to east of Saigon|date=9 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

U.S. jets, ARVN and FANK forces continued to fight against PAVN tank-infantry units near Kampong Trabek, while other armored units were seen near Prey Vieng and Svay Rieng.<ref name=NYT9Aug/>

ARVN forces fought off PAVN assaults on Firebases Bastogne and Checkmate killing 21 PAVN.<ref name=NYT9Aug/>

;8-22 August
The ARVN [[18th Division (South Vietnam)|18th Division]] recaptured [[Quần Lợi Base Camp]] from the PAVN, using TOW missiles and [[M202 FLASH|M-202 rockets]] to destroy the base's concrete bunkers.<ref>{{cite book|last=Lam|first=Quang Thi|title=Hell in An Loc: The 1972 Easter Invasion and the Battle that Saved South Vietnam|publisher=University of North Texas Press|year=2009|isbn=9781574412765|pages=198–201}}</ref>

;9 August
The PAVN hit South Vietnamese Marines {{convert|1|mi}} southeast of Quảng Trị with more than 320 rockets and 130 artillery shells. Sixty-one PAVN and five Marines were killed in Quảng Trị.<ref name=NYT10Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=100 militiamen reported killed in clash near Saigon|author=Malcolm Browne|date=10 August 1972|page=2}}</ref>

The PAVN attacked a militia post near Than Han in Pleiku Province resulting in 46 PAVN and one ARVN killed.<ref name=NYT10Aug/> PAVN forces attacked a militia outpost {{convert|20|mi}} southwest of Pleiku killing 15 ARVN.<ref name=NYT11Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports gains in Quangtri City|date=11 August 1972|page=3}}</ref>

A PAVN artillery attack on Huế killed three civilians and wounded 11.<ref name=NYT10Aug/>

;10 August
RVNAF aircraft destroyed 14 tanks and six trucks and killed 15 PAVN {{convert|6|mi}} southeast of Quảng Trị, while U.S. jets destroyed four tanks near the city.<ref name=NYT11Aug/>

PAVN/VC sappers attacked [[Lai Khê]] losing 16 killed and four captured for the loss of two ARVN killed.<ref name=NYT11Aug/>

PAVN/VC sappers attacked Cam Ranh Base killing four policeman for the loss of one sapper killed.<ref name=NYT11Aug/>

The Nixon Administration said that increased bombing in Vietnam would cost about $1.1 billion in the current fiscal year, less than previous estimates.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Renewed bombing adds $1.1-Billion to war's cost|date=11 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;11 August
The last two U.S. ground combat units, the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment and Battery G, [[29th Field Artillery Regiment]] stood down at Danang.<ref name=MACV/>{{rp|N-5}}<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. is withdrawing last combat units|date=11 August 1972|page=3}}</ref>

100 PAVN/VC sappers attacked Lai Khê losing 38 killed, while ARVN losses were four killed.<ref name=NYT12Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy steps up attacks throughout South Vietnam|author=Sydney Schanberg|date=12 August 1972|page=2}}</ref>

The PAVN/VC attacked Tam Quan resulting in ten PAVN and five ARVN killed.<ref name=NYT12Aug/>

;12 August
[[W. Averell Harriman]] and [[Cyrus Vance]], the two original U.S. negotiators at the Paris Peace Talks, said in a press conference that President Nixon had missed an opportunity in 1969 to end the Vietnam War, at a time when the North Vietnamese had withdrawn most of its combat troops from South Vietnam's northernmost provinces.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nixon Ignored Peace Bid, Paris Team Says|newspaper=Oakland Tribune|date=13 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

[[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130E Hercules]] #62-1853 of the [[776th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron|776th Tactical Airlift Squadron]] was shot down on takeoff from [[Sóc Trăng Airfield]], killing 30 of 44 passengers and crew on board.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19720812-1|title=Lockheed C-130 E Hercules Soc Trang|publisher=Aviation Safety Network|access-date=24 November 2014}}</ref>

''The New York Times'' reported on accusations of widespread torture of civilians who had been imprisoned in South Vietnamese jails since the start of the Easter Offensive.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon torture in jails reported|author=Sydney Schanberg|date=13 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;13 August
Former [[U.S. Attorney General]] [[Ramsey Clark]] returned from North Vietnam, where he had traveled as a private individual as part of a factfinding group. Clark said that he had confirmed that the United States was bombing hospitals and dikes, and that he had been told that American prisoners "will be released immediately when we stop this senseless, murderous bombing and end the war and get out, get home, and get to the business of building the peace and giving happiness to little children around the world".<ref>{{cite news|title=Clark Gives Hanoi Peace Plan|newspaper=El Paso Herald-Post|date=14 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;14 August
Senior South Vietnamese military officials said that whatever the outcome of the Paris Peace Talks the North Vietnamese would never settle for anything other than outright victory but that as long as U.S. military support continued South Vietnam could continue the war indefinitely.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon's commanders say the war can last for years|author=Malcolm Browne|date=15 August 1972|page=2}}</ref>

;15 August
U.S. jets hit the recently repaired Việt Trì power plant again putting it out of operation.<ref name=NYT17Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy plant again crippled, U.S. says|date=17 August 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;16 August
PAVN artillery fired more than 474 shells into South Vietnamese positions around Quảng Trị and 1,325 shells into positions around Hải Lăng. The shelling and ground combat resulted in 93 PAVN and 19 South Vietnamese killed.<ref name=NYT17Aug/>

ARVN troops near Cai Lậy killed 18 PAVN and captured 14 SA-7 and six AT-3 missiles.<ref name=NYT17Aug/>

U.S. aircraft flew 370 sorties over North Vietnam, the highest number of the year, due to improved weather.<ref name=NYT18Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. raids in North believed heaviest of the year|author=Joseph Treaster|date=18 August 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;17 August
In fighting in Quảng Trị 98 PAVN, 19 South Vietnamese and one U.S. adviser were reported killed.<ref name=NYT18Aug/>

ARVN Airborne forces killed 68 PAVN in the foothills {{convert|9|mi}} south of Quảng Trị.<ref name=NYT18Aug2>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports killing 68|date=18 August 1972|page=3}}</ref>

A PAVN attack on Hiếu Đức {{convert|10|mi}} southwest of Danang resulted in eight ARVN and seven PAVN killed.<ref name=NYT18Aug2/>

Kissinger met twice with Thiệu in Saigon.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Kissinger meets with Thieu twice; 2d talk surprise|date=18 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

An editorial in [[Nhân Dân]] implicitly criticized China and the USSR for their improving relations with the U.S. and rejected any compromise of the North's negotiating position.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi appears to rebuke both Moscow and Peking|date=18 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;18 August
Following an artillery barrage the PAVN [[711th Division (Vietnam)|711th Division]] attacked and captured Quế Sơn and [[Firebase Ross]], including 15-20 of the then secret TOW missiles among the abandoned equipment.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=861&dat=19720822&id=JY1HAAAAIBAJ&pg=5568,3185027|title=U.S. confirms enemy captured secret missiles|publisher=Washington Post News Service|date=22 August 1972|access-date=20 January 2015}}</ref>

The PAVN fired 43 rockets at Danang Air Base, hitting the base and adjacent housing and killing 27 South Vietnamese civilians and one U.S. airman, wounding 24 civilians and 21 U.S. airmen and destroying two aircraft with ten damaged.<ref name=NYT19Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Shelling at Danang kills 27 civilians and American|date=19 August 1972|page=3}}</ref>

South Vietnamese jets and artillery destroyed five PAVN tanks {{convert|5|mi}} southwest of Quảng Trị.<ref name=NYT19Aug/>

;19 August
PAVN/VC forces cut Highway 1 at [[Trảng Bom]], Highway 4 in the Mekong Delta and Highway 13 near Lai Khê.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe said to seize post near Danang|date=20 August 1972|page=8}}</ref>

Two RVNAF helicopters carrying refugees collided near Kontum killing 38 people and injuring 42.<ref name=NYT21Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Mine kills 40 civilians|date=21 August 1972|page=9}}</ref>

Democratic Presidential nominee McGovern said that he expected Thiệu and his "cohorts" to flee into exile and for a communist dominated coalition to take power in Saigon if he won the 1972 Presidential election.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=McGovern expects Thieu to flee if Democrats win|author=James Naughton|date=20 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;20 August
Forty South Vietnamese civilians were killed and 30 wounded when their bus hit a mine on the highway from Pleiku to Phu Nhon.<ref name=NYT21Aug/>

;22 August
In fighting around Quảng Trị 79 PAVN and eight South Vietnamese were killed.<ref name=NYT23Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Fighting lessens in Queson region|author=Malcolm Browne|date=23 August 1972|page=8}}</ref>

In fighting around Tam Quan and Hoai Nhon 23 PAVN and two ARVN were killed.<ref name=NYT23Aug/>

PAVN/VC ambushed a Ranger force {{convert|36|mi}} north of Saigon killing 30 Rangers with 40 missing.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Queson reported retaken by Saigon Ranger force|date=26 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Thiệu overturned a 1968 election law and abolished elections in South Vietnam's 10,775 hamlets claiming that many hamlet chiefs were communists and supported the VC. He ordered the 44 province chiefs appointed by him to appoint hamlet officials.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon decress end of elections on hamlet level|author=Craig Whitney|date=7 September 1972|page=1}}</ref>

At the Republican National Convention, Nixon was endorsed as the Republican candidate for the 1972 Presidential Election.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Nixon in endorsed by 1,347-to -1 vote|author=Max Frankel|date=23 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;23 August
ARVN forces attempting to recapture Quế Sơn claimed to have killed 108 PAVN for the loss of one killed in fighting {{convert|3|mi}} from the town.<ref name=NYT24Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon bid to retake Queson thwarted|date=24 August 1972|page=4}}</ref>

ARVN forces were reported to have killed 56 PAVN for the loss of seven ARVN after two PAVN battalions attacked [[Duy Xuyên district]] south of Danang.<ref name=NYT24Aug/>

RVNAF A-37s destroyed nine tanks and five trucks southwest of Quảng Trị.<ref name=NYT24Aug/>

Twenty-one South Vietnamese civilians were killed when their bus hit a mine in the Central Highlands.<ref name=NYT24Aug/>

;24 August
In fighting around Quảng Trị 207 PAVN and 15 South Vietnamese were reported killed.<ref name=NYT25Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon arrests Queson officers|date=25 August 1972|page=6}}</ref>

In continued fighting near Duy Xuyên 64 PAVN and eight ARVN were reported killed.<ref name=NYT25Aug/>

The ARVN arrested the 5th Regiment, [[2nd Division (South Vietnam)|2nd Division]] commander Colonel Nguyen Van Lu and a battalion commander for their role in losing Firebase Ross and it was reported that as many as 2,500 ARVN troops remained unaccounted for.<ref name=NYT25Aug/>

;25 August
A 10,000 man ARVN task force comprising Rangers supported by tanks recaptured part of Quế Sơn.<ref name=NYT26Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon ousts commander who lost battle at Queson|author=Craig Whitney|date=26 August 1972|page=3}}</ref>

Rangers fighting PAVN/VC at the scene of the 22 August ambush reported killing 35 PAVN/VC.<ref name=NYT26Aug/>

ARVN 2nd Division commander, Brigadier General Phan Hoa Hiep was relieved of command for the loss of Firebase Ross, which was described as the worst South Vietnamese defeat since the height of the Easter Offensive with the division rendered temporarily combat ineffective. Hiep was replaced by Colonel Tran Van Nhut the province chief of Bình Long province.<ref name=NYT26Aug/>

China claimed that U.S. jets sank a lifeboat from a Chinese merchant ship off the coast of Vinh, killing five Chinese sailors. The U.S. said that it sank a boat being used to ferry supplies ashore that sought to avoid U.S. naval mines.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. doubts jet sank a 'lifeboat'|date=26 August 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;26 August
In fighting in Quảng Trị Province more than 181 PAVN and 20 South Vietnamese were reported killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Quangtri fighting heavy; Queson Gain Is Reported|date=27 August 1972|page=3}}</ref>

FANK reported that 117 soldiers were killed and 216 missing after eight days of fighting along Route 5 north of Phnom Penh.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Heavy toll in Cambodia|date=27 August 1972|page=3}}</ref>

U.S. jets bombed shipyards in Haiphong and [[Cat Bi International Airport|Cat Bi]] and [[Kien An Airport|Kien An Air Bases]] near the city.<ref name=NYT28Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Heavy U.S. air raids strike at Haiphong|date=28 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

U.S. sources said that the casualty rate among South Vietnamese civilians had more than double since the start of the Easter Offensive with more than 24,788 casualties between 30 March and 31 July.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|415}}

;27 August
In fighting in Quảng Trị Province 76 PAVN and four South Vietnamese were reported killed and two PAVN tanks destroyed.<ref name=NYT28Aug/>

PAVN forces attacked Quế Sơn recapturing part of the town. ARVN 4th Regiment forces got to within {{convert|0.5|mi}} of Firebase Ross killing 46 PAVN in the advance.<ref name=NYT28Aug/>

Four U.S. Navy ships, the cruisers {{USS|Newport News|CA-148|6}} and USS ''Providence'' and destroyers {{USS|Robison|DDG-12|6}} and {{USS|Rowan|DD-782|6}} made a night raid into Haiphong Harbor shelling the port area from a distance of {{convert|2|mi}}. After leaving the harbor two Vietnam People's Navy torpedo boats engaged the ships {{convert|27|mi}} southeast of Haiphong with one sunk by the ''Newport News'' and the other set on fire by the ''Rowan'' and then sunk by a Navy A-7 jet.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|415}}

;28 August
[[File:Capts. Steve Ritchie and Charles DeBellevue prepare for a mission in their F-4 Phantom.jpg|thumb|right|Captains Steve Ritchie (left) and Charles DeBellevue (right) prepare for a mission in their F-4 Phantom]]
USAF Captain [[R. Stephen Ritchie]] became the first USAF ace of the war after downing his fifth VPAF MiG-21 in combat.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|415}}

