PDF Summary:Swift Sword, by Doyle Glass

What drove the North Vietnamese forces to engage in vicious battles with the Marines on the hills near the Quê Son Valley in 1967? And how did the courageous but outgunned and outnumbered Marines, burdened by faulty equipment, withstand the onslaught?

In Swift Sword, Doyle Glass takes readers into the heart of the Vietnam conflict. Through gripping firsthand accounts, he explores the Marine Corps' valiant stand and the pivotal roles of air support and medical personnel who risked their lives. Glass also examines the war's profound impact on the soldiers, their loved ones, and the nation.

Was this brutal battle truly necessary, given South Vietnam's ultimate fall years later? Readers can decide for themselves after journeying to the front lines with Glass and witnessing the soldiers' harrowing experiences through his compelling narrative.

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• Develop a habit of recognizing and celebrating acts of courage and selflessness in your daily life, such as acknowledging a colleague who goes above and beyond to help others or a friend who stands up for what is right despite potential backlash. This can help you cultivate an appreciation for these qualities and encourage you to act similarly when faced with challenging situations.

The strategic and tactical factors that shaped the battle, including leadership, training, equipment, and aerial support

This section will explore the crucial factors that determined the outcome of the battle, focusing on the quality of leadership, the level of troop preparedness, the influence of aerial support, and the reliability of the equipment employed in the clash.

Lt. Murray played a pivotal role in ensuring the unity of the Marine forces and coordinating the prompt assistance from both air and artillery units.

Lieutenant Murray's extended tenure in Vietnam endowed him with a level of combat expertise that his platoon leaders lacked. Mike Company's resilience in the face of a superior enemy force can be attributed to its proficiency in leading teams of limited size, managing soldiers, supervising communication channels, and orchestrating auxiliary units, as noted by Glass.

Integrating the experienced Marines alongside officers and non-commissioned officers who were inexperienced posed a considerable challenge.

Glass underscores the challenges of integrating new officers and non-commissioned officers into established military units. The practice of assigning new recruits directly from their initial military training to units that were attempting to recuperate from heavy losses was a common occurrence during the Vietnam War. The arrival of fresh troops was initially welcomed as a means to bolster the unit, but over time it undermined the unit's unity as their lack of experience and unpolished fighting skills heightened the risk of significant mistakes in battle. Glass underscores the negative effects on the cohesion and effectiveness of the team as he examines the difficulties experienced by veteran Marines when assimilating newcomers into their established group.

The frequent malfunctions of the M16 rifle resulted in numerous deaths and significantly impeded the Marines' ability to return fire effectively.

Glass emphasizes the role that the defective M16 rifle played in exacerbating Marine losses during Operation Swift. During combat, the Marines were frequently exposed to danger due to the rifle's tendency to malfunction.

The design flaws of the rifle and the quality of the ammunition were the primary factors responsible, not any lack of proper maintenance by the Marines.

Glass argues that the issues with the M16 were not due to the Marines' failure to maintain the weapon properly, as military officials initially alleged, but were instead caused by an inherent flaw in the design of the weapon's firing chamber, which was made worse by the employment of incompatible bullets. He references multiple occasions when Marines faced weapon malfunctions during critical moments in combat, even though they had rigorously maintained their arms. Glass references statements from Marines like Ken Fields, confirming that, even with strict maintenance routines, weapons frequently jammed.

The tactical use of aerial forces, including bombing raids and the management by aviation controllers, significantly influenced the direction of the war.

The decisive intervention of close air support, which included bombings, the use of napalm, and the fierce barrage from Spooky's Gatling guns, saved the Marines from disaster, even though they were outnumbered by enemy forces. The intense shelling from both air and sea, despite the risks due to the proximity of allied forces, enabled Mike Company to consolidate into a tighter, more secure formation, effectively withstanding the assault by North Vietnamese troops. As other ground forces also faced assaults from the NVA, the courageous Forward Air Controllers, Captains Redmond and Whitlow, prioritized support for Murray and his soldiers, recognizing that a single hostile artillery shell or a well-aimed explosive could inflict substantial casualties among the Marines assembled in the command hollow.

Coordinating air support during the chaos of battle presents significant challenges, including the risk of accidentally targeting friendly forces.

Glass portrays the responsibilities of the Forward Air Controllers (FACs) as a demanding and hazardous mission, involving the coordination of accurate air support. The disarray and limited visibility often present in battle situations frequently posed the risk of accidentally engaging friendly forces. Whitlow, who had the responsibility of orchestrating air strikes from the nimble Bird Dog, remembers his astonishment when he discovered that his instructions had almost resulted in bombs being released perilously close to Kilo Company, thereby endangering the lives of Marines about whose location he had not been briefed. The remarkable bravery and skill of aviators, including the members of the unit known as Deadlock 30, were instrumental in ensuring that meticulous strategies and effective coordination protected groups like Mike Company from succumbing to enemy forces.

