Thompson Werk

Two additional books pertaining to the Vietnam War were recently added to my collection. While not new releases, these works should help me complete a few encyclopedia articles.

J.D. Coleman, Pleiku: The Dawn of Helicopter Warfare in Vietnam (New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1989) – although a narrative, Coleman’s book provides insight into the role of the city of Pleiku as an invaluable component to the defense of South Vietnam. Home to American air mobility and fire power, Pleiku functioned as a logical hub for US Army and ARVN combat operations. Coleman addresses the significance of Pleiku in affording the US the ability to conduct helicopter backed operations against remote NVA and VC units in and near Vietnam’s Central Highlands.

Samuel Zaffiri, Westmoreland: A Biography of General William C. Westmoreland (New York: William Morrow and Company, 1994) - despite being a bit verbose, Zaffiri’s work provides an in depth account of the life of one of America’s more controversial generals. Zaffiri addresses the key moments in Westmoreland’s development as a career Army officer to his bouts with American media over his handling of the war in Vietnam.