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The Secret War in Laos and General Vang Pao, 1958-1975
From 19611975, the United States found itself embroiled in two wars in Southeast Asia, but for most of that time, the citizens of our country were aware of only one. While scenes from Vietnam made the national news, few Americans knew that their countrymen were also fighting a secret war in the tiny kingdom of Laos. Billy G. Webb's book peels back the layers of secrecy, revealing the truth about a conflict waged below the radar against the relentless forces of Communism. His story celebrates the near-forgotten sacrifices of not just the United States and allied soldiers but courageous civilians as well.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 22, 2020
An excellent strategic and operational analysis by an analyst
A logicof and persuasive discussion. It is also a case study of the dysfunction and lack of strategic continuity that was the principle lesson of SE Asia combat. The author explains the individual operations, personalities amd decision processes with imore nformation obtained from the Freedom of Information Act. The discussion is focused on policy, strategy, tactics and operations.
This book is also a tribute to thousands of unsung US, Lao and international patriots who all paid a price for America's failures. There is no shortage of willing sacrifice to prevent the slaughter of innocents. The successes and failures in Laos are portrayed explicitly.in this previously redacted milieu. The Secret War in Laos is an easy read, yet of academic quality and with updated research.
Unfortunately, what the narrative portrays is analogous to the way America's governing power structure operatesis to this day; competing, secretive and dishonest entities wrestle in the shadows over our national priorities. America will fail because of a lack of an articulated strategic agenda. For instance, how and why are we borrowing against the income of future generations while childhood disease, malnutrition and homelessness in America remains unaddressed? Corporations are not people because they cannot and will not bleed and die for our values.
A logicof and persuasive discussion. It is also a case study of the dysfunction and lack of strategic continuity that was the principle lesson of SE Asia combat. The author explains the individual operations, personalities amd decision processes with imore nformation obtained from the Freedom of Information Act. The discussion is focused on policy, strategy, tactics and operations.
This book is also a tribute to thousands of unsung US, Lao and international patriots who all paid a price for America's failures. There is no shortage of willing sacrifice to prevent the slaughter of innocents. The successes and failures in Laos are portrayed explicitly.in this previously redacted milieu. The Secret War in Laos is an easy read, yet of academic quality and with updated research.
Unfortunately, what the narrative portrays is analogous to the way America's governing power structure operatesis to this day; competing, secretive and dishonest entities wrestle in the shadows over our national priorities. America will fail because of a lack of an articulated strategic agenda. For instance, how and why are we borrowing against the income of future generations while childhood disease, malnutrition and homelessness in America remains unaddressed? Corporations are not people because they cannot and will not bleed and die for our values.
February 10, 2015
The war in Laos was not so secret for the people f2f lighting it
Very informative book about America's attempt to stop supplies and men from going into south Vietnam. It is hard to believe the casualties absorbed by the nva, it is simply extraordinary. All of battles fought to regain lost ground and the amount of time, money , and lives lost in this struggle, will make an impression on any reader. This book truly reflects the motivation and tenacity of North Vietnam as they were willing to absorb whatever setbacks to achieve their goals. American pilots and crews, and Air America, are part of the story and Americans need to know about their heroes and their sacrifices. Many of which are still MIA. God bless them all!!
Very informative book about America's attempt to stop supplies and men from going into south Vietnam. It is hard to believe the casualties absorbed by the nva, it is simply extraordinary. All of battles fought to regain lost ground and the amount of time, money , and lives lost in this struggle, will make an impression on any reader. This book truly reflects the motivation and tenacity of North Vietnam as they were willing to absorb whatever setbacks to achieve their goals. American pilots and crews, and Air America, are part of the story and Americans need to know about their heroes and their sacrifices. Many of which are still MIA. God bless them all!!
October 30, 2024
This book is well-researched and well-written in detail describing action in the Secret War in Laos. I was an Air America kicker in Laos in 1965 and 1966, and I must admit I learned more from this book about the ground action than I did flying over it every day. This is not a story of one crewman's experience, but rather a history of the action itself from battle orders and action reports. Well worth a read if you are interested in this obscure historical event. But I should add that the greater story of big power activities in Southeast Asia should be worth your doctoral dissertation.
February 24, 2016
What a surprise!
It is a good overview of the Secret War and how it was conducted.
I was at NKP and Korat and didn't have any information about the many secret missions that were taking place from there in 1968 - 69.
It is a good overview of the Secret War and how it was conducted.
I was at NKP and Korat and didn't have any information about the many secret missions that were taking place from there in 1968 - 69.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews