In a remote mountain stronghold in 1968, six thousand US Marines awoke one January morning to find themselves surrounded by 20,000 enemy troops. Their only road to the coast was cut, and bad weather and enemy fire threatened their fragile air lifeline. The siege of Khe Sanh-the Vietnam War’s epic confrontation-was under way. For seventy-seven days, the Marines and a contingent of US Army Special … Army Special Forces endured artillery barrages, sniper fire, ground assaults, and ambushes. Air Force, Marine, and Navy pilots braved perilous flying conditions to deliver supplies, evacuate casualties, and stem the North Vietnamese Army’s onslaught. As President Lyndon B. Johnson weighed the use of tactical nuclear weapons, Americans watched the shocking drama unfold on nightly newscasts. Through it all, the bloodied defenders of Khe Sanh held firm and prepared for an Alamo-like last stand.
Now, Gregg Jones takes readers into the trenches and bunkers at Khe Sanh to tell the story of this extraordinary moment in American history. Last Stand at Khe Sanh captures the exceptional courage and brotherhood that sustained the American fighting men throughout the ordeal. It brings to life an unforgettable cast of characters-young high school dropouts and rootless rebels in search of John Wayne glory; grizzled Korean War veterans; daredevil pilots; gritty platoon leaders and company commanders; and courageous Navy surgeons who volunteered to serve in combat with the storied Marines.
Drawing on in-depth interviews with siege survivors, thousands of pages of archival documents, and scores of oral history accounts, Gregg Jones delivers a poignant and heart-pounding narrative worthy of the heroic defense of Khe Sanh.
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You’ll be dodging bullets!
Very tactical description of the siege of Khe Sahn in early 1968. Very well written and researched, a good read. Just enough of the Washington DC politics and the Tet Ofeensuve to put it in the context of the time. Really good.
Good historical account of the Vietnam War in 1968 and the political and military events going on affecting the battles around Khe Sanh.
A clear description of what happened. How the US firepower (artillery and air) was used to smother the massing of the NVA troops. How holding the hill tops around the Khe Sanh valley kept the NVA from moving their artillery and men closer. It was interesting that the use of Atomic weapons was discussed but discarded as the battle developed. The Marines once again showed how tough they can be.
Extremely well researched.
When read in conjunction with other books of similar nature shows how poorly we were led in Vietnam…both from Washington and In Country.
This book is almost a documentary as to what went wrong in Vietnam.
It was a very good account of the chain of events that took place at
Kae Sanh.
It was sad to read. It made me angry that the whole war could have been avoided. As a former navy corpsman it was tough to read. I salute those brave men who fought there and cry for those that did not make it back.
Excellent book, highly recommend for those who love history
Great
An in-depth and authoritative account of one of the major battles of the Vietnam war.
This book gave me a harsh, gritty description of what I just avoided by being a bit too young to have been sent over there. I am a Vietnam ERA vet but will never call myself a Vietnam veteran. When I have the opportunity to shake the hand of the the real veterans. This book will give you a deeper appreciation for what those men went through.
Good historical review of a key battle in the Vietnam War. Clearly shows what happens when civilians think they can run a war from the tactical side. Good thing the good guys were tough as nails and had good local leaders. Johnson, McNamera and the Whiz kids should have been tried for murder.
I served in Viet nam in 1965, in the army, and this is nitty gritty truth about the brutality of the war. The good, the bad, the truth.
Presented the facts of the battle in an easy to read fashion. I have read a lot of war books, this one was well researched and written.
Realistic portrayal of what our guys experienced at Khe Sanh. Heroes, all of them.
Too religious.
A very good writer on an interesting subject. He probably described small unit contact better than anyone I have ever read. I would recommend this for anyone.
Anyone interested in the Vietnam war should read this book – excellent and detailed read.