REWARDS LEAFLETS
OF THE VIETNAM WAR

SGM Herbert A. Friedman (Ret.)

Note: Perspectives, the Journal of the Psychological Operations Association said in its issue Volume 30, Number 1, Spring 2020: "We highly recommend reading this article."

An IN-COUNTRY Cartoon mentioning Rewards for Weapons

The subject of reward leaflets used by the United States and the Government of Vietnam during the Vietnam War is intimidating. The problem is not a shortage of data, but because there is so much information available on the subject. To study such a large category of psychological operations (PSYOP), we must make certain arbitrary decisions. We must decide if we will mention all rewards, or just a specific category of rewards. For instance, The Allies have offered rewards for both friendly and enemy individuals, human remains, large enemy military units, intelligence information, and various types of military hardware and materiel. In this article, we will illustrate and discuss all of the various types of reward leaflets, illustrating a few of each type and attempting to depict a variety of PSYOP techniques.

   

104-66

This very early reward leaflet was prepared before the PSYOP companies were sent to Vietnam. It was created by the I Corps PSYWAR and Civil Affairs Center. Later the 244th PSYOP Company and then the 7th PSYOP Battalion would print leaflets for the I Corps Tactical Zone.

Instead of showing casualties, dead bodies, or military scenes, this leaflet depicts a peaceful jungle scene. There is some discoloration since the leaflet was glued to an intellignce file sheet and over five decades the glue has discolored. The front of the leaflet is an image of a jungle scene. Nothing dangerous is seen. The back shows the same image but now it exposes booby traps and explosives.

There is an English-language message to any American Marine who encounters a Vietnamese person holding this leaflet:

The bearer of this leaflet is trying to report the location of a mine or booby trap. Take him to your commanding officer or Battalion S-2.

The Vietnamese language message is:

The cowardly Viet Cong hide booby traps, not caring who is hurt by them. Innocent civilians are most often the victims. Tell the Marines where they are hidden. You will receive a generous reward, and the Marines will remove this danger so that your children will be safe.

1LT Flynn Reward Leaflet - flying an A1e Skyraider
(Leaflet Courtesy of R. E. Baldwin)

One of the earliest Joint United States Public Affairs Office (JUSPAO) reward leaflets of the Vietnam War was produced in 1966. The leaflet is coded SP-188 (The “SP” was for “Special projects” and tells us that is a JUSPAO Product), and depicts an A1E Skyraider fighter-bomber. The text is:

$35,000 REWARD

The Department of the Air Force of the United States of America offers a reward of $35,000VN for the recovery of, or information leading to the recovery of, Lt. George E. Flynn, who is a pilot of the U.S. Air Force.

Lt. Flynn was flying an A1E Skyraider, last seen early Wednesday morning, 23 September 1964, flying over the Dong Thai outpost, Hieu Le District, Kien Giang Province.

Information leading to the recovery of Lt. Flynn should be communicated to the nearest ARVN Military Commander, U.S. Sector Advisor, or the Commander of the U.S. 2nd Air Division.

After giving the information and collecting the money, the bearer of this leaflet will be completely free to come and go as he pleases.

(Signed) U.S. 2nd Air Division.

This leaflet is coded SP-188.

Despite our best efforts, Lieutenant Flynn, who disappeared when his A1E Skyraider went down, was never rescued nor did he return with the other American POWs at the end of the Vietnam War . His remains were recovered 13 January 1974 and were positively identified on 13 January 1976. George Edward Flynn III is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 1E, Row 64.

It would appear that $35,000VN was the going price for pilots in those early years of the war. An even earlier leaflet without illustration has the text:

$35,000VN Reward

A reward of $35,000VN will be paid for information leading to the recovery of an American pilot and his parachute who jumped from a two-engine aircraft on 23 November 1963.

The aircraft crashed 5000 meters northeast of Xa Bo Dap on that day and the pilot jumped from the airplane about 1600 meters north of that spot just before the aircraft hit the ground.

$17,500VN will be paid for information more recent than 1 December 1963, leading to the recovery of the pilot's parachute alone.

If you have any information about either the pilot or the parachute, contact the District Chief, or the Province Chief, or the Commander of the ARVN, civil guard or self defense corps unit who will notify the Commander of the 2nd Air Division or the Commander VNAF.

The leaflet is coded SP-61. We discuss the “SP” leaflet in greater depth later in this article.

The International Herald Tribune of 17 July 1967 features an article with the headline "Pledge in 16 Million Leaflets - U.S. Offers '50 taels of Gold' For Aid to Downed Pilots." The article, postmarked "Saigon" says, "The United States has offered a reward of 50 taels of gold to North Vietnamese who help American pilots shot down in North Vietnam escape. The gold is worth about $760. The offer was made late last night when American planes showered some 16 million gold-colored leaflets over North Vietnam's southern areas.

Leaflet 72

The leaflet is coded 72 and has the heading in inch-high letters:

Reward
50 Taels of Gold
Reward

The low number of this leaflet means that it was dropped on North Vietnam during President Nixon’s bombing campaign. The back is a statement by United States Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker. Some of the text is:

Helping American pilots and other U.S. military personnel escape to freedom can bring you 50 taels of gold.

