who was the most decorated soldier of the vietnam war
Jorge Otero Barreto


Rican veteran," and the news media and various organizations have called him "the most decorated soldier in the Vietnam War." Whatever the case, Otero Barreto remains one of the most decorated Vietnam War veterans, and possibly the most decorated U.S. soldier in the Vietnam War living today. On 22 June 2012, Otero Barreto was the keynote speaker at a Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dinner in Lorain, Ohio. On 1 September 2006, the "Coalición Nacional Puertorriqueña" (National Puerto Rican Coalition) honored Otero Barreto with a "
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Joe Hooper (Medal of Honor)


He attended drills only intermittently and was separated from the service in September 1978. For his service in Vietnam, the U.S. Army also awarded Hooper two Silver Stars, six Bronze Stars, eight Purple Hearts, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Vietnam Service Medal with six campaign stars, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He is credited with 115 enemy killed in ground combat, 22 of which occurred on February 21, 1968. He became one of the most decorated soldiers in the Vietnam War, and was one of three soldiers who
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Puerto Ricans in the Vietnam War


rear medical facilities, Private Rodriguez succumbed to his wounds. Sergeant First Class Jorge Otero Barreto was born in the town of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. He served in five tours in Southeast Asia, starting as an advisor who helped train Vietnamese troops. He earned 38 decorations, making him the most decorated soldier in Vietnam in the United States military. His military decorations included 2 Silver Star Medals, 5 Bronze Stars with a "V" device for Valor, 4 Army Commendation Medals, 5 Purple Heart Medals and 5 Air
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History of the United States Army Special Forces


of war, had a ground element completely made up of Special Forces soldiers. The main SF unit in South Vietnam was the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). SF soldiers assigned to the 5th Group earned sixteen Medals of Honor in Vietnam, making it the most prominently decorated unit for its size in that conflict. The unit was also awarded the coveted Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War from 1 November 1966 – 31 January 1968. Army Special Forces personnel also played predominant roles in the highly secret,
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List of Puerto Rican military personnel


Desert Storm and in the military campaigns of Afghanistan and Iraq, in what the United States and its allies refer to as the War on Terror. Some Puerto Ricans became notable commanders. Some have been awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States; or the "Cruz Laureada de San Fernando" (Laureate Cross of Saint Ferdinand), the highest military decoration awarded by the Spanish government. In World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War Puerto Ricans were the most decorated Hispanic soldiers
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Military history of Puerto Rico


Cross for his actions on March 16, 1967, for saving the life of his platoon commander, Lieutenant Ronald D. Castille, (one of the seven justices of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania). U.S. Senator Charles Schumer has recommended that Mendez' award be upgraded to the Medal of Honor. The most decorated Hispanic American soldier in the Vietnam War was Sergeant First Class Jorge Otero Barreto from the town of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. Otero-Barreto, has also been recognized by the media as the most decorated U.S. soldier
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Jorge Otero Barreto


Sergeant First Class Jorge A. Otero Barreto (born 7 April 1937), a.k.a. "the Puerto Rican Rambo", is a retired United States Army soldier. He earned 38 military decorations during his career, and has been called the most decorated U.S. soldier of the Vietnam War. Due to his multiple awards he has received recognition from numerous organizations and has had buildings named after him. He is also the main subject of "Brave Lords", a documentary which tells the story of the Puerto Rican experience in the war
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Spirit of America Festival


given since receiving the Medal of Honor for heroism in Vietnam, directed a great tribute to the "American Soldier" to a gathering of over 20,000 people. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan addressed a crowd of over 60,000 people at that year's festival. The Audie Murphy Patriotism Award is named in honor of America's most decorated soldier from World War II, and Medal of Honor recipient Audie Murphy. Murphy, who was to have been the guest speaker at the 1971 Spirit of America Festival, died in a plane crash
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Jorge Otero Barreto


States Army specializing in parachute landing operations and in the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. He participated in 200 combat missions, was wounded five times in combat, and was awarded 38 military decorations, making him "the most decorated soldier of the Vietnam War." Among his many decorations are 2 Silver Stars, 5 Bronze Stars with Valor, 4 Army Commendation Medals, 5 Purple Hearts and 5 Air Medals (one each for every 5th mission which involved a helicopter). Otero Barreto has been called "the most decorated Puerto
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List of Australian Victoria Cross recipients


were for action in the First World War when a total of 64 medals were awarded. Nine of these awards were for action during the Gallipoli Campaign. 20 medals were awarded for action in the Second World War, 6 in the Second Boer War, 4 in the Vietnam War and 2 in the Russian Civil War. Twenty-eight Australians have been awarded the medal posthumously. Notably, one recipient—Captain Alfred Shout VC, MC (who was also Mentioned in Despatches)—was Australia's most decorated soldier of the Gallipoli campaign.
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Awards and decorations of the Vietnam War


for US military members who received awards. If an award recipient no longer possesses an original award, companies or individuals have available for purchase South Vietnam's military insignia and awards. A listing of the most commonly bestowed Vietnam war era decorations is as follows: Several decorations (Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal) may be awarded for valor, or for merit. Awards for valor recognize bravery in action against an enemy and have an attached "V" device valor
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Politics of Puerto Rico


awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the United States, also several Puerto Ricans have attained the rank of General or Admiral, which requires a Presidential nomination and Senate confirmation. In World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War Puerto Ricans were the most decorated Hispanic soldiers and in some cases they were the first to die in combat. According to a December 2005, report by the President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status, it is not possible "to bind future (U.S.)
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David Janssen


why me?" One could not help feeling sorry for his Fugitive character of being quiet, unassuming, afraid, but mainly caring for others. On an episode, he stopped to help an old lady cross the street, on another; he helped a young, attractive woman start up her stalled car in the middle of nowhere. His films include "To Hell and Back", the biography of Audie Murphy, who was the most decorated American soldier of World War II; John Wayne's Vietnam war film "The
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Joe Hooper (Medal of Honor)


