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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. How many ARVN helicopters are downed by the VC forces during the battle?

2. Which of the following best describes the attendees at John Paul Vann's funeral?

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

4. What is the President of the Republic of Vietnam's French name?

5. John Paul Vann's frustrations with the war grow because of which of the following reasons:

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What important political trends are taking place in North Vietnam and South Vietnam in the early 1960s?

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

7. What types of people come to pay their respects to John Paul Vann in Arlington in 1972? Why do you think they are there?

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

9. John Paul Vann retires from the military in 1963, only to go back to Vietnam with the AID in 1965 and serve until his death in 1972. Based on what we've learned from "The Funeral" section, why do you think he does this?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In many respects, Vietnam was considered to be the first "helicopter war". Based on your readings, do you think this is an accurate description? How did John Paul Vann and other commanders make use of "choppers" in the book? Please give 2-3 examples.

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

Khe Sanh was mentioned in the text as one of the so-called "Hill Fights". First, what did the term "Hill Fights" refer to? Second, why was there a great deal of media attention placed on the plight of the marines stationed at Khe Sanh? What was the symbolic significance of this battle and how was the outcome portrayed by the American media and the Vietcong propaganda machine?

(see the answer keys)

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