Con Thien, commonly known as the “Hill of Angels” in Vietnamese, was a United States Marine Corps combat base located near the Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone approximately three kilometers from North Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, it was the site of some of the most intense fighting that lasted from February 1967 to February 1968.
At Con Thien, Marines were not only called upon to maintain their defensive positions against an overwhelming enemy force, but they also had to endure extreme physical and psychological pressures. The conflict was so severe that many Marines experienced post-traumatic stress disorder after their tour concluded. The sheer brutality of the battle resulted in numerous casualties on both sides; U.S. losses totaled 1,602 dead and 7,000 wounded while over 10,000 North Vietnamese troops were killed or wounded in the process.
The story of Con Thien has recently been made into a documentary which depicts the hardships and struggles faced by U.S. Marines during this chapter of history. It presents a compelling look into what these men had to go through and serves as an important reminder about how brutal war can be. For those who want to learn more about this period of history, we recommend watching this documentary as it offers a unique perspective on this inspiring story of courage and resilience in the face of adversity during one of America’s most challenging conflicts.