Vietnam History

82ndsig · 04-12-2007, 21:23

Hi guys,
I am getting my BSN, and I am taking a Vietnam History class. My question is.... What did Herring mean by "The American evacuation of Saigon revealed in microcosm much of the delusion, frustration, and tragedy that marked the American experience in Vietnam". Its alot of political mumbo jumbo, I've been in the Army a couple of times, and know what its like although I haven't been at your level. So I am not trying to start any crap. I just need to know what this means accurately. I think it means that the US thought it had a one size fits all solution when it came to applying it's type of government, not taking into consideration the country, culture, people, etc. Is this correct?
Thanks,
Tim
I don't know why I posted this in this area.....Jeez

Hipshot · 04-12-2007, 23:20

IMHO - I was there towards the very end of the war (Dec 71 - Nov 72) as the draw down was starting to take place. I think by that time McNamara's Domino Theory was proven that the loss of Vietnam would not trigger a collapse throughout SE Asia.

Just like today, the country was tired of fighting a war where the average civilian was not directly affected. No VC or NVA had bombed our territory and the draft, although about to end, made military service very unpopular. I can remember going through the Atlanta airport just before Christmas in my Class A's, boots and beret and having a hole open in the crowds around me as I walked through...like nobody wanted to get close to me or touch me. Talk about feeling like a leper!

I got back in time for Thanksgiving with my family. What should have been a joyous time was marred by my reception in California. You know - when the big one hits out there, I wish I could say I felt bad about it but to me that's no big loss. Just my sour grapes showing through.

You mentioned delusion, frustration, and tragedy. If you can read the temperament of the people today, it's a lot like the early 70's. No real progress in the war, lots of casualties, and the feeling that there was nothing that could be done to win, so they quit trying.

I wish I could be more articulate like Col Jack, TR, or some of the other QP's out there; to give you a better sense of the times. I pick up on the frustration that my son shows with what's going on - not in country - but back at home. People say they support the troops, but not the war. If you don't support the war, then don't send the troops.

I think part of the problem is the very late baby boomers and the x-generation. Life has been pretty easy for them, unlike what the depression-era folks went through. They've lost the toughness to survive and make life better.

Sorry if I ramble on - it's my frustration in getting out what I want to say.

sg1987 · 04-13-2007, 05:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hipshot

I think part of the problem is the very late baby boomers and the x-generation. Life has been pretty easy for them, unlike what the depression-era folks went through. They've lost the toughness to survive and make life better.

Amen to that!!!!!

82ndsig · 04-13-2007, 08:06

Hey thanks,
Your information really helps, do you think I was accurate in my interpretation of the statement made by Herring? You do think that the public is feeling the same way about Iraq right? In my class I learned because Vietnam was the first TV war that the public became weary of seeing the images on the nightly news. Because of the pressure the public placed on the administration and other pressures, it promoted North Vietnam to wait it out till the administration couldn't take it anymore.
I am sorry if coming home wasn't a good experience, I would have shook your hand. I didn't experience a bad homecoming, I was in civies. An old Ranger came up to me and he knew somehow, anyway he started to talk to me shook my hand, and said thank you. It was weird just being back in society.

HOLLiS · 04-13-2007, 08:23

This is a good read, it has to deal with creating a culture of defeat in the US. The myths about the RVN war and the men/women who served grew. Sort of what Hipsort stated, it was as the people who served where lepers.

http://www.25thaviation.org/johnkerry/id27.htm

The similarity today, is that the same tactics are being employed against the men and women who serve and the running of the war. Fortunately, many of us who went through the "leprosy" of Viet-Nam war are doing our best that it is not repeated.

CPTAUSRET · 04-13-2007, 08:47

I was returning to VN, and ill-advisedly went downtown in uniform (Oakland, Ca), I was subsequently jumped by three very nasty individuals. I figured I could handle all their insults, and did, right up til one of them spat on my uniform; that uniform represented every person who has ever served this great nation! I looked down at the spittle running down my TW's, and that was all it took...I put him down, then put the next one down, the third one, who happened to be female jumped on my back attempting to scratch my eyes out, so I flipped her off my back, and she too landed on the sidewalk. At that point I realized I needed to put some distance between me and the three bleeding pieces of crap, who lay there squealing on the sidewalk!

Guess I am rambling, and I did not answer your question, but that scenario was not all that uncommon for that era!

82ndsig · 04-13-2007, 09:26

Thanks for all of the information, this helps me alot! You guys are great!!! Ok now I have to write a paper

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