REWARDS LEAFLETS
OF THE VIETNAM WAR

SGM Herbert A. Friedman (Ret.)

Continued

The 969 Series

There are a number of American reward leaflets that bear the numbers 969. They seem to symbolize the virtues of the Buddha, Buddhist practices and the Buddhist community. The first 9 stands for the nine special attributes of the Lord Buddha. The 6 is for the six special attributes of his Dharma, or Buddhist Teachings. The last 9 represents the nine special attributes of Buddhist Sangha (monastic community). Those special attributes are the Three Jewels of the Buddha. Another veteran told me that a Vietnamese told him that the number 9 is a universally a lucky number, but in Feng Shui, 969 is the best of the lucky numbers: wealth, longevity, stability, etc. are concentrated in this number.

It seems clear that someone did their homework and placed a lucky number on this leaflet hoping it would motivate a passing Vietnamese to pick it up. There are about a half dozen leaflets that use this number to catch the attention of the Vietnamese and offer a reward. All of the leaflets I have seen start with the 246 code and then follow with 118, 126, 157, 168, or 176. I suspect there are many more I have not seen.

Leaflet 246-176-67

Probably the most impressive of the four I have mentioned is 246-176-67 because it has some color while the rest are all black and white. This leaflet bears the insignia of the 9th Infantry Division. The text says in part:

Attention American Personnel

American personnel who receive this leaflet or a message bearing the figures 969 from a Vietnamese national will courteously detain him (her) and notify their commander. This person wants to report information regarding items on the other side of this 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 the information on the card and give it to your commander.

Leaflet 246-118-67 depicts the insignia of the U.S. 196th Light Infantry Brigade and the 969 and was printed in 100,000 copies. The code-name for the leaflet is “Good Guys.” The leaflet offers rewards for information on mines, weapons, tunnels, traps and ambushes.

Leaflet 246-126-67 depicts the insignia of the U.S. 11th Armored Cavalry and the 969 and was printed in 100,000 copies. The code-name for the leaflet is “Good Guys.” The leaflet offers rewards for information on mines, weapons, tunnels, traps and ambushes.

Leaflet 246-157-67 depicts the insignia of the 2nd Battalion of the 34th Armored Division and the 969 and was printed in 50,000 copies. The code-name for the leaflet is “969 Good Guys.” The leaflet offers rewards for information on mines, weapons, tunnels, traps and ambushes.

Leaflet 246-168-67 depicts the insignia of the U.S. 173rd Airborne Brigade.   100,000 copies of the leaflet were printed bearing two images of the unit patch and the number 969. The code-name for the leaflet is “969 Good Guys.” The leaflet offers rewards for information on mines, weapons, tunnels, traps and ambushes.

The 246th PSYOP Company served III Corps from Bien Hoa, about 20 miles northeast of Saigon in III Corps. We will mention this unit in greater depth below.

6th PSYOP Battalion

Viet Cong Terrorist Reward # 6-083-68

The 6th PSYOP Bn was also busy preparing reward leaflets. One of the more interesting is an offer for a Viet Cong terrorist leader. The leaflet has a drawing of Tam Nui on the front and the text:

Up to $50,000 VN Reward. Nguyen Van Lac, alias Tam Nui. 53 years old, 1 meter 68 tall, armed with a pistol. He is usually accompanied by a bodyguard of 30 men and is often in or near Ap 6 Chanh (2) Michelin Plantation.

Text on the back is:

Allied Forces in Dau Tieng will pay up to $50,000VN for information which leads to the apprehension of Nguyen Van Lac, alias Tam Nui, assistant VC district chief, Tri Tam District. Tam Nui has shown himself to be an enemy of the Vietnamese people by his unlawful terrorist activities in Dan Tieng and the Michelin Plantation.

The person providing information that leads to the apprehension of Tam Nui will receive reward money that can provide the opportunity to start a new business and a new life. If he so desires, the recipient may also be provided transportation for himself, his family and his household goods to resettle anywhere with Binh Duong, Tay Ninh, Hau Nghia or Gia Dinh provinces or in Saigon.

