Name—William Westmoreland
Date of death—Monday night at Bishop Gadsden retirement home in Charleston, S.C.
Age—91
Cause of death—Natural causes
Background—Was a retired general. He commanded troops in Vietnam. Vietnam was the nation's longest and most divisive conflict. It was the only war America has ever lost. His son, James Ripley "Rip" Westmoreland said he had lived with his wife for several years at the retirement home.
Description of Westmoreland—He had silver hair and had been described as a "jut-jawed officer."
More background—He served during World War II in Europe. He saw action in North Africa, Sicily and Europe. He moved quickly through the ranks, becoming a colonel by age 30. During World War II, he served as commander of the 34th Field Artillery Battalion, which battled German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. His troops respected him and were loyal to him. He was known for joining in the thick of battle rather than remaining behind the lines at a command post. During the Korean War, he was promoted to brigadier general. He later served in the Pentagon under Army Chief of Staff Maxwell Taylor. Westmoreland was named superintendent of West Point in 1960. In 1964, as a three-star general, he commanded American troops in Vietnam. He later said that he did not know how history would view him. He always contended the United States did not lose the conflict in Southeast Asia.
Quotation from Gen. Westmoreland—"It's more accurate to say our country did not fulfill its commitment to South Vietnam. By virtue of Vietnam, the U.S. held the line for 10 years and stopped the dominoes from falling…. Few people have a field command as long as I did. They put me over there [Vietnam] and they forgot about me. But I was there seven days a week,
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working 14 to 16 hours a day. I have no apologists, no regrets. I have my very best efforts. I've been hung in effigy. I've been spat upon. You just have to let those things bounce off."
More background—In 1982, Westmoreland let thousands of his comrades in the November veterans march in Washington to dedicate the Vietnam War Memorial. This came after many of the wounds caused by the divisive Vietnam War had begun to heal.
Quotations from Gen. Westmoreland—"[The march was] one of the most emotional and proudest experiences of my life."
More background—During his later years, the general often spoke to Vietnam veteran's groups. He accepted invitations to visit veterans' groups in all 50 states, according to his son "Rip" Westmoreland.
Quotation from "Rip" Westmoreland—"That [the speaking engagements] became, in effect, his raison d'etre. He did not have a point of view on Vietnam but he did not speak about that. He was not out there trying to justify anything. He was there looking at the veterans with his wonderful presence."
More background—After his tour in Vietnam, Westmoreland was promoted to Army chief of staff. He retired from active duty in 1972. He continued to lecture and participate in veterans' activities. In 1982, he was involved in a famous libel action. He filed a $120 million lawsuit against CBS for a documentary titled "The Uncounted Enemy: A Vietnam Deception." The documentary implied that he had deceived President Lyndon B. Johnson and the public about enemy troop strength in Vietnam. The trial lasted 18 weeks. It was held in New York City. The case was settled before it was sent to the jury.
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Exercise 13.5
(26.0K)
2007 McGraw-Hill Higher Education