U.S. Army Infantryman Vietnam Pocket Manual

During the Vietnam War, 2.6 million American personnel served in South Vietnam, with 1-1.6 million fighting in combat. Infantry were at the forefront of the conflict, facing challenging terrain and relentless enemy tactics. This pocket manual provides insight into the experiences of infantrymen through declassified primary documents, including after-action reports, intelligence analysis, and first-hand accounts. It covers topics such as weaponry, survival, jungle tactics, and helicopter use, based on U.S. military field manuals and declassified documents.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2021
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

Between 1964 and 1975, a staggering 2.6 million American personnel served in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, with an estimated 1-1.6 million actively participating in combat. At the forefront of this military effort were the infantry, the courageous grunts who ventured into an extraordinary tropical combat zone, far removed from the familiar surroundings of their home country. Their mission was to engage in a relentless counterinsurgency and conventional war against the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC). The terrain in South Vietnam was as challenging as the enemy itself, encompassing soaring mountains, dense jungle-choked valleys, bleached sandy coastal zones, major urban centers, and riverine districts. The adversaries they faced displayed relentless and ingenious tactics, employing ambushes, booby traps, mines, and occasionally full-force offensives on a scale reminiscent of World War II campaigns.

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the infantry's experiences in Vietnam, this pocket manual draws its content from a vast array of declassified primary documents. These include rare after-action reports, intelligence analysis, first-hand accounts, and combat studies. By delving into these documents, the manual offers a profound insight into the daily lives, survival, and fighting experiences of infantrymen in Vietnam. Whether engaging in a massive airmobile search-and-destroy operation or conducting endless hot and humid small-unit patrols from jungle firebases, the book sheds light on the trials and tribulations faced by these brave soldiers.

In addition to essential U.S. military field manuals, the manual incorporates infantry intelligence documents that shed light on the NVA and VC threats. It also includes chapters that outline valuable lessons learned about weaponry, jungle survival, tactical maneuvers, and the versatile applications of helicopters in combat and support.

The Vietnam War was a defining era in American history, and the infantrymen who served in South Vietnam played a crucial role in shaping the course of the conflict. This pocket manual serves as a valuable resource for historians, military enthusiasts, and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and sacrifices faced by those who fought in Vietnam.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 136 x 205 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636240305