Steve Tacker

04/14/2013

Escobar

HST 195

Assignment one

   Dang Vu Hiep’s accounts of how to slowly and methodically put a hurt on a much larger

and  better equipped enemy force are good examples of dedication and overcoming the

odds. The tactics of ambushing potential helicopter landing zones, counter attack for leap-

frogging and the ambushing of lured stray enemy troops worked to their advantage. Dang’s

mention of the young women that wounded herself, to get medication from the enemy for

a wounded soldier is a great example of the kind of dedication the Vietnamese people and

soldiers  had. The tactics and level of dedication Dang spoke of have been well established

in many documentaries and books.

   Ngo Vinh long’s story is frustrating to analyze due to the abuse the Vietnamese people have

had to endure from the French, Diem’s government and the U.S. government. If the U.S.

government  felt the need to get involved in Vietnam, they should have kicked the French and

Japanese out, freeing South Vietnam and gaining their support. Instead they added more abuse   

by using the hamlet programs. It’s hard to imagine our government being involved in the

dislocation, caging, and starving of any people in the name of defeating communism. All for a

strategic spot on the map.

   When John Singlaub first started talking about Paradise Island, it sounded like another abuse

to the Vietnamese people.  They would be tended to medically, fed then sent home with some

insight on what it is like to live in freedom. It may have inspired them to leave communism

and possibly encourage others to do so also.