Introduction

Captain Joseph Kinzer was a US adviser with one of the best South Vietnamese divisions, the Airborne Division, for part of 1967 and 1968 and then served as a junior staff officer. He saw plenty of action with the Airborne Division, and has interesting comments about their efficiency- but his comments do not reflect the average ARVN division. The best ARVN units were as good as the best US units, but ARVN units tended to fluctuate considerably depending on their leaders.

Kinzer took part in the large operation that finally relieved Khe Sanh after its siege, and then spent time on the staff before leaving Vietnam in mid-1968.

This interview was part of the Army's program to interview officers and find lessons that could be implemented to help win the war.

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY US ARMY CENTER OF MILITARY HISTORY WASHINGTON, D. C.

UNITED STATES ARMY IN VIETNAM

Oral History Interview VNIT 101

End-of-Tour Interview

CPT Joseph W. Kinzer