USA (FEBRUARY 15,1968) (REUTERS)
LS TROOPS MARCHING PAN UP TROOP CARRIER PLANE TAKING OFF.

CU SOLDIERS EMPLANING

M2S TRUCK LOADS OF SOLDIERS MOVE DOWN STREET

M2S SOLDIERS MARCH TO PLANE

M2S SOLDIERS MARCH TOWARD PLANE

MS PLANE TAXI

MS PLANE TAKES OFF
(1.10)

LJ/DS
Background: The United States is sending 10,500 more combat troops to South Vietnam to offset the threat of another Viet Cong-North Vietnamese assault on the cities. Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division and elements of the Fifth Marine Division began leaving their U.S. bases for Vietnam on Wednesday (February 15).

The U.S military command in Saigon expects a second offensive against South Vietnamese cities --- possibly coordinated with an attack on American forces at Khe Sanh near the Demilitarized Zone. The new troops -- sent at the request of the American commander in Vietnam, General William Wesmoreland -- will raise the number of troops there to 510,500.

U.S. military sources report the new troops will give General Wesmoreland a large mobil force that can be moved quickly to meet a sudden attack. U.S. forces might have to defend simultaneously South Vietnamese cities and the U.S. fortress at Khe Sanh. Some U.S. officials were dissatisfied with the South Vietnamese Army's defense of cities during the Viet Cong Lunar New Year offensive.