Page 217 - Stand Down Vietnam

SNAPSHOTS OF HISTORY
National Archives Catalog

During the Vietnam War, the United States government
allowed “open access” and gave the press extraordinary
freedom of access to combat zones.

Newspaper reporters, photographers, and television

crews documented the war as it had never been done
before. Reports of the war effort were national news
and primetime programming every night. Many historians
referred to the Vietnam War as the “Television War.”

War documentation was not limited to civilian
journalists. Between 1962 and 1975, military
photographers assembled millions of photographs of the
American conflict in Vietnam. Their pictographic skills
coupled with the fact they were part of the military
included combat missions, support personnel, medical
units, and visits by dignitaries, politicians, and
entertainers.

Their snapshots tell a story. It is a story about young
men and women who served their country by serving in

the war in Vietnam.

I selected the images on the following pages to elicit
emotion. I hope you take time to study, reflect, and
try to place yourself in the boots of those who served
our nation in very difficult times.

I encourage you to visit the National Archives in
person, if possible. Otherwise, please visit the
following website to further study the Vietnam War.