Osprey Elite 43 : Vietnam Marines 1965-1973

The period following World War Two saw a number of associated Marine Corps, three of whom fought together during the war in Vietnam from 1965 to 1973. These Corps were similar formations, but each with its own history and traditions: the United States Marines, the Vietnamese Marines, and the Korean Marines. Common was a reputation for toughness on themselves and any foreign or domestic enemies; strong unit pride and loyalty; and a privileged place within the political structure of their respective countries. For the Vietnamese, 1975 brought the end of a 30-year civil war in which the Vietnamese Marine Corps played a part until the bitter end. For American and Korean Marines, the Vietnam experience provided new traditions, reputations, and leaders for their respective corps for the next quarter of a century - and a vivid reminder that the price of an élite reputation is paid for in blood. Ex-US Marine Chuck Nelson describes the history, weapons, equipment, uniforms and insignia of the US, Vietnamese and Korean Marines who fought in Vietnam 1965-73 in a text backed by plenty of photographs and illustrations, including 12 full page colour plates by Paul Hannon.

Contents

• Soldiers of the Sea
• The Vietnamese Marine Corps
• The Korean Marine Corps
• The United States Marine Corps
• The Plates