I am a Vietnam era veteran and I would never refer to myself as a Vietnam veteran. To me, a Vietnam veteran is one who has been awarded the ribbon. I do refer to myself as an Afghanistan veteran since I was in country and was awarded the Afghanistan Campaign medal. I believe there needs to be a distinction made between those who went and those who didn't.
He was Air Force 1961-1965.
He received "Vietnam Era" status and a small monthly bonus.
He never set foot in Vietnam
He told me it would be considered disgraceful for him to put on a "Vietnam Veteran" cap.
He'd never do it, as he doesn't think he earned that honor.
His brother did serve in Vietnam in the AF, but he spent the war fixing planes.
He could legit call himself a Vietnam Veteran, but he would never wear the cap either.
He considers it only for men who were in the field in some capacity.