United States Marine Corps in Vietnam

Brief Summary

"United States Marine Corps in Vietnam" by Michael Green provides a comprehensive pictorial history of the pivotal role played by the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. This book chronicles the timeline from March 1965, when the first USMC brigade of approximately 3,000 men arrived in Vietnam, through to the height of the conflict in 1968, where USMC numbers swelled to 86,000. The narrative details not only the extensive deployments and engagements that defined their involvement but also highlights critical battles such as Con Tien, Chu Lai, Hue, Khe Sanh, and Dong Ha. By the time the conflict ended, nearly half a million Marines had served tours of duty in Vietnam, suffering over 100,000 casualties—surpassing Marine casualties in World War II. Green adeptly uses a wealth of dramatic images to depict the valiant yet ultimately unwinnable struggle faced by the Marines.

Main Themes and Topics

The book delves into the military strategy and engagements of the Marines in Vietnam, providing a thorough exploration of both the tactical and human aspects of their service. Key themes include the complex and challenging nature of guerrilla warfare faced by the Marines, the strategic importance of their operations, and the significant personal sacrifices made by the troops. There is also a focus on the weaponry and equipment used, ranging from rifles to helicopters and jets, and how these tools contributed to the Marines' operational approach.

Writing Style and Tone

Michael Green's writing is both informative and engaging, effectively combining visual and textual elements to bring the history of the USMC in Vietnam to life. His tone is respectful and reverential of the sacrifices made by the Marines, while also being critically aware of the broader implications of the war. The text is accessible to both military history enthusiasts and general readers, with the pictorial components providing a visually compelling counterpart to the written narrative.

Criticism

While the book excels in providing a detailed photographic and textual history of the Marines in Vietnam, some readers might find the focus predominantly on military operations lacks a broader political or cultural context of the Vietnam War. This narrow scope might not fully satisfy those seeking an extensive analysis of the war's impact beyond the battlefield.