Osprey Elite 29 : Vietnam Airborne

Whether thunderously shouting 'Airborne!' or 'Nhay Du!', the airborne esprit de corps was a key motivating factor for a select brotherhood of units which once fought in an out-of-the-way corner of the world. The airborne mystique which evolved in World War II was no less alive in the airborne infantry and reconnaissance units that fought in the Republic of Vietnam from the 1950s until the 1970s. The American paratroopers brought the airborne inheritance of the proud units that fought in World War II. The sturdy Vietnamese 'bawouans' inherited their airborne spirit from their French para mentors. And the others - the Australians, New Zealanders, and Thais - each brought their own brand of airborne traditions to the war. Gordon L. Rottman explores the history and uniforms of the airborne troops who fought in Vietnam in this book packed with contemporary photographs which includes 12 full page colour plates by Ron Volstad.

Contents

• Introduction
• Major US Army Airborne Units
• Other US Airborne Units
• Allied Airborne Units
• The Plates