Harry Rothmann's Blog
September 7, 2023
Warriors and Fools and the Vietnam War
For those of you who are interested in American History in general and more specifically the Vietnam War, I have written an account fairly recently that uses the latest materials available not only from the American view but also the Vietnamese - both North and South.
I am pleased that many here have purchased it, but for those who would but are not sure if it would be worthwhile to read, its is over 700pp, here is a webinar I did for the US Army's Heritage Center that you could watch and get what the book is about and help you choose whether you want to devote the time and effort to read...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYhxP...
Warriors and Fools: How America's Leaders Lost the Vietnam War and Why It Still Matters
I am pleased that many here have purchased it, but for those who would but are not sure if it would be worthwhile to read, its is over 700pp, here is a webinar I did for the US Army's Heritage Center that you could watch and get what the book is about and help you choose whether you want to devote the time and effort to read...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYhxP...
Warriors and Fools: How America's Leaders Lost the Vietnam War and Why It Still Matters
March 29, 2023
Vietnam Veterans Day
Today is Vietnam Remembrance Day...a day Congress declared that we should remember those who served in that war. So today I remember, as I do every day really, the sacrifices of those I served with in 1969 and those West Point Classmates, of which there were 29, that gave their lives as well.
I have written two books that you can see on Goodreads and purchase on several spots on that war in commemoration of their service. If you are interested they are posted on my page. Harry Rothmann
I have written two books that you can see on Goodreads and purchase on several spots on that war in commemoration of their service. If you are interested they are posted on my page. Harry Rothmann
February 8, 2023
Warriors and Fools
Reached a new threshold on my book on the Vietnam War called WARRIORS AND FOOLS. As of yesterday we have sold 2000 copies. Not a lot by most standards, but for a self-published book not bad. My goal from the beginning was to sell one a day and we have done that! I am also proud that because of its popularity in some scholarly areas that the US Army Heritage Center asked me to do two webinars before over a hundred viewers. That was accomplished and may have helped on the sales. It certainly prompted some later conversations with scholars and veterans of the war. Finally there are now two colleges using the book for courses on the war. Proud of that because it has been a goal of writing the book. For any who may be interested in that book here are some sites at which you can find it.....See a sample trailer at https://youtu.be/cPK3y5iF9Ag. Buy now as an Apple iBook at -
https://books.apple.com/…/…/warriors-...… or http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id137.... For others who do not have an iPad or Mac or who are looking for a hard copy see Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Harry-Rothmann..., OR https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warr...…, or https://www.indiebound.org/book/97806....
https://books.apple.com/…/…/warriors-...… or http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id137.... For others who do not have an iPad or Mac or who are looking for a hard copy see Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Harry-Rothmann..., OR https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warr...…, or https://www.indiebound.org/book/97806....
January 16, 2022
Webinar on Vietnam War Book
Happy New Year everyone! My book WARRIORS AND FOOLS, a self-published history of the Vietnam War continues to sell on the market at a low rate of about one a day. However, the market that I focused on....veterans and teachers of that war...has had some success and brought me into contact with several noted academics on the war and many veterans. I am very pleased about that.
For those of you who may have thought about purchasing it or those who have and would like some additional insights this hyperlink..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYhxP... bring you to a You Tube video of a webinar that I did for the US Army's Education and Heritage Center on my book. Please take a look, and hope everyone had a healthy and prosperous holiday!
For those of you who may have thought about purchasing it or those who have and would like some additional insights this hyperlink..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYhxP... bring you to a You Tube video of a webinar that I did for the US Army's Education and Heritage Center on my book. Please take a look, and hope everyone had a healthy and prosperous holiday!
