A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam

Why did General Harkins feel the way he did about John Paul Vann's report?

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Asked by Cat on 15 Feb 03:44

Last updated by Cat on 15 Feb 04:22

1 Answers

Answered by Cat on 15 Feb 04:22

General Harkins tended to believe the local ARVN commanders over his own men at times, believing they had some sort of inside knowledge that the Americans did not possess. As such, he believed that Ap Bac had been a success (since the VC were driven away). John Paul Vann's account was so different to his perceptions that it enraged him.