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: U.S. 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.

Praise for The Tunnels of Cu Chi

“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

Critic reviews

“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

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.

How the tunnels where made and defended

I liked it all and was fascinating quick reading. I never knew about how much of a roll the tunnels played

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.