(In English and Vietnamese) The individual bearing this leaflet has information on VC cadre men. Take him immediately to the Brigade S-2.

The leaflet is coded 6-083-68. It was dropped in VC areas, all Corps.

Poster P7-929-70

I should point out that rewards were not offered for all Viet Cong members. Often, wanted posters were prepared for them but without the offer of a reward. The people were simply asked to do the right thing. I also notice that not all the posters showed a poor drawing of a wanted person. I selected this one because it almost looks like one of those Hollywood photographs where an actor strikes a handsome pose. The poster is 8 x 10-inches, in black and white. It was requested by Cords and the National Police. The text is:

WANTED

The Danang National Police are searching for:

PICTURE

This poster depicts Ngo Tan Khang, 22 years old, birthplace Hoa Tho Village, Hoa Vang District, Quang Nam Province. He was a student; joined Viet Cong in 1964. He is a District Committee Cadre of the Viet Cong and concurrently Secretary of the 2nd VC District in Danang.

 

6-168-68

The 6th also prepared leaflet 6-168-68 in conjunction with the 9th Military Intelligence Detachment. It specifically targets sappers, mines and Highway 4. It tells the U.S. soldier receiving the information,

Attention unit S-2. Rewards are to be paid after information is verified as follows: $10,000VN for each sapper team member captured or killed as a result of information received; $5,000VN for each mine located in Highway 4 as a result of information received. Prices established by 9th MI Detachment.

Leaflet 6-600-68

This is an interesting reward leaflet that requests information. The front is a four panel comic. In the first panel a young boy is looking intently at something. In the second, he finds what appears to be a South Vietnamese soldier and tells him what he saw. In the third panel the ARVN digs up a mine by hand. In the final panel the boy is told that he will be rewarded. The actual text is:

If you see a Viet Cong mine or something you suspect may be a mine

Immediately report it to any Army of the Republic of Vietnam or allied soldier

An explosive ordnance specialist will come out to disarm it or to destroy it on the spot.

The road will be made safe and you will be rewarded for your report.

Province Chief Lieutenant Colonel Tu giving reward money to two ex-Viet Cong members for weapons rewards. The Australian is Sergeant Russ Tetlow and the US Officer is Lieutenant Andrus.

Leaflet 2815

Leaflet 2815 depicts two Vietnamese Hoi Chanh that showed government troops were the VC had hid their weapons. They received a substantial award. The text on the front is:

HOI CHANH SHOW THEIR PATRIOTISM

The text on the back said in part:

AN ACT THAT COULD HELP WIN THE WAR

On 10 August 1968, returnees Nguyen Van Ben and Nguyen Van Tuong Helped government troops discover a weapons cache belonging to the Viet Cong. The cache was a big ammunition depot located in Bac Lieu…The two returnees were given a reward of 1,020,000 piasters by the Minister of Chieu Hoi.

Note; Using the 1968 official exchange rate of 118 VND = $1.00 USD the two men would have been paid about $17,000 USD. Now at today’s exchange rate they would get about $90.00 USD.

The Joint U.S. Public Affairs Office (JUSPAO) did an entire series of Vietnamese returnees being paid huge rewards, For instance:

Leaflet 3224 depicts Chieu Hoi Minister Nguyen Ngoc An awarding Hoi Chanh Vu Van Tin $2,000,000 VN for helping the 24th Special Sector confiscate a massive number of weapons, ammunition and equipment from the Viet Cong.

Leaflet 3691 depicts the Prime Minister and the Chieu Hoi Minister awarding $503,700 VN to Hoi Chanh Miss Nguyen Thi Be and $300,000 VN to Hoi Chanh Thach Nuoi.

Leaflet 3691

The text on the front is:

In the opening ceremony of the “Great Union” campaign, at Ninh Duong. The Prime Minister gives the award of $503,700 VN to Hoi Chanh Miss Nguyen Thi Be, a former Communist artillery squad leader.

