South Viet Nam: After Crossing Over

The most courted combatant in the history of war may well be the Communist in South Viet Nam—or rather, the potential Communist defector. Bombarded with leaflets promising a better life on the other side, the Viet Cong or North Vietnamese fighter who comes in from the heat can often within min utes collect tangible rewards at a government reception center. The rewards include fresh food, medical care and cash. In the four years since the government launched its Chieu Hoi (Open Arms) program, 83,000 Viet Cong have defected. That is the equivalent...