95. Editorial Note
At approximately 8 a.m. (Saigon time) on February 10 the Viet Cong detonated a bomb at a hotel in the coastal city of Qui Nhon being used as a billet for U.S enlisted men. Twenty-three Americans were killed and more than 20 wounded, the most American casualties incurred in a single incident in the war to that point. In telegram 2491 from Saigon, February 10, Taylor reported that he, U. Alexis Johnson, and Westmoreland had concluded that the attack on the Qui Nhon was “a serious VC atrocity” justifying a prompt air reprisal, which they recommended. (Department of State, Central Files, POL 23–8 VIET S) For Westmoreland’s recollection of the incident, see A Soldier Reports, pages 116–117.