The minister of Chieu Hoi gives $300,000 VN to returnee Thach Nuoi.

WORTHY REWARDS FOR MERITORIOUS RETURNEES.

The back is all text:

WORTHY REWARDS FOR MERITORIOUS RETURNEES.

The Republic of Vietnam keeps it promise indicated in the Chieu Hoi program. That is to reward returnees who come in with weapons, or guide government forces to cease Communist weapons.

The rewards vary according to the type of weapons. Recently, during the launching ceremonies of the Dai Don Ket Spring campaign, the Prime Minister and the Chieu Hoi Minister personally handed to returnees Nguyen Thi Be and Thach Nuoi over 800,00VN for their service guiding operational forces to seize a substantial quantity of Communist arms.

FRIENDS REMAINING IN THE COMMUNIST RANKS:

Come back not to contribute to the building of a free Vietnam. If you bring back weapons, you will receive money to start a better life for yourself and family

Poster 2811

Because these Vietnamese men received such a large reward for their information, they also appeared on JUSPAO posters. This 17 x 22-inch October 1968 poster depicts three photographs and text that says in part:

CAPTURED VC WEAPONS WORTH ONE MILLION PIASTERS REWARD TO HOI CHANH

Two former Viet Cong recently reported the location of a Communist weapons factory to the Government of Vietnam and were rewarded 1,000,000 piasters by the officials of Bac Lieu Province on 19 August 1968. The factory was about 200 kilometers southwest of Saigon. It contained more than 200 weapons, including a 70 mm cannon, a 105 mm mortar, and five anti-aircraft machine guns, I addition to more than 10 tons of ammunition and explosives which were destroyed by the local Government defense forces.

Nguyen Van Ben, former VC Director of the weapons factory, and Nguyen Van Truong, former VC artillery commander, received the reward after disclosing the hidden Communist installation to the Government. Both men became disillusioned with the VC because it failed to achieve promised victories and did not provide them with food and clothing.

Poster 1759

This Joint United States Public Affairs reward poster is 10.5 x 7.5-inches, and offers money for information on the Viet Cong, their weapons, ammo and even their transportation. The text is:

SERVE THE COUNTRY

• People will be rewarded from 50,000 to 1 million Vietnam dong if they help the Government prevent terrorist activities of the Viet Cong.

• The identity of the compatriots will be kept secret.

• Immediately report to the Police Viet Cong terrorists and saboteurs as well as places rich in weapons, ammunition, explosives, and their means of transportation.

• When you hear news, you can contact the Police by:

• Phone

• Report directly to a police official.

• Ask relatives or friends to report to the police.

• Send a letter to the police signed with your own name or keep a corner of the letter to use as proof of reward later.

STOP VIETNAMESE TERRORISTS

CONTRIBUTE

BRINGS HAPPINESS AND SECURITY

Leaflet 3047

The next two leaflets are Chieu Hoi leaflets that contain reward offers. The Americans wanted the Viet Cong to surrender but they understood that when they gave up everything to go Chieu Hoi they would arrive with empty pockets. To sweeten the pot, they offered cash for weapons or the disclosure of weapon caches. Now the new Hoi Chanh had not only his freedom but some hard cash in his pockets. The first leaflet depicts the Chieu Hoi Minister paying an individual that pointed out a Viet Cong Cache of weapons. The text on the front is:

A GOOD EXAMPLE

The text on the back is:

REWARD FOR WEAPONS

At the Chieu Hoi Center in Kien Giang, Minister of Open Arms Nguyen Ngoc An gave 707,000 piasters to Mr. Nguyen Van Thoi, a 72-year-old man who helped the Government of Vietnam troops discover a Viet Cong Weapons cache. The number of weapons in that cache is 173 guns, (79 rifles and 94 submachine guns). The act of Mr. Thoi reflects his patriotism, and it is a fine example for other citizens to follow.