U.S. jets attacked PAVN barracks at Xom Bai {{convert|37|mi}} northwest of Hanoi, [[Xuân Mai]] {{convert|17|mi}} southwest of Hanoi and Hải Dương {{convert|23|mi}} northwest of Haiphong destroying more than 180 buildings.<ref name=NYT29Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. says planes bombed 2 bases in the Hanoi area|date=29 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Heavy fighting continued in Quế Sơn with the district headquarters repeatedly changing hands.<ref name=NYT29Aug/>

U.S. helicopter gunships attacked a PAVN rocket unit {{convert|6|mi}} from Danang killing three PAVN and triggering nine explosions.<ref name=NYT29Aug/>

;29 August
Nixon announced that 12,000 more U.S. soldiers would be withdrawn from South Vietnam over a three-month period, with only 27,000 remaining by 1 December.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|416}}

;30 August
PAVN artillery fired more than 2,000 shells into Marine positions around Quảng Trị killing six Marines. Meanwhile in the Hải Lăng district ARVN Airborne forces killed 20 PAVN.<ref name=NYT31Aug>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe at Quangtri is said to step up artillery attack|date=31 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The PAVN fired more than 50 rockets into Bien Hoa Air Base, destroying one U.S. A-37 and damaging eight other aircraft and killing 14 RVNAF personnel.<ref name=NYT31Aug/>

U.S. jets destroyed an ammunition dump and fuel depot near Vinh.<ref name=NYT1Sep>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Jets said to raze munitions dump|date=1 September 1972|page=3}}</ref>

''The New York Times'' reported that the Easter Offensive had reached a stalemate with the war set to continue indefinitely.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=A stalemate in the war|author=Malcolm Browne|date=31 August 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;31 August 
In fighting in Quảng Trị 63 PAVN and 12 South Vietnamese were reported killed.<ref name=NYT2Sep>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon thrust to retake Queson post is reported|date=2 September 1972|page=6}}</ref>

ARVN forces destroyed two PAVN tanks in the Quế Sơn valley.<ref name=NYT1Sep/>

PAVN sappers killed 28 people and wounded 35 in attacks on a fuel depot in [[Prek Pnov district]] and two bridges on Route 5 {{convert|15|mi}} north of Phnom Penh.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Cambodia reports raids|date=1 September 1972|page=3}}</ref>

Bunker said to Nixon that the South Vietnamese "fear they are not yet well enough organized to compete politically with such a tough, disciplined organization", i.e. North Vietnam.<ref name=Lipsman/>{{rp|46}}

==September==
;1 September
An ARVN armored task force attempting to recapture Firebase Ross was stopped by the PAVN {{convert|400|yd}} from the base.<ref name=NYT2Sep/>

PAVN/VC attacked an ARVN command port near Tam Quan killing 22 ARVN with 21 PAVN/VC reported killed.<ref name=NYT2Sep/>

An ARVN task force engaged an estimated PAVN regiment north of Lai Khê in a two day battle that resulted in an estimated 180 PAVN killed and 130 ARVN killed or missing.<ref name=NYT3Sep>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Heavy toll reported in battle north of Saigon|date=3 September 1972|page=3}}</ref>

[[File:CINCPAC ADM Gayler.jpg|thumb|right|Admiral Noel Gayler]]
Admiral [[Noel Gayler]] became [[United States Pacific Command|Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Command]] (CINCPAC) replacing Admiral [[John S. McCain Jr.]]

;2 September
A PAVN force attacked [[Plei Djereng Camp]] but were repulsed for the loss of approximately 100 killed.<ref name=NYT3Sep/>

USAF jets attacked fuel depots at Kép and Lục Nam district destroying an estimated 160,000 gallons of fuel at Kép.<ref name=NYT3Sep/>

USAF jets attacked [[Phúc Yên Air Base]] with laser-guided bombs cratering the runway and destroying the control tower, operations center, a hangar and other buildings. One MiG-19 was shot down in a dogfight near the base.<ref name=NYT4Sep>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Big Hanoi air base pounded heavily by American jets|date=4 September 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Three U.S. Navy ships destroyed supplies on [[Chàm Islands|Hòn Lá]] island which was being used as a transshipment point for sea supplies to North Vietnam.<ref name=NYT3Sep/>

;3 September
PAVN/VC attacked [[Tiên Phước district]] in what was described as a major assault.<ref name=NYT4Sep/>

The ARVN reported killing 53 PAVN in a battle {{convert|15|mi}} southwest of Kontum.<ref name=NYT4Sep/>

The elections for the Khmer Republic's 126-member National Assembly took place. Because of a presidential decree designed to give President Lon Nol's [[Social Republican Party]] an advantage, the other parties withdrew from participating. The Socio-Republicans won all 126 seats on what was claimed to be a 78% turnout.<ref>{{cite book|last=Peou|first=Sorpong|title=Intervention & Change in Cambodia: Towards Democracy?|publisher=St. Martin's Press|year=2000|isbn=978-0312227173|page=53}}</ref>

The U.S. Army reprimanded two officers and dismissed a Sergeant from service and closed the Army's actions in relation to the Mỹ Lai massacre.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Army ends Mylai review; 3 more men are punished|author=Seymour Hersh|date=3 September 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;4 September
The ARVN Border Rangers abandoned Plei Djereng Camp in the face of heavy shelling and ground attacks.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports base camp loss in Highland area|date=5 September 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;5 September
The PAVN 320th Division attacked Bau Can Camp {{convert|12|mi}} southwest of Pleiku but were repulsed with 130 PAVN and five ARVN reported killed. Nine B-52 raids were conducted against suspected PAVN positions in the area.<ref name=NYT6Sep>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports repulsing an enemy attack on a Pleiku outpost|date=6 September 1972|page=3}}</ref>

In fighting in Quảng Trị the Marines reported killing 54 PAVN and capturing four.<ref name=NYT6Sep/>

The PAVN attacked Firebase Ngotrang {{convert|5.5|mi}} northwest of Kontum with 19 PAVN and 12 ARVN reported killed.<ref name=NYT7Sep>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe is reported repulsed near Pleiku|date=7 September 1972|page=3}}</ref>

A PAVN/VC sapper attack on [[Bearcat Base]] resulted in five PAVN/VC killed.<ref name=NYT6Sep/>

;6 September
Approximately 300 PAVN attacked a Ranger base southwest of Pleiku resulting in 15 PAVN killed and two captured for the loss of two ARVN killed.<ref name=NYT7Sep/>

PAVN/VC forces overran Hill 211 overlooking Tiên Phước town and shot down two helicopters bring in ARVN reinforcements.<ref name=NYT7Sep/>

;7 September
PAVN forces were reported to control most of Tiên Phước, giving them control of the western two thirds of [[Quảng Tín province]].<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|416}}

PAVN forces attacked a command post of the ARVN 9th Division in the Mekong Delta killing 22 ARVN for the loss of seven PAVN.<ref name=NYT9Sep>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Fate of embattled Tienphuoc is in doubt|author=Joseph Treaster|date=9 September 1972|page=7}}</ref>

;8 September
A PAVN mortar and ground assault at Hoai Nhon resulted in 38 PAVN and eight ARVN killed.<ref name=NYT9Sep/>

A U.S. adviser said that the assault on Tiên Phước appeared to be aimed to stretch the South Vietnamese forces thinly and that all reserves were fully committed.<ref name=NYT9Sep/>

In Phnom Penh there were riots over increased rice prices with civilians and soldiers looting numerous food markets and stores.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Phnompenh residents riot, looting markets for rice|author=Malcolm Browne|date=9 September 1972|page=1}}</ref>

In a press conference in Saigon, a defector from the PAVN 324th Division stated that his unit had been ordered to fire on anyone, civilian or military, moving south from Quảng Trị in late April and early May as they were all enemies.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Defector tells of massacre by enemy at Quangtri|date=9 September 1972|page=6}}</ref>

;9 September
In fighting in Quảng Trị the Marines reported killing 161 PAVN for the loss of ten Marines.<ref name=NYT10Sep>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Attack on refugee camp near Danang is reported|date=10 September 1972|page=3}}</ref>

VC sappers attacked a South Vietnamese refugee camp near Danang, killing 20 refugees and wounding 94.<ref name=NYT10Sep/>

ARVN forces recaptured Firebase Ross killing 27 PAVN for the loss of six ARVN.<ref name=NYT10Sep/>

In scattered fighting in the Central Highlands and Bình Định province the South Vietnamese reported 153 PAVN and ten ARVN killed.<ref name=NYT10Sep/>

USAF Captain [[Charles B. DeBellevue]] became the last and highest scoring U.S. ace of the war with his fifth and sixth MiG kills.<ref name=Futrell/>{{rp|105}}

MACV and the JGS were reported to be in disagreement about the defense of Saigon with U.S. officers dissatisfied with the performance of III Corps commander Lieutenant general Nguyễn Văn Minh.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. and Saigon dispute defense of capital|author=Craig Whitney|date=10 September 1972|page=2}}</ref>

;10 September
In fighting in Quảng Trị the Marines reported killing 280 PAVN.<ref name=NYT11Sep>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=South Vietnamese airports are attacked|date=11 September 1972|page=3}}</ref>

PAVN/VC sappers attacked Tan Son Nhut and Bien Hoa Air Bases. At Bien Hoa two South Vietnamese were killed and 29 Americans and 20 South Vietnamese wounded and 50 RVNAF aircraft and one USAF AC-119 damaged when a bomb storage area exploded.<ref name=NYT11Sep/>

''The New York Times'' reported that Chinese and Vietnamese Cambodians lived in fear of new purges after recent food riots and military reversals.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Aliens in Cambodia fear new purge|author=Malcolm Browne|date=11 September 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The U.S. Embassy protested recent South Vietnamese television and radio broadcasts which described Democratic Presidential candidate McGovern as a "mad dog" and "enemy of the South Vietnamese people."<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|417}}

;11 September
USAF jets again attacked the Long Biên Bridge destroying three spans with laser-guided bombs. U.S. jets also attacked four military barracks around Hanoi.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Main Hanoi bridge reported bombed|author=Craig Whitney|date=12 September 1972|page=1}}</ref>

South Vietnamese Marines reentered Quảng Trị Citadel from the east, losing 24 killed.<ref name=NYT13Sep>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon says its Marines fought way into Quangtri's Citadel in 2d attempt to capture City|author=Craig Whitney|date=13 September 1972|page=1}}</ref>

RLA forces reported that they had recaptured Khong Sedone.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Laotian victory reported|date=12 September 1972|page=15}}</ref>

;12 September
The CIA and [[Defense Intelligence Agency]] (DIA) reported that North Vietnam was capable of sustaining the war at its current pace for a further two years and that bombing had not significantly reduced infiltration into South Vietnam.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|417}}

A U.S. adviser said that the pressure on the western flanks of Huế had been substantially reduced due to effective actions by the ARVN 1st Division against the PAVN 324B Division.<ref name=NYT13Sep/>

USAF jets shot down three VPAF MiG-21s.<ref name=Futrell/>{{rp|124}}

;13 September
South Vietnamese Marines fighting in Quảng Trị Citadel reported killing 64 PAVN for the loss of five Marines.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Fighting at Citadel reported heavy|date=14 September 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;14 September
The RVNAF claimed to have attacked a PAVN staging area near Kampong Trabek, killing 80 PAVN and destroying five tanks and 22 trucks.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports fierce fighting in Quangtri City, but no gains|date=15 September 1972|page=5}}</ref>

North Vietnamese negotiators in Paris hinted for the first time that they could accept a peace agreement with the United States that did not require the ouster of Thiệu.<ref name=Lipsman/>{{rp|10}}

''The New York Times'' reported on the declining standard of medical care in South Vietnam with the departure of the U.S. military with only about 400 doctors available to serve the country's 17 million population.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=South Vietnam's medical care found to deteriorate|author=Sydney Schanberg|date=14 September 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;15 September
South Vietnamese Marines recaptured Quảng Trị City from the PAVN, however most of the province remained under PAVN control. Quảng Trị had been the only provincial capital to fall to the North Vietnamese in the Easter Offensive.<ref name=Isaacs/>{{rp|2}} South Vietnam claimed that more than 8,135 PAVN had been killed in the fighting.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|417}}

A PAVN/VC attack on [[Chơn Thành Camp]] was repulsed for the loss of 38 PAVN and four ARVN killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Quangtri Citadel reported to fall to Saigon troops|author=Joseph Treaster|date=16 September 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Fourteen newspapers and 15 other periodicals closed down in South Vietnam as a result of a Presidential decree that all publications pay a $47,000 bond, effectively muting all opposition to the Thiệu government.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=14 Saigon papers close, muffling opposition press|author=Malcolm Browne|date=16 September 1972|page=3}}</ref>

; 16–21 September
The PAVN attacked seven locations in Quảng Ngãi province with the 1st Regiment, 2nd Division attacking [[Mộ Đức District]] with mortars and rockets followed by a ground attack. The attack was repulsed with the loss of one U.S. adviser, 70 ARVN and over 600 PAVN killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/reports/images.php?img=/images/1683/168300010830.pdf|title=1972-3 Command History|publisher=United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam|date=15 July 1973|accessdate=2 March 2021|page=83}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>

;17 September
In the first release of prisoners of war since 1969, North Vietnam released three American prisoners, Navy Lieutenants Norris Charles and Markham Gartley and Air Force Major Edward Elias were provided civilian clothes and then allowed to stay in Hanoi with an American welcoming team.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|417}}

It was reported that the U.S. was manufacturing ammunition for use in AK-47s used extensively by the FANK.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. ammunition aids Cambodians|author=Malcolm Browne|date=17 September 1972|page=4}}</ref>

