Should Vietnam-era Vets be addressed as "Vietnam Vets"?

not true, women were not allowed to go! Also by the time I signed up the dust had already settled. It was pretty much over by 73 and I signed up in 76 well after, yet I am considered a Vietnam Era Veteran. There are hundreds of thousands of us that signed up well after the war.. My dad did 4 tours over there and was never called a baby killer or had blood thrown on him. Maybe because we lived in military towns or on base. I am grateful for the added benefits I get as a VNEV but would never call myself a Nam Vet . I carry guilt for not being able to go fight for my country like so many did, all because of this title. I know what happened over there and for someone that didn't participate to call themselves a Vietnam Vet is appalling. They didn't do anything to deserve the title.

I was surprised when, after my guaranteed 13 months at HHC CAC & Ft Leavenworth, I got orders to Germany instead of Vietnam. (1974) A few years ago, while my wife and I were browsing at a local farmers market, a fellow veteran noticed my hat, and asked when I was over there. I respectfully pointed out that my hat read Vietnam *Era* Veteran, and that I would not claim to have been "in country".

What he (CPT Durish) said. I refer to my dad as a Vietnam-era Veteran all the time; as that's what he is. He just missed deploying due to an injury sustained on his last jump before reporting to his unit in Ft. Bragg, and by the time his unit came back he wasn't there long enough to deploy with them the next time they went -- being a 2-year draftee.

To me it's like differentiating between Marines and China Marines.

In 1982, the movie Rambo was introduced. Toward the end of the movie, Rambo complained about being "spit on" and called a "Baby Killer". I left Vietnam in 1970 and in years between 1970 and 1982, I never once heard any veteran claim to have heard those insults. I returned to a California University immediately after discharge and those who met me treated me with the greatest respect and awe. However, post 1982, the words of John Rambo took on a life of their own and the "story" has been repeated by many of those who never went to 'Nam or never passed through an airport in full military uniform.

SSG Merry Metzler - I earned the right to hide the fact that I'm a vet. If they find out. They ask if I was in Vietnam, which typically leads to various comments. ie I went to the city hall in Malone, NY. to apply for a tax break on my home. The Army E-6 asked, "Where did you serve.?" I told him. He said, "Get out of here. You don't deserve a break!" Oh well. It don't mean nothin.

SGT George Edward Brown - As a general rule you are correct. I am Vietnam era (1974-1999), not a Vietnam vet. I worked for a female GySgt who had earned the CAR in Saigon. I don't remember the details but she was one of the few female Marines that were awarded the CAR in Vietnam.

Even more insulting to call those who never left the US, maybe even were still in basic at war's end, Vietnam vets.

Hey Fisher …were you a ground pounder ???? And if not then what do you know about hardships ….

Though I agree with the sentiment of your comment, you ended it with the most unintelligent remark of the thread ("Why you weren't there, I'll never understand.").

The Marine Corps I served in told me where to go and I went. We were no longer (officially?) sending Marines there when I enlisted in 1974. However, you just disparaged many who volunteered to served yet were not sent.

Those of us who served in the era, myself included, did not issue the orders, we followed them. It wasn't like a paid vacation, we served where we were sent. I am a Vietnam ERA vet, though-I did my time and served where I was sent. I consider myself very fortunate I was sent to Alaska to the DEW Line, rather than Vietnam, but I would have preferred being a home! I am just as much a Veteran as the rest of your--- USAF A1C Terry

some VN Era Vets signed up well after the dust settled 1976 for me. I would have gone but it was over, and I'm female anyways so there was no chance at all of me seeing Nam.

Lt Col Jim Coe That really surprises me. I wonder who thought that one up?