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Vietnam War Military Moments

Photos depicting significant moments and interactions among military personnel during the Vietnam War, showcasing camaraderie and operations.

Members of the 1st Marine Division Band performing a concert for Vietnamese villagers in Ky Sanh on May 14, 1966. The band, consisting of a drum and bugle corps, entertained over 500 villagers during the event. Photo taken by LCpl. Mennilio.
Members of the 1st Marine Division Band performing a concert for Vietnamese villagers in Ky Sanh on May 14, 1966. The band, consisting of a drum and bugle corps, entertained over 500 villagers during the event. Photo taken by LCpl. Mennilio.
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Marines from the 26th Marine Regiment, Special Landing Force, are seen helping each other while crossing rice paddies 22 miles south of Da Nang during Operation Valiant Hunt in 1968. They were searching for the enemy during this combat operation in Vietnam. Photo taken by Cpl Anthony Wolfe."Image showing a deceased North Vietnamese soldier killed by a security platoon from the 1st Marine Division during a mission to investigate rocket sites near Danang on November 17, 1968. This 35mm negative photograph was captured by GySgt. Krueger, and was taken as part of American military activities during the Vietnam War."Soldiers from "H" Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Regiment, fill their canteens from a mountain stream during a search and clear mission as part of Operation Prairie II, north of Cam Lo. (Photograph by Sgt. 8gt NeVeigh, June 28, 1967. Department of Defense, A188240)Marines from "A" Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines return fire during a search and clear mission in the Battle of Hue City. This photograph was taken on February 9, 1968. Credit: U.S. Department of Defense, Photograph by Sergeant B.A. Atwall, Identification Number A190476.Marines from H Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Regiment, navigate through a gully filled with punji stakes during Operation Double Eagle in Vietnam. This image was taken on January 28, 1966."Officer and officials, including Vice President Hubert Humphrey, General William Westmoreland, and Senator Harry F. Byrd, bidding farewell to personnel from the 3rd Marine Division and Dong Ha. Photographed by GySgt. B.L. Ovens on May 28, 1967. Photograph from the Defense Department's collection (Marine Corps). Image A188694, 127 GVB-27/7 OXEN."Unidentified Karine rifleman carries a baby to a helo from the Marina Madium Helicopter Squadron (1)-161 during the evacuation of American civilians from the city of Dalang. The evacuation was prompted by civil unrest. This photograph was taken on April 11, 1966 by LCpl P.E. Johnson.General Leonard F. Chapman Jr., the Commandant of the Marine Corps, is seen here awarding the Purple Heart Medal to several Navy men involved in Game Warden patrols from the USS JENNINGS COUNTY LST. The photograph was taken on January 8, 1968, during General Chapman's 14-day tour of the Far East.Marines from G Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rdMaxDiv, during Operation Hastings on July 17, 1966. The troops are seen moving towards their objective in Quang Tri Province, northwest of Dong Ha. This photograph was taken by Cpl. Mahony and is part of the Defense Department's collection (Marine Corps).Chaplain holds field services for Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 22 miles south of Danang. The photograph was taken on January 15, 1970, by Pfc J. E. Threewits, a photographer for the Defense Department. This image is part of the collection documenting American military activities during the Vietnam War.Marine Corps servicemen, Staff Sergeant D.F. Davenport and Sergeant G.A. Sorenson, prepare to launch a rocket using the X4-191 during their deployment to Vietnam on April 10, 1970. The photograph was taken by GySgt L.H. Parnell and is part of the AMD-1909-8-70 1st MarDiv Vietnam collection.General Wallace M. Greene, Jr., Commandant of the Marine Corps, visits 1st Marine Aircraft Wing facilities at Da Nang, Marble Mountain, and Chu Lai in Vietnam. He pauses on the corner of 8th and I Streets atop Monkey Mountain, thousands of miles away from the "Home of the Commandants" in Washington, D.C. (August 8, 