The Fall of Saigon: Scenes from the Sudden End of a Long War

Rating:
Summary: an eyewitness remembers the last days
Review: Butler was a reporter in Vietnam when the world came crashing down on the South Vietnamese government, the United States that had backed it, and the people who had joined the American cause. This is a searing book, worth any number of lofty Frances FitzGerald tomes. Butler was on the street, in the bars, and driving down the road. What's more important, he loved Vietnam and the Vietnamese. Their tragedy was his tragedy. Go find this book, in a library or a used-book store; it's worth the effort. And if you're a publisher, for God's sake get it reprinted.

Rating:
Summary: The view from the last days of Saigon...
Review: In this book, David Butler expertly details his first-hand experience of the last two months of Saigon and South Vietnam in the spring of 1975. The book is very readable, but quite tragic and touching at the same time. After reading this book, I was simply stunned that South Vietnam had collapsed so quickly after so many years of fighting. This book gives all the details and is highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: The view from the last days of Saigon...
Review: In this book, David Butler expertly details his first-hand experience of the last two months of Saigon and South Vietnam in the spring of 1975. The book is very readable, but quite tragic and touching at the same time. After reading this book, I was simply stunned that South Vietnam had collapsed so quickly after so many years of fighting. This book gives all the details and is highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: Fall of Saigon, the Long War is over at last
Review: This book documents the last few chaotic weeks of the US presents in Vietnam. The human story is effectively conveyed by first hand accounts of eyewitnesses from many strata of Vietnam society. The author, an NBC reporter in Saigon, witnessed these events firsthand. His unique perspective and access to the diplomatic corps adds a fascinating credibility to the book. His discussion concerning the actions and statements of Ambassador Graham Martin particularly intrigued me. Did Martin's decisions during that period contribute to the frantic last minute evacuation that left many friendlies stranded? The author makes no judgments. Butler includes transcript of many diplomatic cables to and from Martin and Secretary of State Kissinger and the White House concerning events and plans for evacuation and rescue. Reading these transcripts today still convevs a strong emotional impact for this reader. Interspacing these high level discussions are the stories of a whole society turned upside down while "we" skipped town. The Fall of Saigon is not an easy book to read. We are forced to confront the final conclusion of our failed crusade. Our goal was the minds and the hearts but we ended up fragmented the lives of the people we were suppose to help. When one considers the sacrifices made by both countries in treasure and lives the facts concerning the events of April-May 1975 are hard to digest, even after 30 plus years. No judgments are made here, no accusing fingers are pointed; we must read, and ponder.