[ruesrose]

If you served in Vietnam during time of war and you would be a Vietnam Veteran.
If you served in the military during that war but were not stationed in Vietnam, you would be a Vietnam era veteran.

[muawiyah]

Of course folks differentiate by war ~ it does make a difference ~ your WWI veterans might have faced poison gas, or known fellows who did. In WWII beach landings were a big item, and airplanes played an enormous role. In Korea there was winter. In the Nam there was rain and heat, and in preparation for possible service there, everybody in the combat arms (the only part of military service that counts eh) "they" made sure EVERYBODY got to train in places where there was lots and lots of rain and heat ~ jus' so's you didn't miss anything.

There's some overlap in ages among the veterans of the different wars, so knowing those differences simply helps folks communicate that much better.

I can't imagine a world where any vet would think it totally unimportant or useful to let folks know what war was going on during his period of service.

[G-Bear]

The term “VietNam Era Veteran” is used by the military and government to indicate anybody who served during the VietNam War period. This applies to veterans benefits and such.

[apillar]

My father signed up for the army as soon as he turned 18 to fight in World War II. While he was still in basic training, Japan surrendered. Although he went on to spend 12 years in the military and was part of the occupation force that was in Japan after the war, he never considered himself a World War II veteran. However, the military did consider him a Veteran because the war was still going on when he enlisted. In fact the grave marker the military supplied when he died in 2000 says World War II veteran on it.

[ansel12]

Any time the left can elevate WWII service over Vietnam service, they do.

[Sparky1776]

I’m a Cold War Era veteran aka just a vet.

[mountainlion]

This seems like a shallow article to me. I guess people need to make up stuff for something to write about.

[oneolcop]

The military makes it pretty simple: If you fulfilled the requirements to be awarded a campaign ribbon/medal, you are a veteran of that campaign i.e. European theater ribbon (WWII) Korean service (Korean war) Vietnam campaign medal (Vietnam) etc.

My wife (served 1966-1969) considers herself a Vietnam war era veteran as she was not awarded the campaign ribbon/medal.

[doorgunner69]

Perhaps the distinction should be those actually in the combat area, and those supporting them, such as the sailors of the coast, aircrew bringing in support, vs. those well removed from the theater. Out first segeant told us within minutes of setting boots on the ground at Danang, "you are now Vietnam veterans". Took a few rocket attacks to feel like one though.

Those that spent their time in Germany (or like a buddy, embassy guard in Copenhagen) are "era" veterans. Hard to call a guy that chased chicks in Denmark for 3 years a "Vietnam Veteran".

[Blue Ink]

So all the WACs, WASPs, and WAVs who served during World War II — many of whom lost their lives moving aircraft around the country, for example — aren’t World War II vets in your book?

Bah. You’re wrong.

[VeniVidiVici]

Personally I think, and probably moreso now than during WWII, is if you got combat pay then you’re a veteran of the conflict.

[Silentgypsy]

For whatever it’s worth, my husband makes it clear that he enlisted, “...too late for Viet Nam.”

[celtic gal]

If a person was in the military during the Viet Nam War but never was ordered in country should refer to themselves or others in that situation as Viet Nam ERA veterans to distinguish themselves from those who did go to Viet Nam.
I was in the service then as well as during the first gulf war..I did not deploy in either effort but from the state side I was very much in support as well as when I was in Okinawa during Viet Nam..so for me I just say I am a Veit Nam ERA veteran, my husband is a Viet Nam Veteran who served two tours,

[JDoutrider]

Ground pounders vs REMFs...

That’s where the distinction is clearly set.

LOL!

[RightWingConspirator]

“The issue was the Stolen Valor Act (which I disagree with, believe it or not) ... “

What exactly do you not agree with? Do you believe that people who never were in the military and who go around purporting themselves to be Medal of Honor or Silver Star recipients are just “exercising their rights of free speech”? I don’t.