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I was stationed in Tachikawa Japan 1971-73 working in the hospital taking care of the wounded from Vietnam. I am Rated 70% Disabled with PTSD from that experience. Can I be considered a Vietnam vet?
Posted in these groups: 
Vietnam War
Vietnam War
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 15
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You appear to be what is called a Vietnam Era Veteran. Vietnam Veteran is generally reserved for those who served in country, to include in the air and contiguous waters.
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SGM Gerald Fife
Yep. Close but no cigar. I entered AD on 2Dec54. I did not go to Korea, I am considered a Korean War Era Veteran. The cut off date for that war was 3Jan55. I'm an Era Vet for all from my entry date to retirement in 1995. Including a callup for Desert Storm of which my work was in support of and not never serving in the Sandbox.
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CPO Ed Hoover
If you received the Vietnam Service medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and at least US Navy wise, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, you are a Vietnam Vet. I had two HS buddies, one Air Force, the other Army, did not receive any of the above medals, same time frame as me, but they would be considered "era" vets.
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CPO Ed Hoover
CPO Ed Hoover my service was '67-68, on two aircraft carriers in the Tonkin Gulf, received both VSM and VCM ,
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MSgt Gilbert Jones
CPO Hoover is correct, if you were in-country, in Thailand, or off shore in support of the VN conflict, then you were or should have received both awards and would be considered a VN veteran.
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15
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No, I did 73-95, I consider myself an Era Vet, tho I have ton of friends/family that served in country and they include me in everything, But since I never set foot on that patch of soil, it would be wrong to claim it.
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SGT Robert Haire
I agree with you SGM. I also was an era. Vet I served 1967-1969, did not go to Viet Nam, I was not called and did not volunteer, if I had been called I certainly would have went and served to the best of my training. 82nb Abn. C-1/325, Red Falcons.
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Amn Robert DiBerardino
CPO Ed Hoover You may have been on. a Navy vessel that was in Vietnam waters?
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As I have always understood it ,to be classified as a Vietnam Veteran you either served on the ground or in the waters or airspace that constituted any part of the conflict,stationed in Japan doesn’t meet these conditions,that being said ,as a Vietnam Veteran I am proud to call you Brother and thank you for your Service caring for our wounded and bearing some of the wounds yourself,be well Brother
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