Death Valley

   

                                           The Summer Offensive, I Corps,August 1969

                                                           Keith William Nolan

He captured the stark reality of combat in Vietnam in his first two books, "Battle fo Hue" and "Into Laos". Now, in "Death Valley" Nolan uses firsthand interviews with seasoned veterans to tell the story of the Vietnam War as the individual soldier lived it.

The 1969 Summer Offensive was unique- the first major engagement after the announcement of U.S. withdrawals. It would send the 1st Marine Division and the 23rd Infantry Division (Americal) into a hot , humid killing ground infiltrated by NVA troops. And it would send them in torn by the attitude, "F*** it, it don't mean nothin'," weakened by racism and drugs. The ground war was supposed to be winding down; Nixon had announced the beginning of the phase out, and the Paris talks were stalled.

But the fighting continued . The Marines in Quang Nam Province and the 23rd Infantry Division in Quang Tin stood on either side of the mountains, where the 2nd NVA Division was dug in.

Hiep Duc Valley was destined to be steeped in blood. No one wanted to be the last man killed in Vietnam. But when the battle began, the soldiers would give their lives with honor and courage in the place that earned the name "DEATH VALLEY" ****

Paul Marquis

Web Master

Jim Cannon

Historian

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HISTORIAN'S NOTE: I give this book four stars. It's a well written book and it certainly fits the title....."Death Valley".. In this book the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines is pitted against enemy units superior in strength and with the advantage of the terrain. A buzz saw filled with blood and guts.....and death.  However, Keith William Nolan doesn't always put in print what actually happened but what he wants to say..

After reading "Death Valley" for the third time I can better appreciate the situation of 2nd Bn, 7th Marines. Anyone looking at the terrain around which 2/7 was operating could easily see that it could very well be a haven for large enemy units.

I can very well appreciate the  confusion and exasperation that a Battalion Commander might go through serving under a great "Squad Leader" in the sky. I too have had those type over me.

During this time frame racism, drugs, "I don't give a crap attitude", fragging , etc was or seemed to be common in Vietnam. The war was winding down and no one wanted to be the last man killed. "Death Valley" depicts everything that can go wrong in a unit. Having said that I would be remiss if I did not mention the fighting spirit, determination and courage of many of the Battalion's junior personnel and officers in the face of almost certain death.

It also seemed as if experienced Company Commanders holding the rank of Captain were hard to come by. No one questions the knowledge and gallantry of First Lieutenants but nothing can take the place of experience. 2/7 was short on Captains.

"Death Valley" is a good book and I enjoyed reading it..........I have obtained authority to extend an open invitation to the Battalion Commander of 2/7, the Marine Unit involved, to expand on my review.

Jim Cannon

Major USMC(Ret.)

Historian/VA Assistance Officer

NOTE:

At the invitation of the Historian, the following is an extension of his

review, offered by LtCol Lugger, Battalion Commander of 2nd Battalion,

7th Marines.

The first principle of command states,  "A commander is responsible for

everything his unit does, or fails to do."

The following provides a key insight into both the battalion and

regiment command mind-set, that resulted in the battering of an under

strength battalion against an estimated two NVA regiments.

From the book, page 206  -  "Codispoti (CO 7th Marines) . . .

told Lugger to handle the situation as he saw fit. Lugger jumped at the

opportunity. With almost four months in command and a new posting

waiting in two

weeks, he had yet to take his battalion to the field for a full-fledged

combat operation." (My parentheses)

From the book, page 268  -  "With Colonel Codispoti on the radio

demanding they reach the rendezvous coordinates REGARDLESS OF CASUALTIES

, . . . " (My emphasis)

On August 26  -  2/7 was "Under constant orders to push forward,

NO MATTER THE COST, . . . " (My emphasis) *

Napoleon is credited with saying, "There are no bad regiments

(battalions); there are only bad colonels (lieutenant colonels)." (My

parentheses)

None of what Nolan wrote should reflect negatively on the valor and

heroism of 2/7 Marines - its staff, junior officers and enlisted - all

ranks. They did more than their duty, and took the blows. If I wrote or

inferred anything other than that in the material I provided Nolan, I am

deeply sorry and apologize.

* Marine Corps Historical publication "U.S. Marines in Vietnam 1969" page 207

Lt Col Marvin H. Lugger, USMC (Ret)

Semper Fi