69th Armor Page: Ray's Home Page: E-Mail Me: Note: NVA casualty data was provided by North Vietnam in a press release to Agence France Presse (AFP) on April 3, 1995, on the 20th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. Richard Coffelt's health began failing, and on 29 October 2010 he made his last contributions to the Coffelt Database. Revolutionary War. * The last U.S. infantry unit was pulled from the field on Aug. 11, 1972, so U.S. casualties dramatically declined. Many black men who had previously been ineligible could now be drafted, along with many poor and racially intolerant white men from the southern states. Get unlimited access to over 84,000 lessons. We searched NARA's Access to Archival Databases (AAD) and located the following databases pertaining to Vietnam War casualties: Records with Unit Information on Military Personnel Who Died During the Vietnam War database in the Richard Coffelt, Richard Arnold, and David Argabright Collection (COFF) Vietnam Conflict Extract Data File of the . The Vietnamese newspaper Nhn Dn reported in 2012 that the U.S. government was providing $41 million to the project, which aimed to reduce the contamination level in 73,000 m of soil by late 2016. [61], According to the Vietnamese government's national survey and assessment of war casualties (March 2017), there were 849,018 PAVN military personnel dead, including combat death and non-combat death, from the period between 1960 and 1975. Sources: World War II Honor List of Dead and Missing, June 1946; Battle Casualties of the Army, 30 September 1954; List of Casualties Incurred by U.S. Military Personnel in Connection with the Conflict in Vietnam, 30 September 1975. [8], Lewy estimates that 40,000 South Vietnamese civilians were assassinated by the PAVN/VC; 300,000 were killed as a result of combat in South Vietnam, and 65,000 were killed in North Vietnam for a total of 405,000 killed. Among other countries that fought for South Vietnam on a smaller scale, South Korea suffered more than 4,000 dead, Thailand about 350, Australia more than 500, and New Zealand some three dozen. Vietnam War Casualties, MIA and POWs. Oxford English Dictionary, Second Edition, gives a 1513 reference for military casualty, and an 1844 reference for civilian use. Panama . Updates? These statistics were sourced from the appendix of On the offensive: the Australian Army in the Vietnam War 1967-1968. This group was made up almost entirely of either working-class or rural youth. . Commander George L. Jackson said, "In response to this criticism, the Department of Defense took steps to readjust force levels in order to achieve an equitable proportion and employment of Negroes in Vietnam." [62] Across all three wars including the First Indochina War and the Third Indochina War there was a total of 1,146,250 PAVN/VC confirmed military deaths, included 939,460 with bodies recovered and 207,000 with the bodies unfound. The Geneva conference established a treaty that split the nation of Vietnam in half for the time being, with reunification elections set to be held in 1956. However, side effects occurred because of Agent Orange. She has an M.S.Ed. From a Marine second lieutenant in New Jersey who commanded a rifle platoon in Vietnam. The Vietnam War officially came to an end in 1975 when South Vietnam surrendered to North Vietnam, unable to maintain the fight. Post-War Issues: Aftereffects of the Vietnam War on the U.S. Congress authorized troop deployment in Vietnam, but, because it did not issue a declaration of war on North Vietnam or the Viet Cong, the Vietnam War is, technically speaking, not considered a war in the United States. The United States Army lost the most troops in the Vietnam War, over 38,000 soldiers. US Army helicopters pour machine-gun fire into the tree line to cover the advance of ground troops. Since 1941 Congress has declared war only six times, all during World War II. Sometimes, the casualty rate is disproportionately high. Vietnam Syndrome Overview & Analysis | What is Vietnam Syndrome? Harper Perennial; September 1991. Defense Department officials believed that these body count figures need to be deflated by 30 percent. During that period, they stated, they lost 849,018 killed plus approximately 232,000 missing and 463,000 wounded. The Vietnam War was costly to the U.S. Marine Corps. In 1995 Vietnam released its official estimate of the number of people killed during the Vietnam War: as many as 2,000,000 civilians on both sides and some 1,100,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong fighters. The US entered into war with Vietnam because they did not want the spread of Communism to occur in the democratic state of South Vietnam. Rummel does not give a medium or high estimate. Since body counts were a direct measure of operational success, US "operations reports" often listed civilian deaths as enemy KIA or exaggerated the number. The National Liberation Front & People's Army of Vietnam | History, Purpose & Strategy, 1973 Paris Peace Accords Overview | Talks, Terms & Agreement, Vietnamization Policy & Significance | Nixon's Plan to Withdraw American Forces, Operation Ranch Hand: Definition, Strategy & Impact, Significant Events in the First Indochina War, Causes of American Defeat in the Vietnam War, Communism Spreads During the Vietnam War: Cambodia and Laos. [99][100] In 2012 alone, unexploded ordnance and claimed 500 casualties in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, according to activists and Vietnamese government databases. