The Vietnam war spanned four presidential administrations. Promises to South Vietnam to help resist communist rule resulted in many years of  involvement of US troops. Early support for the war was strong with only two members of Congress voting against giving President Johnson full liberty to fight the war. But as the conflict dragged on, it became obvious this was a different kind of war. The enemy was hard to identify and fought mostly by ambush under cover of night, hidden land mines, and booby traps. Face to face conflicts were the exception.  

The average age of the American soldier was nineteen and the high loss of lives compounded by few measurable successes and growing distrust regarding reports of the war, began to turn public sentiment away from support.  President Nixon signed a cease fire in 1973. Northern communist forces swept through South Vietnam and communist dictators took over Laos and Cambodia.

American troops fought with valor in these extremely difficult environments. Over 55,000 were killed in action.

Vietnam WAR, wyoming kia

1965-1973