It is a veteran who served in the US Military during the time of the Vietnam War without defining the role played within the war itself. It is not saying that they saw combat in Vietnam or that they were even in Asia. Very few who saw actual service in Vietnam would actually use that terminology, preferring something like I was at Dong Ha, or Khe Sahn or Danang. It does not however automatically mean that they did not serve in country.
You are going to have to contact the VA directly on that, because they keep adjusting their guidelines. A recent (21st century) DOD (Department of Defense) action may have adjusted "Vietnam Veteran Status" as far back as 1955/56 based upon some legal activity brought on by relatives of some US veterans. Going back that far would no doubt mean specifically "in country."
The VA will of course separate Vietnam Vets from Vietnam "era" vets. In-Country veterans vs in the military but not in country.
The worst case scenario would be if the VA only counted servicemen who fought in the war after the "Tonkin Gulf Incident" (naval battle) which occurred in August 1964. That would be unfair to the thousands of men who died in Vietnam prior to August 1964.
Anyone regardless of rank, branch of service, or jobspeciality, who served in country or in the waters off the coast and were awarded a Vietnam campaign ribbon indicating that they did so is a Vietnam veteran, regardless of the job they performed. The guy who was a chaplain's assistant, cook or clerk typist etc, who served there is a Vietnam veteran just as the combat veteran.
You are a Vietnam Era Veteran but not a Vietnam War Veteran
Assuming an 18-year old was in Vietnam in April, 1973 when the last U.S. combat forces left Vietnam, he might live to be 90 years old in 2045. Most Vietnam vets have turned 65, or will turn 65 in the next five years.
No particular individual defined the term. A veteran, in this sense, means someone who served in a particular conflict, Vietnam in this case.
If you served in a combat zone yes. If not, you are a war era veteran.
Anyone regardless of rank, branch of service, or jobspeciality, who served in country or in the waters off the coast and were awarded a Vietnam campaign ribbon indicating that they did so is a Vietnam veteran, regardless of the job they performed. The guy who was a chaplain's assistant, cook or clerk typist etc, who served there is a Vietnam veteran just as the combat veteran.
Names are arranged by the year they died in combat
That depends on where you were and what you were doing. If you received any awards specifically for combat service, you certainly are considered a combat veteran. If you were assigned to units that went into combat, that will also establish it. Your DD-214 should actually reflect time in combat.
You are a Vietnam Era Veteran but not a Vietnam War Veteran
Bob is a member of the Rotary club and a Vietnam Veteran.
The cast of No Unwounded Soldiers - 2007 includes: Frank Attruia as Vietnam veteran Grace Bell as World War II veteran Edward Borucki as World War II veteran George LaBounty as Vietnam veteran Mary Lou Lauricella as Drama Therapist Lewis Mungo as Vietnam veteran Al Perrault as Vietnam veteran Janet Rilance as Sister of Vietnam veteran Robert Timmins as Iraq veteran
Combat Arms: Vietnam is based in Vietnam There are other games in the Combat Arms series
Assuming an 18-year old was in Vietnam in April, 1973 when the last U.S. combat forces left Vietnam, he might live to be 90 years old in 2045. Most Vietnam vets have turned 65, or will turn 65 in the next five years.
Veteran and non-veteran donations.
He is a Vietnam Era Veteran.
All of them!
Of course not! Harassment of anybody, veteran or not, is a criminal activity.