;18 September 
Sixty-five FANK troops were killed and more than 216 wounded in fighting on Route 1 {{convert|40|mi}} southeast of Phnom Penh.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Militia reported aided in Vietnam|date=19 September 1972|page=14}}</ref>

;19 September
U.S. commanders acknowledged that the North Vietnamese held substantial, though largely unpopulated, areas of the five northern provinces of South Vietnam and while they had suffered severe losses the offensive had achieved a psychological and physical impact.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe now holds large part of 5 northern provinces|author=Joseph Treaster|date=20 September 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;20 September
PAVN forces overran part of [[Ba Tơ district|Ba Tơ camp]] {{convert|15|mi}} southwest of Mộ Đức defended by approximately 400 Rangers.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Quangngai base is under attackdate=21 September 1972|page=10}}</ref>

;21 September
The ARVN reported killing 26 PAVN/VC {{convert|3|mi}} southeast of Tunghia.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=No G.I. killed in week in Indochina, U.S. says|author=Malcolm Browne|date=22 September 1972|page=3}}</ref>

ARVN Airborne forces reported killing 63 PAVN in three clashes south of Quảng Trị City.<ref name=NYT23Sep>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports enemy attacks on bases eear Quangngai City|date=23 September 1972|page=8}}</ref>

;22 September
ARVN forces abandoned two small outposts near Quảng Ngai in the face of PAVN/VC attacks, while the PAVN laid siege to Ba Tơ camp.<ref name=NYT23Sep/>

;23 September
In a meeting with U.S. antiwar activists in Hanoi, Hoàng Tùng, editor of ''Nhân Dân'' said that North Vietnam was preparing for four more years of war if Nixon was reelected.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi aide sees 4 more tears of war|date=24 September 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;24 September
A PAVN force supported by tanks attacked ARVN positions east of Tiên Phước while PAVN artillery bombarded ARVN positions near Ba Tơ and Đức Phổ.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon says foe renews attacks|date=25 September 1972|page=15}}</ref>

FANK reported that 16 of its soldiers had been killed and 39 wounded in heavy fighting at [[Chambak Commune (Bati District)|Chambak]] on Route 2.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Cambodia reports losses|date=25 September 1972|page=15}}</ref>

;25 September
ARVN forces began an operation to reopen Highway 1 in Quảng Ngãi province. An estimated two PAVN divisions supported by tanks and artillery were believed to be operating in the area confronting the ARVN 2nd and 3rd Divisions.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reported in drive to open key coast road|date=26 September 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;26 September
The PAVN attacked two ARVN positions near Đức Phổ losing 46 killed for the loss of two ARVN. ARVN Rangers reported killing 58 PAVN in fighting near Mộ Đức. Despite these clashes, fighting in South Vietnam was reported to be at its lowest level since the start of the Easter Offensive.<ref name=NYT27Sep>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Ground fighting at a 6-month low|date=27 September 1972|page=7}}</ref>

A five ship U.S. Navy task force shelled coastal targets between Vinh and Thanh Hóa.<ref name=NYT27Sep/>

North Vietnamese negotiators in Paris proposed that a "Provisional Government of National Concord" be formed in South Vietnam to organize elections leading to the union of South and North Vietnam.<ref name=Lipsman/>{{rp|10}}

;27 September
U.S. jets conducted more than 300 strikes over North Vietnam. USAF jets attacked Yên Bái Air Base destroying one MiG-21 on the ground and damaging another.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Heavy air attacks continue against North Vietnam|date=28 September 1972|page=3}}</ref> Other raids hit a large logistics complex {{convert|84|mi}} northwest of Hanoi, used for transshipment of material from China.<ref name=NYT29Sep>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=No letup in raids on foe reported|date=29 September 1972|page=5}}</ref>

A booby-trap exploded in the car being used by [[Thomas O. Enders]], the deputy U.S. ambassador in Phnom Penh. Enders escaped injury, but two others were killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Deputy U.S. Ambassador's car bombed|date=28 September 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;28 September
In fighting near Ba Tơ ARVN Rangers reported killing 35 PAVN for the loss of four killed.<ref name=NYT29Sep/>

;29 September
The USAF announced that the [[General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark|F-111A]] fighter-bomber had returned to combat over North Vietnam for the first time in more than four years, joining other U.S. jets in more than 300 strikes on North Vietnam. After losing three aircraft due to technical issues on its previous deployment, the F-111A was deployed to provide all-weather strike capability in the coming monsoon season in North Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. sends F-111's over North for the first time since 1968|date=30 September 1972|page=8}}</ref>

FANK announced that it had abandoned attempts to recapture the Angkor temple complex from the PAVN.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Angkor fight abandoned|date=30 September 1972|page=8}}</ref>

;30 September
U.S. jets attacked Phúc Yên, Yên Bái, Vinh and Quang Lang Air Bases destroying five MiGs on the ground and damaging ten others.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. planes raid 4 bases in North and claim 5 MiG's|date=1 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

FANK airborne forces relieved the besieged town of Samrong Yong, {{convert|20|mi}} south of Phnom Penh, approximately 75 FANK troops were killed or wounded in the eight-day siege.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Cambodians report gains|date=1 October 1972|page=4}}</ref>

The 8th Special Operations Squadron, the last USAF combat squadron in South Vietnam withdrew from Bien Hoa Air Base.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Bomber unit withdrawn|date=1 October 1972|page=4}}</ref>

==October==
;1 October
[[File:USS Newport News 1972.jpg|thumb|right|USS ''Newport News'' fires on PAVN positions]]
A gun turret explosion on the USS ''Newport News'' operating off the coast of South Vietnam killed 19 sailors and injured ten others.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|418}}

U.S. jets conducted 320 strikes on North Vietnam including attacks on Kép Air Base and railyards near Hanoi.<ref name=NYT2Oct>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. copter fire reported to kill South Vietnamese|date=2 October 1972|page=3}}</ref>

A U.S. helicopter gunship accidentally attacked a South Vietnamese position near Mộ Đức wounding five ARVN and 15 civilians.<ref name=NYT2Oct/>

;2 October
The USAF announced that an F-111A had been lost over North Vietnam. North Vietnam claimed to have shot the jet down on 29 September. The type was again withdrawn from combat.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=F-111 lost on raid Over North Vietnam|author=Malcolm Browne|date=3 October 1972|page=3}}</ref>

A mortar attack on [[Kampot Airport]] killed nine civilians and wounded 20 others.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Mortars hit Cambodian airport|date=3 October 1972|page=3}}</ref>

A mortar attack on [[Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base]] caused no losses.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Thai air base shelled|date=3 October 1972|page=3}}</ref>

Haig visited Saigon and met with Thiệu and U.S. officials in what was described as a general review of the Vietnam situation.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Kissinger's deputy confers with Thieu|date=3 October 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;3 October
Seven communist guerillas attacked [[Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base]], with three killed and one captured. One Thai security guard was killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Guerrilla attack reported on a U.S. base in Thailand, 2d in 24 hours|date=4 October 1972|page=2}}</ref>

The Pentagon reported that the total tonnage of bombs dropped to date in 1972 (800,000+ tons) exceeded the total dropped for all of 1971 (763,160 tons) and total tonnage dropped since February 1965 (7.55m tons) exceeded the total tonnage dropped in all of [[World War II]] by 3.5 times.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|418–9}}

;4 October
MACV ordered increased B-52 raids on the approaches to Saigon in order to deter any attacks on the city ahead of the U.S. Presidential election.<ref name=NYT5Oct>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=An increase in B-52 raids around Saigon is reported|date=5 October 1972|page=14}}</ref>

PAVN/VC sapper attacks on the villages of Xuyen Tho and Xuyen Phuoc near Danang resulted in two ARVN and 18 civilians killed and more than 100 civilians missing, eight PAVN/VC were reported killed.<ref name=NYT5Oct/>

;5 October
F-111As resumed attacks on North Vietnam, hitting an air defense center near [[Điện Biên Phủ]] and a railroad siding.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=F-111's raid bases in North Vietnam|date=6 October 1972|page=11}}</ref>

;6 October
PAVN forces attacked ARVN units on Route 13 {{convert|20|mi}} northwest of Saigon killing four ARVN.<ref name=NYT7Oct>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports fighting 20 miles north of city|author=Craig Whitney|date=7 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

PAVN forces attacked Mỹ Tho destroying a fuel depot and killing 16 ARVN.<ref name=NYT7Oct/>

The VC attacked a [[Leper colony]] near Danang killing one patient and wounding 20 others.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Raid on leper colony by Vietcong reported|date=7 October 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;7 October
The PAVN attacked an ARVN position {{convert|6|mi}} northwest of Kontum and the ARVN 23rd Division reported killing 349 PAVN for the loss of 35 ARVN.<ref name=NYT9Oct>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy reported moving on Saigon by a river route|author=Craig Whitney|date=9 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Skirmishes continued on Route 13 with the PAVN holding three hamlets and also mounting an attack near [[Lái Thiêu]] only {{convert|9|mi}} from Saigon.<ref name=NYT8Oct>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Fighting spreads closer to Saigon; B-52s raid north|date=8 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

ARVN 3rd Division forces were reported to have recaptured Tiên Phước.<ref name=NYT8Oct/>

PAVN forces attacked a FANK base in central Phnom Penh killing 36 FANK soldiers and capturing five M113s before being driven out by FANK forces with losses of 28 killed. The PAVN also blew up several spans of the bridge over the Tonlé Sap river.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|419}}

;8 October
ARVN forces killed 22 PAVN for the loss of three killed in fighting in three hamlets near Route 13, but failed to dislodge the PAVN from their positions.<ref name=NYT9Oct/>

;8-11 October
After four days of negotiations in Paris, Le Duc Tho gave Kissinger documents outlining the North Vietnamese proposal for a peace agreement in Vietnam. The proposal dropped demands for the ouster of Thiệu and called for the withdrawal of all American troops, the release of all American prisoners of war and a ceasefire "in place" which would allow PAVN soldiers in South Vietnam to remain there. A tentative text was agreed upon by both sides.<ref name=Lipsman/>{{rp|11–3}}

;9 October
The PAVN continued to hold the three hamlets of Xom Suoi, Anhoa and Phú Chánh near Route 13 despite ARVN efforts to remove them.<ref name=NYT10Oct>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=One of 4 hamlets reported taken by Saigon forces|author=Craig Whitney|date=10 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

South Vietnamese Marines recaptured [[Triệu Phong district]], northeast of Quảng Trị with minimal resistance.<ref name=NYT10Oct/>

;10 October
McGovern announced that if elected President, on his [[United States presidential inauguration|inauguration day]] he would immediately cease all military action against North Vietnam and all support for South Vietnam and would then send his Vice-President [[Sargent Shriver]] to Hanoi to negotiate the release of U.S. POWs.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=McGovern details plan to end war on inauguration|author=Christopher Lydon|date=11 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;11 October
U.S. Navy jets attacked the [[Gia Lâm station|Gia Lâm railway yard]] in Hanoi. An explosion in the French mission complex across the Red River and {{convert|3|mi}} southwest of the railway yard severely injured chief diplomat Pierre Susini, who later died of his wounds. Five North Vietnamese employees of the mission were also killed. The French and North Vietnamese blamed the U.S., while the U.S. said the damage may have been caused by a falling SA-2 missile. The nearby Algerian and Indian diplomatic missions were also damaged.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=France's mission in Hanoi wrecked during a U.S. raid|author=Bernard Gwertzman|date=12 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

U.S. intelligence released details of a [[COSVN]] directive issued in mid-September saying that the recent attacks around Saigon were to be the last and "most decisive" phase of the Easter Offensive. It was believed that the recent attacks by small units of the PAVN [[7th Infantry Division (Vietnam)|7th Division]] were diversionary and a larger attack on Saigon was imminent.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hamlet retaken outside Saigon|author=Fox Butterfield|date=12 October 1972|page=17}}</ref>

;12 October
The U.S. imposed new restrictions on raids around central Hanoi after the damage to the French mission.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi area raids reported curbed|date=13 October 1972|page=11}}</ref>

The ARVN 2nd Division recaptured Ba Tơ.<ref name=NYT13Oct>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon announces the recapture of district capital in Quangngai|date=13 October 1972|page=16}}</ref>

ARVN forces killed 31 PAVN for the loss of seven ARVN killed in fighting {{convert|7|mi}} south of Bến Cát.<ref name=NYT13Oct/>

After bombarding Ben Het Camp with more than 1,500 rockets and artillery rounds, the PAVN overran the base killing at least nine ARVN and eight civilian dependents.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Benhet reported overrun|date=13 October 1972|page=16}}</ref>

The PAVN/VC attacked an ARVN convoy near Vũng Tàu killing seven ARVN/FANK trainees and one U.S. adviser.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. instructor killed|date=13 October 1972|page=16}}</ref>

Speaking at a youth rally in Saigon, Thiệu said that "coalition with the Communists meant death" and that "We have to kill the Communists to the last man before we have peace."<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|420}}

Kissinger met with Nixon in Washington to explain the draft peace agreement with North Vietnam. Nixon approved the agreement subject to the agreement of Thiệu.<ref name="nixonlibrary.gov"/>

The U.S. Senate voted 84:2 to confirm Abrams as Army Chief of Staff, his confirmation had been delayed by investigation of his involvement in the Lavelle Affair.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|420}}

;12-13 October
A [[USS Kitty Hawk riot|race riot]] on the USS ''Kitty Hawk'' operating on [[Yankee Station]] resulted in 46 crewman injured.<ref>{{cite news|last=Faram|first=Mark D.|title=Race riot at sea — 1972 Kitty Hawk incident fueled fleet-wide unrest|url=https://www.navytimes.com/military-honor/black-military-history/2017/02/28/race-riot-at-sea-1972-kitty-hawk-incident-fueled-fleet-wide-unrest|date=28 Feb 2017|newspaper=Navy Times}}</ref>