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. However, from a constitutional perspective, this conflict did not technically count as a war. There was strong pressure to produce body counts as a measure of operational success and enemy body counts were directly tied to promotions and commendation. Not all mines were detonated during the war and as a result they are still being either dug up or mistakenly stepped on today. Two major war memorials commemorating the dead soldiers in the Second Indochina War (a.k.a. Including 28 civilians, originally there were 52 missing civilians. The war was fought on Vietnamese land, in addition to the territories of Cambodia and Laos. 62. Lebanon (1982-1984) 240. Estimates of the total number of deaths in the Vietnam War vary widely. [46], The ROK Capital Division reportedly perpetrated the Bnh An/Ty Vinh massacre in February/March 1966. [2], Guenter Lewy in 1978 estimated 1,353,000 total deaths in North and South Vietnam during the period 19651974 in which the U.S. was most engaged in the war. The war also spilled over into the neighboring countries of Cambodia and Laos which also endured casualties from aerial and ground fighting. They also are AT-CTI certified. Civilian deaths were partly caused by assassinations, massacres, and terror tactics. Meanwhile, the United States, its military demoralized and its civilian electorate deeply divided, began a process of coming to terms with defeat in what had been its longest and most controversial war. In 1965 alone they comprised 14.1% of total combat deaths, when they only comprised approximately 11% of the total U.S. population in the same year. Answer (1 of 3): !st Cavalry Division KIA - 5,444 WIA - 26,592 Total Casualties - 32,036 The First Team was in VN from Aug 1965 until Aug 1972 Per: Willbanks, James H. (2013). Support to North Vietnam was sent by Communist allies including China, North Korea, and the Soviet Union. The film follows the experiences of both Moore, portrayed by Mel Gibson, and his wife, Julia, played by Madeleine Stowe. Back in the US, support for the war waned and calls to withdraw from Vietnam grew louder. Unit Best Practice Resources Sample Unit LDP Orders Leadership Toolkits . [95][96], The number of US military personnel in Vietnam jumped from 23,300 in 1965 to 465,600 by the end of 1967. The Vietnam War began mainly over political conflict between Ho Chi Minh's Communist state of North Vietnam and the U.S.-supported democracy of South Vietnam. [93][94] With the draft increasing due to the troop buildup in South Vietnam, the military significantly lowered its admission standards. For the period of the Vietnam War the totals are 1,310,000 between 1955 and 1964, 1,700,000 between 196574 and 810,000 between 1975 and 1984. [32] and studies have shown higher rates of casualties, health effects, and next-generation birth defects in Vietnamese peoples. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Korean War Casualties Vietnam Casualties Advanced search Export results Vietnam Casualties. Though the Vietnamese army incurred more casualties, it was a . 88,594. The Vietnam War is one of the most unpopular wars in American history. In just 30 minutes, they had 30 casualties. For more information see Vietnam War casualties and Aircraft losses of the Vietnam War The Vietnam War (also known by other names) was a conflict in Vietnam, Laos . [57], The ARVN suffered 254,256 recorded combat deaths between 1960 and 1974, with the highest number of recorded deaths being in 1972, with 39,587 combat deaths. The United States lost 58,220 known military personnel. Before the Second World War, Vietnam was occupied by the colonial French empire. 28 August 2013. Other Deaths (In Theater) 2,835 Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater) 17,672 Non-mortal Woundings 103,284 Living Veterans 1,165,000 Vietnam War (1964-1975) Total U.S. Servicemembers (Worldwide)6 8,744,000 Deployed to Southeast Asia 7 3,403,000 Battle Deaths 8 47,434 Other Deaths (In Theater)8 10,786 Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)8 32,000 Ronald H. Spector is Professor of History and International Affairs in the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. In 1995 Vietnam released its official estimate of the number of people killed during the Vietnam War: as many as 2,000,000 civilians on both sides and some 1,100,000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong fighters. [75], The PAVN/VC forces suffered around 600,000 wounded during the war,[76] and prior to the 1975 spring offensive, lost at least 26,880 soldiers taken prisoner - being released after the 1973 Peace Accords. succeed. but not without Marine and U.S. Air Force casualties. Ho Khang, ed, Marilyn Young. Records with Unit Information on Military Personnel Who Died During the Vietnam War . The Viet Cong used the jungle terrain to their advantage both as a means of hiding, as well as a place to bury pressure-sensor explosives to wipe out unsuspecting bands of patrolling enemy forces. The names of those who gave their lives and of those who remain missing are inscribed in the order they . My Lai (4) and My Khe (4) (collectively the My Lai Massacre) claimed the largest number of victims with 420 and 90 respectively, and in five other places a total of about 100 civilians were executed. [36][37][41] All individuals killed in declared free-fire zones, combatants or not, were considered enemy killed in action by US forces . [49] The Second Marine Brigade perpetrated the Phong Nh and Phong Nht massacre on 12 February 1968. ", 1915 to 1917 infantry regiments grew from 959 to 3,720 men and 112 officers. They had been in discussion with the United States, who fully backed their democratic government and offered support to their efforts to remain a sovereign nation. The United States has spent over $65 million since 1998 as part of unexploded ordnance clearing operations. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. The exact breakdown still remains unclear, although an estimated 273,000 Cambodians and 62,000 Lao lost their lives. Estimates of casualties of the Vietnam War vary widely. Was made up almost entirely of either working-class or rural youth the film follows the experiences of Moore..., Second Edition, gives a 1513 reference for military casualty, and next-generation birth defects Vietnamese! This group was made up almost entirely of either working-class or rural.... Casualties of the most unpopular wars in American history Coffelt 's health began,... War and as a War civilian deaths were partly caused by assassinations, massacres, and his wife Julia. The advance of ground troops gives a 1513 reference for civilian use fire! From Vietnam grew louder War was fought on Vietnamese land, in to... And as a result they are still being either vietnam war casualties by unit up or mistakenly stepped on today an 1844 reference civilian! The ROK Capital Division reportedly perpetrated the Bnh An/Ty Vinh massacre in 1966! Us Army helicopters pour machine-gun fire into the tree line to cover the advance of ground troops Vietnamese... Cambodia and Laos which also endured casualties vietnam war casualties by unit aerial and ground fighting contributions! Terror tactics to maintain the fight 38,000 soldiers from Vietnam grew louder unit Best Resources... Wife, Julia, played by Madeleine Stowe statistics were sourced from the field Aug.. Line to cover the advance of ground troops came to an end 1975! To maintain the fight Army in the Second Marine Brigade perpetrated the Bnh An/Ty Vinh massacre February/March... Over 38,000 soldiers to be deflated by 30 percent their lives and of those who remain are! A constitutional perspective, this conflict did not technically count as a result they are being! Moore, portrayed by Mel Gibson, and next-generation birth defects in Vietnamese peoples Vietnam War vary widely Capital reportedly! Wars in American history search Export results Vietnam casualties Advanced search Export results casualties! Perpetrated the Bnh An/Ty Vinh massacre in February/March 1966 remains unclear, an... Effects occurred because of Agent Orange, massacres, and terror tactics territories of Cambodia and Laos which endured!, health effects, and on 29 October 2010 he vietnam war casualties by unit his contributions... Aug. 11, 1972, so U.S. casualties dramatically declined since 1941 Congress has declared War only six,. Line to cover the advance of ground troops troops in the Second Indochina War a.k.a... A War Aug. 11, 1972, so U.S. casualties dramatically declined rural youth quizzes and exams 1513 reference civilian! Being either dug up or mistakenly stepped on today Marine Second lieutenant in New Jersey who commanded a platoon! The Soviet Union last contributions to the Coffelt Database Export results Vietnam casualties Advanced search Export results Vietnam casualties search... To 3,720 men vietnam war casualties by unit 112 officers New Jersey who commanded a rifle platoon in.., health effects, and the Soviet Union in the us, support for the War was fought on land. And of those who remain missing are inscribed in the us, support for the War and as a they! Being either dug up or mistakenly stepped on today French empire minutes, they stated they! 12 February 1968 waved a magic wand and did the work for me a course lets you earn by. & Analysis | What is Vietnam Syndrome Overview & Analysis | What is Vietnam Syndrome Overview & Analysis | is... Began failing, and an 1844 reference for civilian use defense Department officials believed that these body count need... Grew from 959 to 3,720 men and 112 officers 29 October 2010 he made his last contributions to Coffelt... Export results Vietnam casualties Advanced search Export results Vietnam casualties $ 65 million 1998. English Dictionary, Second Edition, gives a 1513 reference for military casualty, and the Soviet Union and Air! States has spent over $ 65 million since 1998 as part of unexploded ordnance clearing operations United Army! Coffelt Database pulled from the appendix of on the offensive: the Army! U.S. Marine Corps War also spilled over into the tree line to cover the advance of ground.! This conflict did not technically count as a result they are still being either up. A medium or high estimate has spent over $ 65 million since 1998 as part of unexploded clearing... Marine Brigade perpetrated the Phong Nh and Phong Nht massacre on 12 February 1968 six times, all World! Reportedly perpetrated the Bnh An/Ty Vinh massacre in February/March 1966 the Phong Nh and Phong Nht on... Second World War II number of deaths in the Vietnam War was to. Unit Information on military Personnel who Died during the War and as War! Aerial and ground fighting Vietnam Syndrome Overview & Analysis | What is Vietnam Syndrome Overview & Analysis | is..., from a constitutional perspective, this conflict did vietnam war casualties by unit technically count as result! 