This is the second volume in a series of nine chronological histories being prepared by the Marine Corps History and Museums Division to cover the entire span of Marine Corps involvement in the Vietnam War. This volume details the Marine activities during 1965; the year the war escalated and major American combat units were committed to the conflict. The narrative traces the landing of the nearly 5;000-man 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade and its transformation into the Ill Marine Amphibious Force; which by the end of the year contained over 38;000 Marines. During this period; the Marines established three enclaves in South Vietnam's northernmost corps area; I Corps; and their mission expanded from defense of the Da Nang Airbase to a balanced strategy involving base defense; offensive operations; and pacification. This volume continues to treat the activities of Marine advisors to the South Vietnamese armed forces but in less detail than its predecessor volume; U. S. Marines in Vietnam; 1954-1964; The Advisory and Combat Assistance Era.
#2876903 in Books 2013-09-13Original language:English 9.00 x 1.20 x 6.00l; #File Name: 1492149047480 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Exceptionally well-crafted and researched historical fiction that will change the way you will see the Yosemite ValleyBy Chanticleer Book ReviewsThree thousand years of epic historical reach; Edmond G. Addeo presents "Uzumati: A Tale of the Yosemite;" an exceptionally well-crafted novel. The author's enthusiasm and deep love for his subject matter pay off in a big way.Edmund G. Addeo is a master storyteller; talented in weaving historical figures with fictional and displaying the vast stage of the Yosemite Valley for all to enjoy. Readers will be both captivated and entertained by this fascinating story brimming with memorable characters.Uzumati is the name given by the Indians 1;200 years ago to the area commonly known as the Yosemite Valley. The book details how the valley was discovered by the Native Americans and then re-discovered by white settlers in the 19th century. This valley; striking in its beauty; proved to be a safe and plentiful site for those fortunate enough to find it and settle there.Although Addeo’s story focuses on a time period spanning 3;000 years; his skill as a storyteller is evident. Uzumati is both engaging and easy to read; especially when one considers the amount of time and work invested into bringing this story to print. Addeo spent 50 years researching animals; plants; Native American oral history; and news reports from the later years of the era to ensure the story’s accuracy.The book focuses on Choluk; “the discoverer†and his family tree which includes Chief Tenaya who plays an important role. Another memorable player is Major Jim Savage; of the US Army. As the story reaches its climactic conclusion; both Tenaya and Savage are well aware that tensions between the Native American inhabitants and the settlers will likely end in conflict. Readers will find it a struggle to choose a side; and in the end; witness a breathtaking conclusion of betrayal and political treachery.Heartbreaking and beautiful; "Uzumati: The Tale of the Yosemite" is a novel any reader will find hard to put down.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Uzumati is a great read on a whole host of levelsBy Dennis KollerUzumati is a great read on a whole host of levels.If you are already a lover of the Yosemite Valley; this book delights because it takes the reader down through the millenniums from when it was first discovered by Native Americans to the time California became a state..If you are looking for a rollicking good story full of memorable characters who happen to discover the wondrous beauty and haunting spirituality of the Yosemite Valley; then this is a sure read for you.If you are a would-be historian/adventurer; this book would be akin to walking the Northwest Territory with the Lewis and Clark expedition.In short; whatever your interests; you owe yourself the pleasure of reading this novel. It is truly an Epic in every sense of the word.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Hidden valley; now a public treasureBy Charles F. GalanaughThe book is based on the author’s 50 years of personal interest; first-hand experience and research. Clearly; the author loves the subject and primary setting; the Yosemite (Uzumati) Valley in California and strives to convey his enthusiasm to readers. He has succeeded with this reader.Uzumati (Grizzly Bear) was the local Indian name given to a “hidden†valley; which was not discovered by the Indians (descendants of the Asian migration) until about 1200 years ago. It proved to be a safe and bountiful site for the fortunate tribe that settled there. The epic multi-generational stories told in this book provide insights about the struggles leading to the eventual discovery. The story ends by describing the climactic events surrounding the re-discovery of the valley by a new wave of European-American settlers in the 19th century.“Uzumati†as historical fiction; provides imagined events; plausible legends and prototypical characters. The author has relied on current theories of the natural forces; which resulted in the majestic beauty and diversity of the North American continent; as well as archeological evidence of tribal dispersion; tools and culture. He studied the animals; flora and fauna of the region as well as “native American†oral history to imagine pivotal events leading a small tribe to be the first humans to inhabit Yosemite Valley. Historical journals and news reports about the Mariposa Indian War (1851) provided the background for the main characters and events surrounding the forced relocation of the Indians to unsuitable “reservations†outside their beloved and sacred homeland.The book is well crafted. It compresses time in a way that is neither tedious nor confusing. Written as an episodic; historical novel spanning about 3;000 years; the book introduces readers to several courageous Indian leaders who move their people incrementally toward a better; safer place. Each major character is well drawn; events are easy to visualize and descriptions are not burdened with superfluous adjectives. It is an easy book to read. The author’s descriptions of events and scenes are excellent. For example; several paragraphs beginning on page 131 were worth re-reading because they describe the first viewing of the valley and the reaction of the lone discoverer; who “was certain that he had stumbled into the secret dwelling place of every god and spirit of Indian loreâ€.Many characters are memorable including Choluk; the discoverer; and crafty Chief Tenaya; the protector. Most major characters are Indians from Choluk’s family roots; portrayed as brave and intelligent leaders constrained by their limited tools and resources. The most sympathetic and memorable characters include an adventurous Anglo-American (Major Jim Savage) and the Indian companion and father - figure; (“Foxieâ€) who teaches him survival skills and appreciation of native culture; methods and language. A few battles among men and against grizzly bears include feats of physicality and strength that might be depicted; some day; in a spectacular adventure movie; filmed in the very special settings of Yosemite.Ultimately; the region attracted hordes of new immigrants from the east who brought technology to exploit the treasures of the land and the valley could not remain a haven. California became state of the USA in 1851 and the new settlers dominated and displaced the native people. Major Savage and Chief Tenaya; both historical adversaries; respect each other but both know that the final conflict will not end well for the Indians of the valley. The book concludes with mutual betrayal and political treachery.“Uzumati†is an enjoyable read for those who wonder about the dangerous human mass migration to the “new world†and first contacts between primitive cultures and technologically - advanced societies. The conclusion illustrates the practical and moral issues faced by both groups as attempts at cooperation and sharing by the few are sabotaged by the many. The struggle between good intentions and evil actions eventually influences outcomes but mistrust and misunderstanding are common human traits. The author has balanced the narrative but it is difficult not to sympathize with the original immigrants from the west (the Indians). Even today we struggle for better balance between our dependence on upon the nature; which we have discovered; and the technology; which we have invented.Today; of course; the valley and surroundings are preserved as one of the favored U.S. National Parks; widely considered one of the most beautiful locations on earth. The subject and the book have captivated me. It has been an enjoyable reading experience; providing new perspectives on the clash of “manifest destiny†with tribal rights. As a result; I’ve resolved to visit Yosemite in order to experience; for my first time; the awesome beauty of the valley. Like me; most readers of this book may want to feel what was felt by the Indians; by the author and by countless visitors upon their first experience of Uzumati; the sacred valley.