;13 October
The JGS reported that at least 60 ARVN had been killed and more than 120 wounded at Ben Het and that fighting continued in the jungle east of the base.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon says base falls to foe in heavy fighting|author=Fox Butterfield|date=14 October 1972|page=3}}</ref>

USAF weapon systems officer Captain [[Jeffrey Feinstein]] became the fifth and last U.S. ace of the war when he and his pilot shot down a MiG-21 near Hanoi.<ref name=Futrell/>{{rp|125}}

;14 October
More than 140 Rangers who had evacuated from Ben Het were reportedly ambushed and scattered in the jungle east of the base. Only 27 Rangers were known to have reached safety and more than 180 civilian dependents remained missing.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports sharp fighting|date=15 October 1972|page=15}}</ref>

;15 October
The PAVN/VC shelled and then attacked an ARVN camp {{convert|75|mi}} northeast of Saigon killing nine RF/PF and five dependents. In scattered fighting northwest and northeast of Saigon 39 PAVN and six ARVN were killed.<ref name=NYT16Oct>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=North Vietnam hit in 2d biggest raid by U.S. this year|date=16 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

U.S. jets mounted their second heaviest raids on North Vietnam with more than 350 strikes on target, while B-52s bombed targets across all of Indochina.<ref name=NYT16Oct/> USAF jets shot down three VPAF MiG-21s.<ref name=Futrell/>{{rp|125}}

Nixon Administration officials unofficially acknowledged that off-target U.S. bombs had probably hit the French and other diplomatic missions in Hanoi on 11 October.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Rogers, discussing French mission, says 'Faulty bomb drops do occur'|date=16 October 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;16 October
Abrams was sworn in as Army Chief of Staff and immediately flew to Saigon for talks.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|420}}

ARVN reported that Route 13 had been reopened to military traffic after the PAVN/VC had been rejected from the hamlets it controlled, while the PAVN/VC attempted to cut Highway 1 at [[Trảng Bàng]].<ref name=NYT17Oct>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Attacks disrupting traffic along key Saigon routes|date=17 October 1972|page=3}}</ref>

ARVN abandoned Firebase 43 {{convert|20|mi}} south of Pleiku after heavy PAVN shelling.<ref name=NYT17Oct/>

;17 October
Kissinger flew from Paris to Saigon and this, together with the visits by senior military advisors, Abrams and Gaylor, fueled speculation that a breakthrough had been achieved and a ceasefire was imminent. Thiệu was described as being nervous in the face of pressure from the U.S. and recent PAVN/VC attacks on the approaches to Saigon.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|420–1}}

Ongoing PAVN/VC attacks on the highways leading into Saigon reduced the supply of food staples in the city as the ARVN was criticized for being slow to react to the attacks.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|421}}

PAVN/VC captured six poorly defended villages in the Central Highlands, five {{convert|10|mi}} west of Kontum and one southeast of Pleiku in what was said to be a campaign to implement COSVN Directive X-10 to plant the VC flag in as many South Vietnamese villages as possible.<ref name=NYT18Oct>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports fall of 6 towns|date=18 October 1972|page=3}}</ref>

PAVN/VC attacked a refugee camp {{convert|5|mi}} from Quảng Ngai killing 11 refugees and six RF/PF for the loss of nine PAVN/VC killed. Eight homes and a school were destroyed.<ref name=NYT18Oct/>

;18 October
Kissinger, Abrams and Bunker met with Thiệu in Saigon. In the meeting Thiệu rejected Hanoi's position that its forces would remain in place in South Vietnam.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|421}} Rumors of an imminent ceasefire swept South Vietnam, with a U.S. adviser to the ARVN 9th Division saying that PAVN/VC ceasefire propaganda was very effective making it "hard to convince them to go out and fight."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Kissinger begins talks with Thieu in Vietnam|author=Craig Whitney|date=19 October 1972|page=17}}</ref>

The USAF said that a second F-111A had been lost over North Vietnam, with both crewmen missing.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. says 2D F-111 is lost in North|date=19 October 1972|page=18}}</ref>

;18 October - 22 February 1973
[[Operation Black Lion III]] was an RLA offensive to capture Salavan and Paksan. The RLA were initially successful in capturing both cities but were ejected from Paksan by the PAVN in February.<ref name=Conboy/>{{rp|352–3}}

;19 October
In fighting southwest of Quảng Trị, ARVN Airborne and Rangers reported killing 14 PAVN and capturing six 37mm antiaircraft guns and one 130mm and one 122mm artillery guns.<ref name=NYT20Oct>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe reoccupies 2 hamlets near Saigon|author=Fox Butterfield|date=20 October 1972|page=3}}</ref>

PAVN launched artillery and ground attacks on Firebases Bastogne and Vega, west of Huế.<ref name=NYT20Oct/>

PAVN recaptured the hamlets of Binhhoa and Gialoc that they had been forced out of several days earlier.<ref name=NYT20Oct/>

Kissinger and Bunker met with Thiệu twice for a total of five hours, but no details of the meetings were released.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Kissinger meets with Thieu twice; Both sides silent|date=20 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Laird denied that the Lavelle Affair showed that civilian control over the military was lacking but announced steps to increase civilian authority.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|421}}

;20 October
PAVN rockets hit Bungcau {{convert|10|mi}} north of Saigon killing two RF/PF. ARVN troops killed 36 PAVN/VC {{convert|4|mi}} south of Ben Cat while losing six killed. USAF and RVNAF fighter-bombers were reported to have killed a further 115 PAVN/VC in the same area. Rangers reported killing 50 PAVN/VC {{convert|30|mi}} east of Saigon.<ref name=NYT21Oct>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports increase in fighting near the city|date=21 October 1972|page=3}}</ref>

PAVN attacked an RF/PF outpost {{convert|20|mi}} south of Pleiku resulting in 29 PAVN/VC and four RF/PF killed. The ARVN reported recapturing four hamlets lost recently in Phu Bon province.<ref name=NYT21Oct/>

Rangers fought a PAVN unit near Ba Tơ killing a reported 150 PAVN.<ref name=NYT21Oct/>

The Pentagon announced that a U.S. bomb had inadvertently struck the French mission in Hanoi on 11 October.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|421}}
 
Operation Enhance Plus began with the objective of providing additional military equipment and support to South Vietnam. Over the next two months the U.S. gave South Vietnam 234 jet fighter planes, 32 transport planes, 277 helicopters, 72 tanks, 117 armored personnel carriers, artillery and 1,726 trucks. The cost of the equipment was more than $750 million ($5.7 billion in 2015 dollars). Moreover, most of the U.S. supplied equipment of two departing South Korean divisions (approximately 38,000 men) was also given to South Vietnam. In addition, the U.S. transferred title of its military bases and all the equipment on the bases to South Vietnam.<ref>Jacobs, pp. 48–49, 511</ref>

;21 October
In fighting at Bungcau seven PAVN and two ARVN were killed. ARVN units found the bodies of 61 PAVN killed by B-52 strikes near Ben Cat.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Clashes flare near Saigon and in Central Highlands|date=22 October 1972|page=3}}</ref>

[[Phạm Văn Đồng]] announced that North Vietnam would accept a ceasefire followed by a withdrawal of U.S. forces, the release of U.S. POWs and the formation of a coalition government in South Vietnam.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|421}}

;22 October
The PAVN fired 58 122mm rockets at Bien Hoa Air Base killing two South Vietnamese and wounding 13 South Vietnamese and 19 Americans and destroying one helicopter and damaging three light observation aircraft.<ref name=NYT22Oct>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Kissinger visits Cambodia after 4th talk with Thieu|author=Fox Butterfield|date=22 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

U.S. aircraft continued to bomb PAVN positions on the approaches to Saigon. A USMC A-4 accidentally bombed an ARVN position near Quần Lợi Base Camp killing three ARVN and wounding 17.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. planes bomb heavily in North and near Saigon|date=23 October 1972|page=3}}</ref>

After meeting with Kissinger and despite a letter of support from Nixon, Thiệu said he would never sign the draft peace agreement with North Vietnam. He demanded that all PAVN soldiers be required to leave South Vietnam, recognition of the DMZ and South Vietnamese sovereignty and the existing South Vietnamese government structure.<ref name="nixonlibrary.gov"/><ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|421}}

Kissinger in Saigon cabled Nixon in Washington, "While we have a moral case for bombing North Vietnam when it does not accept our proposals, it seems to be really stretching the point to bomb North Vietnam when it has accepted our proposals and South Vietnam has not."<ref name=Langguth>{{cite book|last=Langguth|first=A.J.|title=Our Vietnam: The War 1954-1975|publisher=Touchstone Books|year=2000|isbn=978-0684812021}}</ref>{{rp|613}} After a final meeting with Thiệu, Kissinger flew to Phnom Penh on an unannounced visit where he met with Lon Nol.<ref name=NYT22Oct/>

The media was given its first access to [[Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Navy Base]] and was informed that U.S. sensors and surveillance along the Ho Chi Minh Trail showed that PAVN infiltration had dropped to negligible levels.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Sensors attune U.S. base in Thailand to movements on Ho Chi Minh Trail|author=Malcolm Browne|date=23 October 1972|page=2}}</ref>

;23 October
In fighting near Firebases 40 and 41, [[Đức Cơ Camp]] and My Thach near Pleiku, 95 PAVN and one ARVN were reported killed.<ref name=NYT24Oct>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Ground fighting widens in South|date=24 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

In fighting {{convert|3|mi}} east of [[Phù Mỹ district]] 73 PAVN were killed and 12 captured for the loss of five ARVN.<ref name=NYT24Oct/>

''The New York Times'' reported that the mood in Cambodia was one of resignation in the face of irresistible forces. A ceasefire would leave the PAVN in control of more than half the country with the PAVN/VC occupying all of eastern Cambodia as a massive base area.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Cambodia: A fear of forces beyond control|author=Craig Whitney|date=23 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Souvanna Phouma said that he expected an Indochina-wide ceasefire to be announced by the end of the month and that in Laos this would take a similar form to the 1961 and 1962 neutralization agreements.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Laotian expecting truce|date=24 October 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;24 October
Nixon suspended bombing of North Vietnam above the [[20th parallel north|20th parallel]] as a sign of goodwill towards North Vietnam and pressure on Thiệu.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|422}}

U.S. advisors were reported to be conducted an intensive retraining program for the entire ARVN with an emphasis on basic infantry tactics and small arms employment due to poor performance during the Easter Offensive, an influx of new replacements and ongoing deficiencies in ARVN training.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. pushing retraining of Saigon's entire army|author=Joseph Treaster|date=25 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Thiệu said that all peace proposals negotiated in Paris were unacceptable and that there were great difficulties in achieving a ceasefire, but that a ceasefire could come quickly. He also said that "The Communists could only hope to win if our ally betrays us and sells us out, but our main ally will never betray us. He has invested so much blood and money."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Thieu assails peace plan terms, asks guarantee|author=Craig Whitney|date=25 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The USAF dismissed all charges against Lavelle.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Charges against Lavelle dismissed by Air Force|date=25 October 1972|page=16}}</ref>

;25 October
PAVN/VC conducted 113 attacks across South Vietnam in what was seen as an attempt to seize as much territory as possible before an imminent ceasefire. A rocket attack on Danang Air Base killed one U.S. civilian and nine South Vietnamese civilians outside the base. A rocket attack on Hội An killed four civilians and wounded 35. A rocket attack on Tri Tam {{convert|36|mi}} northwest of Saigon killed ten civilians and one ARVN and wounded 37 civilians.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy presses 113 attacks in apparent drive to gain territory before truce|author=Joseph Treaster|date=26 October 1972|page=14}}</ref>

North Vietnam broadcast publicly the terms of the draft peace agreement and accused the United States of negotiating in bad faith saying that the terms of a ceasefire agreement had been agreed, but that the U.S. had backed off signing "claiming that it had difficulties in Saigon."<ref name="nixonlibrary.gov"/>

South Vietnam's Foreign Minister [[Trần Văn Lắm]] briefed the ambassadors from Australia, Japan, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand and West Germany on the current peace proposals.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Thieu a question|author=Craig Whitney|date=26 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;26 October
Despite South Vietnamese opposition to the draft peace agreement and the charges by North Vietnam that the U.S. was negotiating in bad faith, Kissinger declared "Peace is at hand" in Vietnam and that a final agreement could be achieved after one more three-four day negotiating session.<ref name="nixonlibrary.gov"/>

South Vietnam announced that it was "ready to accept a cease-fire" but "would never accept a political settlement which goes against the interests and aspirations of the 17 million South Vietnamese people."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Doubt is voiced|author=Craig Whitney|date=27 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Xuân Thủy said that the U.S. and North Vietnam had resolved all outstanding points on 17 October, that a ceasefire agreement was scheduled to be signed on 31 October and called on the U.S. to honor that commitment.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|422}}

Heavy fighting was reported in Laos, particularly in the Plain of Jars area and near Saravane as each side sought to maximize their territory before any ceasefire.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Laotian troops drive to retake a key southern town before a ceasefire|author=Malcolm Browne|date=27 October 1972|page=20}}</ref>

;27 October
PAVN/VC conducted 125 attacks across South Vietnam, while ARVN forces were ordered to contest all PAVN/VC attempts to control the countryside before any ceasefire.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon out to win firm grip on villages|date=28 October 1972|page=11}}</ref>