1967)Marines of "E" Company, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines can be seen carrying a heavy steel beam for construction of a bunker in Cam Lo District Headquarters during their 15-18 hours a day work to refurbish the company position against enemy attacks. Photograph taken on February 16, 1968, during the Vietnam War.Lieutenant Colonel P.X. Kelly, a member of the 1st Marine Division, is seen here engaging in a civic action in the village of Le Ti, Vietnam, on April 7, 1966. He is shaking hands with a local civilian named Eso after giving her a toy and some writing paper. Mr. Nhu can be seen observing the interaction. This photograph was taken by LCpl. Mennillo and is part of the collection showcasing American military activities during the Vietnam War. It is a Defense Department photo (Marine Corps) with the identification code A369031.Marines providing assistance and carrying wounded soldiers in Hue City during Operation Hue City. The photo shows a corporal using a command post like a litter, and it was taken during the intense street fighting in Buso. This image is from the Defense Department. (Source: Marthe Cores, Negative 127, A194522)Father Paul C. Hammerl, a Catholic Chaplain with the 1st MAW, converses with Priest Nguyen Ovans Sach of Hoa Khanh village at the construction site of the village school. This photograph was taken on May 9, 1966, during military activities in Vietnam. It is a Defense Department photo (Harne Corps) with the identification number A421716 127 GVB-300.Lieutenant General Victor H. Krulak and the staff of the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade at Da-Hung, Vietnam, on March 23, 1965. The photograph features Officer Robert McNamara, Richard Nixon, and Billy Graham, and was taken by Gy@gt. Hallahan for the Defense Department.Caption: On December 24, 1968, more than 15,000 American servicemen filled the 1st Marine Division amphitheater in Vietnam for Bob Hope's annual visit. This photograph, taken by Cpl Starns, captures their anticipation and highlights the importance of entertainment in boosting morale during the Vietnam War. This image is classified under the Defense Department Photo (Marine Corps) with reference number 4371785.Major General Ormond R. Simpson (left) and General Lewis W. Walt (right), both from the United States Marine Corps, standing in front of the First Marine Division FMF plaque. The photograph is taken at an unknown location during the Vietnam War. Defense Department Photo (Marine Corps). Publication number A374365.Sergeant Ronald L. Ridgeway, a former prisoner of war, is reunited with his family during Operation Homecoming at Camp Pendleton, California, on March 19, 1973. The Ridgeway family, including Raymond L. (18) and James (6), had traveled from Houston, Texas, to welcome him back. Sgt. Ridgeway was reported missing in action in August 1968 and was earlier presumed killed. He enlisted in June 1967. The photograph is courtesy of Pfc. Coberly and the Defense Department (Marine Corps).Visiting Congressman Gubser and Irwin are being shown how to operate the M-16 rifle by Master Sergeant P. Dudash of Scout Snipers, First Division. This photograph was taken on April 18, 1968, during the Vietnam War. It is an official Defense Department photo (Marine Corps) captured by Sgt J.Colton.Lieutenant Colonel Paul W. Niesen being presented the Silver Star Medal by Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Leonard F. Chapman, Jr., during his visit to MAG-39 at Quang Tri Air Base. Niesen was awarded for his actions in July, where he braved heavy enemy fire to extract a wounded reconnaissance team.Lance Corporal Albert V. Swain, a truck driver for Marine All Weather Attack Squadron-533, presents the children of Dong Cong Catholic orphanage in Vietnam with a pair of five-pound pigs on October 24, 1967. The Marines aim to teach the children how to raise livestock. Image by SSgt Thomas, Defense Department Photo (Marine Corps)."DA NANG'S DAIRY- The photograph shows the milk bottling machinery at a plant in Da Nang, Vietnam. The plant has 140 South Vietnamese employees and 10 U.S. civilians, producing 30,000 gallons of recombined milk daily for American troops in I Corps. This image showcases the efforts to provide food supplies for the military during the Vietnam War."Actor John Wayne poses for