How were soldiers recruited for the Vietnam War?
On December 1, 1969, the Selective Service System of the United States conducted two lotteries to determine the order of call to military service in the Vietnam War in the year 1970, for men born from January 1, 1944 to December 31, 1950.
Where did the US send troops in Vietnam?
Da Nang
On March 8, 1965, 3,500 U.S. Marines landed near Da Nang in South Vietnam, thereby escalating the Vietnam Conflict and marking the United States’ first action of the subsequent Vietnam War.
Why did Vietnam veterans receive a cold homecoming?
Veterans’ views of the antiwar movement Many Vietnam veterans blamed the antiwar movement for the chilly reception they got upon returning to the United States. They believed that it was not fair for antiwar protesters to question their actions during the war.
Who initiated the Vietnam draft?
Opposition to the draft during Vietnam was widespread, with some personally opposed to forced military service, some opposed to the war as a whole as illegitimate and immoral, and some opposed to the system of deferments which led to a disproportionately working class force in Vietnam— as many as three quarters of …
Who withdrew troops from Vietnam?
President Nixon
September 16, 1969 – President Nixon orders the withdrawal of 35,000 soldiers from Vietnam and a reduction in draft calls.
How did American soldiers get to South Vietnam?
From Alaska we flew to Japan for more refueling, then on to South Vietnam. We landed at Bien Hoa (I believe that’s where we landed) and spent several days in the general vicinity in-processing. Later we were transported down into the delta to Vinh Long Army Airfield and that’s where we set up shop.
How many American soldiers were captured in the Vietnam War?
Since most of the fighting in the Vietnam War took place in South Vietnam, few American combat soldiers were captured and taken prisoner by North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces. Most of the nearly 600 Americans who became POWs were pilots whose planes were shot down during bombing missions over North Vietnam.
Where are US soldiers still buried in Vietnam?
SAIGON, South Vietnam, Aug. 27 — Helicopters and planes still arrive daily at remote corner of Tansonnhut Airfield carrying the bodies of United States soldiers, sailors and airmen.
What was the average age of American soldiers in Vietnam?
The men who served in Vietnam also tended to be younger than the U.S. soldiers who had fought in previous wars. The average age of American troops in Vietnam was nineteen, compared to an average age of twenty-six for U.S. soldiers in World War II (1939–45). During most of the Vietnam War,…