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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In what city is the 7th Infantry Division (and John Paul Vann) stationed?
(a) My Tho.
(b) Saigon.
(c) Ap Bac.
(d) Hanoi.

2. During 1962, much of South Vietnam is __________.
(a) Suburban.
(b) Rural.
(c) Industrial.
(d) Urban.

3. To save face following the Battle of Ap Bac, General Cao does which of the following?
(a) Surrendered command to John Paul Vann.
(b) Fled to neighboring Cambodia in disgrace.
(c) Staged a dangerous mock attack on the same site for PR reasons.
(d) Launched a massive aerial offensive against Hanoi.

4. On what date do the American advisers and ARVN military commanders begin planning the offensive at Ap Bac?
(a) July 4, 1962.
(b) January 2, 1963.
(c) December 25, 1963.
(d) December 28, 1962.

5. Which Vietnamese emperor hands over his power and authority to the Viet Minh when he abdicates the throne in 1946?
(a) Boa Thai.
(b) Ming Yat-Sun.
(c) Tuy Ling.
(d) Bao Dai.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is John Paul Vann's call sign during the Battle of Ap Bac?

2. Many refugees in South Vietnam belong to this religion.

3. The helicopters that carry the ARVN troops to the battle location are affectionately known by what name?

4. How are the Viet Minh perceived by many of the Vietnamese people, especially in light of their victory over the French in the First Indochina War?

5. Which notable newspaper reporter of the era is an attendee at the John Paul Vann funeral?

Short Essay Questions

1. Briefly describe who the National Liberation Front (NLF) are.

2. Why do you believe General Harkins and others in the United States' military and intelligence communities put so much stock into the opinions of Vietnamese military leaders like General Huynh Van Cao, often at the expense of more sound advice from their own people, like John Paul Vann?

3. Why is General Huynh Van Cao's chief-of-staff, Lt. Colonel Bui Dinh Dam, selected, even though he is a North Vietnamese and General Huynh Van Cao is a general for the South?

4. What is the primary shift in strategy espoused by John Paul Vann and Colonel Porter in 1962?

5. In what ways does John Paul Vann's life embody the spirit of the United States in the Vietnam War?

6. What are some of the many diverse features of the populace in South Vietnam that prevented a strong, unified front against the Viet Cong?

7. What other significant figures are introduced during this introductory section of the book? List two or three of them.

8. Why is the Battle of Ap Bac considered perhaps the most important confrontation of the entire Vietnam War?

9. In what ways does John Paul Vann interact with his superior officers during his assignment to Vietnam?

10. Discuss the significance of John Paul Vann's promotion to senior adviser for a corps region. How is this significant?

(see the answer keys)

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