Vietnam Firebases 1965-73: American and Australian Forces (Fortress) (Paperback)

~ Randy E. M. Foster (Author), Peter Dennis (Illustrator)
Key Phrases: combat base, overhead cover, claymore mines, National Archives, Khe Sanh, Thua Thien (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... a very nicely done book." -J. E. Kauffman, Site-O

"This is one of the best-written volumes in the entire series, well organized and well illustrated with photos and drawings. Those interested in field fortifications or in the great tragic American adventure in Indo-China will find this an excellent book. I highly recommend it." -Bolling Smith, The Coast Defense Journal

"The author provides a well-written text that introduces the reader to the era... The images in the book are for the most part well-chosen and very useful for modelers... those that wish to have a proper setting for a model, will find this book very useful. Other modelers who may wish to get a bit ambitious could also construct a position to include a bunker complex; again this book is the place to start! Highly recommended." -Frank De Sisto, missing-lynx.com

Product Description

Impressive in terms of scale and structure, the Fire Support Base became a dominant element in ground maneuver during the Vietnam War. Initially a mobile base, it soon evolved into a semi-permanent and more sophisticated fortress as a result of enemy counterattacks and bombardments.

As a consequence, the majority of US and other allied troops found themselves pinned down in defensive or support roles, rather than being free to conduct 'search and destroy' or other mobile missions. Thus, the first and foremost function of the Fire Support Base was defensive. Troops, machine guns, mortars, artillery, surveillance radars, and command centers all had to be dug into bunkers and fire trenches by nightfall of the first day. Around these positions there would be deep belts of barbed wire, generously scattered with several different types of mines and even, in a few cases after 1967, with a brand new series of electronic sensors to detect and locate the enemy at a distance.

With the benefit of the on-site howitzers, the FSB could also deliver offensive high volume fire, reaching as far as 14,600m and eliminating enemy firing sites, supporting friendly infantry operations, or simply participating in fire missions where exact targets were not known. In fact, the fort offered such a degree of support and protection that ground maneuver was eventually hampered by the troop's reluctance to leave the comfort and safety of the FSB.

With a description of the design, development and operational history of the Fire Support Base, this book provides the key to understanding one of the main assets of US battle strategy in the Vietnam War.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing; illustrated edition edition (January 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1846031036
• ISBN-13: 978-1846031038
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #98,560 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Serious military libraries will want all these histories., April 9, 2007

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Randy E.M. Foster's VIETNAM FIREBASES 1965-73: AMERICAN AND AUSTRALIAN FORCES considers artillery fire support bases of the Freeworld forces, surveying their use as troop shelters and command centers, their defense, and their key strategic role during the war. Serious military libraries will want all these histories.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars vietnam firebases, November 12, 2007

By	Richard F. Rzesutek "riztoy4x4" (Seattle USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The firebases and their desciptions deal primarily of the areas in the FRAC area of operations. But there is no mention of some of the firebases employed in the south DRAC, some of these bases were unusual that they were entirely waterborne and supported riverine operations of the minth inf div.

5.0 out of 5 stars The story of the fortified lonley bases ., February 14, 2010

By	Antoine E. Roy (New Boston, N.H.) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

All Combat units opperated under an "artillary Fan" which consisted of a fortified position which held the artillary that fired protection for defence and offence. The FSB's usually also contained the resupply for the troops they covered as well as the field HQ for those troops. I spent three tours in Vietnam as a combat soldier and been on more FSB's than I can remember. Very acceptable book.
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