"Widely regarded as a classic on the Vietnam War, Decent Interval provides a scathing critique of the CIA's role in and final departure from that conflict. The book was written at great risk and ultimately at great sacrifice by an author who had believed in the CIA's cause but was disillusioned by the agency's treacherous withdrawal, leaving thousands of Vietnamese allies to the mercy of an angry enemy. It remains today a riveting and powerful testament to one of the darkest episodes in American history."--Jacket.

"Twenty-fifth anniversary edition." Originally published: New York : Random House, 1977. With new foreword. Includes index.

Foreword / Gloria Emerson -- pt. 1. First Rites -- Homecoming -- A Great Day -- In Good Faith -- Leaves from a Pocket Notebook -- Son of Cease-Fire -- Martin's Embassy -- Nibblers and Anti-Nibblers -- Fiscal Whores -- pt. 2. The Unraveling -- Improvisatory Offensive -- A Thousand Cuts -- Hail-Fellow -- Pyrrhic Victories -- Blossoming Lotus -- Light at the Top -- Glass Mountain -- Black Box -- Cannonball to Papa Lima -- Ides of March -- Piece of My Tongue -- pt. 3. Collapse -- Primary Responsibility -- Limp Little Rags -- The Bombing -- Spotlighting -- Eagle Pull -- Discarded Luxury -- Worst Case -- Controlled Conditions -- Panic Button -- A Bargain Whose Day Has Passed -- Secret Caller -- Polarized Thinking -- High-Class Chauffeur -- Our Turn -- They're in the Halls -- Morning -- Afternoon -- Evening. Postscript: Internal Hemorrhaging -- CIA's Official Recommendation for Honor and Merit Award for Frank Snepp.