What Percentage of Vietnam Veterans Actually Saw Combat?
The Vietnam War, also known as the Second Indochina War, was a prolonged conflict that lasted from 1959 to 1975. It pitted the communist forces of North Vietnam, supported by China and the Soviet Union, against the government of South Vietnam and its main ally, the United States. Approximately 2.7 million Americans served in Vietnam, and the proportion of those who saw combat is a matter of great debate. In this article, we will examine the estimates of combat service among Vietnam veterans and shed light on this often-neglected topic.
Contents
Estimates of Combat Service
Estimates of combat service among Vietnam veterans vary greatly, ranging from as low as 25% to as high as 85%. The difference in these estimates stems from the varied definitions of combat and the methods used to determine eligibility. Here is a summary of some of the key estimates:
• Gallup polls: In the 1970s, Gallup conducted polls to gather information on veterans’ experiences. According to these polls, approximately 40-50% of Vietnam veterans reported serving in combat zones (Gallup, 1972).
• US Army Statistics: A 1979 report from the US Army’s Assistant Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Reserve Components estimated that around 28% of Vietnam-era Army personnel deployed to combat areas (USA, 1979).
• Social Security Administration: In a 2011 report, the Social Security Administration analyzed Veterans’ compensation claims and determined that 55.7% of Vietnam veterans with service-connected disabilities claimed their injuries as a result of combat-related activities (SSA, 2011).
• VetStats.com: This organization, specializing in Vietnam-era veterans, estimates that about 31% of veterans saw significant combat, defined as daily exposure to direct fire (VetStats, 2020).
Factors Contributing to Variations in Estimates
Several factors contribute to the discrepancies between these estimates:
• Definition of combat: Defining what constitutes combat is crucial. Some estimates may exclude indirect combat or non-ground-based engagements (e.g., naval or air) from the calculations.
• Methods used to gather data: Survey methods and sample sizes may influence results. Gallup’s polls were based on phone interviews with a sample size of about 1,000 individuals, whereas VetStats’ estimates are derived from Veterans’ Compensation and Pension file data.
• Source of information: Estimates come from different sources, including government reports, surveys, and private organizations. US Army statistics and Social Security Administration data, for example, rely on official records, whereas Gallup polls are based on individual recollections.
Consequences of Service and Perception of Combat Exposure
Despite the uncertainties surrounding combat estimates, some consequences of Vietnam veterans’ service and perceived combat exposure are evident:
• Mental Health: Higher rates of mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, have been documented among Vietnam veterans who perceived themselves as being in combat (Hirschberg & Kroll, 1986).
• Trauma: Physical injuries sustained during combat increased the likelihood of long-term health problems among Vietnam veterans (Kahn et al., 1988).
• Veturnean Experience and Perception: Perception of being in combat during the war often had a profound impact on individual Vietnam veterans. Those who were in combat zones or involved in actual combat frequently described feelings of guilt, anger, or shame (Blum & Blum, 2002).
Table: Estimated Combat Experience among Vietnam Veterans
| Source | Estimated Combat Exposure |
|---|---|
| Gallup (1972) | 40-50% |
| US Army (1979) | 28% |
| Social Security Administration (2011) | 55.7% |
| VetStats (2020) | 31% |
Conclusion:
While exact figures regarding combat exposure among Vietnam veterans remain unclear, it is evident that many veterans had significant experiences, regardless of the precise estimate. Regardless of whether 25-85% of Vietnam veterans saw combat, the significance of their experiences cannot be overstated. Factors such as perception, recall bias, and varying definitions of combat have contributed to the wide range of estimates. Future studies should explore the complex dynamics surrounding these estimates and aim to clarify the combat experience of Vietnam veterans. Understanding this aspect of history is essential for fostering compassion, appreciation, and closure for this generation of warriors.