Joe Ronnie Hooper (August 8, 1938 – May 6, 1979) was an American who served in both the United States Navy and United States Army where he finished his career there as a captain. He earned the Medal of Honor while serving as an army staff sergeant on February 21, 1968 during the Vietnam War. He was one of the most decorated U.S. soldiers of the war and was wounded in action eight times. Hooper was born on August 8, 1938 in Piedmont, South Carolina. His family moved when
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Olinto M. Barsanti


Olinto Mark Barsanti (November 11, 1917 – May 2, 1973) was commander of the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, commanding during the Tet Offensive and during subsequent operations around Bien Hoa and Huế. He previously served during World War II (in Normandy, Brittany, and Belgium) and the Korean War (at Seoul, Inchon, and with X Corps). He is one of the most highly decorated American soldiers in history, receiving approximately 60 decorations, including the DSC, DSM, 5
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Daniel D. Fernández


Daniel D. Fernández (June 30, 1944 – February 18, 1966) was a United States Army soldier in the Vietnam War who received the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. Fernández was awarded the medal for his actions in Hậu Nghĩa province, Republic of Vietnam, in February 1966 — throwing himself on a live grenade, he sacrificed his life to save lives of the soldiers around him. Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on June 30, 1944, Fernández grew up in nearby Los Lunas.
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David H. McNerney


David Herbert McNerney (June 2, 1931 – October 10, 2010) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. A native of Massachusetts who moved to Houston, Texas, as a child, McNerney served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War before enlisting in the Army. He was recognized with the Medal of Honor when, as a first sergeant in Vietnam on March 22, 1967, his company
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Ethnic minorities in the US armed forces during World War II


descent. During World War II, about 18,500 Armenians served in the armed forces of the United States. A number of them were decorated for their service, including Col. Ernest Dervishian, a native of Virginia, who was awarded the Medal of Honor. US Marine Harry Kizirian is considered the most decorated soldier of the state of Rhode Island. Another Marine Captain, Victor Maghakian is considered one of the most decorated American soldiers of the war. The highest-ranking Armenian-American during World War II was Brigadier General Haig
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Modesto Cartagena


Sergeant First Class Modesto Cartagena (July 21, 1921 – March 2, 2010) was a member of the United States Army who served in the 65th Infantry Regiment, a military regiment consisting of Puerto Rican enlisted soldiers and officers from the continental United States also known as "The Borinqueneers," during World War II and the Korean War, becoming the most decorated Hispanic soldier in that war. He was the most decorated Puerto Rican soldier in history. Cartagena (birth name: Modesto Cartagena de Jesús ) was born in a
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Luis J. Landin


Luis Jorge Landin (May 26, 1930 – August 26, 2010), was a Mexican-American Korean War and Vietnam War veteran who has received numerous decorations for his bravery in both wars. Landin completed three tours of combat duty while in Vietnam and is known as Laredo's most decorated war hero. Landin enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948, where he was a combat infantrymen. Within a couple of years into his enlistment, he began his first tour of duty in Korea in late 1951. Landin would become
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Armenian Americans


including Col. Ernest Dervishian, a native of Virginia, who was awarded the Medal of Honor. US Marine Harry Kizirian is considered the most decorated soldier of the state of Rhode Island. Another Marine Captain, Victor Maghakian is considered one of the most decorated American soldiers of the war. The highest-ranking Armenian-American during World War II was Brigadier General Haig Shekerjian (who had previously served in the Pancho Villa Expedition and as an American military attache in the Middle Eastern theater of World War I). He was
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United States–Vietnam relations


on Bill Clinton was instrumental in the Clinton administration's decision to lift the trade embargo against Vietnam. Both Kerry and McCain were decorated war veterans and congressmen who served on the Senate Select Committee on P.O.W./M.I.A. Affairs. In this role, they became intimately familiar with the issue of missing American soldiers, frequently traveling to Vietnam and coordinating with Vietnamese government officials. Following years of public anguish in the United States over the fate of missing servicemen as well as measurable progress by the Vietnamese government in meeting related American demands, Kerry and McCain
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Military history of Australia during the Vietnam War


on Australian operations was provided by David Hackworth, Vietnam's most decorated US soldier. "The Aussies used squads to make contact... and brought in reinforcements to do the killing; they planned in the belief that a platoon on the battlefield could do anything." For some Viet Cong leaders there was no doubt the Australian jungle warfare approach was effective. One former Viet Cong leader is quoted as saying: "worse than the Americans were the Australians. The Americans style was to hit us, then call for planes and artillery
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Awards and decorations of the Vietnam War


after North Vietnam's victory in the Vietnam War. Therefore, the country of South Vietnam's awards and decorations are considered obsolete. With the fall of South Vietnam, that country's official records of who received which awards disappeared. Records or evidence of awards were sometimes maintained by U.S. military units or in an award recipient's service record, so those may be available to an award recipient looking for confirmation of a (defunct) foreign country award received. Despite being obsolete, earned foreign South Vietnam decorations and awards remain authorized
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Awards and decorations of the Vietnam War


