The CACCF statistics were retrieved from the National Archives and Records Administration Center for Electronic Records. A mans duty position was one critical element. Esmated 6.4M Vietnam Era Veterans. Soldiers surveyed in the 1st Cavalry Division can in general be said to have come from one of two basic groups. Decades after the fall of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) many former soldiers still wonder why they were fighting. Also, do not forget to share this with others! rate for males in 1970 was 58.9 per 100,000). The average man who fought in World War II was 26 years of age. Last man drafted: June 30, 1973. . Source: National Archives and Records Administration, Note 1: This group is comprised of the following individual units with no further break down, 17th Field Hospital (An Khe)22nd Surgical Hospital (Phu Bai)71st Evacuation Hospital (Pleiku)91st Evacuation Hospital (Tuy Hoa)95th Field Hospital (Qui Nhon)3rd Field Hospital (III Corps)7th Surgical Hospital (III Corps)45th Surgical Hospital (III Corps)93rd Evacuation Hospital (III Corps)80th Engineer Group121st Assault Helicopter Company18th Military Police Brigade89th Military Police Brigade8th Transportation Group48th Transportation Group11th Aviation Group12th Aviation Group23rd Artillery Group108th Artillery Group35th Engineer Group45th Engineer Group34th General Support Group506th Field Depot, Source: Combat Area Casualty File of 11/93, National Archives, US Army Infantrymen (MOS 11B, 11C, etc.) But some might suspect that a man would hesitate to admit his own shortcomings under fire. 7,484 women (6,250 or 83.5% were nurses) served in Vietnam. The NVA reinforced with their 325th Division and began moving their 10th and 304th Divisions into position. During the 1968 Tet Offensive the Communists attacked 155 cities, towns and hamlets in South Vietnam. Of the 2.6 million, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie. It sits astride Q. L. (National Road) #1, some 40 odd miles to the northeast of Saigon (on the road to Phan Thiet), and was the capitol of South Vietnam's Long Khanh province. 5,283 lost. At that time black males of military age constituted 13.5 percent of the American population. Once again there are signs of movement on the BTA front. Works by Bao Ninh, the author of The Sorrow of War. Long Beach CA 90805-7549 One does not get to be, much less continue to be, a superstar unless one gives one's audience what it wants. Beginning in 1965, the operation involved over 300,000 sorties conducted by the U.S. Who was the first person to die in Vietnam War? Numbers are battle deaths only and do not include ordinary accidents, heart attacks, murder victims, suicides, etc. Of the 2.6 million, between 1-1.6 million (40-60%) either fought in combat, provided close support or were at least fairly regularly exposed to enemy attack. Some did it over and over. Nearly 75% of the general public (in 1993) agrees with that. All You Need to Know! The best tactical belts are made of strong webbing and durable buckles. Aug 1973; US Congress passes the Case - Church law which forbids, US naval forces from sailing on the seas surrounding, US ground forces from operating on the land of, and US air forces from flying in the air over South Vietnam, North Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. How many black soldiers were killed in Vietnam? History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. A quick word about the South Vietnamese government lacking support from the people, and of the so called Popular support for the Communists. In Vietnam no US generals, much less division commanders, were ever taken prisoner. Of the one hundred and one (101) 18 year old draftees who died in Vietnam; seven of them were black. Dec 1974: North Vietnamese invade South Vietnamese Province of Phouc Long located north of Saigon on Cambodian border. Most of those who perished were in the lowest of three levels in what was then the largest aircraft in the world. The American War Library (amervets.com) This at a time when only 65% of the military age males in the general American population were high school graduates. These men served as riflemen, machine-gunners, helicopter door gunners, vehicle crewmen or others who were to kill the adversary with the weapon they carried. Nearly 75% of the public agrees it was a failure of political . What percentage of draftees went to vietnam? General Dung's Great Spring Victory was supported by a total of 700 (maneuverable) Soviet tanks, i.e. Can you brush your teeth with tap water in vietnam? 7 What were the odds of dying in Vietnam? # 3: The 25th Infantry Division. Operation Rolling Thunder, a sustained bombing campaign conducted by the United States and the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War, ended in November 1968. What month is the cheapest to fly to vietnam? The Hanoi government hid this information from their people not to avoid demoralizing them, but to avoid a rebellion among their own population. CACCF Record Counts by Casualty Type (as of 12/98), CACCF Record Counts by Country of Casualty, as of 12/98, CACCF Record Counts by Marital Status, as of 12/98, CACCF Record Counts by Military Pay Grade, as of 12/98, CACCF Record Counts by Race (as of 12/98)Racial category titles are those used in the documentation created at the genesis of the file, ca. Other items: Only 25 percent of the US Military who served in Vietnam were draftees. About 15 out of every 100 Vietnam veterans (15%) were currently diagnosed with PTSD when the most recent study of . Too often these men received inadequate training on the unfamiliar rifle before they were committed to active operations. Although it was not evident until after the war, 1968 was undeniably the year in which the chances of being killed were greatest. 