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 * General William Westmoreland:**

Date: January 1976 Location: White House

Did the United States win or lose the Vietnam War?
The United States did unfortunately lose the Vietnam War, or properly known as the Vietnam Conflict, as it was never declared as war.

General William Westmoreland was the commanding officer of the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was at the reigns during many black stains on U.S. history but is still renowned as one of the most respected and powerful military figures in all of history. In 1960, he was appointed commander of the military in South Vietnam. He was very experienced guerilla warfare and that became the sole reason he was appointed. He was the youngest Major General at 42, and played an important role in increasing the number of troops in Vietnam. American Society criticized his ability to lead the military after the Kne Sanh. Communist North Vietnam attacked many Southern Cities and also faced many losses of their own. Westmoreland refused President Nixon's attempt to cover-up the Mylai Massacre and chose to investigate instead. That was criticized politically but well liked among many U.S. citizens. The tens of thousands of USA deaths during the Tet Offensive also brought intense criticism upon him.
 * Describe the criticisms of American society the individual or group made** __**and**__ **what goals they hoped to achieve.**


 * Explain the methods the person or group used to share their message. Be sure to provide examples.**
 * General Westmoreland was a** very influential figure in the war and had a huge voice in the decisions. He believed if we attacked the North with overwhelming force then we could easily win the war. He was very violent and straight forward in his efforts. He coined and began the program, "Search and Destroy", to search for NLF members and destroy them. He worked hard to fight for his nation and to strategize in the best and most powerful ways possible. His efforts eliminated 2 million Vietnamese people but it did not destroy their will and pride. The Vietnamese people were very relentless in their efforts and refused to give up under Westmoreland's harsh attacks.

General William Westmoreland was a very modest and respectable military figure. His honesty in the Mylai Massacre and the Phong Nhi Massacre showed that he was responsible and courageous. He asked for a full investigation of those involved and showed his greatness. Westmoreland planned to use heavy and large force to therefore exploit the Communist's lack of supplies, men, technology, and weapons. Westmoreland had been known as innovative and wise in his options and efforts. His methods were not always used but he had every plan for every situation. His goal was to free Vietnam of Communism and to protect Laos and Samolia from Communism as well. Southeast Asia was considered a "win" by Westmoreland.
 * Discuss the intent to which the goals and methods used by the individual or group were practical in this time period.**

Westmoreland has often been scrutinized for "losing" the Vietnam War but he is not always at fault in the eyes of many historians. Westmoreland may not have made the correct strategic decisions but he was successful in defending off the Communist army. The Guerrilla forces were what truly crippled the American forces. Westmoreland was successful in becoming a powerful Major General and holding his position of full control of the US Army. Westmoreland was a successful General, gentleman, and leader.
 * Evaluate the successes the individual or group had in promoting their position.**

"I don't think I have been loved by my troops, but I think I have been respected."
 * Famous Quotes:**

"I was participating in my own lynching, but the problem was I didn't know what I was being lynched for."

__**Works Cited**__ Andrade, Dale. "Gen. William C. Westmoreland Was Right." //History Net: Where History Comes Alive//. Vietnam Magazine, 22 Apr. 2009. Web. 01 May 2012. 

"William Westmoreland." //Wikipedia//. Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Apr. 2012. Web. 01 May 2012. .