During World War II it was estimated that 45,000 rounds of small arms ammunition was fired to kill one enemy soldier. In Vietnam the American military establishment consumed an estimated 50,000 rounds of ammunition for every enemy killed.
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How many rounds did the average soldier fire in Vietnam?
Men Against Fire: How Many Soldiers Actually Fired Their Weapons at the Enemy During the Vietnam War. In a squad of 10 men, on average fewer than three ever fired their weapons in combat.
How many artillery shells were fired in Vietnam?
On Feb. 23, 1968, the North Vietnamese slammed 1,307 rounds of artillery, mortar and rocket fire into the Marine base. Although knowing their rounds would fall far short, the Marine gunners fired counter-battery salvos, satisfying, at least psychologically, their desire to hear some outgoing fire.
How much ammo did a soldier carry in Vietnam?
During the Vietnam War, Soldiers were issued a semiautomatic rifle with automatic capability and up to 20 magazines of 20 rounds each along with fragmentation and colored smoke grenades. Body armor was a newer feature, adding weight as well as protection.
How many bullets were fired in ww2?
In World War II, U.S. factories cranked out, along with mountains of other munitions, about 41.4 billion rounds of small-arms ammunition, enough to permit the users to take about ten shots at every man, woman, and child alive on earth at that time.
What is the average life expectancy of a Vietnam veteran?
Average age of men killed: 23.1 years Total Deaths: 23.11 years Enlisted: 50,274; 22.37 years Officers: 6,598; 28.43 years Warrants: 1,276; 24.73 years E1: 525; 20.34 years Five men killed in Vietnam were only 16 years old.
What percentage of Vietnam veterans actually saw combat?
Of the 2.6 million, between 1-1.6 million (40-60%) either fought in combat, provided close support or were at least fairly regularly exposed to enemy attack. 7,484 women (6,250 or 83.5% were nurses) served in Vietnam.
What was the worst battle of Vietnam?
The Battle of Khe Sanh
The Battle of Khe Sanh (21 January – 9 July 1968) was conducted in the Khe Sanh area of northwestern Quảng Trị Province, Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), during the Vietnam War.
How big was a firebase in Vietnam?
approximately 250 meters
It is approximately 250 meters in diameter, surrounded by a four foot black earth berm, and one strand of [barbed] wire 20 meters beyond the berm. North of its center is an open field, large enough to accommodate the medivac ships [helicopters].
What percentage of US troops in Vietnam were black?
African American troops were more likely to be assigned to combat units: 23% of such troops in Vietnam were African Americans. In some airborne units African Americans composed 45-60% of troops. Racism against African Americans was particularly pronounced in the Navy.
What was the main gun used in Vietnam?
The U.S.-made M-16 rifle was redesigned in 1966 to perform better in the wet, dirty conditions that prevailed in ground combat during the Vietnam War, and it became the weapon most commonly associated with U.S. troops in the conflict.
What did American soldiers eat while on patrol in Vietnam?
These were known as Long Range Patrol Rations (LRP), which the troops immediately pronounced “lurps.” They featured eight main meals, in cluding “Chicken With Rice,” “Spaghetti With Meat Sauce,” “Pork With Scalloped Potatoes,” “Chili Con Carne” and “Beef Stew.” They also included a cereal or fruitcake bar, two foil-
What did soldiers carry on their helmets in Vietnam?
There was a band that went around the helmet that helped hold the cover on the helmet. often times we would use that band to hold a bottle of useless insect repellent that we were issued. Sometimes we would carry our cigarettes there in a feeble attempt to keep them dry and unbroken.
What weapon killed most soldiers in ww2?
Firebombing. Incendiary bombs were used by all the major powers of the war, with the Germans using them during the Blitz. Yet it was not until the Allied air campaigns over Germany and Japan that firebombing proved itself to be the most deadly weapon of the war.
How much ammo did a WWII soldier carry?
The standard ammo load would have been 11 magazines of 30 rounds. One of these magazines would have been carried in a pocket or in the gun on the drop, although a 20-rounder could also take this place as it was more compact. Two five-cell magazine pouches would be worn, either on the belt or over the torso.
Who shot the last bullet in ww2?
by Barry Ainsworth. On May 8, 1945, the British cruiser HMS Dido was en route to Copenhagen Denmark. At one point during the journey, a lone German aircraft approached the ship. The Dido’s guns fired one shot and the plane flew away – it was VE day and that was the last shot fired in the Second World War in Europe.
How many Desert Storm Veterans are still alive?
1.68 million Veterans
More than 2.2 million U.S. service members served during the era and an estimated 694,550 deployed to the Gulf. An estimated 1.68 million Veterans from that era are still alive.
What were the odds of surviving Vietnam?
85% of Vietnam Veterans made successful transitions to civilian life. 97% of Vietnam Veterans were honorably discharged. 91% of Vietnam Veterans say they are glad they served. 74% say they would serve again, even knowing the outcome.
Who is the youngest Vietnam veteran still alive?
Dan Bullock (December 21, 1953 – June 7, 1969) was a United States Marine and the youngest U.S. serviceman killed in action during the Vietnam War, dying at the age of 15.
| Dan Bullock | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 21, 1953 Goldsboro, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Died | June 7, 1969 (aged 15) An Hoa Combat Base, Quảng Nam Province, South Vietnam |
What unit saw the most combat in Vietnam?
Activated in 1915, as the 173rd Infantry Brigade, the unit saw service in World War II but is best known for its actions during the Vietnam War.
Did any American soldiers stay in Vietnam after the war?
It’s estimated that tens of thousands of veterans have returned to Vietnam since the 1990s, mostly for short visits to the places where they once served. Decades after the fall of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) many former soldiers still wonder why they were fighting.
