Why were Americans angry with US Soldiers who fought in the Vietnam War?

Question

Were they ordered to kill babies or something?

Answer 1

Here is a section of a term paper I found that has a lot of information in it that may answer your question. I put the web site at the bottom in case you want to read the whole thing.

"The Impact of the Vietnam War on the People of America The Vietnam War was one of the most tragic wars in American history. The affects it had on the American people were tremendous. Even today many Americans have the frightening, unforgettable memories of the war. The war was accounted to be over in 1973, but Americans still suffer the aftershocks of a national trauma that has left the nation bitterly divided and estranged from its ideals. The painful memories will be eased, but they will never be fully healed. Many Americans look at the Vietnam War as the most hated conflict in United States history. It was also the first war America has not won. Many Americans started to lose faith in their country. Many refugees came to America in hopes to start a much better life here, but were disliked by many because they made it more difficult for the many unemployed citizens of America. Many families in America felt much sorrow as they learn of resent events in Vietnam, like the battle of Laos, and the loss of there loved ones. Many veterans returned from Vietnam and received a cold welcome from millions of Americans that felt a deep hatred for the war and the way the fighting ended. The only warm greetings came from family and friends of the veterans. One veteran spoke for many when he said, “I went to Vietnam thinking I was a good American who was doing my duty for my country. I come back and ended up feeling like a criminal.” It alienated many returning veterans from their fellow citizens and made them wonder if they would ever again fit into the mainstream of their nation’s life. They also wondered if they would ever win a place for themselves in the United States. One reason for these feelings toward the veteran is that the veterans did not return at the end of the war, but throughout the course of the war after serving a tour of duty. They did not return with their units, but instead returned alone or in a small group of men. "

Answer 2

It was guerrilla warfare, mainly, in a most inhospitable environment. The enemy was undefined, in that it could be anyone from a concealed fighter in the jungle to the people in the village you had just 'liberated' to the local guy serving your beer in the mess, or the girl you met on the street and slept with. You would clear an area, them as soon as you moved out, the enemy would move back in, in Patton's words, you were fighting for the same real estate over and over again. To add to this, the free press showed the worst of the aftermath of battle, and the war was unpopular at home, to the point where soldiers were reviled and spat on when they returned. Remember, you elect the government, and the government makes the wars. Don't blame the soldiers who are following their orders, blame the ones who give the orders in the first place. RESPECT OUR SERVICE PERSONNEL!

Answer 3

You must remember that Viet Nam was the first war to take place with TV. For the first time people could see the death and destruction from their living-rooms. Daily video, pictures and death counts.

The war was very unpopular especially in liberal America. The press was arguably predominately liberal. So TV viewers were shown every gory detail possible especially if it highlighted the negative aspects of the war. Also there was competition, like now and always, competition to get viewers by showing the goriest video.

In every war civilians, women, children, hospitals, orphanages, and churches get bombed or shot at and innocent people get killed. Both sides do it.

In Viet Nam it was particularly hard to tell civilian from enemy soldier because Viet Cong wore no uniforms. They dressed like everyone else (much like Iraq). The Viet Cong also frequently used booby-trapped kids as weapons or lures.

In every war some soldiers go over the top and intentionally kill innocent people. Both sides in every war does it. Who's to cast blame, as only a combat veteran can imagine the stress of combat. And not every single person forced to go to war can be expected to stay sane and handle the pressure.

With all this in mind, some people in the U.S blamed the soldiers for Viet Nam. Why? Who knows? Why weren't the politicians who created and escalated the war blamed? Who knows? The soldiers, mostly draftees, just did what they were told to do. Why blame them? Who knows? But they were blamed.

Answer 4

Excellent question!

The media misportrayed the American soldier as a loser and criminal. Those who didn't understand the risks of not fighting never took the time to consider it or worse preferred the system we were fighting.

American soldiers won every battle. The average soldier fought honorably and within the law. The media, protestors, and politicians meddling in warfare lost the war.

Treat a current American soldier like that and one of us will end up in jail and the other in the hospital. The soldier can hope for a Viet Nam vet on the jury. Viet Nam vets: well done!

Answer 5

The media cherry picked the pictures and the stories.

Walter Chronkite proclaimed the war lost after the TET offensive. Check out www.vietquoc.com for a history lesson about that absurd claim.

President Johnson micro managed from the Whitehouse.

Future Sen John Kerry lied to congress.

As another stated it was the first war on the 6 "O" Clock news with fresh film.

Ther are just too many why's to list.

If you repeat the lie enough it will become the truth.

A bit of trivia in regard to the middle east. I was painting Army vehicles desert camo in the very green country of Germany with 9 Soviet Divisions staring at us in April of 1974. We did not do this to confuse the Russians we were preparing for combat in a area outside of Germany.

Answer 6

Not all Americans were angry with soldiers who went to Vietnam. Only the stupid ones were.

Answer 7

The US had no right to be fighting in vietnam. People have a tendency to take out their frustration on those who don't deserve it. they couldn't take it out on the president who ordered the troops over there, so they took it out on the troops who had no choice but to go.

Answer 8

Because they are stupid. Those soldiers were treated with disrespect when they returned, I hope I never see that again in my lifetime.If people haven't walked in there shoes they will never know the hell they went through.

Answer 9

they had no clue what was going on and blamed them for fighting when they should have blamed the administration
but mainly ignorance of the truth and lack of wanting to hear what the troops said was going on there and not what the media told them

Answer 10

Ignorance, they did thier Counry a service, mostly against thier own will. They should be honored. Does not matter why or who sent them, THEY should be honored as Heros.