|
The follow interesting analysis is from Dr Jim Reckner, Director, The Vietnam Center, Texas Tech University. These are results of a new survey from THE VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL FUND Wash DC. ... ... . VIETNAM WARRIORS: A STATISTICAL PROFILE IN UNIFORM AND IN COUNTRY Vietnam Vets: 9.7% of their generation. 9,087,000 military personnel served on active duty during the Vietnam era (Aug 5, 1964-May 7,1975). 8,744,000 GIs were on active duty during the war (Aug 5, 1964-March 28, 1973). 3,403,100 (including 514,300
offshore) personnel served in the Southeast
2,594,000 personnel served within
the borders of South Vietnam (Jan. 1,1965-March 28, 1973). Another 50,000
served in Vietnam between 1960 and 1964.
7,484 women (6.250 or 83.5% were
nurses) served in Vietnam.
Hostile deaths: 47,378. Non-hostile deaths: 10,800. Total: 58,202 (includes formerly classified as MIA and Mayaquez casualties), subsequently died of wounds account for the hanging total. 8 nurses died-1 was KIA.
Highest state
death rate: West Virginia- 84.1 (national average58.9 for
Wounded: 303,704-153,329 hospitalized +150,375 injured requiring no hospital care. Severely disabled: 75,000-23,214 100% disabled; 5,283 lost limbs; 1,081 sustained multiple amputations. Amputation or
crippling wounds to the lower extremities were 300%
Multiple amputations occurred at the rate of 18.4% compared to 5.7% in WWII. Missing in Action: 2,338. POWs: 766 (114
died in captivity).
25% (648,500) of total forces in country were draftees. (66% of US armed forces members were drafted during WWII). Draftees accounted for 30.4% (17,725) of combat deaths in Vietnam. Reservists killed: 5,977. National Guard: 6,140 served, 101 died. Total draftees (1965-73)1,728,344. Actually served in Vietnam 38%. Marine Corps draft: 42,633. Last draftee:
June 30, 1973.
88.4% of those who actually served in Vietnam were Caucasian. 10.6% were black. 1% belonged to other races. 86.3% of the men who died in Vietnam were Caucasian (includes Hispanics) 12.5% (7,241) were black (This in spite of what Martin Luther King stated). 1.2% belonged to other races. 170,000 Hispanics served in Vietnam; 3,070 (5.2% of total) died there. 70% of enlisted men killed were of Northwest European descent. 86.8% of the men who were killed as a result of hostile action were Caucasian 12.1% (5,711) were black 1.1% belonged to other races. 14.6% (1,530) of non-combat deaths were among blacks. 34% of blacks that enlisted, volunteered for the combat arms. Overall, blacks
suffered 12.5% of the deaths in Vietnam at a time when the percentage of
blacks of military age was 13.5% of the total population.
Protestant-64.4%
76% of the men sent to Vietnam were from lower middle and working class backgrounds. 3/4ths had family incomes above the poverty level; 50% were from middle income backgrounds. Some 23% of Vietnam vets had fathers with professional, managerial or technical occupations. 79% who served
had a high school education or better. (63% of Korean War and only 45%
of WWII vets had completed high school upon separation).
South-31
82% of vets who saw heavy combat strongly believe the war was lost because of lack of political will. Nearly 75% of
the public agrees it was a failure of political will, not arms.
97% of Vietnam-era veterans were honorably discharged. 91% of actual Vietnam War veterans and 90% of those who saw heavy combat are proud to have served their country. 66% of Vietnam vets say they would serve again if called upon. 87% of the public now holds Vietnam veterans in high esteem. Thanks to Carl King |