WINNING HEARTS AND MINDS

SGM Herb Friedman (Ret.)

Note: Images from this article were used with permission in the Carl R. ToersBijns book: “Combat Medic: Men with Destiny - A Red Cross of Valor.”

Marine Corporal Tim  Duffie, Lai Phuoc Hamlet,
Trieu Ai Village, Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, 1967.

When we talk about psychological operations (PSYOP) we tend to think of leaflets warning the enemy of coming military disasters, demanding surrender, offering rewards for weapons, or showing gruesome photographs of dead bodies. Although it is true that such types of propaganda leaflets and posters are printed and disseminated there is another type that is seldom mentioned and hardly ever depicted. These are the leaflets that are designed to help the friendly population of an Allied nation or people live safely in their environment. These leaflets will teach cleanliness, explain how to cook foods, talk about the importance of inoculations and generally help to make the quality of life of a friendly population better. This is the side of PSYOP that is seldom mentioned, the attempt by the United States military to help its friends live a better and healthier life. PSYOP troops should be proud of these leaflets. They are not meant to threaten or terrorize the enemy; instead, they are meant to help the friendly target audience live a longer and healthier life.

   

Nine Rules

In every war that the United States takes part in PSYOP units are tasked with the responsibility of preparing small wallet cards for the troops telling them how to interact with the local population, understand local customs, treat prisoners-of-war and understand the rules of engagement. In 2012, I received a request from an officer instructing military advisor teams deploying to Afghanistan. He wanted to inculcate an attitude of respect between the advisors and advisees in his classes and show that respect for host nation people and personnel is not a new thing. I forwarded him this “Nine Rules” card which was distributed to troops in Vietnam in an attempt to win hearts and minds.

The Enemy in your hands

It was important that the enemy and the American soldier understood the proper way to treat a prisoner. This small wallet card tells both what can and cannot be done and protects the life of the prisoners and also shows surrender to be more inviting and safer than they have been told by their Communist cadre.

  

Code of Conduct

This card was for all members of the armed forces of the USA. It basically gave you 6 rules to live by. It concentrates on how to act as a prisoner of war. During the Korean War some Americans were brainwashed and collaborated with the enemy, others did it of their own free will for extra food and better treatment. This called for a general code that applied to everyone and told the troops what was acceptable and what was not.

Reproduction of the Code of Conduct.

I should mention that in April 2023, decades after I wrote this article, I was offered a reproduction of the Code of Conduct. Allegedly, it was made as a prop for a Vietnam War movie. The owner could not name the movie. The copy appears to have been made on a photocopy machine in black and white. The lack of color is surprising. Hopefully these will not be flooding the market in the future.

Vietnamese Phrases

In order to help American troops deal with the local population the government often printed booklets or “Pointee-Talkie” cards that have a number of needed phrases in both English and the local language. They can be used by simply pointing to the appropriate phrase and letting the Vietnamese read it in his own language. Above is an eight-fold accordion Department of Defense “Pointe-Talkie” card that an American service member can use to make himself understood to a Vietnamese he is attempting to help or question.

USMC Phrasebook

The Marines were also issued a phrasebook with about a dozen pages of terms, sentences, numbers and all the things that would help their survival in country. My favorite phrase is “Where are the booby traps?” (Nyoong by no uh dow?).

Vietnam Combat Phrase Book

Of course, many troops or their families would buy phrase books so that life in Vietnam would be just a bit easier. This phrase book was sold for a quarter in California.

The Pocket Guide to Vietnam

The PG-21A Pocket Guide to Vietnam was one of a series of guidebooks produced by the United States Department of Defense for American servicemen stationed overseas during the Vietnam War period. It was designed to lessen the culture shock; a remarkably compact and surprisingly timeless crash course in Vietnamese culture for visitors to that foreign land. The tiny handbook was 94 pages in all with chapters on such subjects as: The country; 2,000 years of history; at home with the Vietnamese; and a language guide. There were also color charts of the ranks of the Vietnamese Army, Navy and Air Force.

VIETNAM

Corpsman checks to see who is next during MEDCAP visit

These leaflets first became common during the Vietnam War. They have been used by the U.S. military in almost every war since. Many were combined with military and civilian action programs such as the Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) and the Dental Civic Action Program (DENTCAP). There were other programs organized and run by government and civilian agencies, but every one was aimed at helping the Vietnamese people. We should point out that all of the services, and especially the United States Marines were heavily involved with these programs to help the Vietnamese people. American medical aid programs began in the early years of support in Vietnam. As the US military commitment grew throughout the 1960's, new and expanded programs were developed. Some of the programs were:

The Provincial Health Assistance Program (PHAP). A major objective of PHAP was to improve the training of Vietnamese physicians, nurses, and medical technicians and to expand and improve Vietnamese hospitals and dispensaries and eradicate malaria.

The Military Provincial Health Assistance Program (MILPHAP). The increase in military medical resources which accompanied the buildup of US combat troops in 1965 permitted an expansion of the effort to improve the health of Vietnamese civilians. The first MILPHAP teams went into operation in Vietnam in November 1965. Each team was composed of three physicians, one medical administrative officer, and 12 enlisted technicians. A MILPHAP team was assigned to a Vietnamese provincial hospital where its work was under the supervision of the provincial chief of medicine. By the end of 1970, teams were assigned to 25 of the 44 provinces. A major objective of MILPHAP was to improve the medical skills of the Vietnamese.

The Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP). This program began operation under the auspices of the Department of the Army in January 1963. The primary objective of MEDCAP was to provide increased outpatient care for Vietnamese civilians living in rural areas. American and Vietnamese military medical personnel were used in the program, a major goal of which was to increase mutual respect and cooperation between the military forces and the civilian population. The MEDCAP teams normally traveled to hamlets and villages with their Vietnamese Army counterparts and established temporary health stations, of dispensary size to provide medical care for the inhabitants. Through the operation of these teams, Vietnamese medical personnel were also trained in medical techniques. The extent of the MEDCAP program in Vietnam was remarkable. Both American and Free World forces participated in it, often, on a volunteer basis. On many occasions, US medical personnel devoted their free time to MEDCAP activities.

A medical assistant treats a child under the Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP)

The Medical Civic Action Program treated more than 40 million Vietnamese civilians. Between 500 million and 750 million dollars were expended in the programs. Medicine became part of the civic action program intended to win the “hearts and minds” of the populace. The Vietnam conflict extensively demonstrated this use of medical care. In addition, US dental and veterinary military personnel participated in the MEDCAP program with equally gratifying results. The dental contribution to the program is often termed "DENTCAP." During the 1967 to 1968 period dental treatments under the program averaged approximately 15,000 per month.

Little Nguyen

Children should be giver a bath with soap and water every day

Don’t wash food in the river or in impure water

In Vietnam, Army PSYOP teams were assigned to support combat units of the American and Allied forces. In this case, an Army PSYOP team supported the 1st Marines. A small booklet was found held together by a typical military clasp that had the comment on the front: Health and Sanitation Leaflets by S-3 Psywar. An introductory letter inside was signed by G. R. Kesser, Captain, USMR. I have edited the letter for brevity:

The results of poor personal and public sanitation and hygiene have been evident to every MEDCAP team that has ventured into the villages and hamlets in Vietnam. The concern for this situation expressed by American medical personnel throughout the country is shared by Vietnamese officials at all levels of government. These conditions are most acute in rural areas where adequate educational and medical facilities are yet to be established…The idea of health and sanitation leaflets is nothing more than another approach to this problem.

The use of caricature to influence public opinion is not a new technique to modern advertising…The wording of the pamphlet has been kept simple and produced in bold letters. It is recognized by experts in the field of Psychological Warfare (and advertising) that the hand-to-hand dissemination of leaflets, pamphlets, and brochures is the most effective method. These leaflets therefore are envisioned to be as much a part of the treatment received from the MEDCAP as is the Band-Aid. “Little Nguyen” is a caricature associated with helpful sanitation, hygiene, and medical advice to be used as a tool to promote pro-government propaganda.

The assistance of First Lieutenant James Cully, 244th PSYOP Company, his staff, and counterparts at the 3rd PSYWAR Battalion in originating the caricature and preparing the leaflets is appreciated. Tribute must be also given to the U.S. Navy Doctors and Corpsmen attached to the 1st Marines. It is expected that “Little Nguyen” will serve his country well.

The booklet contains many leaflets and their translation. In all cases, Little Nguyen wears a bright golden conical hat (the only color on the leaflet) and his face is never seen. Some of the other leaflets are:

Little Nguyen sick in bed with the text on front and back:

When you are sick, rest in your room alone

Don’t sleep in the same room with a sick person

Little Nguyen in the shower:

Use soap when bathing

Brush your teeth upon waking up of going to bed

Little Nguyen pooping in the bush:

Dig a hole in which to excrete

Fill the hole carefully with dirt when finished

Little Nguyen and a female friend coughing:

Coughing in someone else’s presence can spread disease

When you cough, use a handkerchief to cover your mouth 

Leaflet 246-148

50,000 copies of this leaflet were prepared by the 246th PSYOP Company in early 1946 targeting civilians and Viet Cong to tell them about the MEDCAP program. The text is:

American doctors and medical teams help the Government of Vietnam improve the health of the Vietnamese people. Better health means a better life.

Supporting the Government of Vietnam’s efforts to improve the health of the people, American doctors give attention to children’s diseases and ailments. This child received expert treatment at Lai Thieu for a skin disease.

 

Medicine Envelope 246-279

These envelopes were printed as needed usually about 10,000 at a time. When Vietnamese civilians attended a MEDCAP, the pills would be placed in an envelope that had propaganda messages on the front and back. In this case the messages are:

Dear Friends,

The American forces are here to assist the Government of Vietnam in improving the health of the people. One way in which they do this is be sending medical civic action teams of doctors and medics to various villages throughout the country, so that as many people as possible have a chance to be examined and treated. Your Government is concerned about your health and welfare.

A Better Life through Better Health!

You have just been treated by an Allied Forces Medical Civic Action Team. Inside this envelope is your medicine as prescribed by the doctor. Follow the doctor’s instructions carefully.

