The American Infantry Perspective

As explained by some sources, American troops in Vietnam had numerous difficulties, both at
home, and in country. The jungle itself was a hazard in that there were wildlife that could just as easily
kill you as much as the next Viet Cong or NVA regular. Disease often spread in the hot, humid climate by
mosquitoes. Certain areas and villages were booby trapped, creating a tense, and deadly beauty in every
patrol. In addition, due to language barriers, many Americans couldnt see the difference between a
guerrilla, and a regular civilian, further complicating their task at hand. And no villager seemed to want
to help them, creating an assumption that the villagers resented their presence, when in reality, they
were afraid of retaliation from guerillas embedded in the villages.

The home front wasnt any different in terms of support. Going to an unpopular war created a
sense of shunning from the rest of the community. Many assumed that they were baby killers, even if
they had no better option. They received little support from their friends and family. But then, many
dont understand the brutality of war. Overall, it didnt matter where they were. To the American
infantryman, they didnt seem to belong anywhere.