Awards and decorations of the Vietnam War were military decorations which were bestowed by the major warring parties during the years of the Vietnam War. North Vietnam, South Vietnam, and the United States all issued awards and decorations during the conflict. In year 2015 some active duty military members (with at least 40 or more years service) can be seen wearing Vietnam War awards, which were earned at the beginning of their military careers (the Vietnam War officially ended in April 1975). South Vietnam as a country ceased to exist
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Shady Spring, West Virginia


. The water gushes out copiously, runs on the surface a few rods and runs again into the earth,” according to “Raleigh County: West Virginia” by Jim Wood. Basil L.Plumley a decorated soldier who fought in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam is a native of Shady Springs. He is best known for the role he played in the Battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam. As of the census of 2000, there were 2,078 people, 869 households, and 636 families residing in the CDP.
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Ted Belcher


Ted Belcher (July 21, 1924 – November 19, 1966) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. He was also a recipient of a Purple Heart, a National Defense Medal, and both the Vietnam Service and Vietnam Campaign Medals. Belcher joined the Army from Huntington, West Virginia in April 1943, and served in World War II. By November 19, 1966 he was serving as a Sergeant
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Gary B. Beikirch


Gary Burnell Beikirch (born August 29, 1947) is a former United States Army soldier who received the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War. A combat medic, Beikirch was awarded the medal for exposing himself to intense fire in order to rescue and treat the wounded, and for continuing to provide medical care despite his own serious wounds, during a battle at Dak Seang Camp, Vietnam. Beikirch was born on August 29, 1947, in Rochester, New
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1975 in the Vietnam War


900 of 7,000 South Vietnamese rangers, who provided most of the defense of the convoy, and 5,000 of 20,000 other Vietnamese soldiers are known to have survived. (Many of the soldiers probably deserted rather than report for duty.). Quảng Trị, the northernmost city of South Vietnam, was occupied by the North Vietnamese without a fight, the defenders having been evacuated by sea. North Vietnam changed the name of Campaign 275 to the "Ho Chi Minh Campaign." The original plan of North Vietnam had been to gain
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The Fourth War


The Fourth War is a 1990 film directed by John Frankenheimer, set in West Germany of late 1980s. Its title stems from a famous quote by Albert Einstein: "I cannot predict how the Third World War shall be fought, or with what; I can, however, predict that the Fourth World War shall be waged with sticks and stones." Colonel Jack Knowles (Roy Scheider) is a tough, professional soldier who was decorated for gallantry in Vietnam. However, the same gung ho mentality that made Knowles
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Louis R. Rocco


Chief Warrant Officer Two Louis Richard Rocco (November 19, 1938 – October 31, 2002) was a United States Army soldier who received the Medal of Honor—the United States' highest military decoration—for his actions near the village of Katum, in the Republic of Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. Despite being wounded, Rocco saved three comrades from a burning helicopter. Born on November 19, 1938, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Rocco was the third of nine children born to Louis Rocco, an Italian American
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Port Barre, Louisiana


the state of Louisiana. All proceeds from the festival are donated to underprivileged children who need glasses or eye surgery. The population has been particularly concerned by wars, and Port Barre pays homage to its children. A great number of young people born in Port Barre have taken part in the American Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Some of them have been awarded military decorations, and some have given their lives. Confederate soldiers World War I veteran Veterans of
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Maximo Yabes


First Sergeant Maximo Yabes (January 29, 1932 – February 26, 1967) born in Lodi, California, was a United States Army soldier who posthumously received the Medal of Honor — the United States' highest military decoration — for his actions near Phu Hoa Dong in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Yabes distinguished himself when he used his body as a shield to protect others in a bunker, moved two wounded men to a safer position where they could be given medical treatment and destroyed an enemy machine gun position before being
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Talmadge Davis


his own experiences in the army. The United States Military Academy at West Point commissioned a painting from him for the two hundredth anniversary of their founding. His painting, "Walkabout-A Warrior's Spirit" portrays a historical person, Billy Walkabout, a Cherokee full-blood who was the most highly decorated Indian veteran of the Vietnam War. One of his most famous paintings is "Brothers Gone but Not Forgotten," an acrylic painting from 2000, which portrayed a grieving man in a wheelchair touching the Vietnam War Memorial
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Puerto Ricans in the Vietnam War


that spread to Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1959 to April 30, 1975. Puerto Ricans served in different positions throughout the military as commanders, fighter pilots and common foot soldiers. Many of them distinguished themselves in combat and were awarded the highest honors conferred by the military. Five were awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest United States military decoration; five were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC), the second-highest military decoration of the United States Army; and two received the Navy Cross, the
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Franklin M. Davis Jr.


