{"title":"James H. Willbanks","description":"\u003cp\u003eJames H. Willbanks offers a compelling exploration of pivotal moments in modern military history, with a focus on the Vietnam War. His works, such as \u003cem\u003eHamburger Hill 1969\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Battle of Hue 1968\u003c\/em\u003e, provide detailed accounts of intense combat experiences and the broader strategic challenges faced during these conflicts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReaders can expect meticulously researched narratives that blend tactical analysis with personal stories, bringing clarity and depth to complex battles. Willbanks’ books are essential for those interested in understanding the realities of warfare and the historical significance of these critical engagements.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-battle-of-hue-1968-by-james-h-willbanks-9781472844712","title":"The Battle of Hue 1968","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn late January 1968, some 84,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops launched a country-wide general offensive in South Vietnam. The bitter fighting that raged in Hue for more than three weeks drew the attention of the world.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHue was the ancient capital of Vietnam, and as such, had been previously avoided by both sides; it had not seen any serious fighting prior to 1968. All that changed on the night of January 31st that year when four North Vietnamese battalions and supporting Viet Cong units simultaneously attacked and occupied both parts of the city straddling the Perfume River.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Communist forces dug in and prepared to defend their hold on the city. US Marines and South Vietnamese soldiers were ordered to clear the city, supported by US Army artillery and troops. A brutal urban battle ensued as combat raged from house to house and door to door. Eventually, the Marines and the South Vietnamese forces retook Hue, but it was a bloody fight and resulted in large-scale destruction of the city.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis illustrated volume details one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the Tet Offensive, which led to a sea change in US policy in Vietnam.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47072689553644,"sku":"9781472844712","price":34.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/10584643482712.jpg?v=1765126087"},{"product_id":"hamburger-hill-1969-by-james-h-willbanks-9781472861535","title":"Hamburger Hill 1969","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA highly illustrated, authoritative exploration of Operation \u003cem\u003eApache Snow\u003c\/em\u003e, including the infamous Battle of Hamburger Hill (Ap Bia Mountain), one of the most significant and well-known actions in the Vietnam War.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOperation \u003cem\u003eApache Snow\u003c\/em\u003e was the result of a renewed Allied effort in early 1969 to neutralize the North Vietnamese forces in the A Shau, a 45km-long valley located in southwestern Thua Thien Province. This area had long provided an infiltration corridor for Communist forces from the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos to the coastal cities of northern I Corps Tactical Zone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe ensuing battle to take Ap Bia Mountain, which became known as Hamburger Hill, lasted for ten days. Although US and South Vietnamese forces were ultimately successful in taking the hill, the heavy casualties incurred in the bitter fighting caused a furore in Congress, with many congressmen denouncing the action.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this work, respected Vietnam War historian James H. Willbanks documents the planning and execution of Operation \u003cem\u003eApache Snow\u003c\/em\u003e. The progress of the operation is carefully presented using maps and diagrams, and the forces and weaponry of both sides are brought to life in photos and colour battlescenes. Willbanks also explores why, despite the Allied success in taking Hamburger Hill, the battle came to symbolise the frustration of winning costly encounters without ever consummating a strategic victory.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47995460026604,"sku":"9781472861535","price":44.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781472861535-hamburger-hill-1969.jpg?v=1784895998"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/james-h-willbanks.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}