koreanwarpodcast

Season seven will be published weekly form September 2022. The first six episodes will deal with the Chinese Civil War followed by two episodes on the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Then an episode on the effect of the Korean War on the Chinese military then a episode on the rule of Mao in China.

In the second part of the season, I will turn to India the first and second wars against Pakistan and the war against China in 1962.

The Fulbright Hearings

In this final episode of the series, I review the position of the American military involvement in South Vietnam, though the prism of the Senate Fulbright Hearing. A biography of its chairman and critic of the American involvement in Vietnam, Senator Fulbright.

Operation Hump

American military operations expand in number and scope in November and December 1965, I have already dealt with the battle of the Ia Drang Valley in the last episode. In this episode I mention others including Operation Hump which included American and Australian troops attacking the Viet Cong. Most of the operation fail to destroy the Viet Cong.

To be published on Saturday 8th January

Battle of Ia Drang Valley

In a major battle in the Ia Drang Valley troops from the American 1st Cavalry Division fight with regular North Vietnamese troops in a fierce contest of arms mainly around two sites, landing zone X-Ray and landing zone Albany. A biography of Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore, the commander of American troops at landing zone X-Ray.

To be published on Saturday 1st January

Search and destroy

In September and October 1965, the level of American military operations steps up in level in South Vietnam with several sweeps into Viet Cong held countryside. The American Marines again try to destroy the Viet Cong First regiment but the Viet Cong evade the Marine sweep. A look at the Australian and New Zealand ground effort in South Vietnam in 1965.

To be published on Saturday 25th December

Operation Starlite

Military operations in South Vietnam up to the end of August 1965, most of the fighting is carried out by the South Vietnamese Army often with disappointing results. The American Army begins to carry out search and destroy operations to hunt and kill the Viet Cong. In Operation Starlite in the north of the country, American Marines try to attack the Viet Cong 1st Regiment.

To be published on Saturday 18th December

Communist forces

In this episode, I deal with the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army operating in South Vietnam. Tactics such as ambushes and the laying of bobby traps are discussed. The AK47 gun is compared to the American M14 rifle,. The AK47 proves to be a better weapon in the heat and dirt of the jungles of South Vietnam.

To be published on Saturday 11th December

American Army in South Vietnam

A look at the organisation of the American Army in South Vietnam in 1965. Also the some of the weapons of the American Army at the time. A look at the Bell Huey helicopter. A biography of the American Army chief of staff General Harold Johnson. Th American enjoyed great superior in terms of firepower but this could be misused against civilians.

To be released on Saturday 4th December

Operation Market Time

American ground troops arrive in South Vietnam. The American Navy in operation ‘market time’ cut the sea supply route but the supplies of men and equipment from North Vietnam to the Viet Cong instead are sent down the Ho Chi Minh trail. The South Vietnamese Generals carry on their petty infighting for power, General Khahn is removed from power and sent into exile. A biography of General Ky, pictured below, the new military strong man is given.

To be published on Saturday 27th November

The Air War

President Johnson agrees to a sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam to try to force their Government to end the war in the South. It started with operation flaming dart and then operation Rolling Thunder. Damage was done by the Government of North Vietnam would not end the war. American planes are shot down and aircrew taken prisoner.

To be published on Saturday 20th November