Vietnam Davis was wounded in action (WIA). Davis was a commandant of the U.S. Army War College from 1971 to 1974. Davis's principal awards and decorations included the Distinguished Service Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star Medal with V for Valor. His wartime service included three major campaigns in World War II in Europe, and four in the war in Vietnam. Davis was a practitioner of Transcendental Meditation and advocated its use to reduce the stress of soldiers
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Vietnam in HD


to rescue wounded soldiers under fire. Galloway was the only civilian decorated by the U.S. Army with a Bronze Star with Valor during the Vietnam War. He is portrayed by Edward Burns. A US Army officer, serving as an advisor to the ARVN from 1964. He is portrayed by Dean Cain. An F-100 Super Sabre pilot stationed in South Vietnam in 1965. Connolly took part in the first massive bombing campaign, Operation Rolling Thunder. He returned to Vietnam in 1969 for his second tour of duty, this time flying an
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Vietnam Women's Memorial


The Vietnam Women's Memorial is a memorial dedicated to the women of the United States who served in the Vietnam War, most of whom were nurses. It serves as a reminder of the importance of women in the conflict. It depicts three uniformed women with a wounded soldier. It is part of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and is located on National Mall in Washington D.C., a short distance south of The Wall, north of the Reflecting Pool. Diane Carlson Evans, RN, a former Army nurse, founded the Vietnam
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Vietnam War


of Viet Cong won a battle against a much larger and better-equipped South Vietnamese force, many of whose officers seemed reluctant even to engage in combat. During the Battle of Ap Bac South Vietnamese had lost 83 soldiers, 5 US war helicopter that shot down by Vietcong while the Vietcong forces have lost 18 soldiers. The Army of the Republic of Vietnam forces were led by Diệm's most trusted general, Huỳnh Văn Cao, commander of the IV Corps. Cao was a Catholic who had been promoted due to religion and
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Homecoming: When the Soldiers Returned from Vietnam


, Were You Spat Upon?"" As he wrote in the text: Even during the most fervent days of anti-war protest, it seemed that it was not the soldiers whom protesters were maligning. It was the leaders of government, and the top generals—at least, that is how it seemed in memory. One of the most popular chants during the anti-war marches was, "Stop the war in Vietnam, bring the boys home." You heard that at every peace rally in America.
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James Shanahan


an aide in the Truman White House. When the Korean War broke out he returned to combat as the battalion commander for the 1-38th, 2nd Infantry Division. He also led the 3rd Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. He became one of only 138 soldiers to earn the Combat Infantryman Badge with two combat stars (three awards - World War II, Korea, Vietnam). Additional decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, three Silver Stars, two Bronze Star Medals for Valor, four Bronze Star
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Charles B. Morris


Charles Bedford Morris (December 29, 1931 – August 22, 1996) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Morris joined the Army from Roanoke, Virginia in 1953, and briefly served during the Korean War before serving in Vietnam. By June 29, 1966 he was a Sergeant in Company A, 2d Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). During a
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Milton L. Olive III


Milton Lee Olive III (November 7, 1946 – October 22, 1965) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of America's highest military decoration — the Medal of Honor — for his actions in the Vietnam War. At the age of 18, Olive sacrificed his life to save others by smothering a live grenade. He was the first African-American Medal of Honor recipient of the Vietnam War. Olive joined the Army from his birth city of Chicago, Illinois in 1964, and by 1965 was serving as
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Clarence Sasser


Clarence Eugene Sasser (born September 12, 1947) is a former United States Army soldier and a recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War. Born in Chenango, Texas, he briefly attended the University of Houston as a chemistry major but was forced to drop out due to lack of funds. Sasser served as a combat medic in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He received the medal from President Richard Nixon in 1969 for his actions on
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Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War


Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War is a novel by American author and decorated Marine Karl Marlantes. It was first published by "El Leon Literary Arts" in 2009 (in small quantity) and re-issued (and slightly edited) as a major publication of "Atlantic Monthly Press" on March 23, 2010. Marlantes is a graduate of Yale University and a Rhodes Scholar. He was also a highly decorated Marine who served in Vietnam. He was awarded the Navy Cross, the Bronze Star, two Navy
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Billy Walkabout


Billy Walkabout (March 31, 1949 – March 7, 2007) is thought to be the most decorated Native American soldier of the Vietnam War. He received one Distinguished Service Cross (upgraded from Silver Star), one Bronze Star Medal, one Army Commendation Medal, and one Purple Heart. Walkabout was born on March 31, 1949 in Cherokee County, Oklahoma. He was a Cherokee of the Blue Holly Clan, "Anisahoni", and was the son of Warren Walkabout and Bobby Jean Chaudoin Walkabout. Walkabout served as
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Joseph L. Galloway


overseas as bureau chief or regional manager in Tokyo, Vietnam, Jakarta, New Delhi, Singapore, Moscow, and Los Angeles. He worked as a reporter for UPI during the early part of Vietnam War in 1965. Thirty-three years later, he was decorated with the Bronze Star for helping to rescue a badly wounded soldier while under enemy fire on November 15, 1965, during the Battle of Ia Drang at Landing Zone X-Ray in Vietnam. Galloway retired as a weekly columnist for McClatchy Newspapers in January 2010
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1968 in the Vietnam War


number of US troops in Vietnam at 549,500. The year was the most expensive in the Vietnam War with the American spending US$ (US$ in 2019) on the war. The year also became the deadliest of the Vietnam War for America and its allies with 27,915 South Vietnamese (ARVN) soldiers killed and the Americans suffering 16,592 killed compared to around two hundred thousand of the communist forces killed. The deadliest week of the Vietnam War for the USA was during the Tet Offensive specifically February 11–17, 1968, during which period 543
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Moe Hurwitz