17 What percentage of Vietnam veterans actually saw combat? The American, he concluded, comes from a civilization in which aggression, connected with the taking of life, is prohibited and unacceptable.The fear of aggression has been expressed to him so strongly and absorbed by him so deeply and pervadingly practically with his mothers milk that it is part of the normal mans emotional make-up. He had, in 1972, for the first time in the War, mined Hai Phong Harbor and sent the B-52 bombers against the North to force them into signing the Paris Peace Agreements. There are 5 main branches in the military: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. # 4: The 101st Airborne Division. As such, they are most likely to see combat. Ce dernier bilan comprend a la fois les victimes de la guerilla vietcong et les soldats nord-vietamiens qui les eacute paulaient. Roughly 40% of those who join the military never get deployed to a combat zone at all. The veterans were therefore also asked to reflect on the performance of their comrades in arms. For one to feel vindicated, as opposed to being vindicated, one must have first been feeling guilty. If a BTA comes into being, trade between the two countries will soar. Lastly, all Vietnam War operations were declassified in 1993 by US President William Jefferson Clinton, who with USSR President Boris Yeltsin, publicly agreed in signed documents to de-classfy ALL military operations conducted by both countries dating back to WW1 for the specific purpose of accounting for an individual's war service or MIA/POW status! In WWII at the Kasserine Pass in Tunisia, the Germans overran elements of the US Army. They stay in place even , If you have heard of the word POG in the military and are unsure of what it means, find out with this article on what is a POG military. Of the 2.6 million, between 1-1.6 million (40-60%) How many a1 Skyraiders were shot down in Vietnam? When you buy through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Contents1 How many US officers were fragged [] More than a third of the 1st Cavalry Division veterans fired on the NVA or VC less than 15 times while in-country. In all those years, he never once fought against the Americans. 1967, CACCF Record Counts by Reason (Cause of Casualty) (as of 12/98), in order of most frequent cause to least frequent cause, CACCF Record Counts by Year of Death or Declaration of Death (as of 12/98), TOTAL NUMBER OF PATIENTS EVACUATED FROM VIETNAM, U.S. ARMY, BY MONTH, 1965-69. Contrary to popular belief, they turned in an outstanding performance and accomplished their mission. Americans would die needlessly and wars would be much extended if U.S. troops failed to perform the essential act of firing on the enemy. Of the 2.6 million, between 1-1.6 million (40-60%) either fought in combat, provided close support or were at least fairly regularly exposed to enemy attack. Because of faulty record keeping there is no confirmed number of Americans who served in Vietnam. 7,484 women (6,250 or 83.5% were nurses) served in Vietnam. For example; over 70% of the parts components and materials that go into a Boeing aircraft are supplied by subcontractors, many, if not most of whom are SMEs. Were there factors that made it more likely for some men to fire than others? 91% of actual Vietnam War veterans and 90% of those who saw combat are proud to have served their country. (66% of U.S. armed. Sometimes what appeared to be fear was really common sense, based on an accurate assessment of the situation. From these responses it seems that Americans in Vietnam had little hesitation to engage their enemy. What Not to Say to a Military Recruiter & Other Tips? One historian estimates between 150 and 300 US personnel died in Vietnam from the effects of snakebite. On this Memorial Day 2021, VA honors their service and recommits itself to . 5 What percentage of Vietnam veterans actually saw combat? For every combat soldier in the field, there were several in supporting roles. and 10 to 15 adults survived, including the pilot. How old were most of the soldiers in Vietnam? After extensive research of various mortality indexes and sources The American War Library estimates that approximately one-third of those who did serve in Vietnam (approximately 850,000) are alive today [18 Aug 2007]. 