Speaking at a rally of South Vietnamese political leaders, Thiệu said that his "minimum demand" for a ceasefire was the withdrawal of all North Vietnamese forces from South Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Thieu insists that a cease-fire hinges on Hanoi troop pullout|date=28 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;28 October
PAVN/VC conducted 138 attacks across South Vietnam, including seizing 13 hamlets and cutting three highways near Saigon. U.S. aircraft conducted 329 airstrikes over South Vietnam to counter the attacks, including 51 in the Mekong Delta to forestall any attacks there. Allied intelligence said that the PAVN/VC may have been relying on outdated instructions to seize territory before a ceasefire was signed on 31 October, causing them to "jump the gun" and exposing them to strong counter-attacks.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe occupies 13 hamlets, cuts 3 roads near Saigon|author=Fox Butterfield|date=29 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Trần Văn Lắm said that the draft peace agreement would amount to a surrender of South Vietnam and was unacceptable. He said that all North Vietnamese forces must be withdrawn and the DMZ reestablished, neither of which were addressed in the agreement.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Aide to Thieu assails plan for truce as 'Surrender'|author=Joseph Treaster|date=29 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;28 October - 22 February 1973
[[Campaign 972]] was a PAVN offensive that effectively succeeded in cutting Laos in two. The operation ended with the ceasefire pursuant to the [[Vientiane Treaty]] ending the [[Laotian Civil War]].<ref name=Conboy/>{{rp|394–5}}

;29 October
PAVN/VC conducted another 138 attacks across South Vietnam, including seizing 17 hamlets within a {{convert|45|mi}} radius of Saigon and cut Highway 1 west and east of Saigon with 14 PAVN/VC killed. The PAVN fired artillery and conducted ground assaults against three outposts northwest of Kontum and fired artillery into Kontum killing four civilians and wounding 11. In fighting southwest of Quảng Trị, ARVN Airborne killed 49 PAVN for the loss of two killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy steps up infiltration near Saigon|author=Fox Butterfield|date=30 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Following a 1,000+ round artillery barrage, the PAVN attacked [[Dak Seang Camp]] forcing its 300 Ranger defenders to abandon it by nightfall.<ref name=NYT31Oct>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Communists seize camp in Highlands|author=Craig Whitney|date=31 October 1972|page=1}}</ref>

South Vietnamese police were reported to have increased patrols and arrests in Saigon and other cities in preparation for the possible ceasefire.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon increasing vigilance in cities|author=Craig Whitney|date=30 October 1972|page=3}}</ref>

The Nixon Administration said that the peace agreement would not be signed by 31 October, but remained optimistic that the final details would be resolved soon.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|423}}

;30 October
The JGS reported that of the 21 hamlets near Saigon occupied by the PAVN/VC, all but six had been recaptured.<ref name=NYT31Oct/>

Four PAVN rockets hit Huế killing two civilians and wounding two.<ref name=NYT31Oct/>

Five PAVN rockets hit a FANK ammunition dump {{convert|8|mi}} southwest of Phnom Penh killing five FANK and wounding 30 others.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Attacks reported in Cambodia|date=31 October 1972|page=4}}</ref>

;31 October
PAVN forces overran a 300-man Ranger camp {{convert|1|mi}} west of Ba Tơ. In fighting north and south of [[Đăk Tô]], the ARVN reported killing 60 PAVN.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe overruns second camp in Highlands|date=1 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

PAVN forces again captured Quế Sơn town in the continued seesaw fighting for the area. An ammunition explosion near the [[Thủ Đức Military Academy]] killed three ARVN.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Queson reported lost|date=1 November 1972|page=12}}</ref>

In one of the final American special forces operations of the war, an intelligence-gathering mission near Cửa Việt Base, Navy SEAL petty officer [[Michael E. Thornton]] saved the life of his commanding officer, Lieutenant [[Thomas R. Norris]]; he would later be awarded the [[Medal of Honor]], the latest action in the war for which it was awarded. There were only a dozen Navy SEALs still in Vietnam at the time of the mission.

North Vietnam was reported to have begun large-scale infiltration of troops and supplies into South Vietnam over the preceding ten days in preparation for a ceasefire in place.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi said to speed war supplies into South|author=Tad Szulc|date=1 November 1972|page=16}}</ref>

==November==
;1 November
In fighting at Tân Phú Trung, near [[Củ Chi]] the ARVN reported killing 142 PAVN and capturing 11 for the loss of seven ARVN killed. The PAVN captured two hamlets in [[Long Thành district]] but were forced out for the loss of 39 PAVN and six ARVN killed.<ref name=NYT2Nov>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. reports heavy B-52 strikes in North and South|author=Craig Whitney|date=2 November 1972|page=16}}</ref>

A U.S. Army CH-47C #69-17119 was shot down near Mỹ Tho, killing all 17 Americans onboard.<ref name=NYT2Nov/>

More than 200 RLA troops were killed when PAVN forces supported by tanks overran their base at Namthorn Buk Kwan.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|423}}

PAVN forces captured the district capital of Trapeng Kaleng, {{convert|35|mi}} west of Phnom Penh.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Cambodians lose town|date=2 November 1972|page=16}}</ref>

Thiệu denounced the draft peace agreement as "a surrender of the South Vietnamese people to the Communists."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Thieu calls draft accord 'Surrender to Communists'|author=Craig Whitney|date=1 November 1972|page=1}}</ref> Retired general [[Dương Văn Minh]] denounced the proposed ceasefire in place saying that forces should be withdrawn into regrouping areas.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Gen. Minh opposes draft agreement|author=Henry Kamm|date=2 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

[[Long Boret]] said he was optimistic about peace after a briefing by Rogers in which he was assured that the U.S. would push for the withdrawal of all foreign forces and equipment from Cambodia and Laos.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Cambodian is optimistic after briefing by Rogers|author=Bernard Gwertzman|date=2 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;2 November
PAVN/VC forces launched more than 142 attacks across South Vietnam. A PAVN tank-infantry assault overran Đức Cơ Camp forcing its Ranger defenders to retreat to positions {{convert|500|yd}} to the east, three tanks were reported destroyed by airstrikes.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy captures a Highlands post|date=3 November 1972|page=11}}</ref>

ARVN forces engaged the PAVN in a rubber plantation east of An Lộc killing 151 PAVN for the loss of four ARVN killed.<ref name=NYT4Nov>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=B-52's seek out the enemy's stockpiles|date=4 November 1972|page=3}}</ref>

Nixon said that a ceasefire agreement would not be signed until all outstanding issues were resolved and rejected any deadline imposed by the presidential election.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|423}}

The U.S. was reported to be delivering numerous new aircraft to the RVNAF in an effort to coax Thiệu into accepting a revised ceasefire agreement. Among the new aircraft were C-130s which were not previously planned to be provided to South Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. giving Saigon new aircraft in attempt to win over Thieu|author=William Beecher|date=3 November 1972|page=15}}</ref>

;3 November
In continued fighting east of An Lộc ARVN forces killed 32 PAVN.<ref name=NYT4Nov/>

PAVN/VC conducted more than 117 attacks across South Vietnam, including an attack on an RF/PF outpost {{convert|4|mi}} west of Pleiku that killed eight ARVN. B-52s conducted heavy raids against PAVN infiltration routes in the Central Highlands.<ref name=NYT4Nov/>

U.S. intelligence reported that PAVN reinforcements, including an armored regiment, were moving across the DMZ into Quảng Trị province. The move was seen as an effort by the PAVN to match U.S. equipment deliveries before any ceasefire in place.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi is reported moving 100 tanks into the South|author=William Beecher|date=4 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

North Vietnam criticized Nixon for trying to impose additional terms beyond those agreed by Kissinger in October.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi and Peking critical of Nixon's stand on truce|author=Bernard Gwertzman|date=4 November 1972|page=1}}</ref> McGovern accused Nixon of a "cruel political deception", pretending that a peace agreement was near as a re-election strategy.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=McGovern asserts Nixon pretended to be near peace|author=James Naughton|date=4 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;4 November
Following seesaw fighting, the ARVN recaptured Xom Suoi {{convert|23|mi}} north of Saigon.<ref name=NYT5Nov>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=B-52's and fighters rake North Vietnam below 20th Parallel|date=5 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

U.S. jets conducted extensive air raids on North Vietnam below the 20th parallel.<ref name=NYT5Nov/>

''The New York Times'' reported that the VC cadre numbering 40-60,000 remained intact in South Vietnam and would pose an ongoing threat to the South Vietnamese government control after any ceasefire.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Core of Vietcong surviving war|author=Fox Butterfield|date=5 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

On the campaign trail Nixon said that there were "some details still to be negotiated" but he was confident that such a peace agreement would be achieved based on "honor" and not "surrender."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Nixon hopeful on Vietnam but concedes pact is open|date=5 November 1972|page=1}}</ref> McGovern warned Americans not to "buy this Nixon line on peace." saying "He has no plan for ending this war. He has not let go of General [Nguyen Van] Thieu. He's not going to let that corrupt Thieu regime in Saigon collapse. He's going to stay there. He's going to keep our troops there. He's going to keep the bombers flying. He's going to confine our prisoners to their cells in Hanoi for whatever time it takes for him to keep his friend General Thieu in office."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=McGovern warns Nixon lacks plan to quit Vietnam|date=5 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Thiệu offered his own peace proposal, whereby North Vietnam and the U.S. would sign an agreement providing for an end to bombing of the North and the return of POWs, followed by South Vietnam negotiating a ceasefire with North Vietnam and the VC, following which a political settlement and peace treaty would be agreed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Thieu offers a plan|date=4 November 1972|page=5}}</ref>

;5 November
PAVN/VC conducted 102 attacks across South Vietnam. In continued fighting in Bình Dương province, the ARVN killed 23 PAVN/VC for the loss of six killed and multiple B-52 strikes were conducted in the area. In fighting in [[Kiến Phong Province]] the ARVN killed 68 PAVN and captured five in three clashes, for the loss of four ARVN killed. In fighting between Pleiku and Kontum the ARVN killed 35 PAVN.<ref name=NYT6Nov>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Heavy B-52 raids go on as foe keeps up attacks|author=James Sterba|date=6 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

U.S. jets continued to strike targets in North Vietnam below the 20th parallel and in Quảng Trị province to prevent PAVN reinforcements moving into the south.<ref name=NYT6Nov/>

McGovern said that Nixon had misled the public into believing that peace was near and that the war was intensifying.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=McGovern asserts Nixon misleads nation on peace|author=James Naughton|date=6 November 1972|page=1}}</ref> Rogers said that he expected North Vietnam to resume peace talks soon and that several more weeks would be required to reach a peace agreement.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Rogers expects Hanoi will enter final talks soon|author=Bernard Gwertzman|date=6 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;6 November
Three U.S. Army helicopters, one AH-1 and two [[Hughes OH-6 Cayuse|OH-6]]s were shot down south of Danang resulting in two U.S. crewmen killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. reports loss of 3 helicopters|date=7 November 1972|page=12}}</ref>

''The New York Times'' reported that Thiệu was able to influence peace negotiations by using the threat of South Vietnamese collapse to undermine the Nixon Administration's goal of "peace with honor."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Thieu's trump card: Weakness of his hand|author=Flora Lewis|date=7 November 1972|page=14}}</ref>

;7 November
Nixon won reelection with 60.7 percent of the vote.<ref name=Langguth/>{{rp|611}}

B-52s conducted their most intensive bombing of a single province, Quảng Trị, with 70 aircraft dropping approximately 2,000 tons of bombs in a 24 hour period.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|424}}

;8 November
South Korean command in Saigon announced that its 38,500 soldiers had withdrawn from combat into their base areas in preparation for leaving South Vietnam.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|424}}

Hanoi asserted that the October draft peace agreement covered the release of all civilian and military prisoners held by South Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi asserts accord includes release of all held by Saigon|date=9 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;10 November
PAVN forces attacked ARVN units at Xom Suoi resulting in 22 PAVN and five ARVN killed.<ref name=NYT10Nov>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. continues B-52 raids over North|date=10 November 1972|page=4}}</ref>

B-52s struck targets south of the 20th Parallel and down into Quảng Trị province to prevent reinforcement of PAVN units, however PAVN artillery fired more than 1,000 rounds in Quảng Trị showing that supplies were still getting through.<ref name=NYT10Nov/>

U.S. jets bombed areas near Route 4, {{convert|14|mi}} south of Phnom Penh, while four FANK soldiers were killed in clashes near Kampong Speu.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. planes bomb in Cambodia|date=10 November 1972|page=4}}</ref>

Haig and [[John Negroponte]] flew into Saigon and met with Thiệu. Haig carried a personal letter from Nixon urging Thiệu to accept a ceasefire agreement as soon as possible. At the same time the U.S. was engaging in discussions with [[Canada]], [[Indonesia]], [[Hungary]] and [[Poland]] regarding the formation of a force to supervise any ceasefire.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Letter by Nixon is said to press Thieu on a truce|author=William Beecher|date=10 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Souvanna Phouma met with Pathet Lao official [[Phoumi Vongvichit]] in Vientiane raising hopes that peace negotiations were progressing. Meanwhile heavy fighting was reported around Dong Hene and Luang Prabang. U.S. officials confirmed that the charred bodies of two women found when RLA forces recaptured Kengkok were those of missionaries Evelyn Anderson and Beatrice Kosin, who had been captured by the PAVN, while two other missionaries remained missing.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Laotian premier confers with Pathet Lao official|author=Malcolm Browne|date=11 November 1972|page=10}}</ref>

;11 November
[[Long Binh Post]], the largest U.S. base in South Vietnam, was handed over to the South Vietnamese.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|424}}

The U.S. reported that more North Vietnamese heavy antiaircraft guns had been moved south of the 20th Parallel since the U.S. had stopped bombing north of there and three U.S. Navy [[LTV A-7 Corsair II|A-7s]] were shot down in the preceding 24 hour period.<ref name=NYT12Nov>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=North bolsters its air defenses|date=12 November 1972|page=5}}</ref>

Ten USAF [[Lockheed C-141 Starlifter|C-141 Starlifters]] delivered 20 A-1 Skyraiders to Phnom Penh for use by the Khmer Air Force.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. is said to deliver 20 bombers to Cambodia|date=12 November 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;12 November
Thirty-five PAVN 122mm rockets hit Bien Hoa Air Base killing three children and wounding seven RVNAF crewmen and four civilians and destroying one F-5 and blowing up a napalm storage dump.<ref name=NYT12Nov/>

