Vietnam War: Cryptology in North Vietnam – NSA Official History

Description

The text in question refers to a translation produced by the National Security Agency (NSA) of a publication originally released by the Vietnamese People’s Army in 1990, titled “History of the Cryptographic Branch of the People’s Army of Viet Nam, 1945-1975.” This publication was issued by the People’s Army Publishing House in Hanoi.

The translation includes two different editions: one from 2017, which is 182 pages long, and another from 1994, which consists of 205 pages.

Additionally, the translated document features notes that elaborate on the translation process, along with an introductory section authored by David W. Gaddy, who played a significant role in the field of cryptology. Gaddy was instrumental in establishing the NSA’s Center for Cryptologic History and served as its first Chief. His career in cryptology began in 1953 when he worked as a cryptanalyst specializing in foreign languages. Over the years, he held various positions in both staff and line management before eventually being given the responsibility to create the Center for Cryptologic History in 1989, where he led the organization for its initial three years. Furthermore, Gaddy was part of the Senior Cryptologic Executive Service and has academic credentials from both the Armed Forces Staff College and the National War College.

The introductory passage of the original Vietnamese text can be translated into English as: “The History of the PAVN Cryptographic Branch is documented to encompass the development and activities of the army’s cryptographic division, spanning from the fight against French colonial rule to the national struggle against American intervention, covering the period from 1945 to 1975