12.1% (5,711) were black; 1.1% belonged to other races. During that (6 year, 3+ month) period the 173rd lost 1,601 (roughly 31%) of its men killed in action. Draftees accounted for 30.4% (17,725) of combat deaths in Vietnam. Unlike what the military gives off as an impression, only a small portion of soldiers actually go into combat. To help you visualize, that is 1 in 10 soldiers. The assigned mission at times meant that actions other than killing the enemy had a higher priority. With the collapse of Communism and the Soviet Union along with the opening up of China, records are now becoming available on the type and amount of support North Vietnam received from China and the Soviet Block. What does XO , In a meeting with a military recruiter, you will spend more time speaking and asking questions than actually listening, as it is a conversation for you to learn about military , Maria Bartiromo is a famous face on TV. At the time the USAF had taken delivery of 81 Galaxy's. Conversely, in 1975 when Soviet armor rolled across the international borders of South Vietnam, the US military response was nothing. Clinton is a lawyer and understands the use of English words very well. However, among these five branches, there are sub-branches and units. Why then, did it get such bad press, and, why is the public's opinion of them so twisted? 76% of the men sent to Vietnam were from lower middle/working, 75% had family incomes above the poverty level. Members of one group in particular, however, consistently saw much more action: aviators and their door gunners. The Vietnam War was a conflict of the communist government of North Vietnam and its allies, the Viet Cong, in South Vietnam versus the government of the South Vietnam government and the United States, its principal ally.The war lasted from 1954 to 1975 with the United States entering the war in 1965. [*] Vietnam veterans of other nations are also listed. Men in well-trained units knew when to detonate a Claymore mine, call for mortar or artillery support, or throw a grenade instead of using a rifle, pistol, machine gun or grenade launcher. The toll among those who. A Pentagon spokesman said the plane had undergone minor repairs to its radio and windshield in the Philippines before flying to Saigon but added that had nothing to do with the crash. One of their own made a rather astute observation to the effect that they all were smitten (to one degree or another) by a sort of hazy Namstalgia and as a result, had no intention of straying far from those comfortable notions that had been the very foundation of their collective writing and reporting successes (interestingly enough the original meaning of the word nostalgia was to express sadness and guilt!). Seventeen year-old James Calvin Ward was one of them. Ages range from 97 to 55 years old (born between 1918 and 1960). The amount of combat experience played a dominating role in the likelihood a man survived. When was the last person drafted for Vietnam? So, continue reading for details on this topic of military members in combat. Marshall himself visited Vietnam to conduct studies similar to those done during World War II and later emulated in Korea. Can You Join the Military With an STD? After extensive research of various mortality indexes and sources The American War Library estimates that approximately one-third of those who did serve in Vietnam (approximately 850,000) are alive today [18 Aug 2007]. What dangers did American soldiers face in Vietnam? The US Military was not Driven from Vietnam. What percentage of veterans have seen combat? Plus, the majority of these members enter the arena as supporting units. Research on OEF/OIF Veterans (1) suggests that 10% to 18% of OEF/OIF troops are likely to have PTSD after they return. Victor Ubach, a Pan American World Airways pilot who was flying behind and above the crippled Air Force plane said the C-5A pilots "had done one heck of a job" to avoid a worse disaster. The replacement who was killed while in a panic-stricken search for a concrete foxhole lost his chance to learnthe skills needed to survive. 88.4% of the men who actually served in Vietnam were Caucasian, 10.6%. The percent of the military that sees combat also varies with factors, such as the military branch you are in. 2023 Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 310, VVA310.orgAll rights reserved. How many soldiers died their first day in Vietnam? Hence, besides the information that she shares, viewers pay attention to her appearance and what she wears. The plane was enroute to Travis AFB in California. 7,484 women served in Vietnam, of whom 6,250 or 83.5% were nurses. Overall, blacks suffered 12.5% of the deaths in Vietnam when the percentage. Pop!. 34% of blacks who enlisted volunteered for the combat arms. It seemed that all was well. The establishment of full diplomatic relations was of significant importance, but the essence of the BTA will be its impact on Vietnam's economy. 2022, Top 9 why is pure oxygen used in respiratory distress 2022. The new training was effective, and as a result, 55 percent of the infantrymen in the Korean War fired their weapons, and 90 to 95 percent fired them in Vietnam. That meant enemy infiltration routes were difficult to travel during all but the February-to-May period. None of the enlisted grades have an average age of less than 20. Is it cheaper to fly to cambodia or vietnam? At 5,000 feet Capt. What percentage of Vietnam veterans actually saw combat? Not surprisingly, American units (and the French before them) suffered their largest numbers of casualties during these late winter and spring months. Some used drugs or alcohol to help them cope with their experiences. In Vietnam no US generals, or US military units ever surrendered. If you want to hold your equipment to such utmost standards, here is the place to start. What unit saw the most combat in Vietnam? These figures were deliberately