VETERANS ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
VIETNAM WAR
The war began in 1954. It was a long and costly conflict due to the communist government of North Vietnam against South Vietnam and its ally, the United States. The United States got involved due to the fear of communism spreading. This conflict grew more intense as the Cold War began between the United States and the Soviet Union. More than 3 million people were killed in the Vietnam War (this includes over 58,000 Americans). The current president at the time, Richard Nixon withdrew U.S. forces in 1973. In 1975, communist forces gained control of South Vietnam. (History.com).
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There was opposition of the war in the United States that divided citizens. (History.com)
OUTCOMES
After the Vietnam war, the South Vietnamese government collapsed which resulted in a unified communist government. There was an economic downturn and political isolation for Vietnam, which was supported by only the Soviet Union and allies in Eastern Europe. Unlike U.S. fears a “domino effect” (the spreading of communism throughout countries of the region) did not occur. Additionally there were around 2 million refugees from Vietnam from the late 1970s to the early 1990s. (Britannica.com)
RELATION TO INTERVIEWEE
Alan Shoemaker served in the Army for two years. He was a Platoon leader for the 9th infantry division. His locations of service included: Ft. Stewart, Georgia; Mekong Delta, Vietnam; Schofield Barracks, Honolulu; Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
The Platoon Commander is responsible for the training, discipline, control, and tactical employment of his platoon.
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