The OSS and Ho Chi Minh: Unexpected Allies in the War against Japan (Modern War Studies) - Softcover

Bartholomew-Feis, Dixee

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0700616527 ISBN 13: 9780700616527

Publisher: University Press of Kansas, 2006

Synopsis

Some will be shocked to find out that the United States and Ho Chi Minh, our nemesis for much of the Vietnam War, were once allies. Indeed, during the last year of World War II, American spies in Indochina found themselves working closely with Ho Chi Minh and other anti-colonial factions—compelled by circumstances to fight together against the Japanese. Dixee Bartholomew-Feis reveals how this relationship emerged and operated and how it impacted Vietnam's struggle for independence.

The men of General William Donovan's newly-formed Office of Strategic Services closely collaborated with communist groups in both Europe and Asia against the Axis enemies. In Vietnam, this meant that OSS officers worked with Ho Chi Minh and the Viet Minh, whose ultimate aim was to rid the region of all imperialist powers, not just the Japanese. Ho, for his part, did whatever he could to encourage the OSS's negative view of the French, who were desperate to regain their colony. Revealing details not previously known about their covert operations, Bartholomew-Feis chronicles the exploits of these allies as they developed their network of informants, sabotaged the Japanese occupation's infrastructure, conducted guerrilla operations, and searched for downed American fliers and Allied POWs.

Although the OSS did not bring Ho Chi Minh to power, Bartholomew-Feis shows that its apparent support for the Viet Minh played a significant symbolic role in helping them fill the power vacuum left in the wake of Japan's surrender. Her study also hints that, had America continued to champion the anti-colonials and their quest for independence, rather than caving in to the French, we might have been spared our long and very lethal war in Vietnam.

Based partly on interviews with surviving OSS agents who served in Vietnam, Bartholomew-Feis's engaging narrative and compelling insights speak to the yearnings of an oppressed people—and remind us that history does indeed make strange bedfellows.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

"A gripping and insightful account of America's first foray into the quagmire of Vietnam. Highly recommended for the specialist and the lay reader alike."--William J. Duiker, author of Ho Chi Minh: A Life

"Vividly brings to life a small group of Americans who intersected with Vietnam's history at its most important moment in the twentieth century."--David G. Marr, author of Vietnam 1945: The Quest for Power

"Should become the point of departure for understanding the ultimately tragic American role in Vietnam in the decades after 1945."--Michael Schaller, author of Douglas MacArthur: Far Eastern General, The U.S. Crusade in China, 1938-1945

"Indispensable reading for a complete understanding of America's longest war."--Dale Andradé, author of America's Last Vietnam Battle

About the Author:

Dixee R. Bartholomew-Feis is an associate professor of history and Director of International Education at Buena Vista University.

About this edition

• Publisher: University Press of Kansas
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0700616527
• ISBN 13: 9780700616527
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 446