The Vietnam War was a reality that no one asked for; it was a distortion of what the world wanted. People kept losing important individuals and comrades on a daily basis. It brought a pain that no one could get used to, no matter how frequently it happened. The image shown above is an obvious depiction of mourning soldiers.
In the battlefield, profound and powerful bonds create friendships that can last a lifetime. These soldiers forged their relationships in blood, sweat, and tears. Losing each other would sometimes overwhelm these soldiers to the point of insanity.
The Intimidating Vietnamese Terrain
Vietnam is home to 430 different species of mammals and 800 different types of reptiles/amphibians. With lethal snakes, insects, massive elephants, and ruthless Indochinese tigers lurking around every corner, danger seemed to stay everywhere.
Imagine the level of resiliency the U.S. troops needed to have while they were crossing the dark waters of the Mekong Delta, as shown above. With a high chance of encountering potentially dangerous animals or, worse, fearsome guerillas, these soldiers already had one foot on the ground.
The Children Are The Future
With the Vietnam War leaving nothing but death and destruction in its wake, both the Northern and Southern parts of the country were rendered useless. War doesn't end with whoever wins. It continues until the very last establishment has been rebuilt, and the memories are forgotten. Traumas ran rampant among Vietnamese people as their cities were destroyed, buildings turned to rubble, villages abandoned, and fatalities multiplied.
Take a look at Vietnam today, and know that the two little-orphaned girls photographed above contributed to rebuilding their nation into what it is now. Observers would see a simple photo of two girls smiling inside a moving bus, but what most individuals do not know is that this bus is taking them to a Children's Village. There they will receive five to seven years of education and will be sent back to Vietnam to help the country restore its glory.
Seized Viet Cong Guerilla Member
In the year 1965, the North Vietnamese Army, as well as the Viet Cong guerilla group, snowballed as an influential force amongst the local villages. They were able to replenish their equipment and supplies and recruit more men quickly.
This feat placed them at an advantage against the South Vietnamese Troops. Upon hearing these reports, the U.S. increased its lent forces and aid for the anti-communist army to have a fair chance against their pro-communist counterparts.
Hidden Smile
Not too many photos of the Vietnam War days have soldiers with smiles emerging all over their faces, and this one is exceptional. This photo was taken in the late days of August 1962, six years after the war started.
The photo features Vietnamese trainees watching the American Ranger, Lt. Bruce G. Smally. Smally instructs Corporal Y. Bhung on how to use a bayonet. These were common sense back in the day, as the US forces would regularly train Mantagnard tribesmen to fight against the Vietcong guerrillas.