Page 199 - Stand Down Vietnam
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General Paul Donal Harkins
First Commander
Military Assistance Command – Vietnam MACV
1962 – 1964
The initial U.S. build up in the Vietnam War occurred
during General Harkins’ controversial command.
He was nicknamed "General Blimp" by the U.S. press
because he was known to inflate the success of the
Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) forces.
When Harkins was replaced in June 1964, there were
reportedly 6,000 U.S. troops in Vietnam.
