Battle for Skyline Ridge: The CIA Secret War in Laos

In late 1971, the People's Army of Vietnam launched Campaign Z into northern Laos, aiming to defeat the last Royal Lao Army troops. General Giap's orders were to kill the CIA army under command of Vang Pao and occupy its field headquarters. Despite the odds, the battle raged for more than 100 days, and it all came down to Skyline Ridge. James Parker's book tells the full story of the battle, which saw the NVA lose their 27,000-man invasion force.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2019
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

In late 1971, the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) initiated Campaign Z, escalating the war in Laos with the ultimate goal of defeating the remaining Royal Lao Army (RLA) troops. The PAVN deployed a formidable force of 27,000 troops, accompanied by 130mm field guns and T-34 tanks. Additionally, the North Vietnamese Air Force (NVAF) launched MiG-21s into Lao airspace to support their offensive. General Giap, the commander of the PAVN, issued specific orders to this task force, directing them to eliminate the CIA army under the command of Hmong warlord Vang Pao and occupy its field headquarters in the Long Tieng valley of northeast Laos.

However, they encountered a formidable adversary in the form of Vang Pao's rag-tag army, consisting of fewer than 6,000 strong and primarily Thai irregulars. The Thai army had recruited these individuals to fight for the CIA in Laos. By the time the PAVN launched its first attack, approximately 4,000 Tahan Sua Pran (TSAP) soldiers had been recruited, armed, trained, and rapidly deployed in Laos to defend against the impending NVA invasion. These TSAP soldiers were reinforced by Vang Pao's indigenous army of 1,800 Lao hill tribe guerrillas.

Despite the overwhelming odds favoring the PAVN, the battle at Skyline Ridge did not unfold as planned. It became the longest battle of the Vietnam War, lasting over 100 days. The outcome of the battle was critical, as it determined the fate of Laos. Similar to Dien Bien Phu, the victor at Skyline Ridge would ultimately control the country.

Despite the seemingly insurmountable challenges, the NVA managed to lose the battle. Their 27,000-man invasion force was decimated, marking a significant setback for the PAVN. The loss was attributed to various factors, including the bravery and resilience of Vang Pao's troops, the effectiveness of US air support, and the strategic mistakes made by the PAVN.

James Parker, who served in Laos during the Vietnam War, spent years piecing together his own knowledge and CIA files, as well as North Vietnamese after-action reports, to provide a comprehensive account of the battle of Skyline Ridge. His book, "Skyline Ridge: The Battle for Laos," sheds light on this pivotal conflict and its profound impact on the region.

The battle of Skyline Ridge was a testament to the courage and determination of the soldiers who fought in it. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Vang Pao's army managed to hold off the PAVN for an extended period, demonstrating the strength of guerrilla warfare and the importance of local knowledge and support. The loss of the PAVN at Skyline Ridge was a significant blow to their efforts to control Laos and further destabilize the region.

The battle also had significant implications for the broader Vietnam War. It showcased the limitations of conventional military tactics and the importance of unconventional warfare. The PAVN's reliance on heavy equipment and conventional forces was countered by Vang Pao's guerrilla tactics, which emphasized mobility, surprise, and adaptability.

Furthermore, the battle of Skyline Ridge highlighted the role of the United States in the Vietnam War. The US provided critical air support to the TSAP and RLA, allowing them to repel the NVA invasion. The battle also demonstrated the limitations of US air power, as the NVAF managed to inflict significant damage on the PAVN despite being outnumbered and outgunned.

In conclusion, the battle of Skyline Ridge was a pivotal moment in the Vietnam War, marking a significant setback for the PAVN and a testament to the bravery and resilience of Vang Pao's troops. The battle's legacy continues to be felt today, as it highlighted the importance of guerrilla warfare, local knowledge, and the role of the United States in the conflict.

Weight: 508g
Dimension: 237 x 159 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781612007052