

Secrets & Standoffs: Vietnam War Spy Networks - Part 2
7 snips May 14, 2025
Larry Serra, a former Naval Intelligence Liaison Officer during the Vietnam War, shares gripping tales from his covert operations along the Vietnam-Cambodia border. He discusses the challenges of trust and intelligence in a fractured environment and uncovers critical communist supply routes. Serra's insights include a top-secret weapons agreement that he brokered, showcasing the delicate balance of power during a tumultuous period. His personal reflections underscore the importance of intelligence and camaraderie among veterans amidst the chaos of war.
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Parrot Mimics Enemy Voices
- Larry Serra recounts a tense night patrol using acoustic sensors near the Vietnam-Cambodia border.
- They detected sounds that turned out to be a parrot mimicking American voices, illustrating field challenges.
CIA Distrust Hampered Intelligence
- CIA distrusted Navy intelligence about Communist weapons smuggling in Cambodia.
- This skepticism hindered effective targeting of actual supply routes, favoring outdated Ho Chi Minh Trail bombing.
Critical Port Dredge Discovered
- Larry Serra conducted a thorough port survey of Sihanoukville, discovering a suction dredge was key for port functionality.
- He concluded disabling the dredge could neutralize the port without destructive bombing.