O)+The+Vietnam+Soldier-+5.25.10


 * The Vietnam Soldier

Chasing Charlie **
 * when writing they used a lot of abbreviations and acronyms
 * platoons were ordered to kill as many natives as possible
 * there were a lot of code names or nick-names for things
 * always chasing charlie (viet cong)
 * terrifying being in battle

A Grunts War(1)
 * pitch black combat with no moon
 * firefights were common
 * uncomfortably hot
 * charlie had bombs, mines, booby traps, tunnels, and sharp, poisonous punji stake
 * unlike any other war because every step could mean death
 * US foot soldiers were called grunts
 * most grunts were white and came from rural or small towns in america
 * most volunteered
 * 10-12% were black