Whether the U.S. could have won the Vietnam War is highly debated, with many historians arguing it was unwinnable due to a flawed strategy, misunderstanding the conflict as conventional rather than a nationalist struggle, and political limits; however, some suggest winning might have involved a much broader commitment (invading the North, total blockade, "taking the gloves off") or earlier diplomatic efforts, though this risked wider war, especially with China, and immense cost in lives and resources, while others point to late-war successes (like Operation Linebacker II) as proof that overwhelming force could have achieved victory, though not necessarily a sustainable political one.
To summarize the general consensus, the United States could have likely never won the war as it was fought. It was essentially defending South Vietnam from an invasion – while it fought an enemy that could retreat without fear of destruction.
Reasons for US failure in defeating the Vietcong
Who did the Viet Cong fear the most? Tough, battle-hardened South Korean troops were justly feared by Vietcong and North Vietnamese regulars alike during the Vietnam War.
Fighting in Vietnam was difficult because a convergence of terrain, climate, enemy tactics, political constraints, logistics, and domestic/international politics created persistent operational and strategic friction. The difficulty was systemic: tactical successes rarely translated into strategic gains.
One of the problems was mirror imaging the enemy and, in fact, applying, in this case, the rational man theory of English common law to Ho Chi Minh. In fact, there were memos written in this period of time that they would establish a common law pattern of attacks to convince Ho to do the rational thing.
The Battle of Hamburger Hill, fought from May 13 to May 20, 1969, during the Vietnam War, occurred in the A Sầu Valley, South Vietnam, on the ridge of Dong Ap Bia, known as Hill 937. The U.S. Army and the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) clashed with the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) in a grueling engagement.
Field Marshal Erwin Rommel held great respect for Australian soldiers, viewing them as tough, skilled, and formidable fighters, especially in attack, famously stating he'd use Australians to take hell and New Zealanders to hold it, though some historians question the exact phrasing while confirming his admiration for their fighting prowess in North Africa, documented in his letters.
The tonnage of bombs including chemical arms used by the US in Vietnam exceeds that was used throughout the Second World War. This is the reason why some historians consider this war more brutal than the Second World War.
Which Armies Were Historically the Most Feared?
As the most common cause of death outside the first 24 hours in Vietnam was secondary to sepsis, understanding the bacteriology of war wounds was of vital importance.
The Civil War was the deadliest war in American history. Altogether, over 600,000 died in the conflict, more than World War I and World War II combined. A soldier was 13 times more likely to die in the Civil War than in the Vietnam War.
Since the war's end, official U.S. government investigations have consistently concluded that no military personnel remain alive in Vietnam.
IRAQ was forced to pay full reparations for its war with Kuwait in 1990-91; payments were deducted from its UN-controlled oil revenues (1). But the United States has never paid a cent of reparations for its war in Vietnam, 1964-75.
Without US involvement, it's pretty certain that Nazi Germany would still lose, just with more Soviet and British casualties, and the Soviets most likely taking a larger slice of Europe.
Those who supported the war resented the veterans for losing the war, which left Vietnam veterans feeling like outsiders to veterans of other wars. The Vietnam War divided American society. Those who served were often treated as traitors instead of heroes, and found it difficult to adjust to life back home.
WW2 soldiers carried condoms primarily for disease prevention (STDs like syphilis and gonorrhea) and for practical combat uses, such as keeping sand and mud out of their rifle barrels, protecting small items, or even as makeshift waterproof bags, although the weapon-protection use is sometimes exaggerated in popular culture. The military distributed them widely (often in "prophylactic kits") to maintain troop strength, recognizing the significant manpower lost to venereal diseases in past conflicts.
Well, since about 98% completed their 12 to 13 month tour and returned to the States alive, even though possibly wounded or otherwise injured, the average “lifespan of a soldier in Vietnam” would have been about 11.75 to 12.75 months.
1957: Prime Minister Kishi Nobusuke said to the people of Australia: "It is my official duty, and my personal desire, to express to you and through you to the people of Australia, our heartfelt sorrow for what occurred in the war."
It was the rival Weltanschauung, Marxism (which for him embraced social democracy as well as communism), with its insistence on internationalism and economic conflict. Beyond Marxism he believed the greatest enemy of all to be the Jew, who was for Hitler the incarnation of evil.
While the United States (US) is Australia's key strategic ally and often seen as a very close partner by leaders, public opinion polls consistently show New Zealand as Australia's "best friend" in the world, followed by the US and then the United Kingdom, reflecting deep cultural and historical ties with both neighbors.
Jerry Michael Tate Shriver (24 September 1941 – 10 June 1974), also known by his nickname "Mad Dog", was a Master Sergeant in the United States Army who served in MACV-SOG in the Vietnam War.
The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel, invading South Korea. The United Nations, led by the United States, intervened to defend South Korea. Despite the extensive military engagement and significant casualties, neither side issued a formal declaration of war.
For the most realistic Vietnam War movies, Hamburger Hill, Platoon, and Full Metal Jacket are consistently praised, with Hamburger Hill noted for its gritty combat, Platoon for its psychological toll and authenticity (due to veteran director Oliver Stone), and Full Metal Jacket for its harsh depiction of boot camp and combat realities, capturing the unique feeling of being "in country". Other highly realistic choices include 84C MoPic for patrol life and We Were Soldiers for battle details, while The Odd Angry Shot offers an authentic look at the soldier's routine boredom and terror from an Australian perspective.