Medicine Envelope 10-363-68

The 10th PSYOP Battalion also printed MEDCAP medicine envelopes. 50,000 of this one was printed 23 June 1968. They were distributed by hand in the hamlet where the MEDCAP was held. The front of this envelope says:

Name of Medicine ____________________
Take __tablets of this medicine __ times every day.
1) Drink a lot of water.
2) Prevent children from taking this medicine by mistake.
Down with the Viet Cong's policy to exploit the people and make them poor.

The back of the envelope has the text:

The Viet Cong kill the people and steal their rice while the
Government of Vietnam looks after the people and provides medicine for them.

Do these various programs assist our psychological operations? The answer is an unqualified “yes.” A Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV) document dated 11 October 1967 and entitled Medical Civic Action Program says:

Naturally, the primary benefit from MEDCAP is psychological rather than medical. We are providing proof to the people in the rural areas that their government is interested in their health and is doing something about it. This interest is expressed in the action that they see, hear about from others and benefit from regardless of their political thoughts. We are able to influence their thinking toward their government much more through these deeds than through pure propaganda…The prime psychological benefit devised here is that it makes the presence of the Free World units more acceptable to the local population when they see a demonstration that our concern for them extends beyond their politics ….

The Civilian War Casualty Program (CWCP). As the tempo of the war increased in 1967, the growing problem of civilian war casualties called for new efforts. Estimates of 50,000 such casualties a year indicated that existing Vietnamese medical resources would be overwhelmed in providing care for these victims. A temporary allocation of 300 beds in US Army hospitals in Vietnam was made, with this number increased to 400 in December 1967. Three Army hospitals, the 27th Surgical at Chu Lai, the 95th Evacuation at DA Nang, and the 29th Evacuation at Can Tho, with a total bed capacity of 1,100, were then designated as CWCP hospitals. American military medical personnel were assigned to the program and plans were made for additional hospital construction.

The enemy knew of these programs and they did not like them. A captured Viet Cong 6-page document from their “Security Department” dated 27 October 1966, and entitled “Flash Circular” discusses a 19 October 1966 sweep in My Quy village. It shows that the VC were watching closely. Some of the comments are:

The people were given medicine and clothes…The enemy behaved kindly to the people to win their hearts. They carried the children in their arms, washed and changed their clothes…They told the people to take as much medicine as they needed…Those who were wounded were given thorough medical treatment…At night, they sprayed insecticide throughout the school against mosquitoes they also propagandized that after medical treatment the people could live wherever they wanted.

We realized that because did not enthusiastically help the people when they were sick or wounded the enemy could easily move in and take advantage of them…The enemy’s actions were dishonest but they influenced the people’s spirit…The people did not understand the enemy’s scheme. They took American gifts with them to the village. They unintentionally propagandized that the Americans are kind.

The American troops are our enemy. They behaved kindly to us in order to take advantage of us and to win our heart.

A number of leaflets and posters were prepared for use with the various support programs for the Vietnamese people. Most of them are categorized under theme number 3 - Revolutionary Development; some of the others that involve minor construction fall under theme number 4 – Community Development.

Leaflet 7-485-68

This leaflet depicts the symbol of the Combined Action program and explains it's working to the Vietnamese on the back. The text is:

The Combined Action Platoon is here to help the people.

The back of the leaflet is all text:

To Everyone:

The Combined Action Platoon is here to help you. But they can only accomplish their duty with your sincere assistance.

The blood-thirsty communists have been waging a war against the people of South Viet Nam. They are carrying out acts of assassination, kidnapping, theft of your daily supplies and destruction of your property. Besides those acts, they force the people to hide their possessions inside their homes.

Whenever those marauding enemies are in the village, or when you know where they are at, notify the army at once so they can be apprehended and destroyed lest they cause horrible acts to the people and your dear relatives.

Being so fortunate as to live under the protection of the army, you have the duty to report to the army the movement or the presence of the enemy within your village.

The God Fathers of Baby Lanh

PFC Mike Smith and CPL Rick Moore, 1970

Private First Class Mike Smith and Corporal Rick Moore were both young members of United States Marines Combined Action Platoon (CAP) 4-3-2, in the villages of Linh Ahn and Long Quan in Quang Tri Province. It was April 1970; their Corpsmen (a highly-skilled Navy medical specialist attached to the Marines) were in the rear getting resupplied and the rest of the platoon was out on day patrol. The two men were left back to watch the unit gear. The CAP carried everything it needed on patrols, and somebody always had to be left back to make sure that nothing was “liberated.”

Suddenly, a very pregnant Vietnamese woman appeared. She needed help and she needed it quickly. Mike Smith told me:

We were in a situation in which we had no frigging idea what to do, but we had to do something. We fought back the panic simply because there was no alternative. The dirt floor in the hootch, the blood, the delivery, the knife slicing through the placenta, the smell of abject fear, no time to think, all contributed to my filing this memory in the “forget it” file. Our minds were racing far ahead of our actions. As Rick pulled his K-bar out of the sheath, I somehow knew that we would need something with which to tie the cord. The thing that jumped to my mind was the ties on my poncho liner. I tore out of the hootch, grabbed my poncho liner, cut off the tie, and was back in the hootch in about 3 seconds.

