1. America Takes Charge 1965-1967

2. Why go to Vietnam? Communism = evil N. Vietnam was communist and at war with S. Vietnam America, being anti-communist, supports S. Vietnam At first, only advises S. Vietnam At first, only advises S. Vietnam FAIL FAIL Takes over war and fights Takes over war and fights

3. Unwelcoming Arrival Young soldiers – drafted 200,000 by end of year Minor Discomforts Included: Jungle terrain Jungle terrain Constant wet feet Constant wet feet 120 degree days / Cold nights 120 degree days / Cold nights Bouncing Betty's Bouncing Betty's Indefinite enemies Indefinite enemies People trying to kill you People trying to kill you

4. Marines Vs. Vietcong Vietcong Soldiers Natives Natives Carried light loads Carried light loads Knew the area Knew the area Support of locals Support of localsMarines Foreigners Foreigners 70lbs. Backpacks 70lbs. Backpacks Tough terrain Tough terrain Unprepared for drastic changes Unprepared for drastic changes

5. Taking Action Airstrikes More technologically advanced than Vietnamese More technologically advanced than Vietnamese Often saved ground troops Often saved ground troops Used to make Vietnamese talk peace Used to make Vietnamese talk peace Population Movement Villagers moved to break Vietcong ties Villagers moved to break Vietcong ties Destroyed villages Destroyed villages Villagers often left homeless Villagers often left homeless

7. Taking Action Firefights (Jan. 1967) Chaos of fights Chaos of fights Soldiers greatly wounded Soldiers greatly wounded Soldiers question there place in the war Soldiers question there place in the war Village sweeping Villages completely destroyed – including people Villages completely destroyed – including people Soldiers extremely cruel – built up hatred Soldiers extremely cruel – built up hatred Killed livestock Burned villages Tortured young and old

8. Leaving Vietnam Soldiers were only required 365 days of service Many left mentally and physically unbalanced Many left mentally and physically unbalanced Last major actions of U.S. before Vietcong launched there last big offensive