December 17, 2021
Determined to Persist: A New Book and View on the Vietnam War
In his introduction to Determined to Persist: General Earle Wheeler; the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and the Military’s Foiled Pursuit of Victory in Vietnam Colonel (Retired) Mark Viney writes that his book is one that General Wheeler never wanted written. The reason, he explains, is that Wheeler, who was the Chairman of the JCS for Presidents Johnson and Nixon at the height of that controversial war, was so disgusted with the war’s outcome that he destroyed the memoirs he had been working on for two years during his retirement and then shortly died from a heart attack afterwards.
Colonel Viney, whose grandfather and father served during and fought in Vietnam, explains why he took on a book whose subject person never wanted it written. First, he points out that many historians of the war have either neglected or misrepresented the role that Wheeler played in the Vietnam War. Much of this neglect and misrepresentation, he argues, is due either to the lack of Wheeler’s detailed personal explanation of the events and the military advice he and the Military Chiefs gave to their civilian leaders; or to a very narrow understanding of Wheeler’s attempts to influence his civilian superiors to pursue a different military strategy to force rather than just persuade North Vietnam to cease its aggression against the South.
Second, Colonel Viney further explains that what gives him the wherewithal to write this book are his access to the here before unavailable Private Papers of General Wheeler, and his very thorough research and more sympathetic understanding of recently available secret documents in the National Archives. Using these he argues that “portrayals of Wheeler and the Chiefs as parochial, unimaginative yes-men, complicit with, and unable to effectively articulate recommendations and consequences to the unreceptive Johnson Administration” are inaccurate. Rather, “his book demonstrates conclusively that Wheeler and the Chiefs were not derelict, passive accomplices to civilian mismanagement of the war in 1964-65. On the contrary, during that period and the subsequent and preponderant five years of Wheeler’s tenure as Chairman, he and the Chiefs ‘determined to persist’ in aggressively and proactively providing consistent, doctrinally grounded strategic recommendations and potential consequences to the Johnson Administration and then to the more receptive but politically constrained Nixon Administration.”
While Colonel Viney’s emphasis on and evidence presented do portray a more positive light on the efforts of General Wheeler and the other Chiefs to change their civilian superiors minds about adopting a more aggressive and militarily sound strategy, he fails to focus on their own failures to do so. For example, at important times in the war- especially during the 1968 TET Offensive, they neglected to clearly explain why their more aggressive military advice would change the course of the war, end it favorably for the U. S. , and yet avoid a confrontation with China and the Soviet Union.
Despite this shortcoming in his book, Colonel Viney’s new view of General Wheeler and the Chiefs role and attempts to persuade their civilian leaders to wage a more effective war is an important contribution to the understanding of the Vietnam War. Thus, Historians, Students, War Veterans, and those who are interested in enlightening themselves on the war need to read Determined to Persist. In doing so, in the opinion of this Vietnam War Veteran and history teacher, you will understand better the difficulties and reasons for the Vietnam War’s outcomes, as well as the interactions between the military and civil leaders and advisors. The book, moreover, is well-written and organized, making for an easy read and understanding.
Determined to Persist: General Earle Wheeler, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Military’s Foiled Pursuit of Victory in Vietnam
Colonel Viney, whose grandfather and father served during and fought in Vietnam, explains why he took on a book whose subject person never wanted it written. First, he points out that many historians of the war have either neglected or misrepresented the role that Wheeler played in the Vietnam War. Much of this neglect and misrepresentation, he argues, is due either to the lack of Wheeler’s detailed personal explanation of the events and the military advice he and the Military Chiefs gave to their civilian leaders; or to a very narrow understanding of Wheeler’s attempts to influence his civilian superiors to pursue a different military strategy to force rather than just persuade North Vietnam to cease its aggression against the South.
