Vietnam vet vs Vietnam era vet?

2020-06-26T19:34:07-04:00

I was stationed in Tachikawa Japan 1971-73 working in the hospital taking care of the wounded from Vietnam. I am Rated 70% Disabled with PTSD from that experience. Can I be considered a Vietnam vet?

Response by SGT Robert Pryor made Jun 26 at 2020 8:33 PM

2020-06-26T20:33:03-04:00

You appear to be what is called a Vietnam Era Veteran. Vietnam Veteran is generally reserved for those who served in country, to include in the air and contiguous waters.

Response by PFC Nicholas Efstathiou made Jun 26 at 2020 8:36 PM

2020-06-26T20:36:37-04:00

That's an interesting question and I should think so. If the definition is someone who was stationed in Vietnam, then that would change it. Was the base in Japan considered part of the area of operations?

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Jun 26 at 2020 9:16 PM

2020-06-26T21:16:45-04:00

If you have been awarded the VSM and/or RVNCM, YOU ARE CONSIDERED A VIETNAM VETERAN.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 26 at 2020 9:43 PM

2020-06-26T21:43:59-04:00

No, I did 73-95, I consider myself an Era Vet, tho I have ton of friends/family that served in country and they include me in everything, But since I never set foot on that patch of soil, it would be wrong to claim it.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2020 9:46 PM

2020-06-26T21:46:34-04:00

SSgt Philip Blumenfeld As mentioned by SGT Robert Pryor, you are a Vietnam Era Veteran and can not be considered a Vietnam Veteran.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Jun 26 at 2020 9:51 PM

2020-06-26T21:51:05-04:00

You as the question and I suspect you already know the official answer.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jun 26 at 2020 10:23 PM

2020-06-26T22:23:11-04:00

As I have always understood it ,to be classified as a Vietnam Veteran you either served on the ground or in the waters or airspace that constituted any part of the conflict,stationed in Japan doesn’t meet these conditions,that being said ,as a Vietnam Veteran I am proud to call you Brother and thank you for your Service caring for our wounded and bearing some of the wounds yourself,be well Brother

Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 26 at 2020 11:32 PM

2020-06-26T23:32:31-04:00

The simplest of responses to the exact wording of your question is one word: no. If you are authorized to wear the Viet Nam Service Medal and/or the Viet Nam Campaign Medal, then and only then are you legally and militarily considered a Viet Nam (War) vet. That is by DOD and Dept. of VA definition. After nearly fifty years of debate by and criticism of those who served there, as well as a ton of unsolicited and irrelevant input from persons who did not serve there, both military and civilian alike, this mattered has “Long Bin” closed and beyond the need for any of these Do-Over discussions!!! And, yes, I served both IN-country and IN the contiguous waters surrounding South AND North Viet Nam, and Hainan Tao.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jun 27 at 2020 9:00 AM

2020-06-27T09:00:43-04:00

As you probably know the VA lists the eras you were in independent of whether you deployed or not SSgt Philip Blumenfeld.
That is a separate issue from being eligible to be considered for deployed for combat service.
I my case I enlisted in 1974 and retired in 2008 as an officer. I am considered a Vietnam War era vet and an era vet of every war through 2008.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Jul 6 at 2020 1:17 AM

2020-07-06T01:17:33-04:00

No. You weren't in country and you didn't get shot at. Deal with it.

Response by SrA Raymond Geraghty made Oct 23 at 2020 12:12 AM

2020-10-23T00:12:22-04:00

Why do we make that distinction? I never heard of a WWII Era vet. Those who were in during WWII but stayed stateside don't have 'tag' to their status.
We have veterans, overseas veterans and combat veterans.

That should be enough.
I served my country during Vietnam, volunteered to go to Nam, but was sent to Germany. I do feel those who were in country did more and deserve more from our Country in respect and gratitude. All these free dinners on veterans day, I pass on them
I feel thouse guys deserve it more than I. I respect them
They gave more than o did. But this distinction between us i feel is not correct

Just my thoughts. I take nothing away from you who set foot in country.

Response by SPC Francis Center made Jan 25 at 2022 8:53 PM

2022-01-25T20:53:38-05:00

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 10 at 2023 12:07 PM

2023-11-10T12:07:24-05:00

Are the mothers of Vietnam Vetrens Also Vietnam Vetrens? No they are not even though they were stressed out Fron their child’s war experiences.
Unless you actually served in the country of Vietnam and were placed in the position of being winded or killed everyday, you aren’t a Vietnam veteran!