Hundreds of authentic photographs combine with maps, diagrams, and text to capture the full scope of the Vietnam conflict from the French withdrawal to the fall of Saigon.

Includes index. "A Salamander book."

Key individuals in Southeast Asia --Chronology of main events -- Weapons and warfare techniques used in Vietnam / David Miller -- The end of French rule in Indochina / George M. Watson and Richard O'Neill -- Rival ideologies in a divided nation / Barnard C. Nalty -- US intervention and the fall of Diem / William Michael Hammond -- Communist aggression provokes US retaliation / William Michael Hammond -- The US commitment becomes irrevocable / William Michael Hammond -- The air war against North Vietnam / Bernard C. Nalty -- A US strategy to stem the communist tide / Charles B. MacDonald -- A battle for the people's hearts and minds / Richard A. Hunt -- The military build-up in north and south / Charles B. MacDonald -- The development of the communist armies / David Miller -- US Navy and Marine Corps operations in Vietnam / Lane Rogers -- The in-country enemy : battle with the Viet Cong / Charles B. MacDonald -- Communist thrust : the Tet Offensive of 1968 / Charles B. MacDonald -- Seventy-seven days : the siege of Khe Sanh / Bernard C. Nalty -- The air war on the Laotian supply routes / Bernard C. Nalty -- Vietnamization : the south must save itself / Jeffrey J. Clarke -- Striking the communist sanctuaries in Cambodia / Jeffrey J. Clarke -- Southern defeat on the Ho Chi Minh Trail / Ronald H. Cole -- B-52s : strategic bombers in a tactical role / John T. Greenwood -- Disengagement abroad, disenchantment at home / Jacob Neufeld -- Spring 1972 : northern invasion repulsed / William L. Allen -- Defeat and retaliation : the communist triumph / Ray L. Bowers -- The continuing conflict in Southeast Asia / David Miller.