Second, Colonel Viney further explains that what gives him the wherewithal to write this book are his access to the here before unavailable Private Papers of General Wheeler, and his very thorough research and more sympathetic understanding of recently available secret documents in the National Archives. Using these he argues that “portrayals of Wheeler and the Chiefs as parochial, unimaginative yes-men, complicit with, and unable to effectively articulate recommendations and consequences to the unreceptive Johnson Administration” are inaccurate. Rather, “his book demonstrates conclusively that Wheeler and the Chiefs were not derelict, passive accomplices to civilian mismanagement of the war in 1964-65. On the contrary, during that period and the subsequent and preponderant five years of Wheeler’s tenure as Chairman, he and the Chiefs ‘determined to persist’ in aggressively and proactively providing consistent, doctrinally grounded strategic recommendations and potential consequences to the Johnson Administration and then to the more receptive but politically constrained Nixon Administration.”
While Colonel Viney’s emphasis on and evidence presented do portray a more positive light on the efforts of General Wheeler and the other Chiefs to change their civilian superiors minds about adopting a more aggressive and militarily sound strategy, he fails to focus on their own failures to do so. For example, at important times in the war- especially during the 1968 TET Offensive, they neglected to clearly explain why their more aggressive military advice would change the course of the war, end it favorably for the U. S. , and yet avoid a confrontation with China and the Soviet Union.
Despite this shortcoming in his book, Colonel Viney’s new view of General Wheeler and the Chiefs role and attempts to persuade their civilian leaders to wage a more effective war is an important contribution to the understanding of the Vietnam War. Thus, Historians, Students, War Veterans, and those who are interested in enlightening themselves on the war need to read Determined to Persist. In doing so, in the opinion of this Vietnam War Veteran and history teacher, you will understand better the difficulties and reasons for the Vietnam War’s outcomes, as well as the interactions between the military and civil leaders and advisors. The book, moreover, is well-written and organized, making for an easy read and understanding.
Determined to Persist: General Earle Wheeler, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Military’s Foiled Pursuit of Victory in Vietnam
November 15, 2021
Book for the Holidays
Well, with the Holidays approaching, you may find my book on the Vietnam War, WARRIORS AND FOOLS, worthy of someone’s gift. I wrote the book for veterans, historians, teachers, students or just those who are interested in finding out more about the war. Below are some reviews of the book and ways to obtain it.
The best versions are the iBook ( for those with MACs and Apple devises), the Kindle, and the hardbound…please avoid the Amazon Paperback (the print is to small). The new Textbook version is the best ( except for the iBook) for those who like supporting materials like pictures, maps, document extracts, etc.🇺🇸
Critics are praising WARRIORS AND FOOLS:
“A thought-provoking, well-researched diagnosis of the Vietnam War” from Kirkus Reviews;
“Through comprehensive research Rothmann sheds light on how Washington and its top brass got it wrong, while America’s brave troops fought a war they had no chance winning. The author also thoughtfully contrasts the US resolve and strategy against that of its enemy. Accessing a trove of interviews with North Vietnamese leadership, Rothmann sheds light on the evolution of the North’s winning strategy.” Amazon Customer.
See Book Trailer - https://youtu.be/cPK3y5iF9Ag
Buy hardcover, paperback, iBook, Kindle or Nook, or Special Textbook version now at:
Apple - http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id137...
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Harry-Rothmann...
Barnes and Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/.../wa......
Indie Bound- https://www.indiebound.org/book/97806....
The best versions are the iBook ( for those with MACs and Apple devises), the Kindle, and the hardbound…please avoid the Amazon Paperback (the print is to small). The new Textbook version is the best ( except for the iBook) for those who like supporting materials like pictures, maps, document extracts, etc.🇺🇸
Critics are praising WARRIORS AND FOOLS:
“A thought-provoking, well-researched diagnosis of the Vietnam War” from Kirkus Reviews;
“Through comprehensive research Rothmann sheds light on how Washington and its top brass got it wrong, while America’s brave troops fought a war they had no chance winning. The author also thoughtfully contrasts the US resolve and strategy against that of its enemy. Accessing a trove of interviews with North Vietnamese leadership, Rothmann sheds light on the evolution of the North’s winning strategy.” Amazon Customer.