The JGS reported that PAVN artillery had fired more than 1,000 rounds against Marine positions near Quảng Trị while 19 PAVN and seven Marines were killed in clashes. Airborne forces were reported to be fighting to recapture Firebase Anne {{convert|8|mi}} southwest of Quảng Trị.<ref name=NYT12Nov/>

A PAVN/VC mortar attack on [[Vị Thanh]] killed six civilians and wounded 30.<ref name=NYT12Nov/>

Following two days of talks with Thiệu, Haig flew to Phnom Penh for four hours of talks with Lon Nol.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Haig leaves Saigon for Pnompenh after two days of talks with Thieu|author=Fox Butterfield|date=12 November 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;13 November
The PAVN fired 51 122mm rockets at [[Luang Prabang International Airport|Luang Prabang Airport]] damaging two T-28s and three O-1s.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Laotian airport hit by 51 rockets|author=Malcolm Browne|date=14 November 1972|page=6}}</ref>

MACV reported that in the preceding month more than 5,000 PAVN had moved from bases in Cambodia into hamlets near Saigon presumably in preparation for a ceasefire. Meanwhile U.S. aircraft continued to hit PAVN supply lines below the 20th Parallel and throughout South Vietnam to reduce PAVN infiltration.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. planes pound North as foe presses attacks|author=James Sterba|date=13 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Haig returned to Washington and briefed Nixon and Kissinger at [[Camp David]].<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Haig flies home and reports to Nixon|author=Bernard Gwertzman|date=14 November 1972|page=4}}</ref>

;14 November
PAVN battalions were reported to be withdrawing from the DMZ area and around Saigon. It was unclear if this was a rotation of units or preparation for a ceasefire.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy pullbacks reported near Saigon and the DMZ|author=Fox Butterfield|date=15 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

In an attempt to overcome Thiệu's objection to the draft peace agreement, Nixon wrote him that "You have my absolute assurance that if Hanoi fails to abide by the terms of this agreement, it is my intention to take swift and severe retaliatory action." Nixon instructed Kissinger to present to the North Vietnamese Thiệu's 69 proposed changes to the draft peace agreement even though Kissinger warned him that the changes were "preposterous."<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|424}}

More than 300 U.S. fight-bomber strikes and 11 B-52 strikes were made on North Vietnam between the DMZ and {{convert|20|mi}} south of Thanh Hóa.<ref name=NYT16Nov>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Intensive attack made by U.S. jets on supply route|author=James P. Sterba|date=16 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;15 November
Canada, Hungary, Indonesia and Poland agreed in principle to participate in a commission to supervise any ceasefire in Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=4 Nations agree to form Vietnam Cease-fire unit|author=Bernard Gwertzman|date=16 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

In a five hour battle near Quảng Trị the South Vietnamese reported killing 59 PAVN with a further 25 killed by airstrikes, for the loss of five South Vietnamese.<ref name=NYT17Nov>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Bombing in North continues heavy|date=17 November 1972|page=17}}</ref>

South Vietnam reported that the bodies of more than 50 PAVN/VC killed by B-52 strikes had been found in Quảng Tín province.<ref name=NYT16Nov/>

Willard E. Chambers, CORDS assistant deputy in Military Region I, quit his job claiming that pacification was being mismanaged by the South Vietnamese and U.S.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|425}}

;16 November
The U.S. claimed to have destroyed PAVN 68 ammunition trucks near Quảng Khê, north of the DMZ.<ref name=NYT17Nov/>

PAVN and Pathet Lao forces were reported to have encircled Luang Prabang.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Key town in Laos encircled by foe|author=Malcolm Browne|date=17 November 1972|page=19}}</ref>

;17 November
The U.S. flew over 150 airstrikes north of Quảng Trị in support of South Vietnamese forces who had received over 1,200 rounds of artillery, mortar and rocket fire. U.S. jets conducted 140 strikes against North Vietnam, destroying 64 missile canisters at a SAM supply depot north of the DMZ.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=US jets aid Saigon units near Quang Tri|date=18 November 1972|page=4}}</ref>

Cambodia reported that its forces had reopened Route 4 from Phnom Penh to the port of Kompong Som and Route 5 from Phnom Penh to Battambang Province.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Cambodians report freeing sea route|date=18 November 1972|page=4}}</ref>

;18 November
Bad weather forced a reduction in U.S. airstrikes on North Vietnam with only 30 missions flown. ARVN forces killed seven PAVN/VC near Mỹ Lai.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Bombing of North declines sharply|author=Fox Butterfield|date=19 November 1972|page=11}}</ref>

;20 November
Kissinger returned to Paris to meet with Lê Đức Thọ. Kissinger introduced Thiệu's objections to the draft peace agreement and Thọ accused Kissinger of deception. Both North Vietnam and South Vietnam were intransigent, the North Vietnamese demanding the agreement be signed as agreed with the United States, while South Vietnam demanded numerous changes.<ref name=Langguth/>{{rp|612–3}}

The South Vietnamese Senate voted to support Thiệu's opposition to any peace settlement that didn't provide for the complete withdrawal of North Vietnamese forces.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon senate backs Thieu|author=Fox Butterfield|date=21 November 1972|page=11}}</ref>

The Pentagon stated that the delivery of new military equipment to South Vietnam (Operation Enhance) was largely completed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Pentagon says Vietnam arms build-up is mainly over|date=21 November 1972|page=10}}</ref>

;21 November
The PAVN fired eight 122mm rockets at Danang Air Base, killing one civilian and wounding 11 in an adjacent hamlet. The PAVN fired more than 1,000 artillery and rocket rounds at South Vietnamese forces north of Quảng Trị, killing 12 Marines while also losing 12 killed. B-52s launched more than 80 strikes on both sides of the DMZ. In fighting around Thanh Han {{convert|20|mi}} southwest of Pleiku, more than 134 PAVN and six ARVN were reported killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe stages predawn shelling attack on Danang base|author=Fox Butterfield|date=21 November 1972|page=9}}</ref>

A PAVN assault on an ARVN base at Thanh Giao {{convert|18|mi}} southwest of Pleiku was repulsed for the loss of 40 PAVN killed. ARVN forces killed a further 85 PAVN in fighting in [[Châu Đốc Province|Châu Đốc]] and Kiến Tường provinces.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe again repulsed at Highlands camp|date=22 November 1972|page=11}}</ref>

The U.S. Court of Appeal for the Seventh Circuit overturned the five convictions in the [[Chicago Seven]] case.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Court voids 5 convictions in 1968 Convention case|author=John Kifner|date=22 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;22 November
The first B-52 to be downed by enemy fire in the war was hit by a SAM while on a raid over Vinh. The crew was forced to abandon the damaged aircraft over Thailand. North Vietnam claimed this was the 19th B-52 they had shot down.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|426}}

In fighting north of Quảng Trị, the Marines received more than 1,000 rounds of artillery and mortar fire losing 17 killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=B-52 Downed by the North|date=23 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

RLA forces recaptured Saravane which they had abandoned on 14 November.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. aide says Laotians retake key town after a week's fight|date=23 November 1972|page=6}}</ref>

Lê Đức Thọ introduced new demands at the negotiations: that all U.S. civilian contractors be withdrawn at the same time as U.S. forces and that U.S. POWs would only be released at the same time as prisoners held by South Vietnam.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|426}}

U.S. intelligence released a North Vietnamese directive to capture as much territory as possible before a ceasefire began and then to strictly observe the ceasefire for a period of 60 days.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|426}}

;23 November
B-52s continued raids over North Vietnam, concentrating on the area around Vinh. In fighting in the Mekong Delta the South Vietnamese claimed 58 PAVN/VC killed for the loss of three ARVN.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Heavy B-52 raids continue in North|date=24 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;24 November
The U.S. and Thailand announced that a substantial U.S. aviation presence would be maintained in Thailand for an unspecified period after any Vietnamese ceasefire.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Aides say U.S. will keep strong force in Thailand|author=James P. Sterba|date=25 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

42 B-52 strikes hit Vinh and Đồng Hới. The JGS reported that 38 PAVN/VC had been killed in fighting near Gò Dầu district.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. keeps up its bombing of North to slow supplies|date=25 November 1972|page=8}}</ref>

''The New York Times'' reported that the progress of peace negotiations had thrown Thiệu "off balance".<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Peace activity seen as throwing Thieu off balance|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=25 November 1972|page=5}}</ref>

;25 November
In two attacks near the ARVN base at Thanh Giao, 74 PAVN and 9 ARVN were reported killed. In fighting north of Quảng Trị, the Marines received 770 rounds of artillery and mortar fire, losing six killed while killing five PAVN.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Heavy B-52 raids on North reduced|date=26 November 1972|page=17}}</ref>

The peace negotiations ended in an impasse with the parties agreeing to resume discussions on 4 December.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|426}}

Anticipating that the peace agreement would require release of all political prisoners, the government of South Vietnam began charging people detained for political reasons with petty crimes, thus ensuring their continued incarceration. [[Amnesty International]] estimated that South Vietnam had imprisoned 200,000 people for political reasons, and would release only 5,000 after the peace agreement came into effect.<ref name=Lipsman/>{{rp|48}}

A Gallup poll found that 59% of Americans approved Nixon's handling of the war with 33% opposed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Gallup Poll backs President's method of ending the war|date=26 November 1972|page=21}}</ref>

;26 November
In fighting in the foothills southwest of Quảng Trị, Airborne forces killed 32 PAVN for the loss of 16 killed. Two PAVN 122mm rockets hit Quảng Ngãi killing two children and wounding ten other civilians. A PAVN mortar attack on Kontum killed one civilian and wounded six. A PAVN mortar attack on an ARVN base northwest of Saigon killed two ARVN.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Shelling hits Saigon troops in Quangtri|date=27 November 1972|page=10}}</ref>

;27 November
Heavy fighting continued in the foothills southwest of Quảng Trị, with Airborne forces, supported by 18 B-52 strikes, killing 31 PAVN for the loss of one killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Heavy fighting reported in foothills near Quangtri|date=28 November 1972|page=3}}</ref>

South Vietnamese Marines closed in on Cửa Việt Base supported by B-52 strikes. The Marines received more than 600 rounds of mortar fire and killed 12 PAVN for the loss of five Marines.<ref name=NYT29Nov>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. planes, in bombing error, kill 19 civilians near Danang|date=29 November 1972|page=1}}</ref>

''The New York Times'' reported that more than 10,000 U.S. civilian advisers and technicians would remain in South Vietnam to support South Vietnamese forces after any ceasefire.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|426}}

China and North Vietnam signed an agreement in Peking providing for Chinese aid in 1973.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Peking signs pact to aid Hanoi in '73|author=Tilman Durdin|date=28 November 1972|page=4}}</ref>

;28 November
Six U.S. fighter-bombers accidentally bombed civilians {{convert|2.5|mi}} southwest of [[Hội An]] killing 21 and wounding 30.<ref name=NYT29Nov/>

A VC rocket attack on Đức Phổ killed four civilians and wounded eight.<ref name=NYT29Nov/>

;29 November
Bad weather reduced U.S. airstrikes across Vietnam and slowed down South Vietnamese offensive operations in Quảng Trị province.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports drive is slowed|date=30 November 1972|page=17}}</ref>

''The New York Times'' reported on the massive influx of refugees into Phnom Penh from the countryside, the huge disparity of wealth within the city and corruption with the government.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Cambodian war enriches the corrupt, debases the poor|author=Sydney Schanberg|date=30 November 1972|page=16}}</ref>

;30 November
Nixon met with the Joint Chiefs of Staff who approved the outline of the peace plan. It was reported that Nixon had advised that flagrant violations of the ceasefire would be met with airstrikes. Nixon subsequently met with Nguyễn Phú Duc, Thiệu's special envoy. The White House stated that it would no longer provide public announcements on U.S. troop withdrawals now that the number had fallen below 27,000.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=President meets with Joint Chiefs on truce accord|author=Bernard Gwertzman|date=1 December 1972|page=1}}</ref>

==December==
;1 December
The U.S. reported no military deaths in Indochina in the preceding week for the first time since January 1965. South Vietnamese losses were 480 killed while PAVN/VC losses were estimated at 1,896 killed. Thirty PAVN rockets hit Bien Hoa Air Base.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=No U.S. deaths reported in last week in Indochina|date=1 December 1972|page=3}}</ref>

PAVN rockets fired on Kompong Cham killed two civilians and wounded 20.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Cambodian city shelled|date=1 December 1972|page=3}}</ref>

ARVN Major general [[Trần Thanh Phong]], deputy commander of Military Region II, was killed when the RVNAF plane he was travelling on crashed in bad weather on approach to [[Tuy Hoa Air Base]]. Four other South Vietnamese and two [[USAID]] officials were also killed in the crash.<ref name=NYT2Dec>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=South Vietnamese General and six others, including two Americans, die in plane crash|date=2 December 1972|page=7}}</ref>

In scattered fighting across South Vietnam 85 PAVN/VC and two ARVN were reported killed.<ref name=NYT2Dec/>

''The New York Times'' reported that VC radio was increasingly broadcasting the names of members of the [[Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam]] in an apparent attempt to popularize them after the ceasefire.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Vietcong try to popularize possible postwar figures|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=1 December 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;2 December
South Vietnamese Marines were reported to be bogged down in heavy rain in Quảng Trị, despite B-52 strikes on PAVN positions.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon drive near DMZ reported bogged down|date=3 December 1972|page=2}}</ref>

''The New York Times'' reported that in Saigon the expectation was that a peace agreement, substantially similar to the October proposal, would be finalized within the next few days.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon expects Cease-Fire pact in week with a formal signature About Dec. 15|author=Craig R. Whitney|date=3 December 1972|page=1}}</ref>

;3 December
The Rangers abandoned a position {{convert|8|mi}} southwest of Kontum, killing five PAVN, while an attack on Mo Duc was repulsed with nine PAVN killed. A U.S. AH-1 was shot down by an SA-7 {{convert|50|mi}} northwest of Saigon, both crewmen were rescued.<ref name=NYT4Dec>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Foe again shells BienHoa Air Base|date=4 December 1972|page=16}}</ref>

