History of Navy in Vietnam War Republished

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History of Navy in Vietnam War Republished

By Marie Dumontet, Naval Historical Center Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- The Naval Historical Center's
(NHC) illustrated history of the Navy in the Vietnam War, by
senior historian Dr. Edward J. Marolda, has been recently
republished.

The original edition was released in 1994 under the title "By Sea,
Air and Land, an Illustrated History of the U.S. Navy and the
War in Southeast Asia." This new edition, published by
Brassey's Publishers, is entitled "The U.S. Navy in the Vietnam
War: An Illustrated History."

Covering the period from 1950 to 1975, the book gives a
complete overview of U.S. deployments in southeast Asia, and
presents more than 500 photographs, maps and combat art
works, along with a narrative that sheds light on the Vietnam
War.

Presidential administrations under Eisenhower, Kennedy and
Johnson used naval forces in the Pacific Ocean to prevent Russia
and China from supporting North Vietnamese military
operations.

Through their combined efforts, the Navy and Marine Corps
adapted and adjusted to the combat conditions they faced. They
were also helped by an international anti-communist coalition,
notably Royal Australian navy ships and South Korean marines.

Marolda describes the U.S. Navy presence in South Vietnam,
North Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, as well as operations in the
south China Sea, the Gulf of Siam, the Philippines, Thailand and
other locations in the western Pacific.

"The birth, growth and death of the South Vietnamese navy and
the U.S. Navy's major role in that tragic story also constitute a
significant portion of this history," said Marolda.

More than a simple description of naval, air and ground combat,
the book also covers significant logistical aspects of the Vietnam
War.

"It is also a story of our Sailors' dedication to duty and country,
perseverance in the face of great adversity, and sacrifice for the
common good. The long struggle for southeast Asia sorely tested
the men and women of the U.S. Navy, but it was a test they
passed with distinction," Marolda noted in his preface.

As a Vietnam veteran, this book has a huge significance for
Marolda. "The principal aim of the book was to cover all the
major aspects of the U.S. Navy involvement in the Vietnam
War. I'm proud to have prepared and written this book because
of our Sailors' important contributions in a very difficult conflict."

"The U.S. Navy in the Vietnam War: An Illustrated History," by
Edward J. Marolda, ISBN 1-57488-351-8, hardcover, is
available from both online and retail booksellers.

For related news, visit the Naval Historical Center Navy
NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/navhist