3. Vietnam was the longest war the United States ever fought – 15 years

4. The U.S. Congress never declared war on Vietnam

5. The average age of a Vietnam soldier was 19 years old

6. A tour of duty lasted either 12 or 13 months

7. 3 ½ Million served in the war 2,338 are still missing in action

9. 25% of those who served were drafted

11. 4 million Vietnamese were killed

12. 58,202 Americans died in the war

13. Amputation and crippling wounds to the lower extremities were 300% higher in Vietnam than they were in WWII due to booby traps

14. 303,704 US Soldiers were wounded

15. The war was broadcast on television daily

17. Five US Presidents were directly involved with the Vietnam War Eisenhower – money to aid the French Kennedy – money and “advisors” to aid the Vietnamese troops Johnson – Sent US Troops to fight Nixon – Troop withdraw & the peace treaty Ford – Aftermath of the war & President during the fall of Saigon

19. The Vietnam War was the most unpopular war since the US Civil War Men and women often had to explain why they served; not serving was acceptable to many

21. The Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial was dedicated in 1982