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Book Review of The Hill Fights : The First Battle of Khe Sanh

The Hill Fights : The First Battle of Khe Sanh
hardtack avatar reviewed on + 2576 more book reviews


As a Vietnam veteran and former Marine myself, I don't read too many books on that War. But I'm glad I read this one. It is an exceptional book on the Hill Fights and the men of both sides who fought there.
The author pulls no punches in describing the heroism of the Marines who fought, even if some of them did not live up to the best traditions of Marine Corps Leadership.
Plus, the exposure of the deficiencies of the early model M-16 rifle, which contributed to the death of too many Marines in the Hill Fights. plus the efforts by the military to cover it up despite it being unreliable, is an interesting read in itself.
There is also an interesting analysis of the 'war' between General Westmoreland and the Marine commanders, who wanted to fight differently. One can only wander what might have happened if the war was fought as the Marines wanted to.