AllMovie

Based on Mike McClear's book of the same name, this program chronicles the history of American involvement in Vietnam. From the 1950s, when Eisenhower sent advisors to help the French in Vietnam, through the American withdrawal of troops from the region, to ultimate surrender by North Vietnam in 1975, the Vietnam issue occupies a unique place in American history. Archival film footage, photographs, personal accounts of soldiers and civilians, as well as commentary by scholars tell the story. This episode centers on the fight for control of the thousands of villages in South Vietnam, where it was impossible to tell friend from foe.