U.S. aircraft were reported to have conducted more than 90 airstrikes against supply lines in North Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. reports heavy raids to cut enemy's supplies|date=5 December 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;4 December
Kissinger returned to Paris for further meetings with Lê Đức Thọ. Kissinger claimed that the North Vietnamese had changed their position on 20 points agreed to previously.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|427}}

Ten PAVN rockets hit Bien Hoa Air Base causing no damage. In fighting in Quảng Trị, northeast of the city the Marines killed 37 PAVN and captured one for the loss of one Marine killed, while south of the city Airborne forces killed 24 PAVN.<ref name=NYT4Dec/>

ARVN forces repulsed a PAVN attack on Ngo Trang {{convert|7|mi}} north of Kontum killing 65 PAVN for the loss of four killed.<ref name=NYT6Dec>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon's airport is hit by rockets|date=6 December 1972|page=19}}</ref>

RLA forces were reported to have killed 30 PAVN in Saravane.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Battle for Saravane continues|date=5 December 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;5 December
The Paris talks were suspended for a day amid reports that Kissinger was seeking to clarify the status of PAVN troops remaining in South Vietnam after a ceasefire.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi troop plan said to be issue at peace parley|author=William Beecher|date=6 December 1972|page=1}}</ref>

New Australian Prime Minister [[Gough Whitlam]] announced an end to [[Conscription in Australia|conscription]] and that Australia would pursue diplomatic ties with China.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=New Australian leader end draft|author=Robert Trumbull|date=6 December 1972|page=1}}</ref>

PAVN forces attacked an outpost {{convert|9|mi}} north of Kontum with 35 ARVN reported missing and 15 PAVN killed.<ref name=NYT6Dec/> Marines near Quảng Trị killed 21 PAVN for the loss of three killed. ARVN forces killed 33 PAVN for the loss of six killed in southwest Pleiku province.<ref name=NYT7Dec>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. planes strike near Saigon base in reprisal raid|author=Sylvan Fox|date=7 December 1972|page=1}}</ref>

B-52s attacked PAVN supply depots near Dong Hoi and PAVN positions near Quảng Trị and Kontum.<ref name=NYT6Dec/>

RLA forces captured Paksong on the Bolaven Plateau.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Laotian gain reported|date=6 December 1972|page=19}}</ref>

;6 December
Peace talks resumed again in Paris after Kissinger received instructions from Washington.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|427}}

A PAVN rocket attack on Tan Son Nhut Air Base killed eight South Vietnamese and one American and five civilians in a nearby village and damaged two U.S. rescue helicopters. PAVN forces also attacked [[Thủ Đức]], {{convert|10|mi}} north of Saigon.<ref name=NYT6Dec/> U.S. aircraft conducted airstrikes against suspected launch sites around the base.<ref name=NYT7Dec/>

Nine B-52 strikes and more than 90 tactical airstrikes were conducted against PAVN supply lines in North Vietnam.<ref name=NYT7Dec/>

;7 December
The Paris peace talks continued with the most contentious issue reported to be the status of PAVN troop after the ceasefire, with the South Vietnamese government insisting that all PAVN troops must be withdrawn. The State Department was said to have alerted more than 100 staff for deployment to South Vietnam to monitor the ceasefire.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|427}}

Airborne forces overran a PAVN fortified position {{convert|6|mi}} southwest of Quảng Trị killing 20 PAVN for the loss of three Airborne soldiers. The bodies of a further 30 PAVN killed in airstrikes were also found. ARVN forces captured the site used for launching the rocket attacks on Tan Son Nhut finding the bodies of 30 PAVN/VC killed by airstrikes.<ref name=NYT8Dec>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=B-52s bomb DMZ area|date=8 December 1972|page=10}}</ref>

35 B-52 strikes and 90 tactical airstrikes were made against PAVN positions and supply lines north of the DMZ with more than 600 tons of bombs dropped.<ref name=NYT8Dec/>

Four PAVN frogmen blew up the Hong Kong freighter ''Bright Star'' docked in Phnom Penh killing one crewman and three Cambodian laborers, sentries killed three of the frogmen while the fourth escaped.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Ship blown up at Phnonpenh|date=8 December 1972|page=10}}</ref>

;8 December
27 B-52 and 40 tactical airstrikes were mounted against North Vietnam. The South Vietnamese government reported 82 attacks across the country resulting in 244 PAVN/VC killed for the loss of 16 ARVN.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. keeps up its bombing of DMZ area|date=9 December 1972|page=4}}</ref>

Pathet Lao forces started a new offensive against RLA positions on the Plain of Jars overrunning two RLA positions.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy hits hard at Laos positions|author=Malcolm Browne|date=12 December 1972|page=9}}</ref>

;9 December
Airstrikes around the DMZ continued for a third day with more than 20 B-52 and 60 tactical airstrikes. Airborne forces killed 30 PAVN and captured two for the loss of seven killed in fighting in the foothills west of Quảng Trị.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Demilitarized Zone of Vietnam under heavy bombing 3d day|date=10 December 1972|page=6}}</ref>

;10 December
The South Vietnamese government reported a decline in PAVN/VC attacks across the country. At Quảng Trị, Airborne forces killed 53 PAVN. In fighting near Tam Kỳ ARVN forces killed 40 PAVN/VC. In the Mekong Delta the VC attacked two RF/PF outposts killing 16 RF/PF and their dependents. 18 B-52 strikes were mounted against North Vietnam as far north as Đồng Hới, while 24 strikes were made in South Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Enemy attacks decline in South|date=11 December 1972|page=23}}</ref>

Presidential military aide General [[Alexander Haig]] briefed Nixon on the progress of the peace talks.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|427}}

;11 December
B-52s continued strikes on North Vietnam as far north as Đồng Hới and with other raids north of Saigon. Following the tip of a defector, the ARVN intercepted a PAVN battalion infiltrating from Cambodia and killed 79 PAVN in a jungle area {{convert|42|mi}} northwest of Saigon.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Bombing is heavy over Saigon area|date=12 December 1972|page=8}}</ref>

;12 December
Thiệu proposed an indefinite ceasefire to begin before Christmas and the exchange of prisoners between South and North Vietnam, however he said that he still opposed the "false peace" in the draft peace agreement.<ref name=Isaacs/>{{rp|2}}<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Thieu proposes a holiday truce; POW exchange|author=Sylvan Fox|date=12 December 1972|page=1}}</ref>

The PAVN battalion which had infiltrated from Cambodia retreated into the Parrot's Beak area. ARVN forces killed 30 PAVN/VC {{convert|6|mi}} west of Cà Mau. Four ARVN were killed in fighting near Bearcat Base. B-52s continued strikes north of the DMZ for a sixth day.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports Hanoi unit flees|date=13 December 1972|page=11}}</ref>

The Pathet Lao proposed an immediate ceasefire to be supervised by the Pathet Lao, Royal Lao Government and the International Control Commission, with the withdrawal of all U.S. forces within 90 days of signing and the formation of a coalition government.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|427}}

;13 December
The peace talks ended with the outstanding issue being Thiệu's insistence on South Vietnamese control over all its territory, which would require that all North Vietnamese forces be withdrawn.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|428}}

U.S. sources reported that more than 100 PAVN tanks and thousands of soldiers had started moving from North Vietnam through mountain passes onto the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos. While B-52s struck the passes, tactical airstrikes were limited by bad weather, however more than 190 strikes were conducted in northern South Vietnam.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|428}}

RLA forces captured Muong Phalane from PAVN forces after a monthlong operation.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Laotian troops capture an important town near the Ho Chi Minh Trail after month-long campaign|author=Malcolm Browne|date=14 December 1972|page=13}}</ref>

;14 December
Nixon met Kissinger and Haig in Washington and the three of them agreed on an intensified bombing campaign against North Vietnam to, in the words of Haig, "strike hard... and keep on striking until the enemy's will was broken." The weapon of choice would be the B-52, which had never been used before to strike targets in the vicinity of Hanoi and the city of Haiphong.<ref name=Asselin/>{{rp|143–4}} Nixon ordered the Joint Chiefs of Staff to commence planning for the operation.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|428}}

14 B-52 missions, by up to three planes each, were conducted against North Vietnam dropping 1,260 tons of bombs on supply bases around Đồng Hới with a further 19 missions conducted in South Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=B-52s fly 33 missions|date=15 December 1972|page=17}}</ref>

A PAVN rocket attack on Bien Hoa Air Base killed six civilians in nearby houses. PAVN/VC mortar attacks caused a fire at a fuel depot on the Saigon river and a PAVN/VC sapper attack caused massive explosion at an ammunition dump {{convert|7|mi}} southeast of Saigon.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Base at Bien Hoa is shelled by foe|date=15 December 1972|page=17}}</ref>

All members of the [[New Zealand in the Vietnam War#New Zealand Army Training Team Vietnam (1 NZATTV & 2 NZATTV)|New Zealand Army Training Team Vietnam]] were withdrawn from South Vietnam ending New Zealand's involvement in the war.<ref>{{cite book|last=Jessup|first=John|title=An encyclopedic dictionary of conflict and conflict resolution, 1945-1996|edition=1998|year=1998|publisher=[[Greenwood Publishing Group]]|isbn= 0-313-28112-2|page=523}}</ref>

;15 December
48 B-52s dropped over 1,200 tons of bombs on targets near Đồng Hới with a further seven missions around Quảng Trị and three {{convert|18|mi}} southwest of An Lộc. In fighting {{convert|2|mi}} southeast of Quảng Trị Airborne units killed 44 PAVN for the loss of one killed. Five PAVN and two ARVN were killed in fighting near Đức Cơ Camp. Eighteen PAVN were killed in fighting near Thanh Giao camp near Pleiku. Three rockets attacks were made against Bien Hoa Air Base killing two civilians.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Heaviest B-52 raids strike at supplies in North|author=Sylvan Fox|date=16 December 1972|page=14}}</ref>

A Federal court heard testimony that for eight years heroin had been smuggled into the U.S. concealed in the bodies of U.S. war dead.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Drug feared sent in bodies of G.I.s|author=Sylvan Fox|date=17 December 1972|page=21}}</ref>

;16 December
At a press conference, Kissinger said that the negotiations had failed to achieve what Nixon regarded as a "just and fair agreement" to end the war and that "the United States will not be blackmailed...stampeded...[or] charmed into an agreement until its conditions are right." Kissinger also warned South Vietnam that "no other party will have a veto over our actions." but blamed North Vietnam for failing to reach an agreement.<ref name=Asselin/>{{rp|145}} North Vietnam charged that Kissinger had once again breached the agreement not to discuss the content of the talks, denied that they had introduced new conditions and blamed the U.S. for the impasse.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|428}} The impasse centred around the recognition of South Vietnamese sovereignty (including the withdrawal of PAVN forces) and the composition of the supervisory body.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|428}}

Thai premier [[Thanom Kittikachorn]] approved the use of Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Navy Base for the relocation of MACV and 7th Air Force headquarters following the implementation of any ceasefire in Vietnam.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|428}}

The PAVN fired 20 rockets at Bien Hoa Air Base killing two civilians while ARVN 18th Division commander, Brigadier general [[Lê Minh Đảo]] said that PAVN forces were building up near the base. B-52 flew eight missions against North Vietnam and 22 missions in South Vietnam including five near the DMZ.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reporting an enemy build-Up near Bienhoa base|date=17 December 1972|page=33}}</ref>

;17 December
American warplanes dropped new naval mines off the coast of North Vietnam, including at Haiphong and other locations above the 20th parallel.<ref name=Asselin/>{{rp|145}}

Airborne forces killed 151 PAVN in a two day battle around Firebase Anne, {{convert|8|mi}} southwest of Quảng Trị for the loss of two Airborne killed. In the Central Highlands 50 PAVN and five ARVN were reported killed, while 36 B-52s dropped 1,000 tons of bombs on PAVN staging areas {{convert|30|mi}} southwest of Pleiku. Five B-52 missions were flown against North Vietnam just north of the western DMZ.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports heavy fighting, killing 151 near Quang Tri City|date=18 December 1972|page=4}}</ref>

;18 December
[[Operation Linebacker II]] began. Better known as the "Christmas bombings", 129 B-52s and smaller tactical aircraft struck at targets in North Vietnam, including around the city of Hanoi. North Vietnam shot down three B-52s.<ref name=Asselin/>{{rp|145–6}} The White House stated that the raids would continue "until such time as a settlement is arrive at" including the release of all U.S. POWs and an internationally recognized ceasefire was in force, adding that "we are not going to allow the peace talks to be used as cover for another offensive."<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|429}}

B-52D [[Tail gunner]] Staff Sgt Samuel Turner shot down a VPAF MiG-21, scoring the first of only two air gunner kills of the war.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|429}}

60 B-52s hit target around Quảng Trị in support of ARVN Airborne units fighting at Firebase Anne.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Third day of heavy fighting is reported around Quang Tri City|date=19 December 1972|page=14}}</ref>

The last Australian soldiers of the [[Australian Army Training Team Vietnam]] left South Vietnam, ending Australia's involvement in the war.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|430}}

A rocket attack on [[Luang Prabang Airport]] damaged two aircraft and a fuel depot.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Airport attacked|date=18 December 1972|page=4}}</ref>

The House Armed Services Committee held that the raids on North Vietnam approved by USAF General John D. Lavelle, "were not only proper, but essential."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Lavelle's raids are held proper|date=19 December 1972|page=13}}</ref>

;19 December
Hanoi described the renewed bombing as barbaric and insane.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|430}} Xuân Thủy responded to Kissinger's remarks of 16 December, accusing the U.S. of derailing the peace talks by attempting to introduce 126 changes to the draft October peace agreement at the meeting on 20 November.<ref name=Asselin/>{{rp|146}}