If you see an American who has parachuted to the ground or who has escaped capture, do not be afraid. Approach him. Make him understand you wish him no harm by raising your hands.

Help him in any way you can.

Hide him from hostile authorities.

Cooperate with him in finding his way to safety.

You may escape to freedom or return home just as you choose.

You will be paid the 50 taels of gold at the time the American is rescued or at any other time you wish. You may collect the reward in gold bullion or in the equivalent amount of any currency you choose. Payable in any free world country you choose.

Ellsworth Bunker
United States Ambassador to South Vietnam

On the subject of gold, Major Nelson Volk of the 6th PSYOP Battalion in Vietnam told me that some of his artists and printers received offers of gold for simply going over and working for the Viet Cong. Apparently the enemy realized the power of propaganda. It seems a strange story but Volk says:

Don’t recall if I mentioned this before, but printing presses and their operators were of course valuable items to both sides in Viet-Nam. A couple of our operators were approached at different times by the other side to come and work for them. All living expenses, a large gold payment, and interesting “fringe benefits” were offered. By the way, we found one Saigon printer doing work for both sides - what tipped us off were common marks in the type being used.

Leaflet 72A

The reward offer for downed pilots in North Vietnam was made again in leaflet 72A. This one says in part:

How to Help the Communist-Fighters Return

If you see a Communist-fighter parachuting to earth or escaping capture, don’t be frightened. You should walk up to him, raising your hands to show your friendship and that you have nothing that can harm him. Take him to a place where he will not be found by the authorities. Help him if he is injured in any way. Cover him from sight if you have to transport him by boat or car.

Soon after you have helped him to a safe place, he will be rescued and your great humanitarian act will be richly rewarded. You and your family may enjoy a safe and easy life in Free Vietnam, or, if you prefer to remain in the North, your rescue work will be rewarded immediately by a gift of 15,000 dong.

Sometimes our POWs did make it back. On October 29, 1963, Special Forces Officer 1st Lieutenant James "Nick" Rowe was one of several special forces advisors assisting the Vietnamese government in the training, equipping and employment of the Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) forces. The team (Detachment A-23) left their camp at Tan Phu for the village of Le Coeur. Along the way they ran into an ambush and Rowe was captured. For 62 months, Rowe battled dysentery, beri-beri, fungal diseases, and grueling psychological and physical torment. Each day he faced the undermining realization that he might be executed, or worse, kept alive, but never released. His home was a wooden cage, three feet by four feet by six feet in dimension. His bed was a sleeping mat.  In spite of all this, Rowe was a survivor.   From the start of his capture, he began looking for ways to resist his captors while he could make plans for his escape. Rowe made several unsuccessful escape attempts which only resulted in furthering angering his captors. Finally in December 1968, his captors had had enough with his refusal to accept the communist ideology and his continued escape attempts,  Rowe was scheduled to be executed.

On 31 December 1968, while away from the camp in the U Minh forest, Rowe took advantage of a sudden flight of American helicopters. He struck down his guards, and ran into a clearing where the helicopters noticed him and rescued him, still clad in black prisoner pajamas.

Nick Rowe's Leaflet
Courtesy of Former 1SG Garry Arva

Stanley Sandler says in Cease Resistance: It's Good for You: A History of U.S. Army Combat Psychological Operations, 1999: "The experience of one Special Forces Office, Lt. James 'Nick' Rowe, formed the basis for at least one US PSYOP leaflet. Rowe had been held in a Viet Cong bamboo cage for no less than five years, but just before his escape he had noticed that his captors were confused and bewildered because their old sanctuaries were being invaded by what had been dismissed by their cadres as 'weak' United States and Government of Vietnam forces. Many of them would have liked to give up the struggle but were afraid of being killed while trying to defect. A leaflet was quickly printed up with a message from Lt. Rowe reassuring his former captors that they would be welcomed and treated decently."

Eighteen hours after his escape, 100,000 copies of a leaflet in Rowe's own handwriting were dropped over the U Minh Combat Zone offering a reward of 600,000 $VN and fair treatment to anyone bringing more American prisoners to the Government Zone. The text of the leaflet read:

To Fighters and Cadre in This Area

I am First Lieutenant Rowe. On 31 December 1968 I was liberated by American and ARVN forces. I am now in a hospital feeling very good, and have met with my friends. I miss you and want you to also be treated well, instead of being shot down on the field. In these past few days I saw this clearly: the information I received in prison about the war, about the troop morale of RVN  and American soldiers, about the victory of the Liberation troops, is completely untrue.

At the present time it is clear that RVN soldiers are ready to fight, American helicopters are powerful, and you cannot win. I appeal to you to surrender when you see RVN soldiers or American helicopters. Don't be afraid of being beaten or shot to death. I promise you that you will be treated well and you will be provided a mosquito net, clothes, food, etc. You allowed me to live and now I want you to live. If you bring more American prisoners to the Government Zone, you will be awarded 600,000 $VN and be treated very well.