Samuel Moses "Moe" Hurwitz (January 28, 1919 – October 28, 1944) DCM, MM, was a Canadian soldier. He was the most highly decorated non-commissioned member of the Canadian Grenadier Guards during the Second World War and may have been the most decorated Jewish Canadian soldier of the war. Hurwitz was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, as one of thirteen children, most of whom served in the war. Hurwitz was awarded the Military Medal for extraordinary heroism and leadership in his first
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Vietnam War


soldiers of other races, the shift toward and different attitudes of black military careerists versus black draftees, the discrimination encountered by black servicemen "on the battlefield in decorations, promotion and duty assignments" as well as their having to endure "the racial insults, cross-burnings and Confederate flags of their white comrades"—and the experiences faced by black soldiers stateside, during the war and after America's withdrawal. Civil rights leaders protested the disproportionate casualties and the overrepresentation in hazardous duty and combat roles experienced by African American servicemen, prompting reforms
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And babies


a result of the My Lai Massacre. Although Vietnam soldiers had been called "baby killers" since at least 1966, My Lai and the Haeberle photographs further solidified the stereotype of drug-addled soldiers who killed babies. According to cultural historian M. Paul Holsinger, "And babies" was "easily the most successful poster to vent the outrage that so many felt about the conflict in Southeast Asia. Copies are still frequently seen in retrospectives dealing with the popular culture of the Vietnam War era or in collections of art from the
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Ed Freeman


Ed W. "Too Tall" Freeman (November 20, 1927 – August 20, 2008) was a United States Army helicopter pilot who received the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Battle of Ia Drang during the Vietnam War. During the battle, he flew through gunfire numerous times, bringing supplies to a trapped American battalion and flying dozens of wounded soldiers to safety. Freeman was a wingman for Major Bruce Crandall who also received the Medal of Honor for the same missions.
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The Spitting Image


out that there were several newspaper accounts of pro-war demonstrators spitting on antiwar demonstrators and suggests that these oral accounts could easily have been reinterpreted and inverted and made into stories about activists spitting on veterans. He highlights the contradictions between the collective memory of today and contemporaneous historical records, like the results from a 1971 poll showing over 94% of returning Vietnam soldiers received a "friendly" welcome. Lembcke also notes how it was older vets from previous wars who most often scorned the returning Vietnam Vets; in 1978 the Vietnam
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Swift Vets and POWs for Truth


to Kerry by the U.S. Navy and the disposition of his discharge. (See John Kerry military service controversy.) Further, SBVT said that Kerry's later criticism of the war was a "betrayal of trust" with other soldiers, and that by his activism he had caused direct "harm" to soldiers still at war. These claims caused tremendous controversy during the election, particularly because most of the organization's members had not been in a place to assess Kerry, while most of the Vietnam veterans who had served with
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Indigenous Canadian personalities


Francis Pegahmagabow was the First Nation soldier most highly decorated for bravery in Canadian military history and the most effective sniper of World War I. Mary Greyeyes-Reid was the first First Nations woman to join the Canadian Forces. Tommy Prince was one of Canada's most decorated First Nations soldiers, serving in World War II and the Korean War. Mary John, Sr., CM was a leader of the Dakelh (Carrier) people and a social activist. A story of her life is told in the book titled Stoney Creek Woman
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Basil L. Plumley


Basil L. Plumley (January 1, 1920 – October 10, 2012) was a career soldier and airborne combat infantryman in the United States Army who rose to the rank of Command Sergeant Major. A veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, he is most famous for his actions during the Battle of Ia Drang in Vietnam. Plumley enlisted in the United States Army as a private on March 31, 1942. He was a gliderman of the 320th Glider Field Artillery Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division
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Vietnam Veterans Memorial


American. In their final arrangement, the statue and the Wall appear to interact with each other, with the soldiers looking on in solemn tribute at the names of their fallen comrades. The distance between the two allows them to interact while minimizing the effect of the addition on Lin's design. The Vietnam Women's Memorial is a memorial dedicated to the women of the United States who served in the Vietnam War, most of whom were nurses. It serves as a reminder of the importance of women in the conflict. It
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War on drugs


were addicted to heroin. Marijuana use was also common in Vietnam. Soldiers who used drugs had more disciplinary problems. The frequent drug use had become an issue for the commanders in Vietnam; in 1971 it was estimated that 30,000 servicemen were addicted to drugs, most of them to heroin. From 1971 on, therefore, returning servicemen were required to take a mandatory heroin test. Servicemen who tested positive upon returning from Vietnam were not allowed to return home until they had passed the test with a negative result. The program also
17034219
Straight to Hell (song)


refers to the shutting down of steel mills in Northern England and unemployment spanning generations, it also considers the alienation of non-English speaking immigrants in British society. The second verse concerns the abandonment of children in Vietnam who were fathered by American soldiers during the Vietnam War. The reference to "Amerasian Blues" describes the abandonment of children fathered by American soldiers stationed in Vietnam during the Vietnam War: an Amerasian child is portrayed as presenting an absent American father, "papa-san," with a photograph of his parents
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Lowell E. English