I remember now that when it was over, I could hear the silence roaring in my ears. Coming down off of an adrenaline rush, finally taking a breath, exhaling for what must have been an hour; all those are the same feelings as when you realize you have cheated Death.

Rick Moore with children of CAP 4-3-2

Rick Moore added:

The other Marines in our CAP couldn't believe what we had done when they returned to the village from patrols. We made good use of my K-bar and Mike used a piece of cord from his poncho liner. Improvising at its best! Smitty and I are still amazed at what we did that day 37 years ago.

The Mamasan worked the rice paddies the next morning with Lanh tied to her stomach.

I'll never forget the feelings of total fear and overwhelming joy as I placed little Lanh in her mother’s arms. And, the look on Mike’s face when it was over was priceless.

[Note] A Combined Action Platoon was a squad of Marines who were assigned to defend a group of small South Vietnamese villages. Their job was Vietnamization, the winning of hearts and minds of South Vietnamese civilians, and the training of South Vietnamese military forces. They lived in the villages and hamlets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and interacted with the South Vietnamese on a daily basis. It might be said that their lives depended on interaction with the people of South Vietnam.

The highest ranking Marine in a CAP was an E-5 Sergeant. As CAP commanders, these Sergeants were responsible for not only the lives of their men, but also for all of the activities involved in winning hearts and minds. Their Corpsmen, always known as Doc, provided medical care for the civilians as well as the Marines.

The Vietnamese-English Phrase Book for the Cap Marines

The phrase book was made in a pocket-size so that the Marines could always have it in their possession. Some of the instructions are:

This phrase book was designed primarily for use in the Combined Action Program. The phrases used all have a definite application in a CAP. The phrase book may be used in different ways. Firstly, a phrase such as “100% Alert Tonight” may be shown to a Popular Forces to immediately breach the language barrier. Secondly, the material may be used for study purposes. While in CAP School, the basics of Vietnam vocabulary, grammar, and phrases will be taught. Emphasis will be placed on pronunciation and sentence structure. Material in this booklet not covered in CAP School is designed to be studied in the CAP utilizing the Popular Forces as instructors. Thirdly, the phrase book may be used to teach the Popular Forces English…

Mike Smith said:

We dug wells and built schools, but mostly we defended the villages from acts of terrorism. The North Vietnamese and the Viet Cong regularly used torture, rape, and murder to intimidate the villagers. They came in the night to hold indoctrination classes for the villagers. These indoctrination classes often consisted of gathering all the citizens of a village to watch the public gang rape of the wives and daughters of unfriendly civic leaders. Sometimes the civic leaders were beheaded. Sometimes the villages were burned. Sometimes the young men were kidnapped and conscripted into the Communist army. Sometimes the right hand of every man, woman, and child was chopped off. Middle Eastern terrorists have nothing on Communist terrorists.

Helping the children

The Joint United States Public Affairs Office (JUSPAO) defines Revolutionary Development in their Policy Guidance 24 dated October 1966.

The Revolutionary Development program of the Government of Vietnam aims primarily at radically improving the social, economic and political condition of the peasants who represent 80% of Vietnam’s population. It seeks to bridge the “bamboo hedge” that has always kept the village isolated from a distant and at best indifferent central government by showing the peasants that the government is now willing and able to help them help themselves…

We should describe successful self-help projects, moves to increase agricultural productivity, the direct local impact of Vietnamese / United States –supported air projects on the rural population; and the steps toward better living conditions in the countryside taken under the RD program…

There is a continuous flow of posters, leaflets and photo inserts of RD themes for national distribution. JUSPAO and individual field representatives also produce targeted material for local distribution….

LEAFLETS AND POSTERS

Medical Aid

Perhaps the greatest number of leaflets of this type shows Allied medic personnel treating Vietnamese adults and children. Leaflet 10-91-68 was produced by the 10th PSYOP Battalion and depicts an American medic bandaging the head of a Vietnamese child held by its mother. The text beneath the picture is:

The Government is looking after the people’s health in Song-Ong-Doc District.

The back is a long all-text message. Some of the comments are:

The American – Vietnamese medical section looks after the people’s health in Song Ong Doc District. The treatment and medicine is free…

They cure and provide medicine at the people’s home, give instructions and encourage people to practice personal hygiene in order to keep their good health and avoid dangerous diseases…

These people are always ready to help you. If you get sick, don’t hesitate, come and allow them to cure you.  

It is interesting to note that this was one of the leaflets discussed in the Pacific Technical Analysis 1969 booklet Pretesting PSYOPS Leaflets in Vietnam. Some of the comments about this leaflet are:

A new leaflet, on the theme “the Government of Vietnam image,” intended for us on persons in Viet Cong-infiltrated and Viet Cong-controlled areas in III Corps, was pretested on 20 South Vietnamese Hoi Chanh (defectors from the Viet Cong). They rated leaflet 10-91-68 as just “fair.”

Treating villagers

The 25th Infantry Division Tropic Lightning News of 15 June 1970 mentions a MEDCAP mission:

Major Bobby L. Rice, executive officer of the 1st Battalion, 8th Artillery, explained the purpose of the MEDCAP to the village elders in French.  Then he began passing out candy to the children to interest them in the project.

