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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. What is the nickname of Cao's advisor, Colonel Wilbur Wilson?

2. John Paul Vann sees himself as a ____________ of the American way of life.

3. Which of the following funeral attendees is also an instrumental adviser to the South Vietnamese during the early 1960s?

4. Which of the following generals is the commanding officer of U.S. personnel in Vietnam in 1962?

5. What is the American troops' nickname for the Viet Cong?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is the use of terminology in reference to Ho Chi Minh's forces important for the Americans and South Vietnamese to establish?

2. 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?

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

4. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

Based on what you have read in the Sheehan book, please describe, compare, and contrast the overall war strategy of General Westmoreland and the North Vietnamese under Ho Chi Minh. How were the strategies different and which do you think was the better overall plan for victory? Why?

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