pictures in front of the Division Command Post during his visit to Chu Lai on June 20, 1966. The photographs were taken by the men of the 1st Marine Division. This image captures the actor's interaction with military personnel during the Vietnam War.Private First Class William M. Purcell from "A" Co. 1/1 Marine examines a hole in his helmet caused by an NVA sniper during the Battle of Hue. This photograph was taken on February 1, 1968, by Sgt. W.F. Dickman while serving in the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam.Instructor Sergeant Frank E. Arndt, 21, from Cullman, Alabama, demonstrates the proper method for rigging detonation cord to a charge of TNT at the Land Mine Warfare School in Danang. The photograph, taken on January 1, 1969, is part of a collection documenting American military activities during the Vietnam War.Brigadier General J. A. Feeley, Jr. discusses the presence of two children in the Childrens Hospital with Secretary of the Navy, Mr. J.H. Chafee, during Chafee's visit to Force Logistics Command in Da Nang. The photograph was taken by Cpl N. W. Myers in 1969 as part of American military activities during the Vietnam War.Members of the Special Landing Force, 2nd Battalion, Fourth Marine Regiment prepare to fire 3.5-inch rocket launchers at the enemy north of Camp Carroll on February 9, 1968. This photograph was taken by Cpl Brown and is part of a series capturing American military activities during the Vietnam War.Left: Gassing up plane before raid on Buna. Right: U.S. and Aussies fight fire after Japanese raid.Sergeant W. Robinson, from "K" Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, is seen talking to a Viet Cong Tax Collector who has been captured during Operation "Cortez" on December 11, 1966. This photograph was taken by Sgt Gaspard and is part of the Defense Department collection.Marine scout-interpreter LCpl Calver C. Scott questions a Vietnamese villager during a search and destroy operation south of Phu Bai, Vietnam on August 15, 1967. The photo was taken by Cpl Bruce Alyerod and is part of a collection documenting American military activities during the Vietnam War.Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines are seen interacting with Vietnamese village children after performing in a comedic play near An Hoa on May 12, 1967. The photograph captures a moment of camaraderie between the American soldiers and the local community.Caption for the image: "Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara eating at the MAG-11 Mess Hall during the Vietnam War."Marines from "g" Company 2/9, facing heavy fire during Operation Hickory III on July 29, 1967, in Vietnam. Shown in the photograph is a Marine carrying a wounded comrade to an H-34 helicopter for medical evaluation. This image captures the challenging and dangerous conditions faced by American troops during the Vietnam War.US Navy personnel and equipment at the beachheads of Da Nang during the Vietnam War in March 1965. This official US Defense Department photo shows the general view of the area, with Marines stationed and actively engaged. (Photo: A183662 127 GVB-57 1478)Marine Corps personnel, Corporal Carl A. Franklin and Master Sergeant Kenneth G. Semple, inspect the winch and jungle penetrator used by the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-364 Marines during a rescue mission in the mountainous jungle west of Da Nang. This photograph was taken on June 25, 1968, during the Vietnam War.Vietnamese flower girls anxiously await the arrival of RLT-4 Marines at Chu Lai beach in May 1965. This photograph captures a moment of camaraderie between the American troops and the local population, highlighting the interaction between the two during the Vietnam War. (Caption: Vietnamese flower girls await the arrival of RLT-4 Marines at Chu Lai beach in May 1965. Photograph by J.F. Falk, US Navy)Lieutenant General Rosion and ota reviewing briefing by Colonel B. Mayers before field operations during the Vietnam War in 1968. This image captures an important moment as military personnel strategize and make final comments before engaging in a mission.Chaplain (Navy Lieutenant) John O'Brian of the 3rd Military Police Battalion giving Holy Communion to Catholic worshippers at Thach Nham Hamlet's church in Vietnam. March 11, 1970. This image captures the faith and