Soon the patients began to trickle in - a girl with a scraped knee, a boy with stomach trouble, a baby with an infection. “As a doctor, I do not see much difference in the Cambodian MEDCAPS from those in Vietnam,” observed 25th Division Artillery surgeon, Captain Charles R. Lyons Jr. “Ulcerated skin infections are the most common ailment in both places and the children always seem to have a lot more trouble with infections.”

Fleming added that the villagers showed their appreciation for the doctor’s efforts.  “One of the local boys climbed a coconut tree and pulled off a dozen or so.  After testing each for milk, the villagers presented all the good ones to the medics.”

First aid for an injured foot

The 9th Infantry Division also discussed such operations:

A new concept recently developed within the division is the DENTCAP. In this program an American dental team with an interpreter visits the remote areas where people have never seen a dentist and know little about oral hygiene. The teams do what they can to improve the dental health of the people and disseminate facts about dental care.

NIGHTCAPS are another relatively new concept in civil affairs. This is essentially a MEDCAP except the team moves into the area in the afternoon, treats those in need of attention and then spends the night with the people to win their confidence. Often a movie projector is taken on the NIGHTCAP and movies are shown to the people after dark.

The division has also sponsored an active program to repair and construct facilities in neighboring cities and hamlets. Many new schools, churches, orphanages, bridges and roads have been constructed through the joint effort of the Americans and Vietnamese. Using material and advice from the Americans, the Vietnamese demonstrate their energy and ingenuity in project after project throughout the Delta.

Author's Note: Jimmie Gonzalez was in 41st Civil Affairs in Pleiku. He usually worked in 2 or 3 man teams. When we talked about movies, he told me his own favorite story about such an occasion:

Our PSYOP support consisted of one grizzled old guy, a Sergeant First Class. Since I was the language and intelligence guy I went out with him a few times to show movies. He would usually go out on his own. One of the times I was with him he decided to wait for darkness to show a movie. Just after he started showing 3 armed Viet Cong came in and watched the movie from the back of the crowd. When I finally asked if he was aware of them, he very nonchalantly said, “Oh yeah, they do it all the time.” Afterwards we got on Highway 1 and drove without lights back to Pleiku.

"Doc" Paul Marling

“Doc” Paul Marling, Platoon Medic of Delta Company, 1/12th Cavalry recalls his MEDCAP experiences:

We went to the same village on three different occasions. I don’t recall its name, but it was north of Tay Ninh. At first no one approached us. Finally, a young boy who may have been eight or nine years old came to me with a tooth ache. I rubbed some oral-gel on his gum and sent him away with a small tube and a smile. Soon I think every kid within 2 miles was there ALL complaining of a toothache and wanting some of the soothing gel. That was about all we saw on the first visit, just kids, most of which were fairly healthy.

We returned a second time and set up once again in the center of the village. The kids of course were back but now the elders of the village also came to see us. They were suffering from a variety of ailments more associated with their age and diet than anything else. We pulled a few teeth, treated some sores and rashes, and dispensed some antibiotics and vitamins. It felt nice to be doing something in Vietnam without getting my hands and clothes covered in blood.

On our third visit there was a line waiting to see us; young, old, and now some of those in-between. We treated some recent gunshot wounds and many had the scars of past wounds. Of course, they all claimed that the wounds were from the Viet Cong. We treated all who came to us.

I still remember the last person I treated in Vietnam. He was a young boy of eight or nine. He had stepped on a mine and his leg was almost completely blown off. I cradled him in my arms and once again my hands and clothes were covered in blood.

PFC Howard Beck on Guard

Marine Howard Beck of Company A, 1st Anti-Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division, Talks about his assigned duties as a typical private. He says: 

Besides my normal headquarters duties I went on ambush patrols, blocking force for operations, perimeter guard and anything else they wanted me to do. Trash runs, mess duty for a month, fill the Water Buffalo, empty the heads...you name it and I did it.  

Above, he guards a Doctor and a Corpsman during a MEDCAP in October 1966 while they give medical aid to Vietnamese children at a local school. He says in regard to the humanitarian service: 

We were in Chu Lai the first part of the month and in Da Nang the second part. We did our medical treatment at a school in An Tan Hamlet in Chu Lai. We did not treat major injuries. I think we mostly did just basic services for the kids.  I was outside on guard most of the time and did not get to see what kind of treatment was delivered by our medical people. I know they were happy to see us. Our Command Chronology says, “From 1 to 17 October the 1st anti-tank Battalion was involved with numerous MEDCAPS in the Chu Lai Tactical Area of Operational Responsibility. Approximately 150 persons were treated by the Battalion Medical Officer and his Corpsman.”

Handout 1663

Not only did the Americans provide medical aid, they also taught the Vietnamese how to treat themselves in an emergency. Handout 1663 explains cardiopulmonary respiration and other medical emergencies and explains first aid techniques. Some of the text is:

FIRST AID INSTRUCTIONS

This handout contains instructions on first aid procedures and also a chart of injury, symptoms, and treatment for twenty different injuries.