Lieutenant Rowe documented his POW experience in a book titled Five Years to Freedom. He also went on to attain the rank of Colonel and became a legend in the world of Special Forces. You can learn more about Colonel Rowe and his untimely death by assassination by clicking here.  

10th PSYOP Battalion

Lieutenant Rowe's leaflet is coded 10-070-6. The 10 in the code signifies that the leaflet was printed by the 10th Psychological Operations (PSYOP) Battalion. In IV Corps, the 10th PSYOP Battalion of the 4th PSYOP Group was formed from the 19th PSYOP Company at Can Tho, where it operated until it departed Vietnam on 16 April 1971.

The declassified secret USAF report: Psychological Operations Air Support in Southeast Asia June 1968 – May 1971 mentions the reward for prisoners campaign and admits that it was not successful.

The Rewards programs were various leaflet campaigns which offered payment to Vietnamese for assistance given to and information regarding the location of downed U.S. flyers or other detained allied personnel. This type of program had begun in June 1968 with a campaign called “Elephant Walk” which advised the indigenous population that they would be paid large sums of money for assistance in the rescue and return of allied personnel or lesser sums for information which would lead to their rescue. Leaflets were dropped in the vicinity of suspected prisoner camps. The 9th Special Operations Squadron supported the program with an approximate monthly leaflet drop of 1.2 million leaflets. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, the results from the program were disappointing. Leaflets had to be precisely placed in areas bordering known prison camps, but the camps were constantly being moved. Appeals based on cash rewards were unsuccessful with the communist sympathizers living near the camps because they seemed convinced the communist cause was just or they feared reprisal. Prison camps were located in areas of low population density.

When you look at the military correspondence it becomes clear that the reward system was always under review. Different people wanted prices for weapons either higher or lower. One 24 May 1966 letter from the American chief of the Joint U.S. Public Affairs Organization to the State Secretary of the Republic of Vietnam show some of the problems with the program (edited for brevity):

It is our view that an extraordinary scale of rewards should be made for large crew-served weapons mortars, recoilless rifles, and heavy machine guns. This means increasing the awards for heavy weapons far more than that for smaller weapons and accessories. Our reasoning is that such a program could serve to build distrust between VC soldiers and their cadre and inhibit the deployment of such weapons and their crews at detached positions where they can threaten U.S. and ARVN bases. In addition, it has become evident that the present scale of rewards is insufficient to attract these weapons, because only a few have been turned in.

As part of this same program, we propose that prices for key parts of these large weapons should be proportionately high. In fact, it is our suggestion that the total reward for such crucial elements of heavy weapons should amount to the same as the price for the complete weapon itself. Many of these weapons are extremely heavy and bulky. Where it may be difficult or impossible for their crews to bring in the entire weapon, they may be able to bring in parts without which the weapons would be useless, which would accomplish the same thing from our point of view.

To summarize, this portion of our recommendation would result in the following scale of rewards for heavy crew-served weapons:

120 mm Mortar - 75,000$ VN
Tube alone – 50,000$ VN
Sight alone – 25,000$ VN
81 or 82mm Mortar - 50,000$ VN
Tube alone - 30,000$ VN
Sight alone - 20,000$ VN
57mm Recoilless Rifle - 40,000$ VN
Breech block alone - 40,000$ VN
75mm Recoilless Rifle - 50,000$ VN
Sight alone - 20,000$ VN
Breech block alone - 30,000$ VN
12.7 or 14.5mm machine gun - 40,000$ VN
Cover group alone - 40,000$ VN

We believe that it would be advantageous to treat mines and explosives typically used by the VC for terroristic actions against civilian populations in the same way as we treat heavy weapons. These are normally used by detached individuals or crews, separated from VC units and their commanders. To offer a highly tempting reward for these might also have the effect of inhibiting the deployment of them in places where the user could readily turn them in for a large reward. For this reason, we would propose amending your listing of items as follows:

Mine, directional - 10,000$ VN
Mine, all types - 7,500$ VN
Demolition block - 5,000$ VN
Mine, anti-personnel - 5,000$ VN

This leaflet was prepared in October 1969 so shows the rewards given for that year.

REWARDS FOR WEAPONS

REWARD	WEAPONS
1,200$	Pistol, all types
3,000$	Rifle, all types
3,000$	Submachine guns, all types
5,000$	Flame Thrower
7,500$	Automatic Rifles, all types
17,000$	Mackine gun, 7.62 mm
20,000$	Machine gun, 12.7 mm
50,000$	Motor or mortal barrel 60 mm
60,000$	Motor or mortal barrel 81/82 mm
75,000$	Motor or mortal barrel 120/160 mm
40,000$	Recoiless rifle, 57 mm
50,000$	Recoiless rifle, 75 mm
60.000$	Recoiless  rifle, 82 mm
20,000$	Bazooka, all types

The text on the back of the leaflet is:

CHIEU HOI BENEFITS AND WEAPONS REWARDS

Soldiers of the NVA and VC: If you rally (under the Chieu Hoi program) you will receive from the Government of Vietnam:

- Good treatment.
- Full citizenship in the Republic of Vietnam.
- Medical treatment in the Chieu Hoi Center.
- VN$ 50 daily for food for each returnee.
- Rewards for weapons (from VN$ 1, 200 to VN$ 75.000 depending on type).
- Two suits of clothes or VN$ 1,500 for clothing.
- VN$ 1,200 resettlement funds when you leave the Chieu Hoi Center.
- Vocational training and help with finding a job.

