Involvement in the Vietnam War (5 August 1964 to 28 March 1973) was unpopular and extremely political here in the United States. However, still over 2.5 million young American men (and women) were sent to South Vietnam where they served their country with dignity and honor. 58,220 of them did not come home alive.
3,403,100 (including 514,300 offshore) personnel served in the SE Asia.
2,594,000 personnel served within the borders of South Vietnam.
1,736,000 were US Army, 391,000 were US Marines, 293,000 were US Airmen, 174,000 were US Sailors.
The average age of the G.I. in Vietam was 19.
Of the 2.6 million, between 1 and 1.6 million (40-60%) either fought in combat, provided close combat support or were at least fairly regularly exposed to enemy attack..
7,484 women served in Vietnam, of whom 6,250 or 83.5% were nurses..
Total U.S. casualties: 58,220 (58,212 Men, 8 Women)
It has been over 50 years since the US left Vietnam, but we would like to say as a country to these men and women, "Welcome Home and thank you for your service."