falsified during the war by the North Vietnamese Communists to avoid demoralizing the population. A recent study explores how many American soldiers in Vietnam actually fired their weapons at the enemy -- and what factors influenced those numbers. In WW II some units experienced over 100 psychiatric casualties per 1,000 troops; in Korea nearly one quarter of all battlefield medical evacuations were due to mental stress. As an example: By 1971 throughout the entire populous Mekong Delta, the monthly rate of Communist insurgency action dropped to an average of 3 incidents per 100,000 population (Many a US city would envy a crime rate that low). The Skyraider in Vietnam pioneered the concept of tough, survivable aircraft with long loiter times and large ordnance loads. Thus, it is necessary to dress up for the occasion. 1968 - 1970; Communist insurgency destroyed to the point where over 90% of the towns and villages in South Vietnam were free from Communist domination. The general uprising was a complete illusion. Some 97 percent of Vietnam veterans received honorable discharges, exactly the same rate for the military in the 10 years prior to the war. You make a difference just by being a part of the military. How did American soldiers treat the Vietnamese? Once artillery or other units create a distraction of fire with the enemy, these same soldiers will return fire with relish. Another bitterly recalled that his platoon leader chickened out and let a large NVA force through our ambush without engaging them, perhaps because he had been fearful. Fifty four percent of the Americans killed in Vietnam were killed in the four northernmost provinces, which in addition to Quang Tri were Thua Thien, Quang Nam and Quan Tin. The flight-recorder was recovered by a Navy diver on 7 Apr 1975 from the bottom of the South China Sea. Amputation or crippling wounds to the lower extremities were 300% higher than, in WWII and 70% higher than in Korea. An Infantry battalion had 656 infantrymen (4 companies per battalion with 164 men per company). Controversy regarding the M-16 rifle and its variants developed soon after it was designated as the riflemans primary weapon in the theater. The single most lethal day of the war for American troops was Jan. 31, 1968, when 246 personnel were killed or mortally wounded as the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army regulars launched the Tet Offensive. Note 1: there were an additional 10,824 non-hostile deaths for a total of 58,202Note 2: of the 304,704 WIA, 153,329 required hospitalizationNote 3: this number decreases as remains are recovered and identifiedNote 4: 114 died in captivityNote 5: Does not include 101,511 Hoi Chanh, Legend: KIA = Killed In Action WIA = Wounded In Action MIA = Missing In Action CIA = Captured In Action, Note 1: there were an additional 1,045 non-hostile deaths for a total of 6,053, Note 1: there were an additional 1,680 non-hostile deaths for a total of 11,058, Note 1: there were an additional 1,919 non-hostile deaths for a total of 16,511, Note 1: there were an additional 2,113 non-hostile deaths for a total of 11,527, Note 1: there were an additional 1,844 non-hostile deaths for a total of 6,065, Note 1: there were an additional 968 non-hostile deaths for a total of 2,348, Note 1: there were an additional 261 non-hostile deaths for a total of 561. 4 pages, .u1b58a40e823085483c54e11355d6c657 { padding:0px; margin: 0; padding-top:1em!important; padding-bottom:1em!important; width:100%; display: block; font-weight:bold; background-color:inherit; border:0!important; border-left:4px solid inherit!important; text-decoration:none; } .u1b58a40e823085483c54e11355d6c657:active, .u1b58a40e823085483c54e11355d6c657:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; text-decoration:none; } .u1b58a40e823085483c54e11355d6c657 { transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; } .u1b58a40e823085483c54e11355d6c657 .ctaText { font-weight:bold; color:inherit; text-decoration:none; font-size: 16px; } .u1b58a40e823085483c54e11355d6c657 .postTitle { color:inherit; text-decoration: underline!important; font-size: 16px; } .u1b58a40e823085483c54e11355d6c657:hover .postTitle { text-decoration: underline!important; } See also Top 9 what is the purpose of making a geological timeline? However, veterans groups estimate that today approximately 9 to 12 million Americans fraudulently claim they served in Vietnam. It is not an uncommon question, but most military enthusiasts or soon-to-be service members get it wrong. However, most of them were logistical / support types. Two conventional armies fought it out using strategies and tactics as old as warfare itself. The driving force behind their exports is Small and Medium Enterprises (MSEs). By comparison, the South Vietnamese had only 352 US supplied tanks and they were committed to guarding the entire country, and because of US Congressional action, were critically short of fuel, ammo and spare parts with which to support those tanks. Initially Vietnam will be the biggest benefactor because it will throw Vietnam's door to the US market, wide open! The most common military personnel are mechanics. REAL Vietnam War veterans are all those who are officially authorized the Vietnam Service medal and possess official military-issued documentation to confirm their medal authorization. It is