Service in the West Pacific during the Vietnam War

Question:

I served aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) from February 1965 through January 1968. Our ship lost 22 pilots during our two West-Pac cruises. We carried on operations at both Dixie and Yankee Station. We received Hazard pay when we were on the line. I have always considered myself a "Vietnam Veteran" although I was never "in country" nor was I ever in harms way. Am I a Vietnam Veteran or a Vietnam Era Veteran?

Jim's Reply:

A Vietnam veteran is someone who actually served "in country" in the armed forces of South Vietnam, the United States armed forces, and countries allied to them during the Vietnam War. Those who served in the military during the Vietnam War but did not actually serve in Vietnam are referred to as "Vietnam-era veterans".

I served in Germany during the Vietnam war and during my tours in hospitals there and stateside, I was a hospital/field medic and I saw my share of death and maimed humans. Like you I lost friends and colleagues...brothers and sisters...people who I respected and served with.

And just like you, I am not a Vietnam veteran. I am, just like you, a Vietnam era veteran. I'm proud of my honorable service...we don't all get to be heroes and we shouldn't pretend that we were.

I see it as a sign of disrespect to those who actually fought the battle in the country when we try to pretend we share their hardships and glory...what glory there is. Stolen valor isn't something to be proud of. You didn't walk the walk...leave it at that.