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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 are the two key reasons why the ARVN forces did not soundly defeat the VC at Ap Bac?

2. The protagonist of the book, John Paul Vann, is killed in 1972 while serving what organization?

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

4. According to John Paul Vann, General Huynh Van Cao is more concerned with ________________________ than winning the war.

5. John Paul Vann is born during what era?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the key components of Ziegler's battle plan? How many men and how much air and armor support are sent to Ap Bac?

2. What is the preliminary intelligence report given by Jim Drummond and the eavesdroppers in the Otters concerning the size and capabilities of the VC force at Ap Bac?

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

4. Based on what you learned in this section, describe briefly John Paul Vann's physical appearance.

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

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

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

8. Why are the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) referred to as "Viet Cong"?

9. What do the many guerrilla-style hit-and-run missions of the Viet Cong teach them about the nature of their enemies, the South Vietnamese and the Americans?

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

In what ways was John Paul Vann's relationship with his Vietnamese counterpart, Huynh Van Cao, indicative of all the early pre-war operations of the ARVN? How much of a role do you think language played in the various events that transpired? Would things have gone better had John Paul Vann and Huynh Van Cao been more relaxed in dealing with one another?

Essay Topic 2

Describe five or six of the more prominent attendees at John Paul Vann's funeral. Why do you think each one was there and what was the political, social, or emotional reason for their attendance?

Essay Topic 3

At least five United States' Presidents attempted to deal with the situation in Vietnam. Which presidents were involved and how did each one approach the problems created by the U.S. military (or advisory) operations in Vietnam? In your opinion, which president's approach was best in your opinion and why?

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