The Vietnam WarCarrie Bianchetti

Maggie SchultzShane Roberts

Mattie Lauroesch

Time Toasthttp://www.timetoast.com/timelines/vietnam-

war--370

Facts2,709,918 Americans served in uniform in Vietnam

240 men were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War.

58,148 were killed in Vietnam.

The Vietnam War is one of the longest military engagements in recent history. The conflict raged on for nearly 20 years, from November 1, 1955 to April 30, 1975.

FactsThe most important effect of the Vietnam War was the

inhibition of the “Domino” effect. The United States had feared that if Vietnam were to be unified as a communistic country, more countries would follow in their footsteps. Although Vietnam was a communist state, when the US entered the war, this convinced the nearby countries to not become communist countries.

The United States spent approximately $111 billion on the war during their involvement.

A survey found that 90% of American war veterans were glad about their involvement in the Vietnam War, and over 70% would participate once again in spite of knowing the result.

The DraftYoung men would gather in college dorms to

watch TV and listen to radio broadcasts of the U.S. Selective Service System drawing lottery numbers to figure out who would and would not be drafted in the Vietnam War.

A lottery drawing was held on December 1, 1969, at Selective Service National Headquarters in Washington, D.C. to determine who would be drafted into the Vietnam War. The people who were chosen were born between January 1, 1944, and December 31, 1950.

The lottery changed from the "draft the oldest man first" method to men being drafted and picked to be in the war.

MythsMyth: Most Vietnam veterans were drafted.Fact: 2/3 of the men who served in Vietnam were volunteers.

Myth: A disproportionate number of blacks were killed in the Vietnam War.Fact: 86% of the men who died in Vietnam were Caucasians, 12.5% were black, 1.2% were other races.

Myth: The United States lost the war in Vietnam.Fact: The American military was not defeated in Vietnam. They did not lose a battle of any consequence. From a military standpoint, it was almost an unprecedented performance.

Richard NixonOn January 23, 1973, President Richard Nixon

announced an accord had been reached to end the Vietnam War. In a televised speech, Nixon said “end the war and bring peace with honor.”

The New York Times reported, “Obviously pleased by the long-awaited development, ending the longest war in American history, Mr. Nixon said the Hanoi-Washington agreement ‘meets the goals’ and has the ‘full support’ of President Nguyen Van Thieu of South Vietnam.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nVGxJvE0Y4

Home Coming Stories“I joined the US Marine Corps in 1969; I just graduated from

Freeman high school. There were two from our 1969 graduation class who joined the Marines. Like all new recruits in boot camp, you ask yourself, Why did I do this? and How do I get out of this mess I got myself into? My parents were against me joining the Armed Forces and especially the Marines. For a while I thought they were correct. I learned to accept my situation and to make the best of it. The training was hard, but worth it. Because of this training, I was looking forward to going to South Vietnam. The Vietnam War for me was difficult but rewarding. My experience there has stayed with me for the rest of my life. I believe I have come to terms with the war and have used this in a positive manner. I am proud to have served in Vietnam. There are very few Americans and very few servicemen who have served in a combat zone and realized this experience.” Allen J. Adrian, Sioux Falls, SD

Home Coming Stories“I was proud to have served my country in Vietnam and

elsewhere for more than 30 years. I was honored to display the small South Dakota state flag that was sent to me from the state Capitol while I was serving in Vietnam. And I was pleased that the state legislature approved a bonus for veterans of the Vietnam era.”Calvin L. Peterson, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

“After my one year in Vietnam, the flight out was such a relief. There was total silence on that plane until the pilot announced we were out of Vietnam air space. Then there was a roar and applause. Yes, that night and others I will never forget.”Harlan (Harley) J. Schmidt , Tehachapi, California

Home Coming Stories“While serving in Vietnam from the years 1967

to 1969, I was assigned to assist physicians and corpsman in the villages that were liberated from the Viet Cong and NVA. The visions of the Vietnamese people who had survived over half a century of internal struggle will remain in my mind and in my heart forever. We, as Americans, should kneel down and thank the Good Lord that we have the privilege and honor to live in this great country.”William R. Herzog, Las Vegas, NV