In Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam – Robert S McNamara

In Retrospect: The Tragedy and Lessons of Vietnam – Robert S McNamara

McNamara, Secretary of Defense from 1961 to 1967 under both presidents Kennedy and Johnson, has remained silent about U.S. policy toward Vietnam until now. This memoir reveals a decent, loyal, and able man who struggled to remain loyal to the president and yet to get the United States out of Vietnam. When McNamara left office, 15,979 Americans had been killed in Viet Nam; by the time the United States left Vietnam, the number stood at over 58,000.

This book has the feel of a man pooring out his soul. He told the truth as he saw it and I saw no reason to find fault with his history. To get a good feel for the book go to Charlie Rose archives and watch his interview with McNamara and the producer of his documentary.

One thing that will upset many people is to see how McNamara changed over the years but then refused to speak up when he believed the Iraq War was wrong. He knows the war was built on lies but still refused to speak out. That seems to me to mitigate the pooring out his soul for Vietnam.

A must read for those interested in the workings of the federal government during crisis situations. Provided me with an understanding of how the US became involved in the Vietnam War and the conflict of decisions on the prosecution of the war.