Perspectives: the views of six veterans from the Vietnam War, 1964-1971.

Abstract

This thesis examines the contemporary and the retrospective opinions of Vietnam veterans toward the Vietnam War. The research has been done using three methods. The first method used was to read material on the Vietnam War, books written by combat veterans or articles written about combat veterans. Second was the examination of unpublished letters and diaries that were written by combat veterans. The third method was to conduct oral interviews of combat veterans from the Vietnam War. This study draws four basic conclusions. The first is that most veterans did not believe then nor do they believe now they were fighting for their government. The second conclusion is that veterans believe that leadership in Vietnam War from the President on down to the company level, was poor. The third conclusion is that Vietnam veterans believe that it didn't matter to the South Vietnamese what kind of government they had, that they were politically confused. The fourth and final conclusion is that Vietnam veterans fall into three groups: pro-Vietnam War, and anti-Vietnam War and whose views are incorrect. This last named group have not returned home psychologically.