The Untold Story: WWII Veterans vs Vietnam War Veterans - The Stark Difference Revealed

Avery Emberly

Updated Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

In a thought-provoking video, the stark difference between World War II veterans and Vietnam War veterans is exposed. While both groups faced the horrors of combat and shared a similar mentality, their experiences upon returning home were vastly different. This eye-opening revelation sheds light on the challenges faced by Vietnam War veterans and the lack of support they received compared to their counterparts from the previous war.

The video explains that World War II veterans had the privilege of returning home on ships, providing them with valuable time to decompress and debrief with their fellow soldiers. They were able to share their experiences, seek solace, and process the trauma they had endured. The bonds they formed during their service continued to provide support and understanding during their journey back to civilian life.

In contrast, Vietnam War veterans, like the narrator of the video, came back alone or with unfamiliar faces. There was no opportunity for debriefing or sharing their experiences with comrades who truly understood what they had been through. The lack of a support system compounded their struggles, leaving them isolated and unable to fully express the weight of their experiences.

The comments on the video further emphasize the profound impact of this difference. One user highlights the manipulation and lies that Vietnam War veterans endured, being used as pawns in a profit-driven war machine. Another comment expresses gratitude towards the narrator for his service and acknowledges the difficulties faced by Vietnam War veterans, including the lack of understanding from the general public.

The mistreatment of Vietnam War veterans upon their return is also addressed. Many were subjected to hostile treatment, including being spit on and yelled at, instead of receiving the hero's welcome they deserved. The video points out the irony of directing anger towards the soldiers who were drafted and had no choice in the matter, rather than directing it towards the government responsible for the war.

The heartbreaking stories shared in the comments section further emphasize the lasting impact of the war on Vietnam veterans. Stories of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), broken relationships, and the physical and emotional toll of war highlight the immense challenges they faced.

This video serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and understanding our veterans. It sheds light on the unique struggles faced by Vietnam War veterans and the need for a support system that can help them transition back into civilian life. Let us honor their sacrifices and ensure that no veteran is left behind.

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View source: Imgur

Top Comments from Imgur

irespectfullycourtyermam

Well this is a significant difference - one of many, including Vietnam being a completely f***ed up proxy war where enlisted men were constantly lied to and used as grist for the mill of the for profit war machine.

RobJenkins

Second world war was somewhat of an anomaly, total surrender kinda spoiled expectations for how war usually ends

evolution4407

On a related note: Bruce Springsteen didn't intend "Born in the USA" to be a patriotic song.

alexi1012

It's a damn shame how our Vietnam vets were treated when they returned from the war. It makes me sick to think that they came back to being spit on and yelled at, rather than a hero's welcome.

TheStealthHippopotamus

I have been saying the same thing since Desert Storm. How the hell are troops suppose to go from the field of war to the back yard BBQ in under 24hr?? It would mess anyone up. Fear the person who can do it.

Will0099

Thank you for your service sir! My dad is a Vietnam vet. He never really talked about it with us as kids and not even adults. He was a kid at 19 when he went there. I couldn’t imagine what he went through. What he had to do and what he saw. He had veterans associations or clubs that he went to alot when we were younger which I think helped him tremendously now that I think about it. Now a lot of those vets are in their 70’s.

FeloniousMonk13

It bothers me a bit when I see images of people protesting the returning soldiers in the Vietnam era, I'm as anti-war as anyone, but I felt that ire should have been directed squarely at the government, not the guys who got drafted and had no choice in the matter.

cjandstuff

For work I one time I interviewed a Vietnam vet for a video we were shooting. This man was damn proud of his medals, his achievements, and the soldiers he trained when he was a sergeant. We asked him about his time in Vietnam, and this retired Army sergeant instantly broke down and started to cry. "I don't like to talk about Vietnam."

Fanner50

WWII vets coming back via boat also gave them time to decompress. We still have guys in a war zone one day and back in states within 48 hours.

metricman67

I always thought that if there’s a boot camp in order to become a soldier with drill instructors and combat games, should be a flip-flop camp in order to become a civilian with medical assistance and leisure activities! It turns out I was right in my mind as the video points out!