John Paul Vann

John Paul Vann was born John Paul LeGay in Norfolk, Virginia during the Great Depression. He was a redneck in every sense of the phrase, a hard worker, quick-tempered and fearless. Vann was a career Army man who fought in Korea and then in Vietnam. He served in Vietnam from March 1962 until April 1963. At the end of his tour of duty he was reassigned to the Pentagon to work in logistics while he waited to take classes that would elevate him from lieutenant colonel to full colonel. While at the Pentagon, Vann offered briefings to anyone who would listen regarding his views on the war in Vietnam. Vann's views were considered unacceptable by some people in power. Vann chose to retire after twenty years of service in the Army.

Vann worked in a civilian job for a while, but it lacked the excitement and frantic pace...