Vietnam 1965 - 1973

This Vietnam 1965–1973 collection focuses on the major U.S. ground-combat commitment and withdrawal period. Those dates describe the collection's emphasis, not the full duration of the Vietnam War: American advisory involvement began earlier, and fighting continued after U.S. combat forces withdrew.

From Advisers to Large-Scale Combat

U.S. assistance and advisory missions expanded before the arrival of major combat formations in 1965. Army units subsequently operated across South Vietnam, fighting North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces while working alongside South Vietnamese and other allied troops.

The conflict combined conventional battles, patrols, base defense, reconnaissance, and advisory work. Artillery, aviation, engineers, intelligence, communications, medical care, and logistics were essential to those operations as well as to the infantry units most often associated with them.

Airborne and Airmobile Service

The 173rd Airborne Brigade arrived in May 1965. Its service included Operation Junction City in February 1967, when elements of the brigade conducted a combat parachute assault. That operation should not be taken to mean that airborne units routinely entered Vietnam battles by parachute.

Helicopters transformed tactical movement, fire support, resupply, and casualty evacuation. Much of the service of airborne-designated units occurred on foot or through helicopter-borne operations. Parachute qualification, an airborne unit designation, and participation in a combat jump are different parts of a Soldier's record.

Withdrawal and Remembrance

The Paris agreement of January 1973 provided for U.S. withdrawal, but it did not end fighting in Vietnam. The closing years of the war extended beyond the period emphasized here.

AAC's Vietnam-era designs recognize specific units, jobs, and experiences. A regiment's Vietnam heritage does not establish that every battalion served there, and an individual design's historical connection should be read at the unit and era it actually represents.

Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and original designs honoring those who served during the Vietnam era.