Three B-52s and two fighter-bombers were reported to have been lost with 15 crewmen missing in the Linebacker attacks.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|430}}

Haig met with Thiệu in Saigon to deliver a letter from Nixon. Nixon said it was his "irrevocable intention" to achieve a peace agreement with North Vietnam, preferably with the cooperation of South Vietnam, "but, if necessary, alone." He pledged continue military support to South Vietnam if Hanoi violated the agreement. Haig told Thiệu, "Under no circumstances will President Nixon accept a veto from Saigon in regard to a peace agreement."<ref name=Asselin/>{{rp|148}}

North Vietnamese coastal artillery fire hit the {{USS|Goldsborough|DDG-20|6}} killing three crewmen.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|430}}

The Royal Lao Government responded to the Pathet Lao 12 December peace proposal rejecting its terms.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|427}}

;20 December
Radio Hanoi reported that 215 people had been killed and 325 wounded in Hanoi and 45 killed and 131 wounded in Haiphong in the raids, while the U.S. denied accusations they were involved in terror bombing and said only military targets were being struck.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|430}} North Vietnam shot down six B-52s, but depleted their supply of SAMs.<ref name=Asselin/>{{rp|147}}

Thiệu kept Haig waiting for five hours before seeing him. He attempted to persuade Haig that the U.S. should require the withdrawal of all PAVN soldiers from South Vietnam in any peace agreement. Haig suggested to Nixon that if a peace agreement was not reached the U.S. could consider a unilateral disengagement from South Vietnam in exchange for the return of American POWs by North Vietnam.<ref name=Asselin/>{{rp|148–9}}

In fighting around Quảng Trị, Airborne and Marine forces killed 154 PAVN for the loss of eight killed. Despite clear weather only 50 airstrikes were conducted in I Corps as U.S. air assets concentrated against North Vietnam.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Saigon reports two battles|date=21 December 1972|page=13}}</ref>

FANK reported that fighting had broken out {{convert|12|mi}} south of Phnom Penh and around the besieged town of Kompong Thom with more than 30 FANK soldiers killed in the preceding two weeks.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Fighting near Phnom Penh|date=21 December 1972|page=13}}</ref>

; 21 December
Fearing additional losses, the U.S. deployed only 30 B-52s to bomb mostly around Hanoi and Haiphong, nevertheless, four more B-52s were shot down. B-52 crew members complained that the flight patterns assigned to them increased their risk. Flight patterns were changed for subsequent days.<ref name=Asselin/>{{rp|149–50}} The Cuban and Egyptian embassies in Hanoi were hit by bombs or debris, as were Soviet and Chinese ships in Haiphong.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|430}}

The North Vietnamese and Vietcong delegations walked out of the Paris peace talks in protest at the renewed bombing, but called for another session on 28 December.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|430}}

Leonid Brezhnev, speaking at an event marking the 50th anniversary of the Soviet Union, condemned the U.S. bombing and said that U.S.-Soviet relations hinged on the ending of the war.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Brezhnev links relations with U.S. to War's end|author=Hedrick Smith|date=21 December 1972|page=1}}</ref>

In fighting around Quảng Trị, 83 PAVN and 10 South Vietnamese were reported killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Ground action light except in the region around Quang Tri|date=22 December 1972|page=12}}</ref>

FANK command reported that PAVN forces began an "all-out attack" on Konmpng Thom.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=All-out attack reported|date=22 December 1972|page=12}}</ref> FANK and ARVN forces began a joint offensive near Kompong Chrey, {{convert|16|mi}} inside Cambodia.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|431}}

A USAF AC-130A gunship operated by the 16th Special Operations Squadron was shot down by anti-aircraft fire near Ban Lao Ngam, killing all 14 crewmen.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|430–1}}

; 22 December
The White House said that the bombing would continue until North Vietnam decided to resume negotiations "in a spirit of goodwill and in a constructive attitude."<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|431}} Nixon offered to suspend the U.S. bombing north of the 20th parallel on 31 December if Hanoi agreed to a 3 January meeting in Paris.<ref name=Asselin/>{{rp|149}}
[[File:Bach Mai 21 December 1972.jpg|thumb|right|Bach Mai Airfield bomb damage assessment]]
Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi was struck by seven bombs killing 18 people. The U.S. aircraft were targeting the adjacent Bach Mai Airfield, the VPAF's air defense command and control center.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Linebacker and the Law of War|journal=Air University Review |volume=37|publisher=United States Air Force|year=1985|page=25}}</ref>

41 U.S. religious leaders signed a letter condemning the bombing and there were antiwar protests in [[Times Square]], New York.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|431}} 
  
; 23 December
USAF officials claimed that the performance of B-52s over Hanoi proved that the aircraft could penetrate Soviet air defenses, but declined to comment on North Vietnamese air defense performance for the first time. The East German embassy was damaged by bombs/debris.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|431}} Opposition to the bombing was extensive among American politicians. In the Senate, 45 Senators responding to a poll opposed the bombing as compared to 19 who supported it.<ref name=Asselin/>{{rp|153}}

PAVN forces supported by PT-76 tanks attacked an RLA held bridge over the Se Bang River {{convert|24|mi}} north of [[Seno, Laos]], capturing the position but losing 3 PT-76s destroyed. Continued fighting also occurred at Saravane which had been subject to intensive PAVN artillery bombardment.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=A Hanoi battalion in Laos said to seize key bridge|author=Malcolm Browne |date=24 December 1972|page=3}}</ref>

''Reuters'' reported on the plight of [[Amerasian]] children in South Vietnam who were shunned by society and often given up to orphanages.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Children of G.I.'s shunned in Vietnam|date=24 December 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;24 December
South Vietnam began a Christmas ceasefire from 18:00 24 December to 18:00 25 December. The U.S. observed a similar 24-hour ceasefire in South Vietnam, while halting its raids on North Vietnam for 36 hours.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|431}}<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. renews raids in North Vietnam after lull ends|date=26 December 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Xuân Thủy said that North Vietnam would not return to negotiations until the U.S. stopped bombing north of the 20th parallel.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Thuy rejects peace talks while U.S. raids continue|author=Bernard Gwertzman|date=25 December 1972|page=1}}</ref>

[[Bob Hope]] performed his ninth and final Christmas show in South Vietnam at Tan Son Nhut Air Base. He endorsed the renewed bombing of North Vietnam and was awarded South Vietnam's highest civilian medal.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|431}}

;25 December
Hanoi claimed that thousands of civilians had been killed and more than 40,000 tons of bombs dropped in the U.S. "carpet-bombing" of Hanoi and Haiphong.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi reports heavy toll|date=26 December 1972|page=8}}</ref>

South Vietnam claimed that there had been 58 violations of the ceasefire resulting in 60 PAVN/VC, 40 ARVN and five civilians killed.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Truce violations charged|date=26 December 1972|page=8}}</ref> A PAVN rocket attack on Da Nang Air Base killed two civilians and damaged five U.S. helicopters. U.S. aircraft attacked a 50 vehicle PAVN convoy near An Lộc, destroying 11 vehicles.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Da Nang base area is hit by 35 rockets|date=27 December 1972|page=7}}</ref>

FANK command reported that 17 soldiers had been killed and more than 265 were missing in heavy fighting less than {{convert|2|mi}} from the center of Kompong Thom.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Cambodians under attack|date=26 December 1972|page=8}}</ref>

; 26 December
After the Christmas truce, the U.S. conducted the largest B-52 raid of the war utilizing 120 B-52s. The U.S. lost two airplanes. 215 civilians were killed by bombs dropped on a heavily populated area of Hanoi. North Vietnam proposed a resumption of peace talks on 8 January.<ref name=Asselin/>{{rp|150}}

; 27 December
MACV issued a detailed report of military targets hit in the Linebacker raids but made no comment on civilian losses.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=U.S. lists targets of heavy attacks in North Vietnam|author=Joseph Treaster|date=28 December 1972|page=1}}</ref>

In fighting around Quảng Trị, 69 PAVN were killed for the loss of five South Vietnamese. An RVNAF F-5 accidentally bombed a village {{convert|5|mi}} north of Bien Hoa Air Base killing nine civilians.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Allied plane kills 9 in bombing error|date=28 December 1972|page=2}}</ref>

Thiệu issued decree law 60 which effectively banned all parties other than his Democracy Party, forcing all his political opposition to dissolve or go underground.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|432}}

The Cambodian Government acknowledged that more than 100,000 soldiers claimed to be serving in the military, more than one third of the army, did not exist and were ghosts created by corrupt officers.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=One-Third of army in Cambodia found to be nonexistent|author=Sydney Schanberg|date=28 December 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Australia ceased all military aid to South Vietnam and ended a training program for Cambodian troops in Australia.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|432}}

;28 December
In fighting around Quảng Trị, 138 PAVN were killed and 10 captured for the loss of 29 South Vietnamese. A PAVN rocket attack on a training center near Da Nang killed three ARVN.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=South Vietnamese training post near Da Nang is hit by rockets|date=29 December 1972|page=3}}</ref>

;29 December
''The New York Times'' reported that B-52 crews on [[Guam]] were shaken by their losses over North Vietnam in what was described as "the greatest air-defense system in history."<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=The war is suddenly grim for the B-52 fliers on Guam|author=Richard Halloran|date=29 December 1972|page=1}}</ref>

Austria, Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands and Sweden all condemned the Linebacker bombings.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|432}}

;30 December
Nixon ordered an end to Operation Linebacker II, but with bombing permitted south of the 20th parallel. Negotiations were scheduled to resume in Paris on January 8. Of 200 B-52s engaged in the operation, 15 were shot down as well as 11 other aircraft, while Hanoi claimed that 34 B-52s had been shot down. 61 B-52 crewmen were killed, captured, or missing. Prior to Linebacker II, during seven years of bombing, only one B-52 had been shot down. Destruction of North Vietnam's military and industrial capacity was substantial. North Vietnam said that 1,623 civilians had been killed in Hanoi and Haiphong, although most civilians had been evacuated from the cities before the bombing.<ref name=Asselin/>{{rp|150–3}}<ref name=Isaacs/>{{rp|55}} 80 percent of North Vietnam's electrical power production capability had been eliminated. Nixon warned North Vietnam that the bombing would resume if the peace talks collapsed again. Many U.S. officials believed that the operation had been counterproductive given the losses incurred and Congressional and international opposition it has provoked.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|432–3}} North Vietnam denied yeidling to the U.S. attacks, declared victory and claimed that heavy losses of American aircraft was the motive behind the bombing halt. General [[Maxwell Taylor]], former Ambassador to South Vietnam, said terminating America's commitment to South Vietnam even without a peace agreement should be considered by the President.<ref name=Asselin/>{{rp|153}}

U.S. intelligence sources said that North Vietnam had not sent policy directives to its forces in South Vietnam for over two months due to confusion over the status of the Paris peace talks resulting in "uncertainty" among its forces.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Hanoi said to have left its units in South unguided for 2 months|author=Fox Butterfield|date=31 December 1972|page=6}}</ref>

; 31 December
The South Vietnamese government announced that it would observe a 24-hour New Year ceasefire beginning at 18:00 on 31 December and ending at 18:00 on 1 January 1973.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=Military confirms end of raids in North|author=Joseph Treaster|date=31 December 1972|page=3}}</ref> The U.S. refused to confirm if it would observe a ceasefire and conducted 211 airstrikes over South Vietnam and some strikes over North Vietnam before the South Vietnamese ceasefire came into effect.<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The New York Times|title=All U.S. bombing believed halted for the holiday|author=Fox Butterfield|date=1 January 1973|page=1}}</ref>

U.S. military personnel in South Vietnam numbered 24,200.<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|433}}

;31 December - 5 February 1973
[[Operation Maharat II]] was an RLA offensive to seize the intersection of Routes 7 and 13 from the Pathet Lao. The Pathet Lao withdrew in the face of overwhelming RLA forces.<ref name=Conboy/>{{rp|389–90}}

==Year in numbers==

{| width="800px"
|-
! Armed Force
! Strength
! KIA
! Reference
!  
! Military costs - 1972
! Military costs in {{CURRENTYEAR}} US$
! Reference
|-
|  {{flag|South Vietnam}} [[ARVN]]
| 1,048,000
|39,587
|<ref name=Willbanks/>{{rp|433}}
|  
| 
|
|-
| {{flagu|United States}}  
| 24,000
| 759
| <ref name=United/>
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
| {{flag|South Korea}} 
| 36,790 
| 380<ref>{{cite journal|title=Viewing Seoul from Saigon: Withdrawal from the Vietnam War and the Yushin Regime|journal=The Journal of Northeast Asian History |volume=13 |issue=1|author=Benjamin Engel|date=Summer 2016|url=http://publication.gsis.snu.ac.kr/?download_doc_id=6469|page=98}}</ref>
| <ref>{{cite book|last1=Leepson|first1=Marc|last2=Hannaford|first2=Helen|author-link1=Marc Leepson|title=Webster's New World Dictionary of the Vietnam War|year=1999|publisher=Simon & Schuster|isbn=0028627466|page=209}}</ref>
|
|   
|  
|  
|-
|  {{flag|Thailand}}  
| 40
|
|  
|
|  
| 
|
|-
|  {{flag|Australia}}        
|
| 
|
|  
| 
|
|
|-
|  {{flag|Philippines}}  
| 50
|
| 
|
|  
| 
|
|-
|  {{flag|New Zealand}}  
| 50
|
| 
|
|  
| 
|
|-
| {{flag|North Vietnam}}
|  
|  
|
|  
|   
|  
|}

==References==
{{Commons category}}
{{reflist|2}}

{{Vietnam War graphical timeline}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:1972 In The Vietnam War}}
[[Category:Vietnam War by year]]
[[Category:1972 in Vietnam|War]]
[[Category:Conflicts in 1972|Vietnam]]
[[Category:United States history timelines]]