To many Americans, the Vietnam War was simply a misdirected conflict between the United States and the communist forces in Southeast Asia. Technology allowed Vietnam to become America's first TV war and the images beamed across the nation further warped our understanding of the hostilities half a world away.
But, before there was any major build-up of American forces; before the war became a proving ground for various weapons systems; before the prime-time coverage and the public outcry, there were infantry advisors. Although their role was quickly eclipsed by the larger, all U.S. operations, their efforts continued throughout the war.
First sent by President Eisenhower in the late fifties, the advisors were America's initial Vietnam ante. Their mission: to train the South Vietnamese in self-defense, weapons systems, and tactics; accompany them on combat operations against the communists to provide tactical guidance, and, once contact with the enemy was established, provide the primary communications link to coordinate air strikes, artillery fire missions and medical evacuations. This is their story.
While every aspect of the Vietnam War deserves special attention, No Survivors may help those who weren't in Vietnam -- and many of those who were -- better understand a relatively little-known aspect of the conflict, in what is now a mostly forgotten war (see http://warzonewear.com/about/about-mike-sutton/#sthash.bjF2cmSK.dpuf ).
But, before there was any major build-up of American forces; before the war became a proving ground for various weapons systems; before the prime-time coverage and the public outcry, there were infantry advisors. Although their role was quickly eclipsed by the larger, all U.S. operations, their efforts continued throughout the war.
First sent by President Eisenhower in the late fifties, the advisors were America's initial Vietnam ante. Their mission: to train the South Vietnamese in self-defense, weapons systems, and tactics; accompany them on combat operations against the communists to provide tactical guidance, and, once contact with the enemy was established, provide the primary communications link to coordinate air strikes, artillery fire missions and medical evacuations. This is their story.
While every aspect of the Vietnam War deserves special attention, No Survivors may help those who weren't in Vietnam -- and many of those who were -- better understand a relatively little-known aspect of the conflict, in what is now a mostly forgotten war (see http://warzonewear.com/about/about-mike-sutton/#sthash.bjF2cmSK.dpuf ).
