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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following helicopters are newly introduced to the ARVN/U.S. forces by the time of the Battle of Ap Bac?

2. The U.S. war strategy under the leadership of General William Westmoreland is described as a war of _______________.

3. What organization is established by President Kennedy to act as an advisory body to the government in South Vietnam?

4. In order to build broad-based support for his cause, Ho Chi Minh needs to do what?

5. The primary element of chance in the Battle of Ap Bac is which of the following?

Short Essay Questions

1. Which American adviser is responsible for drawing up the basic plan of attack for the ARVN?

2. In 1962, what is the United States' stated primary role in Vietnam?

3. Briefly describe some of the things John Paul Vann did that get him categorized as lucky by those with whom he served.

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

5. How many Viet Cong were at the radio tower position at Ap Bac and what were the actual combat conditions there?

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 are some of the reasons why the South Vietnamese people as a whole do not rally behind the Americans?

8. 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?

9. What features of John Paul Vann's burial at Arlington stood out?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

From what you recall in the book, please outline a brief background of the events before, during, and immediately after the tell-tale Battle of Ap Bac. Be sure to include the major events that led directly to the outcome of the confrontation, as well as the overall significance for this battle to the rest of the war.

Essay Topic 2

The Vietnam War era is one characterized by controversy and uncertainty. What were some of the reasons why the U.S. military's efforts in Vietnam were seen in such a negative light "back home" in America? Why was there growing pressure to end the war and bring the troops home? What were some of the contributing factors that caused America to finally end their presence in Vietnam?

Essay Topic 3

What were some of the key actions taken by the Diem administration in South Vietnam that adversely affected the opinion of the general population toward him and, by extension, toward the Americans that installed him in power? Please cite 2-3 examples and how the people of South Vietnam reacted to each policy or action taken.

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