The Vietnam War remains to be one of the most controversial and deadliest in the world’s history especially the United States. The war lasted for 20 years and claimed approximately 3.5 million lives. It is estimated that about 60,000 of those who died were Americans who were fighting the Soviet Union. The cold war was based on the fact that the Soviet Union had to be stopped due to its political influence as well as the spread of its communism. In the war that altered the course of history, these rare photos were taken.
Buddhist Monk Burning Himself
At the primary high way in Saigon, a 73-year-old Buddhist Monk burns himself. The photo was captured showed he soaked himself in petrol then ignited. The onlookers could do nothing but watch this rare event in the history of humanity. This happened on June 11, 1963.
Helicopters Covering Troops
In the Vietnam War tree lines were used as a cover. The United States helicopters played significant roles, and one of them was firing at tree lines to cover advancing troops on the ground. This photo captured some of the US helicopters firing machine guns on such lines near the Cambodian border.
The Open Beach Movement
Imagine landing on the open beach, and you have to make your way into the jungle in war. You are not only exposed, but you have to cautiously. This photo shows US marines in sand Red beach at Da Nang going to assist the airbases troops, who were under guerrilla attack in April 1965.
Fleeing Mothers and Children
In times of war, those who suffer the most are women and children. Vietnam war was no exception as this mother courageously wages across a river to save her children from blasts in Qui Nhon, 7th September 1965.
Evacuating the Fallen Soldiers
On 14th may 1966, this evacuation helicopter was captured raising a US paratrooper who had been killed in War Zone C. the soldier died in a jungle not far from the Cambodian border.
Always Ready and Alert
In war times, being ready and alert could be the difference between life and death as this rifle platoon display. Charlie Haughey took nearly 2000 such photographs being a member of the infantry division. They have been kept in the dark for over 40 years until now.
Children Spies
In the Viet War, children were often used as spies by the Viet Cong Forces. This boy cycling past the barbed wire reinforced fence could be carrying information to the Viet Forces on the whereabouts of the US forces as photographer Charlie expounds.
Camera Sessions
Despite the tough situations in the battlefield, the American troops had some moments to pause for the camera. This particular one shows the soldiers in their gas masks being photographed.
Viet Cong Warlord
Sometimes success was near. This photo shows the soldiers displaying money seized from a captured warlord.
Medics Attending Wounded Soldiers
The role of physicians in the Viet war was paramount. They attended the wounded soldiers on the battlefield. This photo shows one medic soldier attending to the wounds of a fellow soldier.
The Fall of Saigon
30th April 1975 was an important day for the Vietnam. It is the day that the city of Saigon fell, opening doors for the unification of Vietnamese people. Most of the American soldiers were evacuated, and this photo of a soldier limping away after evacuation cannot go unmentioned.
Role of Music in War
Music played a vital role in keeping soldiers sane. During the war, pop music and culture were much embraced in war zones especially with the musical renaissance of the 1960s. This photo was captured showing soldiers having fun while listening to music.
Violence versus Innocence
The average American soldiers aged 21 raising questions on whether they were ready for war or it was just an experience for them. With the high casualties reported, it took several years before being found and explained that most of the soldiers have little experience of combat.
Gulf of Tonkin
The alleged controversial Gulf of Tonkin pushed the United States into the Vietnam War. Years later, some claims emerged showing that the incident never occurred. During the incident, a US aircraft was destroyed, and four sailors lost their lives. It was later used as a basis of pulling out troops in Vietnam.
Terrified Children Fleeing
In 1972 a South Vietnamese plane dropped napalm accidentally on its populace consisting of military and civilians. Children were seen fleeing from the scene, some without clothes like this nine-year-old. The scene leads to the care of children at Saigon Hospital.
Captured On Camera Executing
Police chief Nguyen Loan was probably the few officers caught on camera executing suspects in Saigon Vietnam in 1968. The photo taken by Eddie Adams was a Pulitzer Award Winning despite Adams apologizing to the officer.
Burst of Joy
Prisoners of war face dangers and sometimes imminent death. This is what lieutenant colonel Robert Stirm was facing when he was captured in Vietnam. However, in 1973, he was freed and the moments of joy were captured when his family met him for the first time in California.
Radio Broadcast
Radio broadcasts were the best mode of communication for American troops in Vietnam. They would stay in groups while listening to broadcasts for them to stay updated. An American journalist working for Associated Press Oliver Noonan captured such moments. He died in 1969 after the helicopter he was using was brought down.
Anti-War Images
Anti-war images were also captured especially outside the Pentagon. Jan Rose Kasmir was captured facing the troops in 1967 when protests were ongoing. Marc Riboud captured the moments which later played the prominent role of changing American opinions against the Vietnam War.
US soldier protecting women and children
This is probably the most memorable photo of the Vietnam War for American soldiers. The soldier was caught on camera offering protection to a Viet woman and her children near a river. It shows that even during the times of war, humanity remains a vital virtue.
Photo Source Photographs have a lot of roles especially in times of war. Through photography changes, information is passed naturally. A photo captures not only the characters but also their feelings and mood. The Vietnam War photos enable the world to look back, learn from mistakes and hope for a better future. KEITH R