Generally, a Vietnam era veteran is considered anyone who served in the military between 1964-1975. There are, however, some nuances in the case of Vietnam War veterans, who served in country during the war. They can date back to the late 1950s and early 1960s, when the US had advisers in Vietnam; also, while there were only few in Vietnam at this time, some US servicemen who served in 1974-1975 would be considered Vietnam veterans (I.e. marines present at the Fall of Saigon and US Navy sailors who aided in evacuating Saigon).
He/She is a Veitnam Era Veteran.
Vietnam era. The period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in the case of a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. The period beginning on August 5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in all other cases. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 101(29))
Veteran Affairs
For the US Army, during the Vietnam War, a battalion was about 600 men. The US Marine Corps will be similar in organization (during the Vietnam era).
Tricky Dick, as known to the American people; B52 Nixon as known to the GIs in Vietnam.
You are a Vietnam Era Veteran but not a Vietnam War Veteran
Not everyone who served during the era of the Vietnam War went to Vietnam. Some remained in cantonment. Some participated in other military actions during this era (e.g., the occupation of the Dominican Republic, etc.). Some were stationed in other countries in support of operations in Vietnam. "Vietnam-era veteran" refers to them.
He is a Vietnam Era Veteran.
Anyone who served in Vietnam during the conflict. Not only US troops, but several nations did so too.
He/She is a Veitnam Era Veteran.
No particular individual defined the term. A veteran, in this sense, means someone who served in a particular conflict, Vietnam in this case.
The Vietnam War 'era' was 1961 to 1975.
Vietnam era. The period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in the case of a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. The period beginning on August 5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in all other cases. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 101(29))
If you served in a combat zone yes. If not, you are a war era veteran.
Veteran Affairs
Beginning service when the war was going on is considered Vietnam "Era." A veteran doesn't have to serve "in country" to meet "Era" status.
Unless you actually served in Viet Nam you are not a Viet Nam Veteran. You are considered a Veteran. I served from 1964-1967 and never was sent to Viet Nam, but was sent to Germany. I am a Veteran but not a Viet Nam Veteran.Additional infoVietnam vets are vets that served from 1964 to 1975 and received the Vietnam Service Metal (VSM ). The military had regulations covering who received the VSM. So since you did not serve during those dates, you would not be eligible for the VSM and therefore not considered a Vietnam Veteran. (If you had served anytime from 1964 to 1975 and had not received the VSM, you would be referred to as a Vietnam Era Veteran.