Ralliers with families also receive:

- VN$ 50 each day for wife and older children and VN$ 25 for younger children.
- VN$ 150 each month for each family member at the Chieu Hoi Center.

Returnees who choose to live in Chieu Hoi Hamlets will receive VN$ 12,000,
A six-month supply of rice, plus cement and roofing to help build a house.

Viet Cong officers were allegedly very angry that a common soldier got $3,000 for their rifle while, he, and educated commissioned office only got $1,200 for his pistol. They found that quite insulting.

 

SP-769

Early in the war JUSPAO prepared leaflet SP-769. The "SP" indicated "Special Project" and was proof to the Viet Cong that the leaflet was American. Since it was desired that the people believe that these leaflets were coming from their own government, the "SP" was soon removed from the code. This leaflet is an excellent product and depicts two scenes on the front. In the first, two Vietnamese civilians surrender rifles to an ARVN soldier. In the second, they are handed banknotes for those weapons. The text on the front is:

Present this leaflet along with a weapon to the Special Forces Camp.

You will be rewarded as well as escape from Viet Cong terrorism.

The back illustrates various weapons and lists the current prices that the government will pay for them Some of the prices are; pistol $800VN, grease gun $2,000, mortar $8,000 to 10,000 (depending on size), and $5,000 to 6,300 for a heavy machinegun (depending on caliber). The text is:

The Special Forces will reward you depending upon each weapon that you hand in.

Leaflet SP-888

Another early JUSPAO leaflet that depicts a Vietnamese soldier talking to a Viet Cong fighter on the front, and numerous weapons and the rewards paid to those who turn them in or tell where they are on the back. The image of the two troops is like the one on the back of the Vietnam standard safe conduct pass with five flags on the front. The image was also used on several other leaflets. The text and image on this leaflet are just about identical to that on leaflet 951.  The text is:

COMPATRIOTS IN THE VIET CONG

Here are instructions that will help you return home to the National Just Cause.

1. Keep the special Safe Conduct Pass that will be dropped in your area. Keep it carefully and wait for a favorable time to return.

2. Wait patiently for a favorable opportunity, continue to demonstrate extreme loyalty to the Viet Cong to avoid suspicion.

3. When the opportunity comes, seize it, leave the Viet Cong ranks at once to return to your families.

4. If you can escape only at night, seek a hiding place. Report only in the daytime. Hide your weapon someplace before reporting. After reporting, you can show the friendly forces where the weapons are hidden and receive your reward.

5. Always keep the Safe Conduct Pass hidden on your body. If you have an unexpected chance to return to the National Government, or if accidentally arrested, you can show your good intention of going back home and to the Just Cause.

6. Regardless of your situation, day, or night, if investigated produce the Safe Conduct Pass and be warmly received as a friend.

The text on the back is:

COMPATRIOTS IN THE VIET CONG

The Government of Viet Nam will reward you and help you when you return.

- 18$ a day for your food
- 18$ a day for your wife
- 9$ for each of your children
- Plus other gratuities.

Additional rewards will be based on the weapon you bring.

Reward Receipt for Weapons

In this article we will show a dozen or more leaflets that offer a reward for weapons. Not many people are aware of what happens after such weapons are turned in. Here on 24 June 1968, a Vietnamese individual named Ngo Ba Khac of Da Nang, probably a Viet Cong who has gone “Chieu Hoi,” signs a receipt that shows he has received $32,200 in Vietnamese currency for handing over a machinegun, a rocket propelled grenade launcher, an M79 grenade launcher (blooper), and three assault rifles. The receipt also protects the U.S. Army officer who paid the Vietnamese since it leaves a paper trail and shows that the cash was used in a legal purchase.

Turned in weapons on dispay. The two on the left are RPG7s
and the two on the right are Soviet-designed light machine guns.

Leaflet SP-3863

I selected this leaflet because it falls into several themes. For instance, although it is a reward leaflet depicting an RPD automatic weapon, it is also a Chieu Hoi leaflet and surrender pass. The text on the front is:

OPEN ARMS REWARD

Sub-Machine Gun

7,500$

You can use this leaflet as a passport to return.
If you don’t have this leaflet, you will still be welcomed.

The text on the back explains all the advantage of rallying:

Each Returnee Will Receive from the Government:

1. Good treatment.

2. Citizenship papers.

3. Health care at the “Open Arms Center.”

4. A Reunion with his family.

5. 30 Piasters for food each day.

6. 200 Piasters pocket money each month while living at the “Open Arms Center.”

7. Reward for returned weapons - 500 to 7,800 Piasters.

8. Two suits of clothing valued at 1,000 Piasters.

9. 1,000 Piasters for transportation to go home.

