Vietnam veteran

A Vietnam veteran is an individual who performed active ground, naval, or air service in the Republic of Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The term has been used to describe veterans who served in the armed forces of South Vietnam, the United States Armed Forces, and other South Vietnam–backed allies, whether or not they were stationed in Vietnam during their service. However, the more common usage distinguishes between those who served "in-country" and those who did not serve in Vietnam by referring to the "in-country" veterans as "Vietnam veterans" and the others as "Vietnam-era veterans." Regardless, the U.S. government officially refers to all as "Vietnam-era veterans." In the United States, the term "Vietnam veteran" is not typically used in relation to members of the People's Army of ...