Vietnam War

Vietnam War

A war in the country of Vietnam between the United States and the communist forces of North Vietnam. The U.S. was attempting to keep South Vietnam free from communism. The North Vietnamese eventually won, forcing the United States to withdraw.

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Vietnam War

body count

Military; Vietnam War

The number of enemy killed, wounded, or captured during an operation. The term was used by Washington and Saigon as a means of measuring the progress of the war.

base camp

Military; Vietnam War

A resupply base for field units and a location for headquarters of brigade or division size units, artillery batteries and air fields. Also known as the rear area.

hamlet evaluation system (HES)

Military; Vietnam War

An evaluation system devised and run by Americans in Saigon which required monthly computerized reports from all the DSAs in the country.

claymore

Military; Vietnam War

An antipersonnel mine carried by the infantry which, when detonated, propelled small steel cubes in a 60-degree fan-shaped pattern to a maximum distance of 100 meters.

flechette

Military; Vietnam War

A small dart-shaped projectile clustered in an explosive warhead. A mine without great explosive power containing small pieces of shrapnel intended to wound and kill.

long range reconnaissance patrol (LRRP)

Military; Vietnam War

An elite team usually composed of five to seven men who go deep into the jungle to observe enemy activity without initiating contact.

co van

Military; Vietnam War

Advisor. American assigned to Vietnamese military units or to political division within the country to help direct and train Vietnamese military and civilian officials.