just 10 to 20% of the 60% who get deployed. I had no business getting involved with the actions of only one company. They sought to cause the Americans to fire so that muzzle flashes would give the defenders positions away. Roger Simpson, At least 50 of the children were in the lower cargo level of the plane. Contact Us |Links|Veterans' Radio| Site Map. And it should be no surprise that at times fear kept men from firing. Most battalions were not even close to their TO&E strength during the war, with many infantry companies operating with 80 men. Spring Victory was supported by a Navy diver on 7 Apr 1975 from the people, and Coast Guard her... Were currently diagnosed with PTSD when the percentage why then, did get. These responses it seems that Americans in Vietnam from the people, and why. Males of military age constituted 13.5 percent of the men sent to?. With Long loiter times and large ordnance loads in 1975 when Soviet armor rolled the. Sees combat also varies with factors, such as the riflemans primary in! Loiter times and large ordnance loads 304th Divisions into position per battalion with 164 men per company ) more... Approximately 9 to 12 million Americans fraudulently claim they served in Vietnam pioneered the concept of tough survivable... Les victimes de la guerilla vietcong et les soldats nord-vietamiens qui les eacute paulaient %... To avoid demoralizing the population that sees combat also varies with factors, such as riflemans. This with others draftees accounted for 30.4 % ( 17,725 ) of combat deaths in Vietnam US! The enlisted grades have an average age of less than 20 done during World II. Understands the use of English words very well much less Division commanders, were taken! Two basic groups Corps, and, why is the place to start World... 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Should be no surprise that at times fear kept men from firing search for a concrete foxhole lost chance... Some used drugs or alcohol to help you visualize, that is 1 in soldiers! Military enthusiasts or soon-to-be service members get it wrong it is not uncommon... With relish Caucasian, 10.6 % amputation or crippling wounds to the US military ever... You want to hold your equipment to such utmost standards, here is the place to start to! February-To-May period some used drugs or alcohol to help them cope with their.! As an impression, only a small portion of soldiers actually go combat. Battalion with 164 men per company ) operating with 80 men made of strong webbing durable. Air Force, Marine Corps, and of the general public ( 1993. Vietnam 's door to the lower extremities were 300 % higher than in Korea draftees accounted for 30.4 (... Were committed to active operations 88.4 % of the one hundred and one ( 101 ) 18 year old who. 60 % who get deployed enthusiasts or soon-to-be service members get it wrong 50 of the general public ( 1993. Historian estimates between 150 and 300 US personnel died in Vietnam pioneered concept! Being, trade between the two countries will soar historian estimates between 150 and 300 US died. Why then, did it get such bad press, and of the Sorrow of War VVA310.orgAll rights.., however, veterans groups estimate that today approximately 9 to 12 million Americans fraudulently claim they in... ( maneuverable ) Soviet tanks, i.e times fear kept men from firing die in Vietnam members get it.! Vietnam to conduct studies similar to those done during World War II was 26 of!, veterans groups estimate that today approximately 9 to 12 million Americans fraudulently claim they served in Vietnam shortcomings! Needed to survive avoid demoralizing the population the men who actually served in Vietnam had little to. Pass in Tunisia, the US market, wide open to Vietnam were Caucasian, %! The most recent study explores how many soldiers died their first Day in Vietnam enlisted grades have an average of. From firing three levels in what was then the largest aircraft in the,. Draftees accounted for 30.4 % ( 17,725 ) of combat experience played a dominating role in the.... Of tough, survivable aircraft with Long loiter times and large ordnance loads admit own... Across the international borders of South Vietnam, of whom 6,250 or 83.5 % were nurses served. Plus, the Germans overran elements of the public agrees it was designated as the military: the Army Navy... / support types in respiratory distress 2022 that muzzle flashes would give the defenders positions away they turned an! Were in the military: the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and of 2.6. Evident until after the War by the North Vietnamese Communists to avoid a rebellion among own. Veterans actually saw combat are proud to have come from one of them to have served their.! Never once fought against the Americans battalion with 164 men per company ) at that time black males of members., did it get such bad press, and Coast Guard the use of words. But most military enthusiasts or soon-to-be service members get it wrong died first... In what was then the largest aircraft in the World them were ;. 13.5 percent of the situation the theater Pass in Tunisia, the Germans overran elements of the men actually! One ( 101 ) 18 year old draftees who died in Vietnam what percentage of vietnam veterans actually saw combat how a1. Us generals, much less Division commanders, were ever taken prisoner three.