10. Help in finding a job.

11. Returnees living in the “Open Arms” village will receive: cement, metal roofing material, 10,000 Piasters for building costs, 2,000 Piasters for furniture, and a six-month supply of rice.

 

 

Leaflet SP-951A "Money for Guns"

Note: this leaflet was also disseminated with the Joint United States Public Affairs Office code number SP-951A. It was printed in two sizes; 214 mm x 72 mm and 150 mm x 75 mm. The larger leaflet was printed in green ink on the front and blue ink on the back. The small version was black ink on both sides. Both leaflets are virtually identical on the front and back. These leaflets are later versions of leaflet 888 depicted earlier in this article. This leaflet was also printed as a classified leaflet for Cambodia coded CP-01.

TO ALL LOYAL VIET CONG.

The government of the Republic of Viet Nam will reward and assist you if you come back to the R.V.N.

*24 Piasters for food/rice every day
*24 Piasters every day for your wife
*12 Piasters every day for each of your children
*Will also include other (undisclosed) considerations

For all of the WEAPONS that you bring back, there is a reward according to the type you bring .

Weapons:
800 Piasters for a pistol
1000 Piasters for an AK-47 or M-1 rifle
1200 Piasters for an SKS 7.62 semi/automatic carbine
2000 Piasters for an M-3 "Grease Gun"
3500 Piasters for an RPD light machine gun
5000 Piasters for a 30 caliber medium machine gun
6300 Piasters for a 51 caliber heavey machine gun

 

The back of the short version of leaflet SP-951A

COMPATRIOTS IN THE VIET CONG

Here are instructions that will help you return home to the just National Cause.

Keep one of the Republic of Vietnam safe conduct passes. Hide it carefully and await a favorable time to return.

Wait patiently for a favorable opportunity; continue to demonstrate complete loyalty to the Viet Cong to avoid suspicion.

When the opportunity comes, seize it. Leave the Viet Cong ranks at once and return to your family.

If you can escape only at night, seek a hiding place. Report only in the daytime. Hide your weapon before reporting. After reporting, you can show friendly forces where the weapon is hidden and receive your reward.

Always keep the safe conduct pass hidden on your body. If you have an unexpected chance to return to the National Government, or if accidentally arrested, you can show your good intention of going back home and to the just cause.

Regardless of your situation, day or night, if you are investigated, show the safe conduct pass and be warmly received as a friend.

Defector Vu Tuan Anh

Vu Tuan Anh, a sergeant in the North Vietnamese Regular Army’s 320th Division holds his Chinese Communist manufactured AK-40 automatic rifle which he brought with him when he defected. Sergeant Anh received 2000 piasters for the weapon when he came into the Pleiku Chieu Hoi Center.

      

Leaflet SP-426A

This is an early leaflet produced by the Joint U.S. Public Affairs Office. It mostly depicts the same weapons shown on other leaflets, but added a recoilless rifle listed from $15,000-20,000 (depending on size). Some of the text on the leaflet is:

TO THE MILITARY CADRES OF THE VIET CONG

When you return to the Government of Vietnam you will be whole-heartedly welcomed and rewarded if you bring your weapon with you. This is the reward according to the type of weapon.

Pistol $800, local rifle $1000, sub-machine gun $2000, foreign rifle $1200, Automatic weapon $3500, machine gun $5000 or $6300 or $6500, mortar $2000 or 10,000 and large gun $15000 or $20000.

The back asks:

WHAT SIDE OFFERS THE MOST ADVANTAGES?

The Viet Cong side has a death’s head and some of the text:

When you are sick you have no medicine, No allowance for your family and No job for your future.

The Government side offers in part:

You have an allowance of $500, your wife $200 and $100 for each child , You can live in a New Life Hamlet and receive a $3500 allowance and free food for six months, and If you want to enter any profession the Government will help you.

Reward Billboard

The rewards for leaflets were not just placed on leaflets and posters. They were also posted on billboards as can be seen by the board in Nui Dat that offers rewards for various enemy weapons.

 

JUSPAO Leaflet # 2500

JUSPAO leaflet 2500 offers cash as an incentive for the VC to return to his family. The leaflet depicts a black-pajama clad VC returning to his wife and child while an ARVN soldier smiles benignly and pats him on the back. The text is:

Soldiers and Cadre of the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army in South Vietnam. The Government of the Republic welcomes returnees from your ranks under the Chieu Hoi program. Return and you will enjoy a life of peace and freedom.

The back has a long message, but the pertinent points for this article are:

The Government of Vietnam pledges to each returnee: $30 each day for food and $200 each month for spending money, rewards for weapons brought in from $500 to 75,000, two suits or $1,200 for clothing, and $1000 resettlement fund for you and any member of your family when they leave the Chieu Hoi Center. Returnees with families also receive; $30 each day for wife and older children and $15 for younger children, $100 each month for each family at Chieu Hoi Center, and returnees who chose to live in Chieu Hoi hamlets will receive $12,000 and cement and roofing to help build and furnish a house and six months rice.