religious activities within the American military during the Vietnam War.Sgt. Henderson, a combat photographer with the 1st MarDiv, captures close-up shots of KM Lee Jones inoculating a villager before a tooth extraction in Vietnam on March 27, 1970. The photograph was taken by LCpl Barger and is part of the defense department's photo collection.Marine Corps Corporal R.R. Wackle and Lance Corporal W. Sandlin demonstrate their 4.2 inch mortar skills during a fire mission on Bill 425 in the Que Son Mountains, 19 miles south of Danang, Vietnam. The photograph was taken on February 5, 1971, by Sergeant C.B. Kissmann. (Defense Dept. Photo - U.S. Marine Corps)Chief M. L. Cunningham from the Marine Corps performs magic tricks with Vietnamese children during a Medical Civil Action Program (MEDCAP), July 14, 1967, in Vietnam. The photograph captures a moment of interaction between the American military and the local community during the Vietnam War.The Commanding General's staff of the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam, led by Major General Ormond Simpson, stand at attention during the Division Change of Command ceremony on December 20, 1968. Major General Carl Youngdale assumed the role of Deputy Commander, 3rd Marine Amphibious Force, under the command of Lt. General Robert Cushman. This photograph was taken by Sgt. 4. Huffman.Image: The photograph shows a group of Vietnamese casualties from January 13, 1967, during the Vietnam War. The casualties are Viet Cong fighters who were killed while attempting to infiltrate the 2nd Battalion, Eleventh Marine Artillery Battery Command Post. The image depicts the bodies of the Viet Cong fighters and the items they were carrying. It is an official Defense Department photo taken by Sgt. Cooper Dond. Reference: A369783 127 GVB-347 2329709 30 STU.S. Navy personnel are seen on a beach in March 1965, during the Vietnam War. A Nike boat and LCM-5s are heading towards the beach, with a Farine beschmaster marking the landing spot. This photo was taken by Max65 and is part of the U.S. Defense Department's collection (Marine Corps) A183921."Frequent Wind" operation: South Vietnamese refugees transported by CH-53 helicopters from HMH-463 to USS HANCOCK (LPH), then further moved to Grande Island, Subic Bay, Philippines. This photo is taken on May 3, 1975, during the evacuation exercise. (Photo: Gysgt. D.L. Shearer, Defense Dept. Photo, Marine Corps)First Sergeant William L. Akers of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG)-16 presents a $1,500 donation to the director of a Catholic orphanage near Danang, Vietnam on October 4, 1965. The contribution was made on behalf of the staff non-commissioned officers. Navy Chaplain Paul Toland is also pictured. DEFENSE DEPT.PHOTO (MARIES CORPS) A186136 FUR 127 GVB-299.Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara dining with officers from HAG-11 prior to a briefing during his visit to military activities in Vietnam in July 1967."Corporal William Harris, an aerial gunner with Marine Observation Squadron-3, examines a bullet trajectory that grazed his head during an emergency medical evacuation near Phu Loc on March 6, 1968. The bullet hit his hard hat, ricocheted off his skull, and exited through the back of the helmet. He earned the nickname 'RICOCHET' from his squadron members. Defense Department Photo (Marine Corps) fhm A422060."Lieutenant General Lewis W. Walt of the United States Marine Corps is seen visiting the China Beach Orphanage in Vietnam on April 3, 1969. In this photograph, he is shown inside the orphanage chapel alongside two children. This image was captured by photographer C.E. Woodruff and is labeled as a defense department photo.Vietnamese villagers in Tri Binh found amusement in a skit presented by a drama team demonstrating an ARVN and American soldier smashing a symbolic representation of a Viet Cong terrorist. The skit was part of the 1st Marine Division Civil Affairs program, aimed at engaging with the local community in May 1966 in Vietnam. (Caption: Vietnamese villagers entertained by military skit during the Vietnam war)Navy SEAL Team demonstrating their capabilities aboard the USS JENNINGS COUNTY tank landing ship to General Leonard F. Chapman, Jr. (Commandant of the Marine Corps) and Rear Admiral Kenneth L. Veth (Commander, Naval Forces, Vietnam) on