Posted on 11/22/2024 7:28:35 PM PST by SeekAndFind
Your mother was correct.
It would have been a stretch. The last US combat troops left South Vietnam in August 1972. A 1954 kid would have had to enlist well before 18 and make it through basic training in order to find himself over there.
https://www.army.mil/vietnamwar/history.html
Thanx
Extreme stretch no question. Depends on duty.
Supposedly, last 2 killed in VN in April 1975 were Marines - Embassy Security.
One born in 53 one born in 56
Marines could enlist with parents permission @ 17
“Officially” The last American troops, not assigned to the Embassy(or snake eaters... SEAL teams etc..) departed on 28 Mar 1973.
“Officially” The last ground combat unit (air and air cav among others, were there longer) left in August of 1972.
I couldn’t find when the last troops were sent to VN.
fascinating anecdotal read here of who and when they left.
http://armchairgeneral.com/last-us-combat-troops-in-vietnam.htm
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.