Leaflet 3224

This leaflet is like the one above where the Chieu Hoi Minister awards cash to an individual who pointed out weapons. The text on the front is:

FIND A PROSPEROUS LIFE FOR YOURSELF

The text on the back is:

MR. VU VAN TIN JUSTLY REWARDED

At the Chieu Hoi Center in Kontum, Chieu Hoi Minister Nguyen Ngoc An gave an award of 2,000,000 piasters to Vu Van Tin, a returnee who helped the 24th Special Sector confiscate a great number of weapons, ammunition, and equipment from the Viet Cong. This is one of many Hoi Chanh who have performed a very great achievement in guiding our troops to destroy the Viet Cong and capture their weapons. Those who are still serving in the Viet Cong ranks are urged to follow the example of Vu Van Tin who has been successful in seeking a peaceful and prosperous life for himself in the people's community.

(This leaflet can be used as a safe conduct pass)

Leaflet 3778

Leaflet 3778 depicts Chieu Hoi Minister Ho Van Cham awarding $1,348,000 VN to Hoi Chanh Nguyen Van Xang on 11 April 1970 for guiding ARVN forces on three occasions to seize Communist weapons. It appears the recipient can hardly hold so much money.

The back is all text:

The Chieu Hoi program appeals to friends on the other side to come back in the spirit of National Reconciliation. It also provides worthy rewards to meritorious returnees. The Government of Vietnam encourages accomplishments of good service upon rallying to the National Cause and provides additional assistance to the returnees to start their new life.

This is, of course, not the main reason that motivated Communist soldiers and cadre abandon their ranks and come back to the National Cause. But it does help returnees with additional means to support their families and make a definite break from the Communist cause.

Leaflet 4080

This November 1970 reward leaflet depicts Hoi Chanhs (Returnees) who have performed meritorious services for South Vietnam. The text on the front is:

REWARDS TO WORTHY RETURNEES

On 2 October 1970, The Minister of Open Arms handed out 2 million piasters as rewards to the Hoi Chanhs who have rendered meritorious services to Binh Duong. Ha Van Dot (in front) received 665,600 piasters for helping confiscate hundreds of Communist weapons.

The back is all text except for a Chieu Hoi symbol at the far right:

TO MILITARY CADRES STILL IN THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FIRING LINE.

Each time the Communists lose one of their weapons, a Vietnamese life is saved.

Many Hoi Chanh from the large Chieu Hoi family have achieved deeds equal to Ha Van Dot’s deeds, and they are living in wealth, admired by everyone.

CHIEU HOI IS THE QUICKEST WAY TO PEACE.

Leaflet NT4/A/TD-4

I first thought this was the same picture as the one above, but it seems it is the same rewards ceremony but with a different recipient. This leaflet depicts a former Viet Cong member who has rallied to the Government being rewarded for some achievement. The text on the front is:

THE RALLIERS WHO HAVE ACCOMPLISHED MERITORIOUS SERVICES
ARE REWARDED ACCORDINGLY.

Leaflet 244-133-68

This 1968 leaflet from the 244th PSYOP Company depicts a rocket. $100,000 in Vietnamese currency, which was about $847 in U.S. currency, is offered for information leading to the confiscation of the rocket by U.S. or ARVN forces. The text is:

The Government of The Republic of Vietnam and the Free World Military Forces shall reward a sum of maximum 100,000 dong for any information leading to a confiscation or a destruction of enemy rockets.

Another reward shall be for any accurate information on placement, target, firing time, firing position, means of transportation and paths used by the enemy to bring in those rockets into this area.

