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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. What is the name of John Paul Vann's widow?
(a) Mary Jane.
(b) Jane Marie.
(c) Mary Elisabeth.
(d) Sarah Alexandra.

2. What are the two key reasons why the ARVN forces did not soundly defeat the VC at Ap Bac?
(a) Poor communications and timing.
(b) Bad advise from the Americans and no armor support.
(c) Insufficient men and munitions.
(d) Lack of air support and inferior weapons.

3. In order to build broad-based support for his cause, Ho Chi Minh needs to do what?
(a) Take over the south by force.
(b) Gain the aid of Communist China.
(c) Launch a massive PR campaign.
(d) Downplay his communist beliefs.

4. Who is President of the United States in 1962?
(a) Lyndon B. Johnson.
(b) Dwight D. Eisenhower.
(c) John F. Kennedy.
(d) Richard M. Nixon.

5. The U.S. war strategy under the leadership of General William Westmoreland is described as a war of _______________.
(a) Attrition.
(b) Depletion.
(c) Reduction.
(d) Containment.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the method used by the United States to quell the rebellious tendencies of the South Vietnamese farmers who would otherwise be inclined to fight with or provide assistance to the Vietcong?

2. Ho Chi Minh lived in which country (other than Vietnam) prior to the Vietnam War?

3. Ngo Dinh Nhu's wife, Madam Ngo, is not-so-affectionately known by what nickname?

4. General Edward Lansdale is a clandestine operative for which U.S. government agency?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

2. From this brief vignette of the funeral of John Paul Vann, what facts can we glean about his life and personality?

3. What is one of the secret desires of the American military advisers with regard to the Viet Cong's fighting tactics?

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

5. What do you think John Paul Vann's motivations are when he is first sent to Vietnam to advise the South Vietnamese military in 1962?

6. What are some of the difficulties in getting the South Vietnamese prepared to engage the Viet Cong?

7. How does the United States initially get more involved in South Vietnamese politics in 1962?

8. As adviser to the 7th Infantry Division of the ARVN, John Paul Vann is responsible for the defense and preservation of what area in Vietnam?

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

10. 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?

(see the answer keys)

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