Small Unit Action In Vietnam: Summer 1966

by Bing West, Edwin H. Simmons (Contributor)

Fine Book. 7 3/4 By 10 1/4`` Slight scuffing on front cover, No real damage, Photos, maps and hand typed historic details.

Genres: History, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, War

142 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

Francis J. "Bing" West Jr. (born May 2, 1940) is an American author, Marine combat veteran and former Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs during the Reagan Administration.

West writes about the military, warfighting, and counterinsurgency. In the Vietnam War, he fought in major operations and conducted over a hundred combat patrols in 1966–1968.

(wikipedia)

Reviews

[Martin Koenigsberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting and enjoyable little book on a topic surprisingly little discussed. In the Summer of 1966, so just as the VC war was peaking, Captain Francis J "Bing" West Jr., USMCR went out to write about the conduct of the war. In this capacity he seems to have been given the run of the Marine Expeditionary Force Area, going out on many patrols and sweeps. This book is the result- an amazing tick tock of nine different contacts, with differing terrain and opposing forces. We see the Marines in combat as they were- not in the fiction that was inspired by the war, not in the films derived from it, but in an amazingly dispassionate prose, with constant analysis. It is riveting, albeit brief.
West is following in the footsteps of SLA Marshal, the American Military historian whose exhaustive interview methods are legendary. But there the twist- "Bing" WAS ON THE MISSION TOO, as an observer, with an M-14 if things got dicey. This is the M-14 war, with Sikorsky H-19s and H-34s.... the Hueys and Gunships are in the future. The helo is for insertion and medevac - not the assault weapon it will become. The contacts are all discussed with good diagrams if not maps, and it is fascinating for professional and amateur alike.
The concepts are pretty easy to grasp and the casualties not discussed in detail so this may be a good book for a junior reader to learn about the costs and leadership requirements of war. For the Gamer/Modeller/Military Enthusiast- purest GOLD! You have AT LEAST 9 scenarios/diorama concepts to play with and even more as you go over the possible solutions "Bing" lays out. And while this book certainly stints on the background for each firefight, there are plenty of other sources on the life- and precious few just about period tactics. It's a quick read- but you will want it in the library for referral forever.

[Pat Appel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

Very informative. Americans seemed to always be outnumbered. At the battle of Hue, the Marines were out numbered ten to one yet were able to beat the NAV and VC.

[RA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, analytical book about "small unit actions" in Viet Nam, detailed very well by the author, with clinical descriptions (with diagrams) about the process, tactics, and outcomes of military interactions between US, and Viet Cong and/or NVA, units.

It seems to be prepared for military study, but interesting to other readers also.

[Bronze Age Barbarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book of well written war stories from the marines in Vietnam. Bing West accompanied these units in the bush and was able to provide first hand accounts of the action. Well written and enjoyable!

[Keely B. Cooper]

Excellent read!

I can honestly say that I truly enjoyed this book. I loved that it did not take on several years of The Vietnam War. Only 1966. I will be eager to read the following years as well. Well done.

[Jesus Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I really enjoyed reading this action packed book. I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed, but thats only my opinion.

[Bob Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great quick read that will take you out on patrol with the Marines in 1966.

[a.t.m. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small units , big action in Vietnam. Heroes tales.

good read, highly recommend for anyone interested in knowing about tactical strategies in a firefight. these marine's were outnumbered and had fire superiority against them, yet, discipline and leadership saved the day. they are all heroes and America owes them a debit of gratitude. God bless our men and women in uniform.

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you know what an L ambush is? Neither did I til I read this book. The author wrote this book after his first tour as an instruction for the Army and for future soldiers in Vietnam. Like S.L.A. Marshall, he gives a well-written account of these Company sized battles.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short book, interesting reminder that fighting is not predictable.

[Greynomad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brings you in the bush with the marines…..

[David L. Porter]

Great Read

A very well written book that parallels some other stories about Marines in Vietnam. I highly recommend. An awesome read.

[Cindy Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Small unit action in Vietnam Summer 1966

Pretty good. A little one sided in presenting all things Marine as almost perfect. Glossed over many realities of combat.