The Story of the Tet Flag

This flag is a survivor of the attack on the American Embassy in Saigon during the Tet Oensive in 1968

The Tet Oensive, launched on January 31, 1968, was one of the most signicant military campaigns of the Vietnam War. One of the enemy targets was the American Embassy in Saigon. At 2:47 a.m., a 19-man Viet Cong (VC) sapper team breached the perimeter wall and inltrated the embassy compound.

Roy Leoppard, a World War II Marine Corps veteran, was working in Vietnam for the United States Aid Mission as a police public safety advisor at that time. That night, he chose to remain at the embassy. As the attack commenced, he joined U.S. Marine guards and Army Military Police (MP) in a six-and-a-half-hour reght to defend the compound. Once the embassy was secured, Roy and a detachment of Marines and MP soldiers proceeded to the ambassador’s residence to ensure its safety. He continued to serve during the rest of the oensive performing counter sniper duties.

Of the nineteen Viet Cong attackers, eighteen were killed and one was captured. The United States suered the loss of four military police soldiers and one Marine. This phase of the Tet oensive would continue for another six weeks.

In recognition of his actions, the Marine Embassy guards presented Roy with the American ag that had own over the embassy during the attack. Additionally, Company E of the 716th Military Police Battalion honored him with a commemorative plaque. U.S. Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker also wrote a formal letter of commendation, acknowledging Roy’s invaluable support during the oensive.

VVA Chapter 392 extends its heartfelt gratitude to Susan Leoppard, Roy’s widow, for entrusting us with this historic artifact.