Leaflet 2990

JUSPAO prepared a set of four leaflets coded 2990-2993 which offered rewards for enemy personnel and units. On 31 October 1968 the GVN announced a nationwide incentive program to accelerate the Chieu Hoi Campaign. Cash awards are provided as an inducement. This series of leaflets publicizes the program. JUSPAO will produce negatives for printing by 4th PSYOP Group and distributed by MAC-V. Only valid during period 1 November 1968 to 31 January 1969

Each leaflet bore the Chieu Hoi (Open Arms) symbol on the front. The leaflets are mostly all text and not well illustrated, but the messages cover a wide variety of categories. Leaflet 2990 has text:

CHIEU HOI NATIONWIDE REWARDS CAMPAIGN.
Campaign to Motivate Citizens, Soldiers, Cadre, and Hoi Chanh to Participate in the
Chieu Hoi Program.

To invite all citizens of Vietnam to participate in a special program for the inducement on VC/NVA ralliers during the period of 1 November 1968 through 31 January 1969, and to give cash to all citizens who successfully persuade enemy military or civilian personnel to rally under the Chieu Hoi program.

Awards will be paid to any Vietnamese citizen who induces a VC/NVA to rally, including members of the RVNAF, National Force, Cadre, Kit Carson armed propaganda teams (APTs), former Hoi Chanh or private citizens.

Rewards are not paid to the rallier himself unless he, in turn, qualifies by inducing another Viet Cong or North Vietnamese soldier to rally. Any additional information can be obtained from the local Chieu Hoi Province representatives.

PARTICIPATE IN THECHIEU HOI AWARD PROGRAM

The back of the note has a large "$" over a number of categories of personnel with the price paid for each.

Some of the awards are:

PROVINCIAL AND DISTRICT LOCAL FORCES

Provincial Unit Commander - Provincial Unit Political Commissioner - $100,000

Provincial Unit Deputy Cdr. - Provincial Unit Deputy Political Commissioner - $85,000

Provincial Unit Chief of Staff - Provincial Unit Political Warfare Comm. $70,000

Leaflet 2991

Leaflet 2991 is similar to 2990 except that it offers special awards for high-ranking Communist officials and groups. On 31 October 1969 the Government of Vietnam announced a nationwide incentive program to accelerate the Chieu Hoi Campaign with cash awards provided as an inducement. This series of leaflets publicizes the program. The rewards were only valid during the period 1 November 1968 through 31 January 1969. The leaflet was developed in November 1968. The text is:

SPECIAL AWARD.

All persons (civilians, military, government employees, etc.) who induce Communist individuals or military groups to rally under the Chieu Hoi program will be paid cash awards. When an individual Communist rallies because of inducements, the responsible individual will be paid according to the rank or position of the returnee. In the case where a Communist military unit is induced to rally as a group, the individual inducing the group to rally will receive not only an award for each individual in such unit, but also an extra bonus which can be from 20% to 70% depending on the size of the group. The award in cash will be paid within three days to the individual responsible for inducing the rallier, either at province or district level. The rights of the individual who induces a Communist to rally or a group to rally will be respected and his name will not be disclosed.

The back of the note has a large "$" over a number of categories of personnel with the price paid for each. The prices are:

Village Company Commander $25,000, Deputy Village Company Commander $20,000, Guerrilla platoon Leader $15,000, Guerrilla Assistant Platoon Leader $10,000, Guerrilla Squad Leader $7,000, and Guerrilla Assistant Squad Leader $4,000.

The 6th Battalion did a similar leaflet in March 1968 titled "Reward for Information." 50,000 copies of leaflet 6-206-68 were disseminated in Phuoc Ninh District with the text:

REWARD

The following rewards will be paid for information leading to the live capture of the following level Viet Cong:

Hamlet - $1,000 VN
Village “ $1,500 VN
District - $2,000 VN

$3,000 VN will be paid to anyone who will lead Government or Allied forces to a VC guerrilla unit in which contact is made.

$2,000 VN will be paid to anyone who will lead Government or Allied forces to a VC arms cache.

All information should be turned over to the District Chief, Phuoc Ninh District, Tay Ninh Province.

Leaflet 2992

This leaflet has an interesting front, depicting a pile of banknotes. Since it is the third of four it is called “Reward Leaflet #3.” The text on the front is:

SPECIAL AWARD

In cases where a Communist military unit is induced to rally as a group, the individual inducing the group to rally will receive not only an award for every member in the unit, but also an extra bonus which can be from 20 to 70% depending on the size of the group.

The rights of an individual who induces a Communist to rally or a group to rally will be respected and not have his name disclosed.

The text on the back is:

A unit will only be considered to have rallied as a group if the following conditions are met:

A. It must consist of a minimum of three ralliers (one cell).
B. They must all be from the same unit.
C. They must rally together and at the same time.
D. If the unit is a squad or larger in size, at least two thirds of its command cadre must accompany it as well as two thirds of its combat members.

RIGHTS ARE GUARANTEED, IDENTIFICATION WILL NOT BE DISCLOSED.