See Book Trailer - https://youtu.be/cPK3y5iF9Ag
Buy hardcover, paperback, iBook, Kindle or Nook, or Special Textbook version now at:
Apple - http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id137...
Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Harry-Rothmann...
Barnes and Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/.../wa......
Indie Bound- https://www.indiebound.org/book/97806....
October 18, 2021
Death of General Colin Powell
Just learned of the death of General Colin Powell, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for Presidents George H. W. Bush and William Clinton in the late 80 s and early 90s and Secretary of State during President W. Bush later.
From 1990 to 1993 I served as one of General Powell’s senior military advisors on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon (I am the second person in the first row to the right of the General in this PIC). As such I had nearly daily contact with him as an advisor on the National Military Strategy for the First Gulf War, the post Cold War strategies, member of the National Security Council Staff and the Military Contingency Planning
[My book NONE WILL SURPASS describes this period]. It was one of the greatest assignments I had. General Powell was not only a great soldier but wonderful human being. His sudden death is a tragic loss to the country and those who knew him. May you RIP General!😲🥲☹️🇺🇸
From 1990 to 1993 I served as one of General Powell’s senior military advisors on the Joint Staff in the Pentagon (I am the second person in the first row to the right of the General in this PIC). As such I had nearly daily contact with him as an advisor on the National Military Strategy for the First Gulf War, the post Cold War strategies, member of the National Security Council Staff and the Military Contingency Planning
[My book NONE WILL SURPASS describes this period]. It was one of the greatest assignments I had. General Powell was not only a great soldier but wonderful human being. His sudden death is a tragic loss to the country and those who knew him. May you RIP General!😲🥲☹️🇺🇸
August 16, 2021
Lessons Learned: Lessons from our Vietnam War and the Fall of Afghanistan
Though the author of the saying, "Those who ignore history are bound to repeat it" is disputed, what we are seeing today (August 15, 2021) is a perfect example of what can happen when we do ignore history!
My book on the Vietnam War, "Warriors and Fools: How America's Leaders Lost the Vietnam War and Why it Still Matters" in its last third of the narrative argues that there were important lessons learned from the Vietnam War that we are ignoring today.
Moreover, the lack of adherence to or use of those lessons has lead and is leading to the misuse of our military in the world today. The vindication is what has happened in Afghanistan.
My book on the Vietnam War, "Warriors and Fools: How America's Leaders Lost the Vietnam War and Why it Still Matters" in its last third of the narrative argues that there were important lessons learned from the Vietnam War that we are ignoring today.
Moreover, the lack of adherence to or use of those lessons has lead and is leading to the misuse of our military in the world today. The vindication is what has happened in Afghanistan.
March 20, 2021
WARRIORS REMEMBERED
WARRIORS REMEMBERED is a unique book, especially for Vietnam War Veterans. It is written by a Vietnam Veteran, Al Nahas, who wanted to tour the country and survey as many memorials he could find to the war. His chronicle of the results in this book is remarkable as the attached video demonstrates. So if your are veteran of the war and/or a family member this book is well worth your purchase.
It is particularly suitable to display on a cocktail or other table in your house next to my history book of the war, WARRIORS AND FOOLS!
https://youtu.be/qzLHXglwqXc
It is particularly suitable to display on a cocktail or other table in your house next to my history book of the war, WARRIORS AND FOOLS!https://youtu.be/qzLHXglwqXc
October 23, 2020
Webinar on Vietnam War Book
A couple of months ago the US Army’s Heritage Center and Foundation asked me to do a webinar on my book, Warriors and Fools. That webinar covered three major topics from the book: How North Vietnamese leaders formulated and conducted its military strategy that ultimately achieved its goal of unification of Vietnam; Why The US was unable to find an effective strategy to prevent that from happening; and how American leader relationships contributed to their failures.
For those interested, here is a link to that webinar that is archived on the Center’s You Tube site....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYhxP...
For those interested, here is a link to that webinar that is archived on the Center’s You Tube site....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYhxP...
