User:Armymp0165

The Vietnam War

The Vietnam War is considered one of the most controversial of all military engagements in United States History. The Vietnam War is thought to be most controversial through the action that occurred within country; that being the fighting and great loss of life, and as well the issues pertaining to the home front, from draft dodging, to collegiate rioting. As well, another important issue is the international opinion stemming from American involvement within the war, if American forces, overstepped boundaries of international law, and if they acted unjustly. This controversial military engagement, was however, one of the true factors affecting American life, during and beyond its time of conflict.

The first boots on the ground presence of US Military fighting forces in Vietnam, was on 8 March of 1965, where the USS Henrico, Union and Vancouver, all carrying the 9TH Marine Expeditionary Brigade, under the command of Brig. Gen. Frederick J. Karch, took up station 4000 yards off of Red Beach Two, north of Danang. First ashore, was Battalion Landing Team 3/9, which arrived at the beach at 0918 Hours. Clad in full battle gear, and carrying M-16s, the marines were met by sightseers, Allied Vietnamese Soldiers, Vietnamese girls with leis, and four American soldiers with a large sign, “Welcome Gallant Marines”. The original amount of this battalion was 3500 soldiers, and by December of 1965, the number of armed soldiers had escalated to 200,000.