January 8, 1968. The ship was stationed in the Mekong River southeast of Can Tho for the Navy's Gams Harden operation. General Chapman visited the ship during his trip to the Far East from January 3-17, 1968.Under Secretary of the Navy, John Warner, has chow with 1st Recon Battalion Marines during his visit to the 1st Marine Division on January 31, 1971. Lieutenant Colonel B. E. Trainor and Lieutenant General Donn J. Robertson are also present. Warner tried "Long Rats" for the first time during the visit.Marine Sergeant Robert J. Quellos and his sentry dog "Duke" are seen running a perimeter check along the rocky terrain atop Monkey Mountain. They are part of the security guard protecting the Armed Forces Radio and Television located in the area. They belong to the Marine Corps' Scout and Sentry Dog Platoon from the 3rd Military Police Battalion near Danang.Vietnamese civilians are seen boarding an American ship for evacuation during Operation Hue City on February 18, 1968. This image captures the effort to rescue and relocate refugees amidst the ongoing conflict during the Vietnam War. The photograph was taken by Hoeynck and is part of the Defense Department's collection.Vietnamese woman searches for salvageable items in the remains of her bombed-out home in Phanh Ben and Thanh ly, a village located 17 miles east of Danang. The village was attacked by Viet Cong terrorist units on the night of June 10, 1970, resulting in the destruction of more than half the village and the death of over 150 civilian villagers, mostly women, children, and elderly people."Dental Technician Third Class Gary J. Coats and Dental Technician Chief Norton E. Hill, both from 3rd Dental Company, display a seven and a half inch scorpion they caught near the Dong Ha Dental Clinic in Vietnam. The scorpion, larger than average, was preserved and donated to 3rd Medical Battalion's collection of Vietnam biological specimens."Gen Leonard F Chapman, Commandant of the Marine Corps, visits the 2nd Republic of Korea Marine Brigade during the Vietnam War. This photo was taken on January 12, 1968, by LCpl Moore. It is an official Defense Department photo (Marine Corps) with the identification number 3M-48-0048-68 III HAF Vietnam 32Jan68.An IBM computer at the Force Logistics Command during the Vietnam War. This photograph was taken by Cpl R. D. Bell on January 23, 1970. The computer was used for data processing and was an important tool for military activities in the war zone. Image source: Defense Department Photo (Marine Corps), mis A372677.Clothing and captured gear of a Viet Cong member who attacked the MAC-16 landing pad in East Danang. This photograph, taken on October 30, 1965, shows a collection of items that were confiscated, including food, flags, supplies, and the clothing worn by the deceased attacker. Photo courtesy of the Defense Department.Members of Force Logistic Command Maintenance Battalion in Vietnam repairing a damaged tank tread after a rainstorm. Pictured from left to right are Marine Lance Cpl. George Fluegel, Lance Cpl. Alejandro Gamboa, and Lance Cpl David Miller. These soldiers specialize in retrieving and repairing tracked vehicles for Force Logistic Command near Da Nang.PFC Luis J. Cardona of Orange Cove, Calif., is seen working on a Tele-type at the Communication Center of the Force Logistics Command in Vietnam in 1969. This photograph was taken by Sgt Mike Teranoto and is labeled as DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS) A193128 bis 127 GVB-/20.Caption: Leathernecks of the 3d Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment assault an enemy bunker and tunnel complex during Operation Mondo River in Vietnam, 1968. The operation, south of Da Lang, involved seven Marine battalions, elements of the Republic of Vietnam, and Korean Marines. The 19-day operation resulted in 1025 enemy casualties. (Photographer: Cpl. H. W. Starn)Description: General views photographed by Herr Ing. Robert Deutsch, presented to His Majesty's Government through His Majesty's Legation at Vienna and received in Colonial Office 6 August 1931 Location: Sanaa, Yemen Date: 1931Marines from Company "B", 2nd Battalion, Fourth Marines, share recipes during a break for food at Cam Lo District Headquarters in Vietnam on February 16, 1968. The photograph captures the camaraderie among soldiers and highlights