THE VETERANS' PRESS: Vietnam era veterans: Facts and demographics

The Vietnam War officially began Aug. 5, 1964, and ended on May 7, 1975. Below are some facts and demographic features of Veterans who served during this time:

• Approximately 2.7 million veterans served in the Republic of Vietnam out of the 8.7 million Americans who served in the Armed Forces during the Vietnam era.

• Although segregation in the military officially ended in 1948, the Vietnam War was the first major conflict in which military units were fully integrated.

• Approximately 7,500 women were stationed in Vietnam during the war.

• More than 300,000 veterans were wounded during the Vietnam War.

• VA’s Veteran Population Projection Model estimates that there are approximately 6.1 million living Vietnam War-era veterans, as of 2021.

• The median age of Vietnam War era veterans is approximately 73 years old.

• As of November 2020, nearly 1.6 million Vietnam veterans were being served by the various programs of the Veterans Benefits Administration. An additional 320,000 surviving spouses, nearly 5,000 children, and 542 parents of Vietnam War veterans were also receiving VA benefits.

Thanks to all our Vietnam veterans who served and for their sacrifices.

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Source: Vietnam War Veterans, and honoring all who served: Memorial Day 2021 — VAntage Point