General Westmoreland became deputy commander of Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) in 1964, and was known for positive assessments of U.S. military prospects in Vietnam. In South Vietnam the strengthening of the communist combat forces required more troops to be sent to be sent. When General Westmoreland first arrived there were about 16,000 troops and while under his command it reached a peak of 535,000 in 1968; this had him promoted to Army Chief of Staff for his services. Overall he served for 36 years and took part in World War II, the Korean war, and the Vietnam war. He retired from the Army in 1972
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Westmoreland
Very interesting facts. Three wars to fight seems a bit much though.
ReplyDelete36 years and three wars is a lot to handle and a lot to survive through!
DeleteWow! Must have been a really good general to go from 16,000 to 535,000 in just four years, and to serve in three major wars. I commend him for his courage and service.
ReplyDeleteI thought it was interesting to learn that he served for 36 years and took part in three wars. Also the fact that in had increased the number of troops to that many is outrageous.
ReplyDeleteIt is awesome that he took command of so many people, it shows what a true leader he was!
DeleteI would hate to be in three different wars. He is a strong man to be able to survive that.
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