American Soldiers
The American soldiers who died during the Vietnam War are still strongly remembered today in many ways including memorials; veteran’s halls and parades Even though the American troops had to withdraw from the Vietnam War their families and friends treat them as heroes today. However when they returned home from battle it was a different story. Protesters of the war gave them a very hard time, so the question is how bad was it for an American solider while he was at war in Vietnam? What was life like when they returned home? And how are they being helped today?
The conditions the American soldiers had to fight in were brutal and foreign. The climate was sub-tropical with high temperatures, high humidity and a monsoon or wet climate. This took a toll on American troops physical capabilities, as they were constantly drenched with water and sweat without a chance to fully rehydrate. Patrols went into remote areas that American troops were not familiar with. They had to hike though thick jungle, sharp vines and foliage. Also steep rises and ditches were frequent as they went through swamps and flooded rice paddies. An American solider shares his experience by stating, “It is a terrible country for fighting. The jungle trees and vines that cover the sharp ridges and deep valleys in the mountains make military movement difficult.” This is just a small example of how one soldier felt. Image hundreds in the same condition trying to fight a battle and communicate effectively, it wasn’t easy. The insects, reptiles and animals that lived in this terrain were also dangerous. They included malarial mosquitoes, leaches, ticks, fire ants and 30 different kinds of venomous snakes. Other than the natural dangers soldiers also had to be aware of booby traps put on known patrol routes. Trip wires could be attached to a grenade or mine.[1]
The health problems that came from battle in Vietnam were extensive. Many troops were unable to bathe or to get dry food for days so hygiene was poor. Fungal infections of the feet were a major cause of temporary disability. Skin disease was a leading cause of outpatient visits and hospitalization. Over 40,000 cases of Malaria were reported in troops alone between 1965 and 1970 with 78 deaths. However weekly medication helped keep the deaths from Malaria down from past wars. The problems that are occurring today for veterans include the Hepatitis C Virus that is a common infection carried by the blood and 63% of enrolled veterans testing positive for HCV are Vietnam Era Veterans.[2] This virus can lead to life-threatening conditions. Also Agent Orange posing is proving to be a huge problem. Agent Orange was a mixture of chemical defoliants used by the United States military forces during the Vietnam War to eliminate forest cover.[3]
When the American troops came home they were not treated like heroes compared to the troops that returned from World War I and II. Many troops were treated unfairly due to the unpopular nature of the war. Soldiers that served were portrayed as baby killers, psychos, drug addicts and warmongers. Some protesters threw paint or even urine on veterans or they were confronted at airports carrying signs with anti-war slogans.[4]
Today we are trying to make up for the way the American troops were treated when they returned home from Vietnam. There is money compensation for health problems received during battle, ceremonies honoring them and veterans halls. The military today fully supports its troops in Afghanistan and at home. There is help for soldiers who can’t afford college etc. Even though the veterans of Vietnam were mistreated we know now it was wrong and they are praised for fighting for their country.
By Lauren Lewis
Word Count: 658
[1] "War in Vietnam." War in Vietnam. http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/war_vietnam.htm.
[2] "Vietnam War Health Risks." - We Honor Veterans. http://www.wehonorveterans.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3315.
[3] A&E Television Networks. "Agent Orange." History.com. http://www.history.com/topics/vietnam-war/agent-orange.
[4] "Coming Home: A Study in Contrast." Coming Home: A Study in Contrast. http://www.deltacollege.edu/org/deltawinds/DWOnline01/cominghome.html.