America and Vietnam, 1954-1963: The Road to War - Paperback

by Michael M. Walker (Author)

The conventional narrative of the Vietnam War often glosses over the decade leading up to it. Covering the years 1954-1963, this book presents a thought-provoking reexamination of the war's long prelude--from the aftermath of French defeat at Dien Bien Phu--through Hanoi's decision to begin reunification by force--to the assassination of South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem. Established narratives of key events are given critical reappraisal and new light is shed on neglected factors. The strategic importance of Laos is revealed as central to understanding how the war in the South developed.

Author Biography

Michael M. Walker, Colonel, USMC (Ret.) served in the Marine Corps for 26 years as an infantry and intelligence officer to include three tours in the Pacific-East Asia region, one in Europe, and two in Southwest Asia. He lives in Meridian, Idaho.