Chapter 3, Part V Khe Sanh Summary and Analysis

Two realities define the war: that of the Marines at Khe Sanh, and that of the higher command levels who talk to reporters. The reality that the higher command levels describe goes directly against what the Marines experience. In simple terms, the higher command levels lie to make things seem better than they are. Bad weather is good; heavy casualties are light; defeat is a change in tactics.

Colonel David Lownds acts as the press secretary for the seige of Khe Sanh. He brushes off criticism with platitudes and false confidence, and he denies any knowledge of Dien Bien Phu, although this is highly unlikely. Despite the slippery ways the colonel has with the press, Herr believes him to be a good soldier who would do things differently if he had his way...