Publisher's Synopsis
The Vietnamese Marine Corps had its origin during the period of French control in Indochina. The 1949 Franco-Vietnamese Agreement stated that the Vietnamese Armed Forces were to include naval forces whose organization and training would be provided by the French Navy. In 1951, the French proposed a development plan for the Vietnamese Navy, which called for the formation of two naval assault divisions under French command. In March 1952, French Imperial Ordinance No. 2 was promulgated, officially establishing the Navy of Vietnam. The following year the two naval assault divisions were activated.
The author's journey as an advisor starts with his assignment as the assistant advisor with the 2nd Battalion, Vietnamese Marine Corps (VNMC). The reader can see the challenges of working with the military forces of another country. Don leaves Vietnam for 6 days of relaxation with his wife only to have South Vietnam explode with the Tet Offensive in January 1968. Don's return to Vietnam quickly puts him back in harm's way as he and the battalion work with the Mobile Riverine Force. When the senior advisor of the 2nd Battalion completes his tour of duty, the author becomes the only senior advisor with the rank of captain among the six VNMC battalions. He finishes his tour with the largest battle of his time in Vietnam. Similar to Part 1, this book is not full of glorified stories about combat.
