Last Stand at Khe Sanh: The U.S. Marines' Finest Hour in Vietnam

A thoroughly researched, verified and historically accurate account of one of the most pivotal conflicts in Vietnam. Jones brings each soldier's background and life at home before enlistment into the fold. My earliest memories of world events and politics center around evening news footage of fighting in Vietnam and my largely conservative and patriotic, WWII-era parents decrying the actions and motives of those who would dare protest this war. I grew away from my parents' perspectives, firm in my belief that this war was nothing but a blunder, and this book, decades later, has finally provided a large confirming measure of validation for me. The personal before-and-after stories of the soldiers of Khe Sanh is a perspective that should be forever preserved and this book serves to do just that.

The Last Stand at Khe Sanh was an intriguing read that documented the 77 day siege of the Marine basecamp. It seems like the author took the after action reports about the events and then humanized the report and breaking it down to squad level action to make it more readable. I especially like how he listed names of personnel and followed them through the battle where they either portrayed valor or shows how they died. My close friend, Doc Cecala was wounded during an ambush while on a patrol with B 1/26; most of his platoon was killed and at least half of the second which came to reinforce them. Shot in the shoulder and legs, he managed to crawl back to the gates of the firebase and be rescued.The book also does justice to the hill fights surrounding the base, showing how they worked through their difficulties: ground attacks, incoming, lack of water, food and ammunition.Once finished, the reader is able to review the action taken by the American leadership and gage whether or not they did the right thing. Mr. Jones also documents the action within the white house and discussions between President Johnson, McNamara and Westmorland and how politics entered into their decisions.Highly recommended for those wanting to learn more about one of the monumental battles of the Vietnam War. Great job Gregg Jones for putting it all together for us.John Podlaski, author"Cherries - A Vietnam War Novel" and "When Can I Stop Running?"

I have taken this book on as a personal trilogy to be combined with my next two books: In Reflection by Robert S. McNamara, and Dereliction of Duty by H.R. McMaster. This book felt more like a continuation to Dr. Bernard B. Fall’s work of “Street Without Joy” and “Hell In A Very Small Place: The Battle for Dien Bien Phu.” The tragedy that lay within these pages are many, the valor recorded is above reproach, and the ability of the human being to find a way to survive is gut wrenching. In good conscience, I could not just dive into “In Reflection” as I believed it prudent first to read of something related to the Tet Offensive era which is the era to which SecDef McNamara departed his position from the Pentagon on 29 February 1968. This book is simply a book for the ages – there were “good” wars, and there have been avoidable wars – to the Betrayed Generation of Americans who served with dignity and honor – I as a Marine welcome you home now and always for the suffering you endured.Mr. Gregg Jones fully researched this work and deserves all the credit that can be provided in discussing the evolution of the Vietnam War in brief, the battle as it began, and the Tet Offensive to which it was linked. To my Gunnery Sergeant who served in Khe Sanh and to the memory of our Persian Gulf War experience – this book I read on your behalf.Semper Fidelis

Outstanding documentary. As a proud Marine I was grieved at the many losses and inspired by the resolve, ingenuity and leadership which resulted in yet another of the Corps' legendary military successes. It is also a tremendous commentary of the significant air and artillery support which played such a major role in the final winning result. A key factor which can't be underestimated is the courageous and skilled actions and operations of the U.S. Navy corpsmen, doctors and nurses which played such an important role in dealing with the many killed and wounded participants. There is always inter service rivalry but when the bullets start flying that is forgotten and they are all together as it should be.

This book plays with your emotions, but never takes your mind off the map, off the strategy, far from the psychology, it never takes you from the moment but expands on every moment, gives them, gravitas. It's a good book for war junkies and people who love the psychology of action alike. The psychology of the individual mind is an interesting thing in this book, as most people look at the military, at battles, as formations with structure, and order when it's far from that, its organized chaos with no edge, its a horizon thats upside down until its not. The format of the book lays things out well and never takes you far from the overarching theme of the book, you dont feel the pages going by and hope that you're not done. The Epilogue is almost a different read all by itself, it pulls you forward, it gives you some solace at times, it talks about healing, it talks about loss, after so much loss. Enjoy it!

Khe Sanh was one of the biggest tragedies and useless loss of life during the Vietnam War. While the Marines were trying to hold the ground in five different locations, they got little to no help from the highest level of command. Being politically correct at the highest levels translated to sacrifice in the trenches and bunkers of Khe Sanh. Many heroes also went unheralded during this siege and many gave their lives for what resulted in a total waste of time and effort. The story is so well told, it is hard for the reader to not get emotionally involved in the story.

Totally graphic,visceral,non stop action and descriptive of lots of marines bravery and tragic losses,u.s marines reputation thoroughly earned,also very sad undertones at the horrendous loss of life.

Excellent historical background puts the battle in context - but it's the personal stories of participants on both sides that really brings it all to life - elevating a worthy work to a gripping page-turner. Recommended to all with an interest in the Vietnam conflict and the US's part in it.

Typical American history-telling, where every scene is described through some private individual, whose life story is first relayed to the reader and pretty little hard analysis. Nice enough read though.

A compelling account of the battle for Khe Shan, uniquely grounded on the experiences of individual combatants, but keeping a tenacious grip on the historical and political context. The comparisons with Dien Bien Phu are inevitable and it charts the cataclysmic defeat for the NVA which saved the cities of the South.

A detailed and engrossing account of the siege and its aftermath. The author provides the political and historical context of the battle but this is very much a marine's eye view. The author interviewed scores of veterans and has written a harrowing and powerful tale from the height of America's involvement in the Vietnam war. Highly recommended.