Fallen Angels

by

Walter Dean Myers

ARVN

The Army of the Republic of Vietnam, or ARVN, was South Vietnam’s military force during the Vietnam War (1955-1975). Although the ARVN was, at its peak, the fourth-largest army in the world, high levels of… read analysis of ARVN

Boonies

Soldiers refer to the front lines of the Vietnam War as the “boonies.” read analysis of Boonies

Guerrilla

A guerrilla is member of a smaller, usually independent, and usually less-organized fighting force. Guerrilla warfare tactics tend to avoid direct confrontation, since guerrilla forces are often smaller and less well-equipped than their adversaries. Instead… read analysis of Guerrilla

Hooch

Hooches are the buildings where American soldiers fighting in Vietnam live. read analysis of Hooch

Landing Zone/LZ

LZ refers to where helicopters land to drop soldiers off for missions. read analysis of Landing Zone/LZ
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NVA

The People’s Army of Vietnam, also known as the Northern Vietnamese Army (NVA) was the army which supported the communist government of North Vietnam after Vietnam gained independence from France. Although the NVA and the… read analysis of NVA

On Point

The soldiers who go first on a mission in Vietnam are said to be “on point.” read analysis of On Point

Vietcong/Cong/VC/Charlie

Distinct from the NVA, the Vietcong was a communist organization that organized both guerrilla and conventional military campaigns against the ARVN and American forces during the Vietnam War. It worked closely with the Northern… read analysis of Vietcong/Cong/VC/Charlie