What is the difference between a Vietnam combat veteran, Vietnam veteran, and Vietnam era veteran?

SGT Alan Martinez — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 18:26:05 -0500

Response by CWO4 Terrence Clark made Jan 22 at 2023 6:37 PM

CWO4 Terrence Clark — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 18:37:17 -0500

You experienced the roar of the big guns, you heard the roar of the big guns, you honed your pool skills at That Place Acoss the Street From the Sports Arena in San Diego.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2023 8:08 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 20:08:16 -0500

A Vietnam Combat Veteran has been in combat and has received the CAR or CAB. A Vietnam Veteran is an individual who performed active military, naval, or air service in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. A Vietnam Era Veteran served during the Vietnam era but did not serve in Vietnam.

Response by Maj Irma Groot made Jan 23 at 2023 1:26 AM

Maj Irma Groot — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 01:26:43 -0500

I served during the Vietnam war in IDAHO (and basic training). That makes me a Vietnam Era Veteran, but not a Vietnam Vet and not a Combat Vet (from Vietnam).

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jan 23 at 2023 7:02 AM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 07:02:39 -0500

Looks like you got the answer. Sone may disagree but these responses are clear and straight to the point. Well done leaders

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Jan 23 at 2023 10:15 AM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 10:15:39 -0500

Now, let me throw a monkey wrench in this.

What about all those who served in Thailand and Guam pushing B-52, KC-135, F-4, F-105. Those in Okinawa running KC-135 refueling birds, or the radio relay birds from CCK on Taiwan?

What about the navy sitting off shore on carriers, destroyers and other sea going vessels? Let's not forget the guys manning the Lima sites in Laos too.

It's time to put this petty turf war to bed. We raised our hands we did our jobs and with some good fortune, we came home. WE won the battles, politicians lost the war.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jan 23 at 2023 11:19 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 11:19:06 -0500

Vietnam Veteran is someone who served in Vietnam.

Vietnam Combat Vetern is someone who served and saw combat and received a combat distinguishing device or award such as combat action ribbon.

Vietnam era Veteran is someone who served during that time frame.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 23 at 2023 11:19 AM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 11:19:13 -0500

I served between 1969 and 1991. That includes the last part of the Vietnam war. The Air Force didn’t need me in Vietnam or Southeast Asia even though I volunteered to go. They saw fit to send me to Texas, Virginia and Mississippi. That makes me a Vietnam Era vet. I like to think of myself as a Cold War Vet instead. I never claim to be a Vietnam Vet nor would I disrespect those who served there by doing so.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Jan 23 at 2023 12:12 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 12:12:46 -0500

Actually none. They are all VETERANS.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2023 4:55 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 04:55:53 -0500

One saw combat in Vietnam, one served in Vietnam but saw no combat, one serve outside of Vietnam while the war was ongoing.

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jan 24 at 2023 9:22 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 21:22:36 -0500

I think you have received many excellent and well thought out responses on the differences of these various groups,I think some differences would be say,didn’t get a phony doctor’s script (heart condition,asthma) didn’t use family wealth or political influence for extended college deferment or cut and run to Canada later they were all welcomed home in an shameful amnesty program,well enough of this bitterness, I consider all who served during Vietnam my Brothers ,what ever their” differences “

Response by PO3 Paul Lowrey made Feb 1 at 2023 8:14 AM

PO3 Paul Lowrey — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 08:14:52 -0500

Had to think about it for a minute I was deployed to Vietnam assigned to the Brown Water Navy as a Combat Veteran that doesn't like to reminiscent about it where as a Vietnam veteran is boots on the ground but not in actual combat and a Vietnam era veteran serving during that period of time but not boots on the ground. The main thing is that we're all Veterans that served our country.

Response by SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt made Feb 19 at 2023 10:28 AM

SP6 Peter Kreutzfeldt — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 10:28:02 -0500

we all went to a place described as Exotic and riveting in its beauty and shared with others the fine time we had

Response by SPC Matt Ovaska made Nov 24 at 2023 6:43 AM

SPC Matt Ovaska — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 06:43:10 -0500

Combat vets rarely talk about their service, avoid veterans special days, and the playing of taps. Vietnam vets wear Vietnam hats. Vietnam era vets are like PX troopers who buy unearned ribbons and badges to wear. There are exceptions. Most folks don't care where you served.