On 10 February 1966, three companies were formed within the 6th PSYOP Bn to provide tactical propaganda support. The 244th PSYOP Company served I Corps from an initial station in Nha Trang (in II Corps), with a detachment in Quang Ngai in I Corps. The 245th PSYOP Company served II Corps from Pleiku (in II Corps). The 246th PSYOP Company served III Corps from Bien Hoa, about 20 miles northeast of Saigon in III Corps. Later, on 19 November 1966, a fourth company, the 19th PSYOP Company of the 6th PSYOP Battalion, was formed in Can Tho to provide advice and support in IV Corps. Because of the increased need for psychological warfare support, the 4th PSYOP Group was constituted in the Regular Army in Vietnam on 7 November 1967, and was activated on 1 December 1967 with headquarters in the Saigon Rail yards (later, headquarters moved to the Tan Son Nhut Air Base near Saigon). The 6th PSYOP Battalion became the 4th PSYOP Group; the four companies currently operating in the Corps Tactical Zones became battalions within the 4th PSYOP Group. All four companies disappear from the order of battle as of 1 January 1968. The 4th PSYOP Group departed Vietnam on 2 October 1971.

7th PSYOP Battalion

 

7-377-68 Money for Guns Reward Leaflet

This leaflet depicts a defecting Viet Cong fighter accepting a reward from an American Military Policeman for his rifle. Some of the text on the front is:

Military policemen mostly reported that the Viet Cong buried their enemy's weapons before turning them into US military police officers. Their patriotic actions will merit them a well-deserved reward. 

Pictured above, a Vietnamese citizen is receiving a sum of cash in exchange for her weapons that she instructed the US Military Police to confiscate with the consent of the Government of the Republic of Vietnam. By giving money to those who also respond and tell where to confiscate weapons or ammunition of the enemy, the local community can tell the US Police patrolling in ​​the area where the weapons are….

Some of the long text on the back is:

Here are the rewards that you can receive – Minimum and Maximum:

Personal weapon ammunition, each, grenades, Automatic rifle, Tommy Gun, Mortars 60mm, 81mm and 82mm, M-79 grenade launcher, Recoilless guns 57mm, 75mm and 82mm,

Cannons under 100mm, Cannons or mortars over 100mm, 122mm rocket, Explosive mines

In addition to the regular money mentioned above, a portion of up to $100,000 will be awarded to those who provide information and instructions to confiscate or blow up 120mm or 140mm cannons or rockets placed in a ready position, ready to fire. Another large reward ($100,000) will also be awarded to those who report information to capture or destroy military bases, for information transmission or enemy supply depots.

IF YOU REPORT ANY NEWS TO US ABOUT THE ENEMY’S LOCATION, YOUR IDENTITY WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.

Viet Cong woman accepts reward

I add this leaflet of a young Viet Cong female being paid a fabulous reward for weapons here because it is similar to the one above and featured in the JUSPAO November 1968 publication Communicating with Vietnamese thru Leaflets:

The Government fulfilled its promise to pay a reward for weapons.

 

Communicating with Vietnamese thru Leaflets

Communicating with Vietnamese thru Leaflets was a 1968 publication on the creation and distribution of propaganda in Vietnam. It was produced by the Field Development Division and the Office of Policy, Plans, and Research of the Joint United States Public Affairs Office (JUSPAO). The 62 page illustrated booklet was written by Monta Osborne with illustrations added by Phil Katz. Monta L. Osborne was the Chief of Field Development Division in Saigon in charge of the Chieu Hoi (Open Arms) program during the Vietnam War. The booklet was issued to Military Assistance Command - Vietnam (MACV) to be issued to field PSYOP personnel. Also offered to Civil Operations and Revolutionary Development Support (CORDS) and additional copies printed for all new PSYOP officers and civilians assigned to Vietnam.

The 7th PSYOP Battalion Leaflet Catalog

The 7th PSYOP Bn regularly dropped reward leaflets. The 1968-1969 Leaflet Catalog of the 7th PSYOP Battalion (Danang) shows 33 different leaflets in the "Reward leaflet" category. An additional 29 are listed under "Monetary appeal."

Reward Leaflets listed in 7th PSYOP Battalion Catalog

The leaflets below will not appear on the above page unless they are standard items kept in stock. Usually, a unit would ask for a specific leaflet on a theme they desired and that leaflet would be prepared and printed upon the request.

7-157-68

Leaflet 7-157-68 is all text:

Up to $100,000VN for information leading to the capture or destruction of artillery, mortar, rocket positions, troop concentrations, communication sites, occupied vehicle parks and logistic storage areas.

