Inside Force Recon: Recon Marines in Vietnam

by Michael Lee Lanning, Ray W. Stubbe

Overview

Behind-enemy-lines stories of elite Marines in Vietnam

Force Recon companies were the eyes and ears of the Marine Corps in Vietnam. Classified as special operations capable, Force Recon Marines ventured into the enemy’s backyard to conduct reconnaissance and launched deliberate strikes against the enemy. Lanning and Stubbe blend analysis and you-are-there stories of Force Recon in action to create the definitive account of Recon Marines.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780811718318
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	06/01/2017
Series:	Stackpole Military History Series
Pages:	240
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Michael Lee Lanning, a decorated Vietnam veteran, also wrote Inside the LRRPs (978-0804101660) and The Only War We Had (978-1585446049). He lives near Galveston, Texas. Ray William Stubbe is co-author of Valley of Decision. He lives outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Table of Contents

Foreword General F. X. Kelley vii

Introduction to the Stackpole Military History Series Edition ix

Introduction to the Original Edition xi

Chapter 1 An Elite within an Elite 1

Chapter 2 The Early Days-Beginnings through World War II 5

Chapter 3 The Challenges of Peace and the Rebirth of Force 19

Chapter 4 Vietnam-The Curtain Rises 33

Chapter 5 Force Recon Arrives 41

Chapter 6 Force Recon Finds Frustration 47

Chapter 7 Anatomy of a Patrol 63

Chapter 8 1966 to STINGRAY 69

Chapter 9 The Only Three Combat jumps in Marine Corps History 81

Chapter 10 Third Force Recon Company Goes to War 91

Chapter 11 Work on the Task Force Level 101

Chapter 12 Work on the MAF Level 117

Chapter 13 To Expect the Unexpected: Missions, Information, Bravery, and Dangers Other than the Enemy 133

Chapter 14 Notable Patrols-Extraordinary Men 145

Chapter 15 The Final Days-and Beyond 159

Afterword 165

Appendix A Force Reconnaissance Company Table of Organization to Number M-4623-19 April 1967 167

Appendix B Commanding Officers, First Force Reconnaissance Company 169

Appendix C Commanding Officers, Second Force Reconnaissance Company 171

Appendix D Commanding Officers, Third Force Reconnaissance Company 173

Appendix E Officer in Charge Third Force Reconnaissance Detachment 175

Appendix F Commanding Officers, Fifth Force Reconnaissance Company 177

Appendix G Honor Roll, Vietnam First Force Reconnaissance Company 179

Appendix H Honors, First Force Reconnaissance Company 181

Appendix I Honors, Second Force Reconnaissance Company 183

Appendix J Honors, Third Force Reconnaissance Company 185

Appendix K Honors, Fifth Force Reconnaissance Company 187

Source Notes 189

Bibliography 203

Index 215