No particular individual defined the term. A veteran, in this sense, means someone who served in a particular conflict, Vietnam in this case.
You are a Vietnam Era Veteran but not a Vietnam War Veteran
The Vietnam War 'era' was 1961 to 1975.
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.
Anyone regardless of rank, branch of service, or jobspeciality, who served in country or in the waters off the coast and were awarded a Vietnam campaign ribbon indicating that they did so is a Vietnam veteran, regardless of the job they performed. The guy who was a chaplain's assistant, cook or clerk typist etc, who served there is a Vietnam veteran just as the combat veteran.
Henry Rodgers
You are a Vietnam Era Veteran but not a Vietnam War Veteran
He is a Vietnam Era Veteran.
He/She is a Veitnam Era 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.
The Vietnam War 'era' was 1961 to 1975.
Anyone who served in Vietnam during the conflict. Not only US troops, but several nations did so too.
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.
Bob is a member of the Rotary club and a Vietnam Veteran.
The cast of No Unwounded Soldiers - 2007 includes: Frank Attruia as Vietnam veteran Grace Bell as World War II veteran Edward Borucki as World War II veteran George LaBounty as Vietnam veteran Mary Lou Lauricella as Drama Therapist Lewis Mungo as Vietnam veteran Al Perrault as Vietnam veteran Janet Rilance as Sister of Vietnam veteran Robert Timmins as Iraq 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))
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).
Veteran and non-veteran donations.