Retired U.S. Army Captain Thomas Chorba Sr. recalls:

I remember the Civil Action Program teams and the good things they did. I was with Military Assistance Command Vietnam in Quang Tri city. Our Advisory Team coordinated many civic functions with the G5 of the 3rd US Marine Division at Dong Ha. While we did not have any CAP teams per se, the U.S. Navy had a Military Provincial Health Assistance Program (MILPHAP) team based at Camp Kilroy, whose sole mission was to provide the civilian populace with free medical and surgical care at the Quang Tri City Hospital. Each of our five District Senior Advisors had a medical person on their staff, and the seven Mobile Advisory Teams (MAT) that served at the hamlet level with the indigenous popular forces also had a medic assigned.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Joe Meissner of the 5th Special Forces remembers a four-vehicle convoy visiting a Montagnard village in the foothills near Pleiku:

As we approached an old ruined church, a large group of people were waiting there to meet us. The main reason for their presence was the medical team that accompanied us and whose assistance had been promised in advance. After halting our vehicles and setting up a perimeter guard, the medical team set up their clinic. Women, holding crying babies in their arms, small children, and elderly men with wisps of white whiskers all lined up to see the “doc.”

Two hours later the MEDCAP was completed. Many of the villagers came up to us, smiling and thanking us for coming. Basic medical care had been provided to all who asked, from passing out pills to cleaning infections, from bandaging wounds to providing physical examinations.

       

Leaflets 1747, 1748, 1749

In general I do not like to depict all-text leaflets because I believe the reader deserves to see interesting images. However, each of these American JUSPAO leaflets in a series discusses a health issue so I thought I would make an exception and show them.

Leaflet 1747 Asks, “Are you drinking polluted water?” Three million of these leaflets were disseminated nationwide. The text on the front and back is:

Are you drinking polluted water?

Just one of the diseases you can get from polluted water is typhoid. Do you have these symptoms: Headache; stomach ache; nausea; blurry vision or weakness? If you do, seek treatment at once. You are sick now.

Leaflet 1748 was produced in three million copies and discusses malaria. The text on the front and back is:

Attention – Malaria is deadly, but it can be cured with proper treatment.

Here are the symptoms: fever; headache; sweating and weakness. If you have these symptoms you are sick now. Seek medical assistance at once.

Three million copies of leaflet 1749 were printed and warn of salt deficiency. The text on the front and back is:

Salt deficiency can be deadly!

Make sure you get plenty of salt with your food. Substitutes are no good. The human body must have salt to replace that lost through sweating. Get salt every day.

Some comments on these messages. They are certainly aimed at the Vietnamese people to remind them that the Americans and their government care about their health and welfare. But, they can also serve to scare the enemy living out in the bush and drinking untreated water and being bitten by mosquitoes. I am sure there was some thought that this might drive the Viet Cong and NVA to Chieu Hoi. I should also mention as an old medic that I don’t like the malaria symptoms mentioned. In my time we were taught that the malaria patients suffer fever and chills. I do not understand why “chills” was left out of the text.

The Americans are your Friends

Handout 2366

A number of leaflets, handouts and posters were prepared to introduce the Vietnamese people to their new allies and explain what the Americans were doing to help them live a better life. This handout shows American construction crews on the front and back and says in part:

American Seabee Teams are in Vietnam to Help You

Your government of the Republic of Vietnam has requested another type of American assistance to help develop a better country for you. This help comes to you and your province as a group of trained U.S. Navy construction men called “Seabees.” These men work hard and are trained to build roads. Bridges, schools, wells, dams, dispensaries, piers, and to clear land. They also repair generators, motors pumps, and other machines. They are in Vietnam to help you. Most important, they want to teach you to do these things…

Poster 1016

This poster was prepared in April 1968 with the same general theme of introducing the Vietnamese to the Americans. It shows Americans building houses, supplying food and treating babies. The text is:

AMERICAN FRIENDS HELP IN THE BUILDING OF OUR NATION

They help people rebuild their homes…

…give medical assistance…

…and food, and materials to needy areas.

LET US ALL WORK TOGETHER IN BUILDING OUR COUNTRY

SFC Howard Daniel III

Retired MSG Howard A. Daniel III did six tours in Vietnam. He told me:

When I was assigned to Military Assistance Command Vietnam J-2 in January 1966, the majority of the U.S. Army staff came from the 519th MI Battalion.   The 519th supported an orphanage that was located in Cholon, but just on the edge of Saigon.  The orphanage regularly had day-old to week-old babies left outside its main gate early in the morning.  The orphanage staff often checked the area and brought the babies inside. As a senior NCO in my section, I was asked to collect donations for the orphanage.  I did so and we brought the funds to the orphanage director, a very nice lady who had great compassion for the children.

There was a small playground inside the walls of the orphanage but it was a wreck when I first visited it.  I talked to a few people about it and was assigned the task of creating a new playground. We found a Sears catalog and I saw playground equipment in it. I picked one of everything that looked heavy duty, plus some baby and children's clothing and sent a long letter to the Sears headquarters in Chicago. I requested that they acquire one long CONEX container and put everything in it and ship it to me. Once they had the total cost, I would acquire the funds, put them in my personal checking account and write them a check. A couple of months went by and then I received a nice letter from someone high up in Sears. They had put all of the items in the CONEX container that I requested plus filled it to the end with other stuff for babies and children!  And they were covering all of the costs!  It was fantastic!!!

