Fighting in Vietnam The Experiences of the U.S. Soldier, written by James Westheider, covers not only the military forces in Vietnam; but also the effects of war on the American people, it’s political agenda, and the elements that lead to the conflict and those that brought it to a close. It is divided into five chapters chronologically from early 1945 to April 30, 1975.
The first chapter deals with the events of 1945, starting with the United States’ backing of Ho Chi Minh to liberate American POWs in Indonesia. The development of the Vietnamese Army through political and strategic means. Beginning with the French decision to reoccupy its’ colonies in Indonesian. The separation of North and South Vietnam due to political tensions is also described. American military involvement is introduced in this chapter, as well.
The next Chapter goes over “volunteering” to serve being easier than being called for the “draft”. Draftees lives were much more difficult than volunteers. Also cover, are the racial tensions in the United States and how the draft was geared to give middle class, white Americans an advantage over the lower class and non-white citizens.
Chapter three covers, in detail, U.S. assignments in Vietnam and conditions of living. The daily lives of those involved are well laid out. The mentality and morale of Americans is explained here.
The fourth chapter lays out the combat role and weapons used in Vietnam. This section is pretty cut and dry. A good reference for those wanting to recreate the conditions under which the combat soldier fought and weapons were deployed.
Chapter five draws to a close the United States’ involvement in Vietnam and the sweeping invasion of the south Vietnamese by the communist north Vietnamese.