What problems did Vietnam veterans face?

Answer 1

Back in those days (60's/70's) when people found out you were a Viet War vet, they'd either walk away from you; or give you a sneer . . . then walk away from you, or start an argument with you . . . or spit on the ground with their eye on you. Or, in some stretched examples, start a fist fight. Until the US Government passed the Veteran Non-Discrimination Act in about 1974 (specifically listing Vietnam Vets)... SOME employers would not hire you . . . thinking you might cause problems at work, etc.

So, it was best to keep quiet about the war. Which is why, again...it's puzzling to Vietnam War Veterans why so many people are claiming to be Viet War Vets today . . . they didn't want to serve their country then . . . why the interest now . . . especially since it's been close to 40 years.

Today there are MILLIONS of fake Viet Veterans, which is a little puzzling, since very few men wanted to admit he was in Vietnam (in some case even the military) back in the 60's and 70's.

Answer 2

Vietnam veterans faced massive discrimination from family, friends, employers, school instructors (teachers), etc. Not everyone and anybody of course, but discrimination was rampant enough for the US Government to pass an anti-Vietnam Discrimination law in about 1974(?). The average Viet Vet tried not to disclose his military service while socializing with the general public. No one likes rejection, and to avoid it, a vet simply let his hair grow out, maybe even a beard, and disappeared into the crowd.

Answer 3

Some people in the US greeted a returning GI (men returning from Vietnam came home alone...they did NOT return with their units or as groups of men) with scowls and verbal threats, or when seeing a wounded veteran, stating that they were, "glad the man had his arm blown off", adding that "...he deserved it..." It was a good idea, when returning home, to travel with another GI...better yet, in a group, as people in the US could be just as dangerous as the communists were in Vietnam. The anti-war crowd in America OFTEN FLEW the Viet Cong Flag (Red and Blue with a Yellow Star on it). After fighting the communists in Vietnam with guns, some returning GI's had to fight their fellow countrymen with fists.

Answer 4

Rejection and discrimination.