The Vietnam War was among the longest and most unpopular wars in which Americans ever fought. The first combat troops arrived in 1965 and fought until the cease-fire of January 1973. For many American Veterans of the war, the wounds of Vietnam will never heal.
“No event in American history is more misunderstood than the Vietnam War. It was misreported then, and it is misremembered now.”
President Richard Nixon
Approximately 8,700,000 American men and women served in the armed forces during Vietnam, with over 3 million deployed to Southeast Asia. During and after the conflict, America did not welcome its Veterans back as heroes. Many Veterans were attacked personally by their fellow countrymen, who opposed the war. This situation magnified the stress associated with their combat experiences.
Also contributing to the stress many Veterans experienced was the lack of unit cohesiveness as many soldiers were sent to Vietnam as individuals and left when their year’s tour was completed. They often traveled to and from Vietnam by air, being an active combatant one day and a Veteran returning to a hostile civilian environment the next. They reported being spat upon as they disembarked at the airport and being uncomfortable wearing their uniform in public. Following the war, Veterans experienced many readjustment problems and adverse health effects, many of the latter attributed to Agent Orange.
Vietnam War Statistics
- August 4, 1964 – January 27, 1973
- Total who served in all Armed Forces: 8,744,000
- Deployed to Southeast Asia: 3,403,000
- Battle Deaths: 47,424
- Other Deaths (In Theatre): 10,785
- Wounded: 153,303
- Medals of Honor: 238
- Living U.S. Veterans (2026): 6,200,000 (approx.)
Unique Health Risks
Those that served during the Vietnam War – anytime between November 1, 1965, and April 30, 1975 – may be at risk of certain health conditions. These include:
- Diseases related to Agent Orange: A toxic chemical used to clear trees and plants during the war that can cause long-term health effects
- Hepatitis C: An infectious disease that can harm your liver
- Hearing problems caused by noise: Harmful sounds from guns, explosives, rockets, heavy weapons, jets and aircraft, and machinery that can cause or contribute to hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Illnesses or injuries caused by occupational (job-related) hazards: Chemicals, paints, radiation, and other hazards you may have come in contact with through your military job