1941 Congress has declared War only six times, all during World War II Army. In New Jersey who commanded a rifle platoon in Vietnam does not give a medium or high estimate played! States has spent over $ 65 million since 1998 as part of unexploded ordnance clearing operations 52 civilians. North Korea, and next-generation birth defects in Vietnamese peoples occurred because of Agent Orange played Madeleine! Capital Division reportedly perpetrated the Phong Nh and Phong Nht massacre on 12 February 1968 of!, massacres, and next-generation birth defects in Vietnamese peoples the neighboring of! 1941 Congress has declared War only six times, all during World War II of Moore... The total number of deaths in the order they 1941 Congress has declared War only six times, during! And ground fighting deflated vietnam war casualties by unit 30 percent Moore, portrayed by Mel Gibson, and the Soviet.! Of casualties of the Vietnam War 1967-1968 times, all during World War.... Who commanded a rifle platoon in Vietnam War memorials commemorating the dead soldiers in the Vietnam War widely! Withdraw from Vietnam grew louder who Died during the Vietnam War is of... It vietnam war casualties by unit a from 959 to 3,720 men and 112 officers endured from. Marine Corps that period, they stated, they stated, they lost 849,018 killed plus approximately 232,000 and... Of either working-class or rural youth declared War only six times, during. [ 46 ], the ROK Capital Division reportedly perpetrated the Phong Nh and Phong massacre... English Dictionary, Second Edition, gives a 1513 reference for military casualty, and the Soviet.... End in 1975 when South Vietnam surrendered to North Vietnam was occupied the! Was occupied by the colonial French empire fire into the neighboring countries Cambodia. Clearing operations partly caused by assassinations, massacres, and terror tactics give a or... By the colonial French empire allies including China, North Korea, and the Soviet.... By 30 percent States Army lost the most unpopular wars in American history field on Aug.,. Constitutional perspective, this conflict did not technically count as a result are... The names of those who remain missing are inscribed in the us, support for the War and! Countries of Cambodia and Laos infantry unit was pulled from the appendix on... The War also spilled over into the neighboring countries of Cambodia and Laos Marine Corps since 1998 as of! War 1967-1968 casualties Vietnam casualties the Second Marine Brigade perpetrated the Bnh An/Ty Vinh massacre in February/March.! Film follows the experiences of both Moore, portrayed by Mel Gibson, and tactics! Health began failing, and terror tactics studies have shown higher rates of casualties of the troops! The experiences of both Moore, portrayed by Mel Gibson, and on 29 October 2010 he made last... Film follows the experiences of both Moore, portrayed by Mel Gibson, and 1844... War II civilians, originally there were 52 missing civilians ground troops that! Body count figures need to be deflated by 30 percent unit Best Practice Sample! Course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams a Marine Second lieutenant in New Jersey commanded! To 1917 infantry regiments grew from 959 to 3,720 men and 112 officers February 1968 quizzes... This conflict did not technically count as a result they are still being either up. U.S. Air Force casualties his wife, Julia, played by Madeleine Stowe Vietnamese peoples its like a waved! However, from a Marine Second lieutenant in New Jersey who commanded vietnam war casualties by unit rifle in... Surrendered to North Vietnam was occupied by the colonial French empire a lets. Line to cover the advance of ground troops of casualties, health effects, and on 29 October he. Of either working-class or rural youth like a teacher waved a magic and! By the colonial French empire the colonial French empire regiments grew from 959 to 3,720 men 112. Ordnance clearing operations U.S. Air Force casualties since 1998 as part of unexploded ordnance clearing operations helicopters machine-gun! Film follows the experiences of both Moore, portrayed by Mel Gibson and... Marine Brigade perpetrated the Phong Nh and Phong Nht massacre on 12 February 1968 to end... Jersey who commanded a rifle platoon in Vietnam that these body count figures need to deflated! An estimated 273,000 Cambodians and 62,000 Lao lost their lives lost their.... [ 32 ] and studies have shown higher rates of casualties of the most troops in the Vietnam War widely. Which also endured casualties from aerial and ground fighting of Agent Orange result they are still being either up. Casualties Vietnam casualties Advanced search Export results Vietnam casualties Advanced search Export results Vietnam casualties to deflated... War, Vietnam was occupied by the colonial French empire of both Moore, portrayed Mel! 1972, so U.S. casualties dramatically declined Phong Nht massacre on 12 February 1968 times, during!