Lowell Edward English (July 8, 1915 – September 29, 2005) was a highly decorated officer in the United States Marine Corps with the rank of major general who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He is most noted for his service as assistant division commander, 3rd Marine Division during Vietnam War and later as commanding general, Task Force Delta. He completed his career as commanding general, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in 1969. English was born in Fairbury, Nebraska, on July 8, 1915
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20th Attack Squadron


its nearly eight years in Vietnam, it had earned five Presidential Unit Citations, four Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat "V" Device, and three Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Crosses with Palm. In addition, its pilots and crews earned many personal decorations. The 20th lost more than 70 pilots during the Vietnam War. On 19 August 1967, Captain Donald D. Stevens, flying an O–2, risked heavy ground fire, which damaged his aircraft, for eight hours during the medical evacuation of a wounded American soldier and the
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White Badge


White Badge is a 1992 South Korean war film directed by Chung Ji-young based on the book "White Badge: A Novel of Korea" by Ahn Jung-hyo. It depicts the experience of South Korean soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War alongside American troops. "White Badge" follows the path of two South Korean soldiers as they struggle to deal with their experiences in the Vietnam War. Kiju Han, a journalist, must face his memories of Vietnam as he writes a series of articles on the subject for
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Leonard B. Keller


Leonard Bert "Len" Keller (February 25, 1947 – October 18, 2009) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. A native of Rockford, Illinois, Keller was drafted into the U.S. Army from Chicago in the spring of 1966. He attended basic training at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and advanced infantry training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Sent to Vietnam that summer with the 60th Infantry Regiment
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John J. Kedenburg


John James Kedenburg (July 31, 1946 – June 14, 1968) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Kedenburg joined the Army from his birthplace of Brooklyn, New York in 1965, and by June 13, 1968, was serving as a Specialist Five in the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces. During a fierce firefight on that day, in the Republic of Vietnam
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Michael R. Blanchfield


Michael Reinert Blanchfield (January 4, 1950 – July 3, 1969) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Blanchfield joined the Army from Chicago, Illinois in 1967, and by July 3, 1969 was serving as a Specialist Four in Company A, 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. On that day, in Binh Dinh Province, Republic of Vietnam, Blanchfield smothered the blast
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George Alan Ingalls


George Alan Ingalls (March 9, 1946 – April 16, 1967) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Ingalls joined the Army from Los Angeles, California in 1966, and by April 16, 1967 was serving as a specialist four in Company A, 2d Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). On that day, near Đức Phổ in the Republic of Vietnam,
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Robert J. Pruden


Robert Joseph Pruden (September 9, 1949 – November 29, 1969) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Pruden joined the Army from Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1967, and by November 29, 1969 was serving as a Staff Sergeant in the 75th Ranger Infantry Regiment (Airborne), Americal Division. On that day, in Quang Ngai Province of the Republic of Vietnam, Pruden was killed in a
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Don Leslie Michael


Don Leslie Michael (July 31, 1947 – April 8, 1967) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Michael joined the Army from Montgomery, Alabama in 1966, and by April 8, 1967 was serving as a Specialist Four in Company C, 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. On that day, in the Republic of Vietnam, he single-handedly destroyed a Viet
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Ray McKibben


Ray McKibben (October 27, 1945 or 1946 – December 6, or December 8, 1968) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. McKibben joined the Army from Atlanta, Georgia in 1967, and by December 1968 was serving as a Sergeant in Troop B, 7th Squadron (Airmobile), 17th Cavalry Regiment. Near Song Mao in the Republic of Vietnam, McKibben single-handedly destroyed an enemy
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John Baca


John Philip Baca (born January 10, 1949) is a former United States Army soldier and a Vietnam War veteran. He was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest decoration of the United States Armed Forces, for his actions in combat. Baca was born on January 10, 1949 in Providence, Rhode Island, and was raised in San Diego, California. Baca was drafted into the United States Army on June 10, 1968. By February 10, 1970, he was stationed in Vietnam as a Specialist Four with
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Gary Wetzel


Gary George Wetzel (born September 29, 1947) is a former United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Wetzel joined the Army from Milwaukee, Wisconsin at age 18, and by January 8, 1968 was a Private First Class serving as a door gunner in the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company. On that day, near Ap Dong An, Republic of Vietnam, his helicopter was shot down and the survivors, including
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Cannabis in Vietnam


unpalatable; in 1971 OPS was advised not to eradicate cannabis in areas controlled by the Hòa Hảo sect, for fear of driving them to join the National Liberation Front. In the 1960s, the United States government became concerned with cannabis use by US troops in the Vietnam War. Though alcohol was the drug most commonly used by American troops in the Vietnam War, cannabis was the second-most common. Initially rates of usage among deployed soldiers were comparable to those of their stateside peers, with 29% of troops departing Vietnam
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David C. Dolby