Help save the lives of innocent people that might be killed by the bloodthirsty VC's weapons. Remember that a sizeable reward will be paid to you if your information leads to the capture or recovery of any weapons and ammunition.

Warning!!! Do not pick up ammunition.

The other side has a similar message and a list of 24 items with price paid for each. Some of the items are:

There are many kinds of ammunition that lies in the fields and kill innocent men, women, and children. The Armed Forces of Vietnam want the villages in these areas to show where this ammunition is located. If weapons or ammunition or reported and then found by the Vietnamese Armed Forces, a sizeable reward will be paid immediately. The following is a list of rewards for various weapons and ammunition.

Location of rocket launch site prior to firing $50,000-100,000, Artillery piece or mortar over 100mm $50,000-100,000, 75mm/82mm recoilless rifle $20,000-25,000, and just $10 for each small arms round.

7-249-68

Leaflet 7-249-68 depicts a happy black-pajama clad VC handing his rifle to an Army of Vietnam (ARVN) soldier. In his left hand, the happy former terrorist holds a big wad of banknotes. The text reads:

All Patriots who support the "Operation Search for the Enemy's Weapons" will be rewarded.

In the I Corps Tactical Zone, the 7th PSYOP Battalion of the 4th PSYOP Group was formed in Nha Trang from the 6th Bn's 244th PSYOP Company. In 1968, the 7th PSYOP Bn moved its flag (but not the unit or people) to Danang. It departed Vietnam on 21 December 1971.

Leaflet 7-213-69

The 7th PSYOP Battalion seems to have printed many of these “Cash for weapons” leaflets. There are about a dozen in 1969 alone. Most of them actually show cash being handed to the informers. On the front of this leaflet a local farmer leads government forces to armaments hidden in a cave and a handful of cash appears. The text is:

This place contains murderous communist weapons

On the back we see the smiling farmer’s hut and his wife and child. The text is:

It can give you and your family a happy and prosperous life if you report the location of Communist weapons caches to the local authorities or to Allied troops. Your name will be kept secret.

Leaflet 7-284-69

Leaflet 7-284-69 depicts a VC looking at a rocket emplacement. The text reads:

You can not only help to stop the Communist invasion, you can also get rewarded by the government. Any rocket attacks by the communists will be appropriately responded in kind by the Government of Vietnam.

The back of the leaflet states:

The Communists could bring disaster to your village. Please save your village by quickly contacting your local government or the military and showing them where you see rockets or mortars.

Poster P7-316-69

The above poster also depicts a Vietnamese seeing some Viet Cong rockets ready to be fired and thinks of the death and destruction they will cause. He then thinks that if he tells the government troops about the rockets, he will receive a reward. It bears the code P7-316-69. The code indicates that it is a 5.25 X 16-inch poster prepared by the 7th PSYOP Battalion in 1969. The text is:

Do report to the authorities or the Armed Forces all enemy weapons which can harm our families. You will be rewarded!

American PSYOP specialists often printed leaflets in the form of stationery assuming that the enemy in the bush would have nothing to write home on. This was done most often during the Korean War. Of course, the stationery bore Allied propaganda, so if the soldier read it, he saw the propaganda and when the letter got home, his family saw it. In this case, an American soldier found or took this leaflet as a souvenir and used the blank back to write a letter home to his family. Notes on leaflets are not common, but a complete letter is. I have edited the letter for brevity:

August 24, 1969

Hello again,

This stationery may be a little odd but thought it might interest you. It is what was handed out by our PSYOP Team. It bears some type of pro-American or pro- Saigon propaganda. The Chieu Hoi leaflet is quite self-explanatory. I am already feeling "short" and I've still got three months to go. There are better days ahead because we are moving from our landing zone on September 5-7 and back to a Chieu Hoi Base Camp. We will probably be there for the whole Monsoon season so I will return home from that location. I hate to put up with all the "lifer" rules and regulations, but that base is almost as safe as Fort Sill...

