The Ground War
Who am I?
• Average age: 19; the average American soldier in World War II was 26
• Drafted? 25% of soldiers were drafted; 66% of US troops in World War II were
• How many of us were there? 2.6 million in-country; 3.4 million in the region
Chart of troop levels
Why is fighting the VC so difficult?
• Elusive enemy—fight at night, friend or foe?
• Homefield advantage—booby traps, tunnels, knowledge of terrain
Why is fighting the VC so difficult?
• Terrain—highlands, jungles, paddies, villages, major cities, and swamps• Weather—rain, heat
Why is fighting the VC so difficult?
• Their cause makes them resilient
Why is fighting the VC so difficult?
Lyndon Johnson told the nation,"Have no fear of escalation.
I am trying everyone to please.Though it isn't really war,
We're sending fifty thousand more,To help save Vietnam from Vietnamese."
Terms from the front lines…
Terms from the front lines…
• Search and destroy—US and South Vietnamese missions that would attack by land and air. The missions would search for VC and destroy what was left
• Pacification--the relocation of Vietnamese after a search and destroy mission
• Body Count—the number of dead VC; this became the measurer of success but there were problems….
YOU WILL KILL 10 OF OUR MEN, AND WE WILL KILL 1 OF YOURS, AND IN THE END
IT WILL BE YOU WHO TIRE OF IT.
--HO CHI MINH