A Soldier Reports (Signed Association Copy)
New York: Doubleday and Company, 1976. 8vo. Near Fine / Very Good. Item #16174
A wonderful association copy inscribed by Westmoreland to fellow Lieutenant General Bernard W. Rogers, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army and former Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe.
"To: Bernie Rogers - With the hope that my account will do justice to the worthy efforts of our military performance during a turbulent era. Best personal regards, W. Westmoreland"
Westmoreland oversaw the buildup of American forces in Vietnam and the transition from the existence of an American advisory force into full-fledged warfare. He was highly regarded back in the States and was even named Man of the Year by Time Magazine. However, he could not overcome the fallout from the Communist success of the Tet Offensive in 1968 and was eventually removed from command.
Rogers was a highly decorated officer during the Vietnam War and one of the select few Generals to receive the Distinguished Service Cross, awarded for leading a "successful counterattack against a Vietcong raid on a South Vietnamese special forces camp. He rallied troops on the ground and personally scouted enemy positions from a low-flying helicopter under heavy fire."
Rogers eventually rose to the rank of Lieutenant General and held the position of Chief of Staff on the United States Army during the Carter Administration and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), North Atlantic Treaty Organization, during the Carter and Reagan Administrations.
Westmoreland's warm inscription, on the front flyleaf, is written in bold black marker and encompasses most of the page.
Numerous photos of Westmoreland with dignitaries, including Henry Cabot Lodge and Lyndon Johnson among others, as well as photos from Vietnam. Maps of North and South Vietnam and the DMZ are on the pastedown and endpapers.
1st Edition. Navy and black cloth with titling stamped in gilt to spine. Square tight binding. Mild edge wear to binding. Mild offsetting to flyleaf, possibly by a former bookmark or receipt, which minorly affects the left side of the inscription.
Dust jacket in excellent condition, with mild edge wear and a hint of age toning to edges. Presents handsomely in archival mylar.
A very handsome copy of the personal narrative of Westmoreland, who had pivotal influence on the outcome of the Vietnam War.
Price: $500.00