Task in South Viet Nam

Archive Report

Undeclared War in South Viet Nam

The United States again risks becoming deeply involved in what Secretary of State Dean Rusk has called a “dirty, untidy, disagreeable” war1 across the Pacific, this time in the rice bowl area of Southeast Asia. American forces helping the government of South Viet Nam to wage war against Communist guerrillas now number more than 12,000. The Americans, all of them professional military men, are ostensibly advisers and instructors. In point of fact, their role is far more important.

The operation is exacting a heavy toll in men and money. Since Jan. 1, 1961, American casualties have numbered 80 dead (31 in or as a result of combat), 139 wounded, and six missing in action.2 Support of U.S. and Vietnamese troops ...

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