"The Vietnam War: An Assessment by South Vietnam's Generals" by Dr. Lewis Sorley

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive overview of insights from South Vietnam's generals regarding the Vietnam War, as discussed by Dr. Lewis Sorley. It captures key lessons and perspectives from senior military leaders, useful for anyone interested in military history or the complexities of the Vietnam War.

Step 1: Understand the Context of the Monographs

• Familiarize yourself with the purpose of the project sponsored by the U.S. Army Center of Military History.
• Recognize that the project involved six senior former South Vietnamese generals who wrote detailed monographs on various aspects of the Vietnam War.
• Note that there were a total of seventeen monographs covering topics such as tactics, logistics, and intelligence.

Step 2: Identify Key Authors and Their Contributions

• Learn about prominent figures such as:
  • General Cao Van Vien: Chief of the Joint General Staff.
  • Lieutenant General Ngo Quang Truong: Commander of the 1st ARVN Division and I Corps.
  • Lieutenant General Dong Van Khuyen: The top logistician.
• Each author provided unique insights based on their experiences and roles during the war.

Step 3: Explore Major Topics Covered

• Familiarize yourself with the essential topics discussed in the monographs, including:
  • Tactics used during major battles (e.g., Tet 1968, Cambodian Incursion).
  • Logistics and supply chain management.
  • The role of military advisors.
  • Pacification efforts and their impact.
  • Leadership styles and challenges.
  • Intelligence operations and their effectiveness.

Step 4: Analyze Notable Battles and Events

• Delve into specific battles highlighted in the monographs:
  • Tet Offensive 1968: Understand its strategic significance and outcomes.
  • Cambodian Incursion: Analyze the implications of this military action.
  • Lam Son 719: Review the operation's objectives and results.
  • Easter Offensive 1972: Examine the context and consequences of this escalated conflict.

Step 5: Review Dr. Sorley’s Annotations

• Recognize the value of Dr. Sorley's annotations that compile excerpts from the generals' writings.
• Understand how these annotations contribute to a broader historical perspective, particularly the South Vietnamese viewpoint, which has often been underrepresented.

Step 6: Utilize the Information for Further Study

• Use the insights gained from the generals' perspectives for research papers or discussions on military strategy and history.
• Consider how lessons learned from the Vietnam War can be applied to contemporary military contexts.

Conclusion

This tutorial outlines significant insights from South Vietnamese generals regarding the Vietnam War as presented by Dr. Lewis Sorley. By exploring the context, key authors, major topics, and notable battles, readers can gain a well-rounded understanding of the complexities of the war and its implications. For further study, consider diving deeper into the individual monographs or the annotated compilation by Dr. Sorley to enrich your knowledge of this critical period in history.