Vietnam War Facts

While randomly surfing the internet today (yes, procrastinating cleaning the house... LOL!) I stumbled across the information posted below. Since I was born in 1973 and missed the whole thing, my knowledge of this war is somewhat limited...though since I am honored to have so very many friends who were there, I try to learn up on it when I can. So, for your reading enlightenment, here you go...

Vietnam War: Facts, Stats & Myths
Credit: Capt. Marshal Hanson, USNR (Ret.)and Capt. Scott Beaton,
Statistical Source

9,087,000 military personnel served on active duty during the official
Vietnam era from August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975.

2,709,918 Americans served in uniform in Vietnam.

Vietnam Veterans represented 9.7% of their generation.

240 men were awarded the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War.

The first man to die in Vietnam was James Davis, in 1958. He was with the
509th Radio Research Station. Davis Station in Saigon was named for him.

58,148 were killed in Vietnam.

75,000 were severely disabled.

23,214 were 100% disabled.

5,283 lost limbs.

1,081 sustained multiple amputations.

Of those killed, 61% were younger than 21.

11,465 of those killed were younger than 20 years old.

Of those killed, 17,539 were married.

Average age of men killed: 23.1 years.

Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old.

The oldest man killed was 62 years old.

As of January 15, 2004, there are 1,875 Americans still unaccounted for
from the Vietnam War.

97% of Vietnam Veterans were honorably discharged.

91% of Vietnam Veterans say they are glad they served.

74% say they would serve again, even knowing the outcome.

Vietnam veterans have a lower unemployment rate than the same non-vet age
groups.

Vietnam veterans' personal income exceeds that of our non-veteran age group
by more than 18 percent.

87% of Americans hold Vietnam Veterans in high esteem.

There is no difference in drug usage between Vietnam Veterans and
non-Vietnam Veterans of the same age group (Source: Veterans Administration
Study).

Vietnam Veterans are less likely to be in prison - only one-half of one
percent of Vietnam Veterans have been jailed for crimes.

85% of Vietnam Veterans made successful transitions to civilian life.

There's more, but I did not post it all. So click HERE and read on. :) And while you are at it, buy some of THIS "Welcome Home" stuff...even to this day, there are those who have never been welcomed home! :( And that just ain't right. I ordered a few bumper stickers (one for my Kat-mobile, and some to keep handy to give out as needed) and a T-shirt. A portion of the proceeds goes to this charity.

Here's a pic of the bumper stickers:



And a closeup of the front of the t-shirt I ordered. The back has a map of Vietnam, with the years the war was fought underneath. Not sure if I'll keep it for myself and wear it as a mobile "welcome home billboard," so to speak, (in order to convey my gratitude and my belated "welcome home" to veterans I may not know as I run around on my errands) or give it to someone who was actually there. I'll know when the time is right what do to with it, and when. :)




Have YOU thanked a Veteran today??? If not... hop to it!