Operation Linebacker II
$900M
Cost
Air only
Troops Deployed
43
US Casualties
1,624
Civilian Deaths
Overview
The 'Christmas Bombings' — an intensive 11-day strategic bombing campaign against Hanoi and Haiphong in December 1972. B-52 bombers flew 729 sorties, dropping over 15,000 tons of ordnance on North Vietnam's capital and largest port.
Outcome
North Vietnam returned to peace negotiations. The Paris Peace Accords were signed a month later. Critics argue the terms were essentially identical to those available before the bombing.
Key Fact
15 B-52s were shot down — the only significant losses of these 'invincible' bombers in the entire war. North Vietnam fired over 1,000 SAMs in 11 days.