Fighting in Vietnam

More than 3 million Americans served in the Vietnam War. By the war's end, 58,193 soldiers were killed, 61% of whom were aged 21 or under. More than 150,000 were wounded, and at least 21,000 were permanently disabled. In the post-war era, Americans struggled to absorb the lessons of the military intervention. These are the stories of the men and women who served during the Vietnam War in active combat or in support roles overseas and stateside. A wide range of topics are covered, including the effects of climate and terrain on fighting, life in camp, food, morale, relations with the South Vietnamese, medical treatment, the draft, the antiwar movement, minority issues, reception back home, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Based on primary sources, with a timeline to put the dates and events in better perspective and a comprehensive bibliography for further reading, this book is a fascinating read for anyone interested in America’s most challenging war. About the author James Westheider is professor of history at the University of Cincinnati and author of Fighting on Two Fronts. He lives near Cincinnati, Ohio.