Leaflet 7-422-68

This is a difficult leaflet to translate. The writing is plain enough but there are lots of boxes and charts. So instead of doing a technical translation, I will do it in more of a narration form. The leaflet offers REWARDS FOR VIETNAM COMMUNIST OFFICERS ARRESTED. The officers or officials can be from various levels: Village level, Commune, District Level (District), and Provincial level. The leaflet then names each type of officer and at what level he exists: Secretary of the Party, Executive Committee, Deputy secretary – chief, standing member, financial expert, Security officer, a member delivered immediately, Propaganda committee member, Military and military prestige member, Communications officer, Committee Officer, Press officer, and Party network. You can see the various amounts according to title and position. The vary from a low of $10,000 to a high of $90,000.

At the bottom of the charts there are short messages in Vietnamese and English:

When they provide information about Communist cadres in documents or oral reports, their identities will be kept absolutely confidential. Present this leaflet to the authorities when compatriots come to report.

THIS PERSON OFFERS INFORMATION ABOUT A COMMUNIST LEADER'S WHEREABOUTS. TAKE HIM TO YOUR S-2 OR COMMANDER

The back is all text:

DEAR COMMUNISTS,

For a long time, our compatriots have had to swallow bitterly, silently enduring the scourge of Communism. But now the National Government is launching the campaign "DECLAIMING COMMUNISTS IN THE REGION" with the help of compatriots, determined to capture all the Communist cadres who are masterminding the destruction of villages and hamlets.

Compatriots, please provide any information about the behavior and whereabouts of Communist cadres to the Vietnamese authorities or Allied soldiers.

1. The news of our compatriots is kept absolutely confidential.
2. If necessary, people will be able to settle in a more secure place.
3. People will be grateful and rewarded accordingly.

If conditions are favorable, go and report news to your fellow countrymen and bring this leaflet with you. However, it's okay to not have one.

THE PERSON HOLDING THIS LEAFLET WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT COMMUNIST ORGANIZATIONS. PLEASE DIRECT HIM TO THE NEAREST GOVERNMENT OFFICE.

THIS PERSON OFFERS INFORMATION ABOUT A COMMUNIST LEADER'S WHEREABOUTS. TAKE HIM TO YOUR S-2 OR COMMANDER.

Leaflet 7-513-68

This leaflet depicts two Vietnamese citizens with a howitzer that they informed the Government of Vietnam was buried by the Viet Cong. The text is:

PLEASE RESPONSE TO THE CAMPAIGN TO FIND GUNS AND SHOW YOUR PATRIOTISM.

These two men became patriotic over time, earning 50,000 dollars for leading the US army to this 105mm cannon. The reward was awarded according to the price declaration usually found on the back of each leaflet when discovering hidden cashes of Viet Cong weapons. It turned out that this Viet Cong weapon was to be used against the Allied forces.

In addition to receiving worthy rewards, our compatriots were able to protect their lives, property and families at the cost of damaging a Viet-Cong force that was unable to use the weapons they had buried.

The back is all text: Because the text on the back is so long, I will just summarize some of the text:

COMPATRIOTS - PLEASE JOIN – PARTICIPATE IN THE WAR –

THE CAMPAIGN TO FIND WEAPONS

You will be rewarded accordingly according to the minimum and maximum prices for ammunition and weapons as follows.

Then a list of the weapon systems follows. Some are:

Personal weapon ammunition, each round (maximum 50 rounds), Personal weapon ammunition, each magazine (more than 50 rounds), 60mm, 81mm mortar shells, artillery shells, recoilless ammunition, Grenades, grenade launchers, Rifle, automatic, or single shot, machine gun, 60mm, 81mm, 82mm mortars, M-79 grenade launcher, Recoilless guns 57 mm, 75 mm, 82 mm, Cannons under 100 mm, Cannons or mortars over 100 mm, Mines or explosives.

The amounts paid for each weapon or ammunition differ greatly. The low is $10, the high is $65,000.

