The Tunnels of Cu Chi

A Harrowing Account of America's Tunnel Rats in the Underground Battlefields of Vietnam

By: Tom Mangold, John Penycate

Narrated by: Jeff Harding

At the height of the Vietnam conflict, a complex system of secret underground tunnels sprawled from Cu Chi Province to the edge of Saigon. In these burrows, the Viet Cong cached their weapons, tended their wounded, and prepared to strike. They had only one enemy: US soldiers small and wiry enough to maneuver through the guerrillas’ narrow domain.

The brave souls who descended into these hellholes were known as “tunnel rats”. Armed with only pistols and K-bar knives, these men inched their way through the steamy darkness where any number of horrors could be awaiting them - bullets, booby traps, a tossed grenade. Using firsthand accounts from men and women on both sides who fought and killed in these underground battles, authors Tom Mangold and John Penycate provide a gripping inside look at this fearsome combat. The Tunnels of Cu Chi is a war classic of unbearable tension and unforgettable heroes.

“A claustrophobic but fascinating tale.” (The Wall Street Journal)

“Chilling...what war really was and how it was fought.” (The New York Times)

“Gripping...highly recommended.” (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

“Remarkable.” (The Washington Post)

©1985 Tom Mangold (P)2021 Random House Audio

Great Story and differnt view point

Excellent Story and from a whole different view point and perspective of live in tunnel and about role of the Tunnelrats.

The strength and work ethics of the Vietnamese people 

Highly recommended and very well written, and a great history lesson I wish we could keep from fighting wars! 

Chalk full of interesting bits of history and personal accounts

I loved the information on the subject hence why I chose this title, but I think after 75% of the way through it over-stayed its welcome and just went on too long. But definitely a recommend for Vietnam enthusiasts or those wanting details on an undermentioned role in the war and it’s even fair and poignant to both sides, maybe even more VC than US.

Good perspective

Super cool to hear perspectives of the tunnel from both sides! Totally recommend to anyone even curious about the tunnels.

A fascinating history

Lots of firsthand accounts from tunnel fighters. Plus helpful context about tactics and history. Helps to know some basics about the Vietnam war beforehand

The narrator is fine

Ignore negative comments about the reader. The narration is just fine.
This book is excellent and covers a part of the Vietnam war few today know. Definitely check it out!

Terrific information

Great stories from both sides on a much overlooked topic, my grandfather was a tunnel rat for two separate tours and thus book really helped me appreciate and understand what he went through

No room for claustrophobia

The authors provide rare insight into the subterranean war that in some ways defined the conflict in Vietnam. The magnitude of the tunnel systems in use were likely never understood by American Ground commanders until well after American involvement ended if at all. To their credit, the authors do this with a rich, unbiased perspective of both sides involved.

Well worth a listen.

Very sadly informative

I served in Vietnam in 1966 to 1967. I Was on Guam when the B-52’s were bombing Vietnam Cambodia and the likes. And Last but not least I was in Thailand in 1975 when Vietnam fell. Needless to say I have a long history with Vietnam. I really enjoyed this book because It gave much insight into the war from both sides. So many men lost on both sides and a country disrupted all for nothing. 58,000 American lives lost because we believed In our leaders from the White House, to Imbeciles like Westmorland. Now as then, the American fighting man is still the best in the world. However, like a snake the body is no good without the head! What a waste precious lives.

The Tunnel rats

Wow. Just trying to imagine navigating the tunnels like this makes one uneasy. The dual perspective from both the Viet Cong and the United States makes it even more fascinating. Those who had the job of working the tunnels deserve far more recognition than they’ve ever received and then some. Amazing work.