When the CONEX arrived, I had it hauled to the orphanage and dropped it in the middle of the compound. A few days later, I arrived with a dozen or more GIs with tools from the motor pool and a small engineer unit.   We carried all of the clothes, food, candies, and other small items into the orphanage supply room. The director and her staff were crying as they saw a huge amount of supplies for them piling up.  Then the GIs put the playground equipment together. Someone took a few pictures and we went back to work. I continued to collect donations every month until I departed at the end of my four and one-half year tour in August 1970.  

Duong Thi Kim Son

When one writes an article like this he never knows exactly what the ramifications will be. In this case, a former Vietnamese orphan living in Belgium wrote to me stating that she was from an orphanage in Saigon and wondered if MSG Daniel had any information that might help her. I put them together in hopes that he might be able to assist her in learning more about her origin. She told me:

I was adopted from a Saigon orphanage on 25 January 1967 through “Terre des Hommes” in Belgium. My alleged Vietnamese name was Duong Thi Kim Son. I know that I will never find my biological parents since I have no Vietnamese birth certificate and the orphanage gave me a fake name and birthday so I could leave the country quickly and be adopted. I was one of the last children left in their care. Apparently the orphanage was destroyed by explosives a week after I left and all records have been destroyed. All I know from my adopted parents in Belgium is that American soldiers found me in the street and brought me to an orphanage in Saigon. Thank you so much for your help. Master Sergeant Daniel just e-mailed me and is trying to find out the name of the orphanage for me.

Leaflet 246-23-67

In early June of 1968 the U.S. 1st Infantry Division and the Vietnamese 5th Infantry Division wanted to do a cordon and search of the area around Tan Phuoc Khanh, a village of about 9,000 people. They could have air-assaulted in with guns blazing and herded the people behind wire to question them, but instead they ran a festival, played music, gave away prizes, medically treated the people, and distributed pro-government information. 50,000 of these 5 x 7-inch leaflets were distributed by hand and air to the local Vietnamese. The leaflet depicts Vietnamese Regional Force and Popular Force fighter standing armed and ready. The text is:

Notice to All Young Men

Serve your hamlet and village while staying in your home area. Service in the Regional or Popular Forces allows you to serve your government while remaining at home.This area is now a part of Lam Son II operations. Government of Vietnam and U.S. Forces are operating here, which brings increased security and allows you to work as comrades in arms with both ARVN and U.S. Forces against the common enemy. More and more men are becoming aware of the increased pay and privileges as well as the honor of serving their own people, and every day more and more men are joining the Regional Force and Popular Force, so see your village or district chief NOW.

Operation Lam Son II is discussed by Lieutenant General John H. Hay Jr. in Vietnam Studies – Tactical and Materiel Innovations, Department of the Army, Washington D.C. 1989. Hay says in part:

The mission was to pacify the village, conduct a thorough search, root out the Viet Cong infrastructure, gather intelligence, and “win the hearts and minds of the people.” The first step was to assemble all men between the ages of fifteen and forty-five. These men were moved to the National Police headquarters in Phu Cuong for additional screening. Next came the hamlet festival. The festival was designed to display the concern of the Vietnamese government for the welfare of the people. The start was sounded by the Binh Duong Province band. As hamlet residents began arriving they were greeted by personnel from province headquarters. Several tactical units conducted a lottery during county fair operations. Instructions or information to villagers were distributed by means of leaflets, which were stamped with lottery numbers. These leaflets helped control the people and, at the same time, maintain their interest in the program. The winners received household items as prizes. The children had games to play and the adults were told about national programs from a government official.

The 1st Infantry Division Band Performing at Tan Phuoc Khanh

As the people gathered in the entertainment area, the 5th ARVN Division band began the Vietnamese national anthem. The national anthem was followed by a performance of traditional dances and pantomimes by the 5th ARVN Division cultural teams.

The Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) station was manned by medical personnel from one of the U.S. units. The staff normally included a doctor, medical specialists, Vietnamese interpreters, and sometimes a dentist. The operation was conducted like a “sick call” and held in conjunction with psychological activities. The medical treatment was mainly symptomatic-aspirin for pains, soap and medication for skin diseases, and extraction for toothaches. Serious medical cases were referred to other facilities outside the military channels for proper treatment or corrective surgery. The Youth Service Activity entertained the children so that the parents were free. Games were played, songs were sung, candy and toys were handed out to the children, and movies were shown.

At 1200 an American luncheon of hot dogs, potato salad, milk, juice, and all the extras was served. Although the people commented about the strange taste of the food, they all returned for second and third helpings. The meal was an interesting change from their normal rice-heavy diet.

The psychological operations and civil affairs teams performed several duties. They helped direct and control the people at first and mingled with the crowd, talking to small groups. The real purpose of the hamlet festival was to bring the government to the people and, at the same time, to turn an intelligence operation into an activity that the citizens would find pleasant. A major objective was to eliminate the Viet Cong infrastructure. All civilians were therefore required to pass through identification stations for an interview, a check of their identification cards, and the issue of special passes.

