Vietnam Order of Battle

by Shelby L. Stanton

A monumental, encyclopedic work of immense detail concerning U.S. Army and allied forces that fought in the Vietnam War from 1962 through 1973. Extensive lists of units providing a record of every Army unit that served in Vietnam, down to and including separate companies, and also including U.S. Army aviation and riverine units. Shoulder patches and distinctive unit insignia of all divisions and battalions. Extensive maps portraying unit locations at each six-month interval. Photographs and descriptions of all major types of equipment employed in the conflict. Plus much more!

Genres: Reference, Military History, History

396 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Capt. Shelby L. Stanton graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate of the ROTC program at Louisiana State University, Shelby was commissioned as an infantry officer in the Regular Army. Shelby went to infantry officer school and was awarded the Parachute Badge, Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab. He served for six years on active duty during the Vietnam War as a paratrooper, combat rifle platoon leader in the 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry (Airborne) of the 3d Brigade, 82d Airborne Division; with the U.S. Army Special Forces, Thailand, as a Ranger Advisor to the Royal Thai Special Warfare Center, at Lopburi. He commanded a Special Forces long-range reconnaissance team in Laos and southeast Asia.

Overseas, Shelby was wounded in action in hostile fire at Nam Yu, Laos. Shelby medically retired from the U.S. Army with the rank of captain and numerous military accolades. For his military service, he was awarded the Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Air Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Special Forces Combat Patch, Combat Infantryman Badge, Scuba Diver Badge, Thailand Parachute Badge, Thailand Fourragere,and Royal Laotian Parachute Badge.

After separating from the U.S. Army, he returned to Louisiana State University where he earned a Masters in Educational Administration and a Juris Doctor. He was admitted to the bar in the states of Louisiana and Texas.

Starting in the late Seventies he would have a brisk second career as a military historian of the 20th century U.S. Army.

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a reference book, and I've referenced it several times, hence counting it "read."

I found it instructive to examine the proportion of casualties with respect to branch of service. The USMC served well. Semper Fi.

[Bob Andrepont · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most complete book on the subject I have found, basic information including dates, location, and organization for all American Army units in Vietnam and some information on equipment our allies.

[David Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book .. The definitive record of America's military involvement in Vietnam from an organizational viewpoint.. A great reference guide for Veterans looking for their unit or anyone doing research