Other Perspectives

• While Lt. Murray's role was crucial, it could be argued that the success was a collective effort involving the contributions of many, not just the leadership.
• The integration of inexperienced officers and NCOs, while challenging, may have brought fresh perspectives and adaptability to the unit that could have been beneficial in some situations.
• The M16 malfunctions were a significant issue, but it's possible that maintenance, training on proper cleaning procedures, and environmental factors also played a role in the weapon's reliability.
• The design flaws and ammunition quality of the M16 are well-documented, but improvements over time and field modifications by soldiers may have mitigated these issues to some extent.
• The impact of aerial forces is undeniable, but the effectiveness of bombing raids can also be questioned in terms of collateral damage and the long-term strategic impact on the local population and environment.
• The challenges of coordinating air support are clear, but advancements in technology and communication may have reduced the risk of friendly fire compared to earlier conflicts.

The repercussions deeply and lastingly impacted the soldiers and were of considerable significance within the wider context of the conflict in Vietnam.

This section will explore the short-term and lasting impacts felt by the Marines who were actively involved in the combat and its various conflicts. The story should capture the physical and emotional suffering they went through, the challenges they faced in dealing with the sorrow of fallen friends, and the difficulties they encountered upon returning to their homes.

The substantial casualties suffered by Mike 3/5 profoundly impacted the morale of the remaining Marines.

On the 4th of September, the ranks of Mike 3/5 were significantly diminished, with sixteen fatalities, one more passing away from injuries subsequently, and upwards of eighty requiring evacuation for medical reasons. The ordeal left a deep emotional impact on those who lived through it. Many of those who survived were weighed down by deep regret, haunted by memories of fallen peers and the horrific incidents they had witnessed. Glass illustrates the profound impact of the war by describing the Marines' struggle with grief and their realization that their involvement in the conflict had fundamentally changed them.

The communities and relatives were profoundly impacted by the grief of losing their loved ones.

Glass ensures to pay tribute to those who could not continue alongside them. The stories impart a deep melancholy along with the feelings of bereavement felt by the family members of those who have passed away. The demise of youthful Marines in battle brought profound grief to their relatives, friends, and comrades-in-arms, all of whom had to confront the void left by those who would never realize their potential futures.

The ex-servicemen harbored ambivalent sentiments regarding the conflict and its management by their national leaders.

Many who served in the Vietnam War, akin to the individuals who contributed their stories to "Swift Sword," harbored complex feelings about the conflict and the strategies employed by their leaders. They also questioned the war's purpose and the strategic choices of the leadership, while simultaneously cherishing their commitment to serving in the armed forces and the profound bonds formed with their comrades.

The belief that the sacrifices were in vain emerged as South Vietnam ultimately fell under communist domination.

The widespread sense of disillusionment and anger arose from the conviction that the intense battles, such as those in the Quê Son Valley, were futile, especially considering the significant number of American lives sacrificed. The fall of Saigon in 1975, just eight years after the start of the military operation known as Operation Swift, cemented these sentiments and led many former service members to ponder the significance of their efforts. Glass imparts a sense of betrayal and futility through his portrayal of the experiences of veterans, illustrating their struggles to come to terms with the aftermath of the war.

The long-term psychological and physical wounds borne by the surviving Marines

The harrowing ordeals of combat and the vividly detailed gruesome encounters in Swift left an indelible mark on the minds of the Marines. Those who served in Operation Swift, akin to soldiers from various conflicts, found it challenging to assimilate back into civilian life, burdened by the psychological aftermath of combat including PTSD, recurring nightmares, and vivid flashbacks, and they often felt a profound sense of alienation from a community that appeared unaware of their sacrifices.

The struggle to adjust to civilian life and overcome PTSD, as well as other difficulties arising from their military tenure, continues.

Glass depicts the struggle by delving into the personal experiences of the veterans, shedding light on their ongoing battle with PTSD and the challenges they faced in readjusting to daily life after being exposed to extreme violence and hardship. He emphasizes the difficulties they encountered in finding jobs, maintaining relationships, and coping with the mental and emotional scars that originated from their experiences during warfare. Every member of the Marine Corps dealt with their previous hardships in their own way; some found comfort in sharing their experiences with comrades, while others strove to bury their recollections and continue with their lives. Glass depicts that for numerous individuals, the transition to civilian life posed challenges as daunting as those faced during their efforts to endure the perils of combat in Vietnam.

Other Perspectives

• The impact on morale can be complex, and some units may experience increased cohesion and determination after suffering casualties.
• While grief is a common response, communities and relatives also often find strength and resilience in the face of loss.
• Some ex-servicemen may feel a sense of pride and accomplishment regarding their service, regardless of the conflict's outcome or strategic decisions.
• The belief in the futility of sacrifices can be countered by the perspective that every effort contributed to a larger historical narrative and the defense of certain values, even if the immediate outcomes were not as desired.
• Not all surviving Marines may suffer long-term psychological and physical wounds; some may recover and lead fulfilling lives without significant trauma.
• Many veterans successfully adjust to civilian life, finding meaningful employment and relationships, and effectively manage or overcome PTSD or other service-related difficulties.