An Loc - (Modern Southeast Asia) by Tran Van Nhut (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The struggle for freedom in Vietnam goes on," said General Tran Van Nhut on the occasion of a Vietnam memorial's dedication in 2004. "It is a peaceful but unfinished war." Tran Van Nhut grew up with a great love for his country's history and served in the Army of South Vietnam from the Republic's inception in 1954 until its demise in 1975. In 1970, he was appointed province chief of Binh Long (Peaceful Dragon) Province and commander of its Regional, Popular, and People's Self Defense Forces. It was in that capacity that he became involved in the sixty-six-day Battle of An Loc, in 1972, which ended in a significant South Vietnamese victory.

Book Synopsis

"The struggle for freedom in Vietnam goes on," said General Tran Van Nhut on the occasion of a Vietnam memorial's dedication in 2004. "It is a peaceful but unfinished war." Tran Van Nhut grew up with a great love for his country's history and served in the Army of South Vietnam from the Republic's inception in 1954 until its demise in 1975. In 1970, he was appointed province chief of Binh Long (Peaceful Dragon) Province and commander of its Regional, Popular, and People's Self Defense Forces. It was in that capacity that he became involved in the sixty-six-day Battle of An Loc, in 1972, which ended in a significant South Vietnamese victory.

Review Quotes

"Here, firsthand, are the frank thoughts and deeds of Saigon's leading military officer as abetted by a skilled historian of the Vietnam War and its origins and aftermath." -- Philip C. Clarke, former AP correspondent and Newsweek editor "Philip C. Clarke, former AP correspondent and Newsweek editor"

As General Tran emphasizes, the struggles of the people are not over: their fight to fulfill their aspirations is the "unfinished war." The next generation's battle should be against poverty, ignorance, injustice, and corruption. Only then will the Vietnamese build a free, democratic, and prosperous life. -- Capt. Bill Carruthers, An Loc veteran "Capt. Bill Carruthers, An Loc veteran"

About the Author

The recipient of more than sixty South Vietnamese medals as well as many U.S. decorations, Tran Van Nhut ended his career as a brigadier general. He and his family are members of the expatriate Vietnamese community in Santa Ana, California. Christian L. Arevian, who assisted General Tran in editing his reflections, is author of A Conservative View of the Vietnam Era (2006). A native of Aleppo, Syria, Arevian currently resides in Greensboro, North Carolina.