The Vietnam War

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The Vietnam War was different from most previous U.S. wars of the twentieth century. It was an undeclared and limited war. The draft to supply the soldiers and serious problems in the Selective Service system meant that the burden of the war was carried disproportionately by minorities and working class whites, many of whom did not want to serve. While many Americans saw service in Vietnam as their patriotic duty, others opposed the war. This is the story of the men and women who served in that war, whether overseas in active combat or in support roles in Viet Nam and stateside.

Reviews

Westheider (history, University of Cincinnati-Clermont College) chronicles one of America's most controversial and divisive wars from the soldier's perspective. He describes what it was like to fight in Vietnam and how that experience can be compared with previous wars. He discusses the war's origin and the history of US involvement from 1945 onwards, then looks at recruitment and training for the Vietnam War, soldiers' assignments, the battlefield and its technology, and soldiers' issues during and after the war, such as racism, morale, drug and alcohol abuse, and problems transitioning back into civilian society. Numerous high-quality B&W historical photos are included. The book concludes with a list of 100 recommended books, articles, and Web sites. * SciTech Book News *

Author Bio

James E. Westheider is Associate Professor of History, Clermont College, University of Cincinnati and the author of The African-American Experience in Vietnam and Fighting on Two Fronts: African-Americans and the Vietnam War.