War History
Who was the Communist leader of North Vietnam throughout most of the war?
Ho Chi Minh
Which President of the United States significantly escalated involvement in Vietnam?
President Lyndon B. Johnson
This river forms much of the border between Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia
Mekong River
What years did Bob Swanson serve in the Army? What was his rank?
1955-1957, Corporal
What years did Thomas Walker serve in the Army, what was his rank? When was he deployed to Vietnam?
1968 - 1970, Corporal, 1969
What 1964 incident involving US ships allowed for the increase in involvement?
Gulf of Tonkin
Which famous athlete refused to go into Vietnam - and was stripped of the championship in their sport because of it?
Muhammad Ali
During the war, these were the two capitals of North and South Vietnam
Hanoi - North, Saigon - South
Name all the jobs Mr. Swanson had while in the US Army.
Infantry, mechanic, aviation, chemical warfare instructor, IBM operator
What positions did Mr. Walker hold?
Infantry rifleman alongside radio operation and supply helper
Who was the commander of the United States Army from 1964 - 1968 in Vietnam
General William Westmoreland
This Cold War theory argued if one country fell to communism, others would soon follow
Domino Theory
The heavily bombed trail system usd to transport supplies from North Vietnam through Laos and Cambodia was called what?
Ho Chi Minh Trail
What is the name of the chemical infamously used during the Vietnam war? This concerns one of Mr. Swanson's jobs.
Agent Orange
What was one of the lessons Thomas Walker had learned in training?
Teamwork is crucial for survival
What year did the United States send its first Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) to Vietnam?
1950
Which US president began the process of Vietnamization?
Richard Nixon
This line established by the Geneva Accords is where North and South Vietnam were temporarily divided
The 17th Parallel
What did Bob Swanson say was the most difficult thing about training?
Nothing was difficult, it was just something that had to be done
What were living conditions like in Vietnam?
Hot, humid; muddy terrain, slept uncomfortably, limited showers
What was the name of the North Vietnamese offensive in 1968? What was the outcome of the offensive?
Tet Offensive, US-South pyrrhic victory, Northern strategic victory
This leaked Pentagon study revealed several US administrations had misled the public about the war, also leading to an influential Supreme Court case concerning the 1st Amendment
Pentagon Papers
Which Cambodian city was secretly a supply base for the Viet Cong?
Sihanoukville
What did Bob Swanson say when asked what it was like to come home?
He was alone for most of his life - from the age of 3 until 15
How did Mr. Walker describe communication with his family?
Tried to write as much as possible, took weeks to get any responses