These leaflets are part of the “Third-Party Inducement Program” It called for someone else to be paid for convincing a Viet Cong to defect. J. A. Koch mentions this campaign in The Chieu Hoi Program in South Vietnam, 1963-1971:

A basic principle underlying Chieu Hoi was that a man's loyalty cannot really be bought. However, it is possible-- without dragging a defector program down to a monetary exchange for a man's loyalty--to pay a third party for rendering a service, i.e., inducing a potential rallier to defect and having the rallier attest to his sponsor's bona fides in getting him to do so.

Such a program was inaugurated in the summer of 1967 in Vinh Binh and Vinh Long Provinces. It proved quite successful. The November 1968, Accelerated Pacification Campaign extended the program to the whole country. An intensive effort was undertaken to pay rewards to any Vietnamese citizen or Hoi Chanh instrumental in getting a VC or NVA to rally. Eligibility for reward was determined by a special committee at province, and amounts -- based on the rank of the rallier – varied from VN$250,000 for a commander of a Military Region to VN$3,000 for a member of the guerrilla force.

But it soon became apparent that under the "Third Party Inducement Program," too many ralliers turned out to have a "third party inducer," sometimes a Vietnam Government official, who in fact had done nothing to induce the rallier. Chieu Hoi cadres at the centers were also found to be in collusion with ralliers coming into the centers with whom they would offer to split the "third party" reward.

The Army Concept Team in Vietnam conducted an evaluation of US Army PSYOP units from 1 December 1968 to 21 March 1969. A booklet was prepared titled EMPLOYMENT OF US ARMY PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS UNITS IN VIETNAM. It said about the concept of third-party rewards:

The Third-Party Reward Program was initiated on 1 November 1968 and was scheduled to terminate 31 January 1969. The objective of the program was to induce 5,000 enemies to rally to the Government of Vietnam; this goal was surpassed on 31 December 1968. The entire PSYOP community participated in operations to advertise the program. Methods used included aerial and ground dissemination of leaflets and newspapers, aerial and ground loudspeaker broadcasts, posters, banners, radio, and television. The success of the PSYOP effort was illustrated by the results of the reward program which accounted for 34.8 percent (790) of the Chieu Hoi returnees in November, and 53.1 percent (1674) of the returnees in December. In January the Chieu Hoi rate continued to increase with this program considered responsible for 56.9 percent (1839) of the monthly total. In terms of the increased numbers of Chieu Hoi returnees, the Third-Party Reward Program was most successful. Because of the impressive results, the Chieu Hoi Ministry extended the program indefinitely.

The PSYOP/POLWAR Newsletter of October 1968 points out that errors sometimes occur:

OOPS! A GOOF. Based on information on hand, JUSPAO printed 3 million sheets of weapons reward and returnee benefit stationery. One side lists the prices paid for weapons and the benefits given to the Hoi Chanhs. Where it reads that 1000$VN will be paid to the Hoi Chanh and each member of his family, it should read that 1000$VN will be paid to the Hoi Chanh. No additional money will be given to him for members of his family.

Leaflet 2993

The final leaflet in the group is 2993. Like the others in this series it was developed in November 1968. Text on the front is:

Special Award

All citizens of Vietnam (civilians, military, government employees, etc.) who induce Communist individuals or military groups to rally under the Chieu Hoi program will be paid cash awards. The cash awards will be paid within three days to the individual responsible for inducing the rallier, either at province or district level. The rights of the individual who induces a Communist to rally or a group to rally will be respected and his name will not be disclosed.

Participate in the Chieu Hoi award campaign

There is a long list of titles on the back with a dollar sign over the group. Some selected offers are:

At the Regional Level

Secretary	$250,000
Deputy	$200,000
General Affairs Commissar	$170,000
Party member	$130,000

At the Province Level

Secretary	$120,000
Deputy	$110,000
General Affairs Commissar	$100,000
Party member	$90,000

District Level

Secretary	$80,000
Deputy	$72,000
General Affairs Commissar	$64,000
Party member	$56,000

The 246th PSYOP Company prepared another reward leaflet did not mention a specific sum for information. It bears the symbol of the 101st Airborne Division "Screaming Eagle" at the top left and right and the text:

101. REWARD. 101.

The U.S. Armed Forces in Vietnam. The presence of the U.S. Armed forces in Vietnam is to help your government bring security and peace to your country. In order to succeed in this mission we very much need your help. In order to protect you and innocent civilians, we will provide a monetary reward to those who can give us the following: Landmines, information depots of the communist armed forces, tunnels, where they hide their weapons, traps, or where they plan their ambushes. Please contact American soldiers closest to the 101^st Airborne Division and give them this flyer or the number 101. Those soldiers will read the back of this flyer in English and will assist you in informing the appropriate authorities. You will be amply rewarded for your useful information.

REWARD.

101st Reward leaflet

This leaflet was prepared in several different formats. My copy has English-language text on the back:

Attention American Personnel. American personnel who receive this leaflet or a message bearing the figures 101 from a Vietnamese national will courteously detain him (her) and notify their commander. This person wants to report information regarding the items on the other side of the leaflet. He has been offered payment if the information can be verified. If the Vietnamese refuses to stay or come with you, obtain his (her) name, address, date and place of birth. This data can be found on his (her) identity card. Copy all information on the card and give it to your commander.

The leaflet is coded 246-398-68.

