MWSA Book Review

At the Cutting Edge

Authors:  Sewall Menzel

Publisher:  BookSurge

Reviewer: Bill McDonald – President of the MWSA

An Insightful and Scholarly Look at the History of The Vietnam War

You will perhaps never read a more definitive overview of the historic background leading up to America’s involvement in “The Vietnam War” than what is presented in a very well written Introduction to his book, “At The Cutting Edge,” by Sewall Menzel; and the book does nothing but get better with each page! The author is a Vietnam War veteran and former military officer and now a professor at a university – he is able to give us rare insight gained from his vast educational background, his military leadership and from his own combat experiences. This book really sets the record straight in lots of areas and more than carries out the stated mission of the author: to pay tribute to his fellow veterans, provide perspective on what happened, look at the lessons learned and to examine the policy that brought it about. Menzel brilliantly weaves history with personal knowledge into a very readable and comprehensive take on the Cold War, The Vietnam War and on the campaigns into Laos and Cambodia.

This book should be a mandated text book at our military academies. There is much wisdom between these pages that needs to be passed down to future generations of both military and political leaders. Menzel comes across with a sobering and intellectual look at our past but, as with all good history books, come lessons on everything from strategy and tactics to political polices.

This book is more than a history lesson – it is also damn good entertainment. It makes a great read. I strongly recommend this book for anyone seeking to understand the Vietnam War and its origins and how the Cold War was played out on the hot battlefields around Asia. Sewall Menzel knows what he is talking about and does a superlative job of sharing his knowledge with his readers. This book gets the MWSA’s Top Book Rating – FIVE STARS!

Reviewer: Joe Fabel – MWSA Review Board

Our author, Sewall Menzel, presents us with a thought provoking portrayal of balancing the demands of command with the fighting needs of our troops. An attacking force to be successful must rely upon a chain of command which is aware of the odds facing its soldiers. Supplies, equipment, directions, all of the support needs must be available and in place to insure success.

Menzel as a commanding officer constantly placed himself in the forefront of action. He wanted to be aware of what faced his men. The ability to apply pressure to the enemy, the quickness in issuing orders for defense, awareness of terrain, all must be weighed for a successful engagement.

Through At the Cutting Edge, we travel through many areas of operation in Vietnam valleys and hills, on roads, trails, rivers and through the heavy jungle growth. Our eyes are opened when the author presents army and air force actions in Cambodia and Laos, the supposed neutral areas which the enemy uses with impunity for supplying his troops.

Successful completion of assigned tasks is rewarded with promotion which brings additional responsibilities. The author was noted for his ability to develop new and effective counter defensive strategies to frustration tactics of the enemy.

The book is most instructive to those who might question America’s plans and execution of tactics. Menzel has the knack of clearly explaining how operations work effectively.

This work is recommended to those who wish to come to grips with the factual story of our commitment of forces to combat those who threatened that part of the world. It is a revelation to people who might believe the United States lost the war.