His unit was one of the first "main force" squadrons of Viet Cong ... calling in preliminary strikes before committing any troops, and so the Viet Cong often knew when they were coming.

The diesel-powered M48 carried a 90mm turret-mounted main gun ... North Vietnamese Army (N.V.A.) troops more often used standard-issue gear; their Viet Cong counterparts dressed as the peasants ...