What was the ratio of blacks to whites serving in the Vietnam War?

Answer 1

Approximately one black to 8 whites served, similar to the proportion in the population at large. This was also the proportion of casualties during that war. There are myths that there were heavier casualties among blacks in Vietnam. Absolutely untrue. Whites died in much higher numbers, proportionate and absolute, during WW2, because blacks were seldom allowed in combat roles. For example, the US Marine Corp did not accept blacks until long after the war was over. Most blacks in WW2 served in support groups like transportion. These support troops suffered casualties, but not as large as front-line units. There were a few black front line units, most famously black fighter plane units, armored units, and some ground combat units, as depicted in the recent Spike Lee movie. Such units were, however, very small in number. All of the armed services in WW2 were segrated, the Marines the most so, not allowing blacks to join at all. The Navy in 99% of cases had blacks serve as cooks and waiters, or as longshoreman unloading ships. The Army (which included the Air Forces back then) were slightly more liberal, but not much. The result was that far more whites than blacks died in combat during WW2. By the Vietnam era, the armed services were completely integrated, so casualties were evenly distributed among the races.