Soviet Airland Battle Tactics

Stanton's straightforward history recounts the hard-won and often misunderstood accomplishments of the elite counterinsurgency force that performed a multifaceted role throughout the Vietnam War. Although a former Green Beret officer, Stanton has no scores to settle here; butneverthe less, he makes it clear that the organization operated under a political cloud from start to finish. Gen. Creighton Abrams, Westmoreland's replacement as commander of U.S. forces in Vietnam, displayed open hostility toward Special Forces, and President Johnson had little understanding or tolerance of the unit's requirements, according to the author. DespiteIn spite of these and other difficultieswhich included the sacking of the top SF officer for alleged complicity in the murder of a Vietnamesethe Green Berets mobilized the Montagnards, gathered valuable intelligence and participated in some of the most savage battles ever seen in Southeast Asia. Appendices include information on SF Medal of Honor recipients and MIAs. Photos. (April)