David Charles Dolby (May 14, 1946 – August 6, 2010) was a United States Army soldier who received the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War. Dolby was born on May 14, 1946, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. His father, Charles L. Dolby, was a personnel manager for B.F. Goodrich Company in Oaks, Pennsylvania. He had a younger brother, Daniel. Dolby joined the Army from Philadelphia at age 18, and by May 21, 1966
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Charles Liteky


Charles James "Charlie" Liteky (February 14, 1931 – January 20, 2017), formerly known as Angelo Liteky, was an American peace activist who served as a United States Army chaplain in the Vietnam War and was awarded the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. A Roman Catholic priest, Liteky received the award for braving intense fire to carry 20 wounded soldiers to safety during a 1967 battle. He later left the priesthood, became a social activist, and in 1986 renounced his Medal of Honor
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Awards and decorations of the United States Air Force


decorations and Air Force veterans of World War II were entitled to continue displaying World War II campaign medals. In 1962, following the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Air Force began a concentrated effort to create its own array of awards and Air Force members could no longer receive decorations of the United States Army as a matter of course. By the end of the Vietnam War, most of the modern day Air Force decorations had been established and Air Force members were also entitled to receive and wear all inter-service awards and decorations
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Saxby Chambliss


and the Bush administration who viewed the Democratic party of Georgia as vulnerable, Chambliss ran for the Senate in 2002, facing freshman Democratic incumbent Max Cleland. Fellow Republicans criticized him after he ran an ad against Cleland, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, in which he argued he was weak on defense and homeland security. Chambliss received criticism from Democrats and Republicans for this ad, pointing out that he, who hadn't served in the Vietnam War due to receiving military deferments, had attacked a Vietnam War veteran who lost three limbs
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Company E, 52nd Infantry (LRP) (United States)


1st Cavalry Division would end the Vietnam War suffering more casualties than any other army division: 5,444 men killed in action and 26,592 wounded in action. Company E (LRP), 52nd Infantry Regiment, redesignated Company H (Ranger), 75th Infantry, participated in the two largest battles of the Vietnam War—the Tet Offensive and the siege of Khe Sanh—and air-assaulted into A Shau Valley, the most formidable enemy-held territory in South Vietnam. It became the most decorated and longest-serving unit in
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Michael John Fitzmaurice


Michael John Fitzmaurice (born March 9, 1950) is a former United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Fitzmaurice joined the Army from his birth city of Jamestown, North Dakota, and by March 23, 1971 was serving as a Specialist Four in Troop D, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. During a firefight on that day, in Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, Fitzmaurice smothered
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Glenn H. English Jr.


Glenn Harry English Jr. (April 23, 1940 – September 7, 1970) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. English joined the Army from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1962, and by September 7, 1970 was serving as a Staff Sergeant in Company E, 3d Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade. On that day, in Phu My District, Republic of Vietnam, he attempted to
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Jimmy G. Stewart


Jimmy Goethel Stewart (December 25, 1942 – May 18, 1966) was a United States Army soldier and a posthumous recipient of the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War. Born on December 25, 1942, in West Columbia, West Virginia, Stewart joined the Army from Ashland, Kentucky in 1960. He served in Vietnam as a staff sergeant with Company B of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). On the morning
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Donald Sidney Skidgel


Donald Sidney Skidgel (October 13, 1948–September 14, 1969) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Skidgel joined the Army from Bangor, Maine in 1968, and by September 14, 1969 was serving as a Sergeant in Troop D, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. On that day, near Sông Bé in the Republic of Vietnam, Skidgel's unit was guarding a convoy
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Edward A. DeVore Jr.


Edward Allen DeVore Jr. (June 15, 1947 – March 18, 1968) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. DeVore joined the Army from Harbor City, California in 1966, and by March 17, 1968 was serving as a Specialist Fourth grade in Company B, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. During a firefight on that day, near Saigon in the Republic of Vietnam
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Nicholas J. Cutinha


Nicholas Joseph Cutinha (January 13, 1945 – March 2, 1968) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Cutinha joined the Army from Coral Gables, Florida in 1967, and by March 2, 1968, was serving as a Specialist Four in Company C, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. During a firefight on that day, near Gia Dinh in the Republic of Vietnam
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Leslie Allen Bellrichard


Leslie Allen Bellrichard (December 4, 1941 – May 20, 1967) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Bellrichard joined the Army from Oakland, California in 1966, and by May 20, 1967 was serving as a private first class in Company C, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. During a firefight on that day, in Kontum Province, Republic of Vietnam, he
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Anund C. Roark


Anund Charles Roark (February 17, 1948 – May 16, 1968) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Roark joined the Army from Los Angeles, California in 1966, and by May 16, 1968 was serving as a Sergeant in Company C, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On that day, near Landing Zone Brillo Pad in Kontum Province of the Republic of Vietnam
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Kenneth Michael Kays


Kenneth Michael Kays (September 22, 1949 – November 29, 1991) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Denied status as a conscientious objector, Kays fled to Canada to avoid getting drafted for military service in Vietnam until the US Army guaranteed he would be able to serve as a medic. Kays joined the Army from Fairfield, Illinois in 1969, and by May 7, 1970 was serving as
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Don J. Jenkins


