"America and her allies believed that manpower, firepower, logistics, and technology were sufficient to guarantee victory in Vietnam. This book describes how the communists placed their trust in the oldest and most reliable tool of warfare: the individual soldier. The authors, with their six-and-a-half years' combined experience on the ground in Vietnam, bring to this absorbing volume a personal observation, accuracy, and honesty that is denied those who never smelled gunpowder or suffered the hardships of the soldier's life. Using interviews, personal diaries and letters, documents captured on the battlefield, and the latest revelations of the government of Vietnam, the authors show why the communist Vietnamese were able to finally seize all of Vietnam."

Originally published by Ballantine Books, 1992 and simultaneously in Canada by Random House of Canada Limited, Toronto, 1992.

In their own words -- The Vietnam enigma -- The bamboo soldiers: recruiting and training -- The infiltration south -- Organization -- Equipment, arms, and supplies -- Logistics -- Their silent tents are spread: life in camp and bivouac -- In battle -- Voices from the other side: the generals -- Voices from the other side: the grunts -- Losers and losers: Vietnam after the fall of Saigon.