The Tragedy of the Vietnam War: A South Vietnamese Officer's Analysis - Softcover

Duong, Van Nguyen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0786432853 ISBN 13: 9780786432851

Publisher: McFarland & Company, 2008

Synopsis

What Americans call the Vietnam War actually began in December 1946 with a struggle between the communists and the French for possession of the country--but Vietnam's strategic position in southeast Asia inevitably led to the involvement of other countries.

Written by an officer in the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces, this poignant memoir seeks to clarify the nuances of South Vietnam's defeat. From the age of 12, Van Nguyen Duong watched as the conflict affected his home, family, village and friends. He discusses not only the day-to-day hardships of wartime but his postwar forced relocation and eventual imprisonment. A special focus is on the anguish caused by the illusive reality of Vietnamese independence.

The political forces at work north and south, the hardships suffered by RVNAF soldiers after the 1975 U.S. withdrawal, and the effects of reunification on the Vietnamese people are discussed.

About this title

About the Author

After the fall of Saigon, Lt. Col. Van Nguyen Duong (RVNAF) was imprisoned for 13 years for "re-education." He immigrated to the United States in 1991 and lives in Honolulu. He has contributed to several Vietnamese magazines in the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe.

Edition details

• Publisher: McFarland & Company
• Publication date: 2008
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0786432853
• ISBN 13: 9780786432851
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 280