U. S. Forces in Vietnam: 1962-1967

Book excerpt: This publication covers the chronological evolution of uniforms, equipment and weaponry issued to the American soldier during the first years of the conflict, from 1962 to 1967 (a second volume will cover the 1968 to 1975 period). All of the uniforms and equipment shown are period, however some of the weapons are replicas. In the aim of depicting characteristic servicemen at given periods, a great deal of research was undertaken in order to guarantee coherence between the units, dates and geographical situations. Differing from other publications, the author has deliberately chosen to illustrate all types of service personnel rather than solely combatants in order to give an exact presentation of the American military during this period. Indeed, it should be remembered that 85% of service personnel in Vietnam were support troops and advisors.