Lessons Learned from the Vietnam War, as Documented in Various Books
In the half-century since the end of the Vietnam War, many books have been written about the conflict, its successes, and its failures. One Vietnam veteran, Bob Baker, has compiled a list of five books that he believes are essential for anyone seeking to better understand the US war in Vietnam.
First on Baker's list is "If I Die in a Combat Zone, Box Me Up and Ship Me Home" by Tim O’Brien. This memoir offers a personal and poignant account of O’Brien’s experience as a soldier in Vietnam, highlighting the psychological impact of the war and the complex morality faced by troops.
Next is "Going After Cacciato" by the same author. This novel explores the surreal and costly nature of the war, mixing reality with fantasy to reflect the confusion and contradictions of the conflict.
"The Things They Carried" is another Tim O’Brien book that Baker recommends. This collection of linked short stories portrays the burdens—both physical and emotional—borne by soldiers during the war, noted for its vivid humanity and moral ambiguity.
Though not directly from Baker himself, Karl Marlantes, another decorated Marine and noted Vietnam War author, recommends a selection of important Vietnam War books that align with understanding the war’s challenges and failures. These works emphasize the warrior mentality and the humanity of the enemy.
Bob Baker's own book, "Break in the Chain - Intelligence Ignored," addresses intelligence failures that contributed to US difficulties, suggesting a focus on both tactical and strategic perspectives is essential.
Though the direct list from Bob Baker is not explicitly detailed in the search results, these Tim O’Brien books are central to his discussion and widely acclaimed by veterans and scholars alike as key texts for understanding the Vietnam War’s complexity and legacy.
In addition to these books, "Killer Kane: A Marine Long-Range Recon Team Leader in Vietnam, 1967-1968" by Andrew R. Finlayson is a highly detailed and well-written book about Marine long-range recon teams in Vietnam, and should be required reading for reconnaissance units today.
Another book that provides an unvarnished view of the war from the North Vietnamese perspective is "Victory in Vietnam: The Official History of the People’s Army of Vietnam, 1954-1975," translated by Merle L. Pribbenow. This book details their strategy, operational techniques, training, organization, and the strengths and weaknesses of the US and ARVN forces.
Lastly, "Hanoi's War: An International History of the War for Peace in Vietnam," by Lien-Hang T. Nguyen reveals political infighting in North Vietnam during the Vietnam War using North Vietnamese sources.
Bob Baker has written numerous articles for various publications including Small Wars Journal, the Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin, the American Intelligence Journal, The Drop, The INTSUM, and The Forge. His recommendations provide valuable insight into the complexities of the Vietnam War and offer a comprehensive understanding of the war's human and operational dimensions.
- Bob Baker, a Vietnam veteran, recommends Tim O’Brien’s memoir, "If I Die in a Combat Zone, Box Me Up and Ship Me Home," as essential for understanding the US war in Vietnam, emphasizing its portrayal of psychological impacts and complex morality.
- "Going After Cacciato" by Tim O’Brien, another book recommended by Baker, explores the surreal and costly nature of the war, mixing reality with fantasy to reflect the confusion and contradictions of the conflict.
- In addition to these, Baker endorses "The Things They Carried," another Tim O’Brien book, which portrays the burdens—both physical and emotional—borne by soldiers during the war, noted for its vivid humanity and moral ambiguity.
- For those interested in military intelligence and strategy, Bob Baker authored "Break in the Chain - Intelligence Ignored," addressing intelligence failures that contributed to US difficulties during the Vietnam War.
