Description
In this definitive portrait, prize-winning military historian Lewis Sorley convincingly argues how General Westmoreland was responsible for losing the Vietnam War.
Is it possible that the riddle of America's military failure in Vietnam has a one-word, one-man answer?
Until we understand Gen. William Westmoreland, we will never know what went wrong in the Vietnam War. An Eagle Scout at fifteen, First Captain of his West Point class, Westmoreland fought in two wars and became Superintendent at West Point. Then he was chosen to lead the war effort in Vietnam for four crucial years.
He proved a disaster. Unable to think creatively about unconventional warfare, Westmoreland chose an unavailing strategy, stuck to it in the face of all opposition, and stood accused of fudging the results when it mattered most.
An authoritative study offering tragic lessons crucial for the future of American leadership, Westmoreland is essential reading.
"A terrific book, lively and brisk . . . a must read for anyone who tries to understand the Vietnam War." --Thomas E. Ricks
"Eye-opening and sometimes maddening, Sorley's Westmoreland is not to be missed." --John Prados, author of Vietnam: The History of an Unwinnable War, 1945-1975
Author: Lewis Sorley
Publisher: Mariner Books
Published: 10/16/2012
Pages: 432
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 7.90h x 5.20w x 1.10d
ISBN13: 9780547844923
ISBN10: 0547844921
BISAC Categories:
- Biography & Autobiography | Military
- History | Wars & Conflicts | Vietnam War
- History | United States | General
Is it possible that the riddle of America's military failure in Vietnam has a one-word, one-man answer?
Until we understand Gen. William Westmoreland, we will never know what went wrong in the Vietnam War. An Eagle Scout at fifteen, First Captain of his West Point class, Westmoreland fought in two wars and became Superintendent at West Point. Then he was chosen to lead the war effort in Vietnam for four crucial years.
He proved a disaster. Unable to think creatively about unconventional warfare, Westmoreland chose an unavailing strategy, stuck to it in the face of all opposition, and stood accused of fudging the results when it mattered most.
An authoritative study offering tragic lessons crucial for the future of American leadership, Westmoreland is essential reading.
"A terrific book, lively and brisk . . . a must read for anyone who tries to understand the Vietnam War." --Thomas E. Ricks
"Eye-opening and sometimes maddening, Sorley's Westmoreland is not to be missed." --John Prados, author of Vietnam: The History of an Unwinnable War, 1945-1975
Author: Lewis Sorley
Publisher: Mariner Books
Published: 10/16/2012
Pages: 432
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 7.90h x 5.20w x 1.10d
ISBN13: 9780547844923
ISBN10: 0547844921
BISAC Categories:
- Biography & Autobiography | Military
- History | Wars & Conflicts | Vietnam War
- History | United States | General
About the Author
LEWIS SORLEY is a third-generation graduate of the U.S. Military Academy who also holds a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University. He served in Vietnam and in the Pentagon, in the offices of Secretary of Defense James R. Schlesinger and Army Chief of Staff General William C. Westmoreland. He also taught at West Point and the Army War College. He is the author of five highly regarded works of military history.