Leaflet 246-232

Leaflet 246-232 depicts eight weapons on the front. 50,000 of these leaflets were requested by the 5th Special Forces. The text on the back is:

REWARD

When you bring one of the weapons pictured on this leaflet or report the location of a booby trap to the LLDB Camp at Duc Phong, you are well rewarded with cash. Your name is kept in strict confidence so that the Viet Cong cannot take reprisals. When you rally, you will be given all the help you need, and in addition the government will give you money for the weapons you bring.

Leaflet 246-296

Leaflet 246-296 depicts six weapons on the front. 50,000 of the large 5 x 8-inch leaflets were printed at the request of the U.S. 25th Infantry Division. Vietnamese text on the front is:

REWARD

The U.S. 25th Infantry Division will offer rewards for all kinds of weapons as shown in the above picture. You can bring the weapons to the U.S. Army or show them where the weapons you have discovered are located. Take this leaflet and give it to any U.S. soldier whether you bring the weapons in or you tell where the weapons are hidden.

The back of the leaflet tells the Vietnamese that that:

This is a translation of the paragraph written above in English.

The English-language message to American soldiers is:

Attention U.S. soldiers: You are responsible to see that the bearer of this reward notice is escorted to the nearest U.S. Army Officer. The receiving officer will see that the bearer of this reward notice receives his reward.

A PSYOP officer told me an interesting story about these reward leaflets. Note that in every case rifles and automatic weapons are worth far more than a pistol. This makes sense because they are far more dangerous, able to fire many times more bullets and at a greater range. The American officer told me that this was a terrible mistake. It enraged the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army officers who usually carried a pistol. They felt that offering a lowly uneducated peasant soldier more money for his weapon than a highly-trained and educated officer was a loss of face. There was some belief that this unbalance in rewards kept some officers who might have wished to defect from doing so. An interesting theory.

Leaflet 246-116-67 is entitled “$500 Reward” and offers $500 to any Vietnamese who reports finding an explosive device within one meter of the railroad tracks between Bien Hoa City and Gia Ray in Long Khanh Province. 50,000 of the 4 x 5-inch leaflets were printed at the request of the Railway Advisory Group.

Leaflet 246-354-67 is a 4 x 5-inch all-text leaflet that targets civilians. 100,000 were printed with rewards for information about Viet Cong camps, caves, tunnels, weapons, ammunition, or mines at the request of the 5th ARVN Division. The text says in part:

Be brave and show us or give us information on above items to sub-sectors, sectors, or ARVN and Allied units. You will be warmly received and properly rewarded.

Leaflet 246-396-67

This leaflet depicts an 82 mm mortar, its ammo and aiming device. After giving dimensions of the sight, the mortar tube, and a mortar round the text goes on to list payments for the mortar parts.

82mm Mortar Round
32.5 cm, 3.9 kilograms, 82 mm.

Mortar Tube
111.9 cm, 55.9 kilograms

Mortar Sight
10 cm, .77 kilogram

82mm Mortar - 70,000 piasters
Mortar Tube only - 60,000 piasters
Sight only - 10,000 piasters
One mortar round - 4,000 piasters

NOTE: In addition, you will be rewarded for any Viet Cong weapon or ammunition that you turn in. The amount will depend on the value of the type of weapon/ammo.

Leaflet 246-402-67

50,000 copies of the 5 x 8-inch leaflet 246-402-67 were printed about 21 May 1967 for distribution by air and hand. The leaflet depicts a 75mm Recoilless Rifle on the front and the insignia of the U.S. Army’s 199th Light Infantry Brigade. A reward of $50,000 Vietnamese piasters is offered for the weapon, $10,000 for the sight, and $5,000 for the ammunition. Some of the text on the back is:

LARGE REWARD

If you know the location of this weapon or ammunition, show this leaflet to an American soldier wearing the insignia on the opposite side of this leaflet on his left shoulder. It is not necessary to bring the weapon to the soldiers, the full price of $50,000 piasters will be paid if you can lead the U.S. soldiers to the location of the weapon....

 

Leaflet 246-271-68 

This leaflet depicts seven weapons on the front and the text: 

Viet Cong booby traps from 500 to 3000 dong. Viet Cong mines from 1000 to 10,000 dong.

[The seven weapons and the price paid for each below each weapon]

The US 101st Armored Cavalry Regiment will pay cash awards for all weapons herein depicted and their munitions.  You can bring such weapons to any American soldier, or reveal caches of weapons, mines and traps to them. Remember to bring along this leaflet when coming in with information or weapons. US soldiers will read it in English and will assist you in bringing your information to the competent authorities for reward.

The back is all in English and written to the American soldier who is approached by the Vietnamese citizen with information. The text is:

Attention American Personnel 

American personnel who receive this leaflet from a Vietnamese national will courteously detain him (her) and notify their commander. This person wants to report information regarding the items on the other side of the leaflet. He has been offered payment if the information can be verified. 

If the Vietnamese refuses to stay or come with you, obtain his (her) name, address, date and place of birth. This data can be found on his (her) identify card. Copy all information on the card and give it to your commander. 

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