By the time the 1st Infantry Division Band paraded through the streets, the results were becoming evident. Of the 740 men who had been sent to Phu Cuong for screening earlier in the day, 29 were found to be Viet Cong suspects, 9 were army deserters, 4 possessed false identification cards, 13 were former Viet Cong who had violated the limits of their probation, and 62 were South Vietnamese draft dodgers….

The Army of Vietnam Soldiers are your Friends

 

Leaflet 3010

Many Vietnamese were distrustful of their own government. This leaflet shows them how the soldiers help the people and attempts to gain their trust and loyalty. Two photographs on the front and back show the soldiers hard at work building so that the people can have a better life. Some of the text is:

Besides the mission of fighting the Communists for national salvation, soldiers of the Vietnam armed forces also build and protect roads and bridges so that people can travel and do their business easily and safely.

Because of the homeless situation of the people created by the cruel attacks of the Communists, soldiers must temporarily cease their fighting mission to rebuild houses for the people.

Leaflet 8(1)-6-48-68

This is such a strange leaflet that I hardly knew where to place it. I think it works here though. The 8th PSYOP Battalion printed 250,000 of these leaflets in 1968 to show the people that the military were held responsible for their actions and what to do after a traffic accident. The front depicts a military vehicle and the standard markings found on their bumpers. The text is:

The Administration of Khanh Hoa Province thoughtfully reminds the provincial population: When there is an accident where vehicles of the South Vietnamese Army or their allies have hurt someone and damaged the property of the people you should

1 - Try to note the number of the vehicle (front or back) and unit of vehicle involved in the accident.
2 - Immediately report to the nearest administrator or policeman in order to appraise the damage.

These are very important in the business of damage compensation because any damages are systematically compensated by the government or the allied forces.

An Early Allied Uncoded Leaflet

In another article I mentioned Special Forces leaflets. These were uncoded leaflets prepared for the Viet Cong or Vietnamese people before the various PSYOP detachments, companies, battalions, and group arrived. Some were crude, some were quite handsome. Above I show a leaflet that we know little about. It seems to be nation-building, that is, it explains that if the military accidentally kills an ox there is a way to be paid for the loss. These themes were common after Diem was murdered when the generals wanted a loyal population. I suspect this might be earlier. The text at the left and right is:

If your livestock, home, or possessions are destroyed during a military operation…

You should report this to the hamlet, village, or district authorities.

The translator thinks this was part of a booklet since there are staple marks that I have deleted. He adds that the leaflet was from Facebook’s Vietnam History Forum. Notice we have somewhat similar caricatures of Vietnamese in large straw hits above in a Marine booklet. Perhaps this was from another one.

Sergeant Allen Lance of the 23rd Military Police Company of the 23rd Infantry (Americal) Division told me how this claim for payment worked in Chu Lai in 1968:

The people presented themselves at the main gate and were escorted to the Provost Marshall’s Office by the MPs. As I recall, when the people arrived to make the claim they were sad, some angry, and always disappointed by the small amount of money they received. In thinking more about this I believe another factor in deciding the payment amount was the fact that a Vietnamese civilian working on a US military base was getting paid $1 US dollar, equivalent to 118 Vietnamese dollars per day at that time

Any incident that the Military Police investigated or reported on was paid with no problems since they had the documentation. The Provost Marshall was put in charge of this remuneration program by the Commanding General. We had a book, like an insurance actuarial table, that had a formula for deciding the value of the life of a Vietnamese killed by a US military vehicle. It was based on gender, age, dependents, employment and other factors. It was the same with injury to a person or certain property damage. They were paid in Vietnamese dollars, and signed a release of liability when they got the payment.

Leaflet 4564

The South Vietnamese also offered medical care to the enemy. This leaflet depicts South Vietnamese medical personnel treating North Vietnamese soldiers on the front and back. The text on the front is:

PROTECTION OF THE HEALTH OF PRISONERS OF WAR

When your leaders say that North Vietnamese soldiers will be treated cruelly or killed if they are captured in South Vietnam, they are lying. Many Communist soldiers have been captured by the South Vietnam Army and its allies and they are still alive. If the prisoners of war become sick, they are given good medical treatment.

The text on the back is:

Many Communist soldiers were already sick when they were captured in South Vietnam. Even though they became prisoners of war they were lucky because they received good medical treatment.

From the 23rd MP Company Vietnam Photograpic Archives

A group of us got to discussing how prisoners were treated by the South Vietnamese and Americans. Some interesting comments:

The POWs at the Americal Division POW Collecting point at Chu Lai in 1968 lived a good life. They received a bath and all new clean clothes upon arrival. They got medical attention from day one, and lived on a diet of C-rations augmented by rice and local vegetables. They improved their own quarters. They were permitted to swim in the Dung Quat Bay under threat of being shot at if they attempted to swim away but none ever did.

At the 311th Field Hospital, an Army Reserve Unit called up in April 1968 and serving in Qui Nhon and Phu Tai, our medics taught the POW's to sing a song familiar to the U.S. troops. So when the International Red Cross Inspectors came to check out the treatment of the prisoners, the POW's standing at attention at the foot of their cots, on que from the medics started singing "We like it here, we like it here , you're f**cking A, we like it here!