In addition to the regular money mentioned above, a portion of up to 100,000$ will be rewarded to those who provide information and instructions to confiscate or destroy 120 mm cannons or rockets. Another 100,000$ will be given to those who reported the news that led to the destruction of enemy military bases, communication positions or supply depots.

Note: All the rewards are in Vietnamese dong, not US dollars.

7-617-68

Leaflet 7-617-68 Depicts a happy Viet Cong handing over his AK-47 assault rifle to an American who hands him a wad of banknotes in return. In the background, a member of the Republic of Vietnam Army smiles in gratitude and appreciation. The text on the front of the leaflet is:

A Patriot is receiving a worthy reward for a weapon delivered.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Joe Meissner tells an interesting story about distributing 7th PSYOP Battalion reward leaflets. He relates that four vehicles from the “B” team MIKE Force of the 5th Special Forces left their compound outside Pleiku, headed for a Montagnard village in the nearby hills. Two sergeants in a lead jeep unpacked a box, and as the convoy drove through a cluster of huts they tossed handfuls of leaflets into the air. The wind took the leaflets and scattered them along the road, over the fields and near the shacks. Children ran to pick the leaflets up and bring them home for their parents to read. The leaflet in question was 7-287-68. It depicted eight weapons and offered different rewards for each one.

Leaflet 7-281-69

Leaflet 7-281-69 depicts two Viet Cong guerrillas handling a large rocket while a hidden Vietnamese civilian peers at them from the bushes. On the back, the same villager is shown being handed a reward by a soldier of the South Vietnamese Army, so it is obvious that the villager has informed on the two Viet Cong insurgents. The text on the front is:

We want you to know that the Rocket the Viet Cong make you carry and hide is very dangerous. There is great danger that the Rocket will kill and wound innocent people. If you know someone who has the rocket, you need to immediately tell the nearest Government or Army personal so that they can stop these blood thirsty rockets.

Text on the back is:

You are not only doing a great job for the people, you will also receive a great reward.

Sometimes it is difficult to understand exactly how big these deadly rockets were
Here a 1st Infantry Division soldier holds a captured rocket

This leaflet entitled “Report Viet Cong Rocket Locations” was usually dropped in one of two reward leaflet mixes numbered either two or three.

Rocket Reward Mix Two consisted of; 7-281-69 Report VC Rocket Locations, 7-282-69 Report Rocket Launching Sites, 7-283-69 Report VC Activity and Weapons and 7-284-69 Rewards for Rockets.

Viet Cong 122 mm Rockets

I thought the readers might want to see what a Viet Cong rocket emplacement looks like. These 122 mm rockets were part of an original group of 22 found by Company G, 2nd Battalion, of the 1st Marines in May 1970. These rockets were aimed at Da Nang Air Base.

Phil Fehrenbacher 122 mm Rocket Cartoon

I cannot help but think that a cartoon about rockets designed to kill soldiers is inappropriate here. But Phil Fehrenbacher is a Vietnam veteran and he has looked at every aspect of the war and found humor. They used to laugh at German rocket scientist Werner von Braun and said his autobiography should be "I aim at the stars, but I usually hit London." That is acceptable WWII humor and in the same concept that you can find humor in the Vietnam war, I respectfully add this cartoon.

Leaflet 7-282-69

7-282-69 depicted VC wiring two rockets to be fired at the allies. Some of the text is:

If you have knowledge of rocket launching sites near your hamlet, report the information immediately. In doing so, you will prevent needless destruction and your patriotism will be generously rewarded.

H7-501A-71

This 7th PSYOP Battalion handout warned the Vietnamese not to pick up unexploded M-79 grenade rounds. The text on the front is:

An M-79 round (approximately 7.5 centimeters long) is shown near a cigarette pack

The text on the back is:

Attention People! Danger!

When you see an unexploded M-79 rounds, do not pick them up. They may explode at any time and cause a fatality. You should lead Vietnamese and Allied soldiers to recover them. You will be rewarded if you lead them to the location of the M-79 rounds. Those who take those rounds to the soldiers will not be rewarded.