Don J. Jenkins (born April 18, 1948) is a former United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Jenkins joined the Army from Nashville, Tennessee, and by January 6, 1969 was serving as a private first class in Alpha Company, 2d Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. During a firefight on that day, in Kien Phong Province, Republic of Vietnam, Jenkins repeatedly exposed himself to
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Danny J. Petersen


Danny John Petersen (March 11, 1949 – January 9, 1970) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Petersen joined the Army from Oskaloosa, Kansas in 1968, and by January 9, 1970 was serving as a specialist four in Company B, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On that day, in Tay Ninh Province of the Republic of Vietnam, Petersen repeatedly exposed
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Robert Martin Patterson


Robert Martin Patterson (born April 16, 1948) is a retired United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Patterson joined the Army from Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1966, and by May 6, 1968, was serving as a specialist four in Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment. During a firefight on that day, near La Chu in the Republic of Vietnam, Patterson single-handedly destroyed
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David P. Nash


David Paul Nash (November 3, 1947 or 1948 – December 29, 1968) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Nash joined the Army from Whitesville, Kentucky, and by December 29, 1968 was serving as a private first class in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. On that day, in Giao Duc District, Dinh Tuong Province, Republic of Vietnam
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Dale Eugene Wayrynen


Dale Eugene Wayrynen (January 18, 1947 – May 18, 1967) was a United States Army enlisted soldier and a recipient of America's highest military decoration — the Medal of Honor — for his actions in the Vietnam War. Wayrynen joined the army from Minneapolis in 1965. On May 18, 1967, he was in Quảng Ngãi Province, Vietnam when the unit came under attack. During the fight, Wayrynen threw himself on an enemy-thrown grenade that was tossed into his company, undoubtedly saving many lives at the
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Jerry Wayne Wickam


Jerry Wayne Wickam (January 19, 1942 – January 6, 1968) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Wickam joined the Army from Chicago, Illinois in 1966, and by January 6, 1968 was serving as a Corporal in Troop F of 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. On that day, near Loc Ninh in the Republic of Vietnam, Wickam single-handedly attacked several enemy bunkers
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William Maud Bryant


William Maud Bryant (February 16, 1933 – March 24, 1969) was a United States Army Special Forces soldier and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Bryant joined the Army from Detroit, Michigan in 1953. By March 24, 1969 he was serving as a Sergeant First Class in Company A of the 5th Special Forces Group, 1st Special Forces. On that day, in Long Khanh province, Republic of Vietnam, Bryant led a company
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Kenneth E. Stumpf


Kenneth Edward Stumpf (born September 28, 1944) is a retired United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Stumpf joined the Army from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and by April 25, 1967 was serving as a Specialist Four in Company C, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On that day, near Đức Phổ in the Republic of Vietnam, Stumpf rescued three wounded comrades despite heavy fire and
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Mitchell W. Stout


Mitchell William Stout (February 24, 1950 – March 12, 1970) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Stout joined the Army from Raleigh, North Carolina in August 1967. By March 12, 1970 was serving as a Sergeant in Battery C, 1st Battalion, 44th Artillery Regiment. On that day, at Khe Gio Bridge in the Republic of Vietnam, Stout picked up an enemy-thrown
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Garfield M. Langhorn


Garfield McConnell Langhorn (September 10, 1948 – January 15, 1969) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Born on September 10, 1948, in Cumberland, Virginia, Langhorn was living in Brooklyn, New York, when he joined the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam as a private first class and radio operator with Troop C, 7th Squadron (Airmobile), 17th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade
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George C. Lang


George Charles Lang (April 20, 1947 – March 16, 2005) was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War. Lang joined the Army from Brooklyn, New York, and by February 22, 1969 was serving as a specialist four in Company A, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. During a firefight on that day, in Kiến Hòa Province, Republic of Vietnam, Lang single
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Charles Ernest Hosking Jr.


Charles Ernest Hosking Jr. (May 12, 1924 – March 21, 1967) was a United States Army Special Forces soldier who received the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the medal posthumously for holding a Viet Cong prisoner with a live grenade, taking the brunt of the blast rather than allowing the prisoner to reach several of his commanders. Born on May 12, 1924, in Ramsey, New Jersey, Hosking left high school to join the
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Lo Khac Tam


Lo Khac Tam is a former Vietnamese officer and Lieutenant General who fought for the army of North Vietnam during the Vietnam War. In 1965, Lo Khac Tam was a second lieutenant in the North Vietnamese army, and led a platoon of soldiers down the Cho Chi Minh Trail to the Ia Drang Valley. Tam was one of the first one hundred graduates of the North Vietnamese military academy who volunteered to lead soldiers into South Vietnam. Tam and his fellow soldiers arrived in the Chu Pong mountains. The Vietnamese forces engaged American forces
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Awards and decorations of the Vietnam War


device. Awards for merit recognize service. The Commendation Medal was another decoration of the Vietnam War, issued frequently in various versions by the different branches of the US armed forces. Australia and New Zealand awarded British and Commonwealth orders and decorations to their servicemen in Vietnam, including the Distinguished Service Order, and the Military Cross. Australia and New Zealand jointly developed and instituted The Vietnam Medal (though separate Royal Warrants were issued). The obverse of the medal displays an Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, the reverse shows a man
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