The End of
the Rope
The End of the Rope: The Ripcord Campaign and American Disengagement in Vietnam is the most comprehensive account of the Battle of Firebase Ripcord ever written. Author James R. Smither spent fifteen years conducting in-depth interviews with Ripcord veterans, making this book an unprecedented record of the men who fought there and the campaign they endured.
The book examines the Ripcord campaign within the larger context of American military withdrawal from Vietnam — illuminating not just the fierce fighting at Firebase Ripcord from March 12 through July 23, 1970, but the strategic decisions and human costs that defined that pivotal period of the war.
Building on earlier accounts of the campaign, Smither’s work also corrects the historical record where needed, drawing on firsthand testimony from the soldiers who were actually there. This is their story, told in their own words.
Book Details
Half Price for Association Members
Members of the Ripcord Association may order The End of the Rope at a 50% discount using an exclusive promo code available from the Association. Contact the Ripcord Association to receive your promo code before placing your order at the Casemate Publishers website.
To get your promo code, email us at frankmarshall@ripcordassociation.com or contact any board member. The code applies directly on the Casemate Publishers order page.
OFF Members only
Order from Casemate Publishers
Pre-orders are open now directly from the publisher’s website. The book ships on its release date of May 1, 2026. Use your member promo code at checkout for the 50% discount.
Pre-Order at Casemate →Get Your Member Promo Code
Before ordering, contact the Ripcord Association to receive your exclusive 50% member discount promo code. Not yet a member? Membership is free — join today and save on the book.
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