An official website of the United States Government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. DepartmentofDefense

Search

Spotlight

Commemorating the Vietnam War

Stories

Feature | May 26, 2025
Medal of Honor Monday: Marine Corps Pfc. Jimmy W. Phipps

Marine Corps Pfc. Jimmy Wayne Phipps was only 18 years old when he sacrificed himself in the Vietnamese jungle so his comrades could survive. The young Marine posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his valor.

Feature | May 19, 2025
Medal of Honor Monday: Army Staff Sgt. Jimmy G. Stewart

Army Staff Sgt. Jimmy Goethel Stewart held his ground against North Vietnamese enemy forces instead of withdrawing, ultimately giving his life to ensure the enemy did not further harm his five injured platoonmates.

Feature | May 6, 2025
Mayaguez Incident Highlights Bravery, Intelligence Failures

As communist forces of the Khmer Rouge closed in on Phnom Penh, Cambodia, U.S. forces executed Operation Eagle Pull on April 12, 1975, successfully evacuating U.S. nationals and at-risk Cambodians.

Feature | April 28, 2025
Medal of Honor Monday: Navy Capt. Michael Estocin

Navy Capt. Michael John Estocin flew many perilous missions in the early days of the Vietnam War, and a close call in April 1967 didn't dissuade him from returning to the skies for combat.

Photos

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Operation Harrison

Award Presentation

Refueling Freedom Fighters

Awaiting Orders

Resupply Mission

Orphanage Visit

Home Is Where You Dig It

Watch: Videos

The United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration hosts a National Vietnam War Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington to thank and honor Vietnam veterans and their legacy of service, March 29, 2025.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

U.S. Army Veteran Wayne Wasilk, a former door gunner during the Vietnam war, recounts the harrowing tale of rescuing six wounded soldiers during a special visit to the exact helicopter he flew, May 9, 2024 at Camp Navajo, AZ.

Wasilk and his crew braved motor shells and heavy fire during their rescue of six wounded soldiers from Firebase Ripcord. The helicopter, now serving as a memorial on Camp Navajo, stands as a testament to the bravery and resilience of military personnel, as well as the heroes of the Vietnam era. The music contained in this video is sourced from Soundstripe under a business subscription license. (U.S. Army video by Sgt. Carlos Parra)

Vietnam footage courtesy of: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/154114/battleground-1st-air-cavalry-vietnam

Vietnam Veteran Reunites With Aircraft That Saved His Life

Vietnam Veteran Reunites With Aircraft That Saved His Life

The Department of Defense provides the military forces needed to deter war and ensure our nation's security.