the significance of food in boosting morale during the Vietnam War.Colonel and Lance Corporal Raymond Heminover, with a war dog from 3rd Platoon, Company "A", 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, can be seen leading a patrol over rocky terrain in Vietnam. The dog and handler duo played a crucial role in searching for enemy caves and supply caches in the Que Son Mountains.Vietnamese refugees arriving at Camp Tulega in Camp Pendleton, California on April 29, 1975. Brigadier General Paul G. Graham, Base Commander, welcomes the refugees and guides them to their temporary accommodations and processing area on the Marine Corps Base. Photograph taken by J.B. Stant, Jr. for the Defense Department.A Marine Corps interpreter communicates with ARVN soldiers during Operation DeSoto on February 21, 1967. The interpreter helps facilitate communication and potentially gathers intelligence during the military operation in Vietnam.American soldiers from the III Marine Amphibious Force (IIIMAF) in Da Nang, Vietnam, begin to leave the Press Center Club to go home after their day shift. This photograph was taken on February 1, 1968, by military photographer Barrett during the Vietnam War. Defense Department photo (Marine Corps).A 60mm mortar crew from the Second Battalion, First Marine Regiment fires at suspected enemy positions between Ca Lu and Khe Sanh during the Vietnam War. This photograph was taken on April 3, 1968, by SSgt Reid. It depicts the mortar support provided by the Marines.A pile of burnt ammunition is seen after the ammo dump was blown up at Dong Ha during the Vietnam War. This photograph was taken on January 21, 1968, by Sgt. Patterson, from the III MAR Vietnam unit. It is an official Defense Department photograph and bears the identification number A190383.Marines from the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, navigate a partially damaged bridge on Highway #9 during Operation Virginia in April 1966. The photograph was taken by M.J. Finnell in the Quang Tri Province, east of Khe Sanh. It is an official Defense Department photo (Marine Corps) with the identification codes A187769, Xwm 127, and GVB-287.Description: Recapture of Berbera. Preparing the skiff which was to find the gap in the reef for the Eastern Landing - a picture taken on board one of the ships of the attacking fleet - 15th March. Location: Berbera, Somaliland Date: 15 March 1941 africaFighter pilots dash from their living quarters after receiving the alert signal at Port Moresby, Papua, New Guinea, Left to right: Lt. George A. Parker; Major Jack W. Berry; Lt. Curran L. Jones, and Lt. Ralph Martin.Under Secretary of the Navy, John Wacher, joins 1st Recon Battalion Marines for a meal during his visit to the 1st Marine Division. This was his first experience with "Long Rats." Pictured left to right: Lt. Col. B.E. Trainor, Commanding Officer of 1st Recon Battalion, John Warner, Lt. Gen. Donn J. Robertson, Commanding General of 3rd MAF.Injured Sailor Rescued by Coast Guard. This image depicts the injured sailor Walter Tempkins of the vessel HIGH TIDE being transferred to a hospital after being rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter.Marines from Marine Aircraft Group-13 present donated clothing to a Vietnamese elder from the village of An Tan, near Chu Lai, Vietnam. The clothing, collected by students from Midway Jr. High School in Kenan, Idaho, was shipped to Vietnam for distribution. Over 800 pounds of clothes, toys, and school supplies have been given to the community by Marines of the MAG-13 civic action unit. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS)Privates First Class L. F. Doalin and J.C. Willoughby, members of the 1st Battalion, Seventh Marine Regiment, carry bicycle parts from six bicycles discovered while on patrol in the Que Son Mountains. Photograph taken on November 8, 1969, during the Vietnam War. DEFENSE DEPT. PHOTO (MARINE CORPS).NPS archeologist, Zorro Bradley, inspecting one of the Tigara house pits. Alaska Task Force PhotographsSection Chiefs Of Major J.W. Motzenbecker'S Republic P-47 Thunderbolt Squadron Of The Fighter Bomber Group Believe In Advertising Their Wars And Services. In Front Of Each Departmental Tent On The Base, Located Deep In Germany, Is A Sign Listing The OfMinnie Gray butchering caribou. Alaska Task Force Photographs