Oral history transcript, Daniel Boone Porter, interview 1 (I), 3/29/1982, by Ted Gittinger
Title:
Oral history transcript, Daniel Boone Porter, interview 1 (I), 3/29/1982, by Ted Gittinger
Number of Pages:
36
Description:
The relationship between American advisers and their South Vietnamese counterparts; American vs. Vietnamese areas of expertise; Vietnamese military cooperation; John Vann; Porter's personal interaction with Vietnamese military; American military failures in Vietnam; the Viet Cong's invincible reputation; difficulty in accurately assessing gains and losses; problems with communication, supply and maintenance systems; Father Hao; charcoal production; the introduction of helicopters and armored personnel carriers; Ap Bac; media and General Paul D. Harkin's views of what happened at Ap Bac; American casualties; Colonel Cao; Vietnamese willingness to risk casualties; difference between Viet Cong and ARVN tactics; Porter's WWII experience in the infantry; why Americans failed in Vietnam; the Americans not taking advantage of the knowledge and experience of the South Vietnamese; Viet Cong dedication and stealth; convincing the Vietnamese of the merits of freedom; General Nghiem and Colonel Dhong; President Diem.
