Picture courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Picture courtesy of Jim Kuntz

In 1954 the army of the revolutionary government of North Viet Nam was on the verge of ending French colonial rule in Viet Nam. Fearing the spread of communism in SE Asia, the US eased the French out, set up a new government in Saigon, and sent massive military aid to South Viet Nam. In 1965 the situation worsened, and US ground troops entered the war. They fought against the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) in the north and irregular forces (Viet Cong) in the south. The US strategy was heavy bombing and "search and destroy" missions. The enemy countered with the nearly successful Tet Offensive of 1968. US losses were heavy, and the war became increasingly unpopular at home. The US withdrew from Viet Nam in 1973. Saigon fell on May 1, 1975.
US losses: 58,168; 766 POW; 1,817 MIA.

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