Combat at Close Quarters presents the work of five renowned historians who describe and interpret the U.S. Navy's major combat operations in Southeast Asia, including the Rolling Thunder and Linebacker strikes against North Vietnam, the river war in South Vietnam's Mekong Delta, and the intelligence campaign. The concise, eminently readable test is complemented with over 200 images drawn from Navy archives and private collections, detailed maps, and a select list of the most authoritative works on the subject. The chapters describe not only the actions of the warships, aircraft, and river vessels involved in one of America's longest wars but the professional skill,dedication, and courage of the Navy men and women who went in ""harm's way"" in Vietnam.

About the Author
Edward J. Marolda served as the Acting Director of Naval History and Senior Historian of the Navy. In 2017 the Naval Historical Foundation honored him with its Dudley W. Knox Naval History Lifetime Achievement Award. He has authored, coauthored, or edited nine works on the U.S. Navya's experience in Vietnam. In support of the U.S. Naval Institutea's Oral History Program, he has interviewed Vietnam veterans and retired admirals Stanley R. Arthur and Joseph W. Prueher. As an adjunct professor atGeorgetown University, Dr. Marolda has taught courses on the Cold War in the Far East and the Vietnam War. He holds degrees in history from Pennsylvania MilitaryCollege (BA), Georgetown University (MA), and George Washington University (Ph.D).

Reviews
"For Naval strategists and thinkers this book represents an important contribution. In some respects, it echoes and perhaps aligns with Harlan K. Ullman's book Anatomy of Failure - why America Loses every war it Starts (USNI, 2017), in examining from a geo-strategic perspective the tactical and operational level successes (at close quarters) of the U.S. Navy in Vietnam." - The Navy Magazine

"Most Vietnam veterans know about actions in which they had participated. They witnessed and appreciated the close air support and the artillery and Naval gun fire, yet many are unaware of all the behind-the-scenes activities needed to make those long-range bombs so timely and so accurate. To help learn how it all came together, Combat at Close Quarters is a must-read." - The VVA Veteran

"An excellent and very valuable compilation of four lengthy and well-illustrated monographs or essays describing the role of the US Navy in the Vietnam War. Covering coastal and riverine activities as well as airborne and intelligence contributions, they are set against the very important prevailing political background.... [The book has] useful maps and excellent photographs and paintings." - Ausmarine

"This new illustrated edition provides extensive coverage of U.S. Naval air and o shore fire support in Vietnam. Abundant illustrations, maps and explanatory sidebars help tell the story.... An index and reading suggestions round out this well-written book." - The Ensign

"Combat at Close Quarters is a well-rounded, lavishly illustrated overview, with four contributions from five authors who will be familiar to those in the official history community in the nation's capital.... The result of Marolda's efforts is a professional tour de force, with high-quality writing and exceptional photographs, paintings, and maps, many of them in color." - The Journal of America's Military Past



Book Information
ISBN 9781682471951
Author Edward J. Marolda
Format Hardback
Page Count 360
Imprint Naval Institute Press
Publisher Naval Institute Press
Weight(grams) 995g