Topics in International RelationsFound In Hamburger Hill
Topics in International Relations Found In “Hamburger Hill” Matthew D Warin GVPT 200 0204 4/29/03 The Vietnam War was the most difficult loss of a conflict in American history. ... In John Irvin’s film “Hamburger Hill” based on the true story of the 101st Airborne, a series of battles during the Vietnam conflict are depicted in dramatic fashion. ... Reasons for America’s defeat during the conflict are numerous, but can be attributed to a few solid topics. ... The topics of ethnic conflict, the domino effect, and non-traditional military operations are all depicted in Irvin’s film, and are absolutely relevant in the understanding of the Vietnam War. In the fight for Hamburger Hill, the men of Bravo Company, part of the highly distinguished and honored 101st Airborne Division, face an uphill battle to capture Hill 937, Ap Bia Mountain, in an area of Vietnam known as the Ashau Valley. ... After 56 Americans are killed and 420 are wounded, the troops capture the hill and kill 597 Vietnamese. Forces involved in capturing the hill suffered 70% battle casualties; this figure includes wounded, killed, captured, and missing. The hill is recorded in history as Hamburger Hill, and the actions there are widely criticized in the US. ... Irvin’s film, “Hamburger Hill” follows the involvement of several of the soldiers caught in the fighting during the battle to capture the hill, given its nickname because, “it chews up soldiers like chopped meat” (Hamburger Hill). ... In one particular scene of “Hamburger Hill,” Frantz orders his men to move out. ... These forces were a main factor in the defense of Hill 937 in 1969. In one scene a showdown between Frantz and a news reporter shows the simultaneous admiration and hate for those soldiers and rebels defending the hill. The reporter approaches Frantz and says, “Hey, word down at Division is you guys can’t take this hill. ... By stating that the news reporter had not earned the right to be on the hill, Frantz shows his respect for those he is fighting above the very people he is fighting to defend.