MARCH 29, 2025 — March 29, 1973: The last U.S. ground troops depart the Republic of Vietnam. Today, March 29 has become a day of recognition, remembrance, healing, and education; and marks the eighth anniversary of Vietnam War Veterans Day.
Vietnam veterans, once met with scorn and misunderstanding, now stand as pillars of resilience, their stories woven into the fabric of our nation’s history. Two such Army Vietnam veterans are retried Sgt. Maj. Robert E. Spencer and retired 1st Sgt. Willie “Sam” Brown.
These men, and millions of others, against a background of jungles and uncertain frontlines, fought not just for their country, but for the ideals of freedom and democracy — concepts at the forefront of conflicts today.
Spencer, who completed his advanced individual training here, served over 26 years, with his final assignment as the Ranger Department’s sergeant major. After his military retirement, Spencer served as a civilian employee for an additional 30 years.
Brown also completed AIT at Fort Benning and became an instructor who trained Soldiers in the Ranger Department here for seven years, retired after 24 years of service.
Call to duty
Individuals choose to start a career in the military for many reasons. For some, these center on their sense of patriotism or the desire to fulfill a duty and support their country. During the Vietnam War timeframe, others were drafted for service. In all, more than nine million Americans served on active duty from Nov. 1, 1955, to May 15, 1975, regardless of location.
Spencer, a native of the nation’s capital, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1959, 12 days after graduating from high school at the age of 18. Spencer decided the military was his best path to success.
“I desired to go into the military because at the time, living in Washington, D.C., I was hanging out with the wrong crowds,” Spencer said.
Brown, a native of Richland, Georgia, enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968 at age 18.
“I went to be examined for the draft in Atlanta and when I received my draft card in the mail, I was registered as number two in my county, so I decided to go ahead and enlist instead of being drafted for the Vietnam War,” Brown said.
Lessons learned
The Vietnam War was a long, drawn-out conflict between North Vietnam and South Vietnam and its main supporter, the United States. First impressions of Vietnam during the Vietnam War vary among the Soldiers who lived it.
Spencer first served as a squad leader in Vietnam, then a second time as a senior instructor to train Vietnamese locals on how to defend themselves.
“It was something new,” Spencer recalled his first impressions of the conflict. “I was not aware of what was going on or how I would support it,” Spencer said.
Spencer realized he had to become part of a unit, where Soldiers had to depend on each other for survival because Soldiers could become injured or killed, which affected everyone.
Brown served as a “point man” or navigator who was first to encounter potential enemies and hazards for his unit in Vietnam and was temporarily promoted to platoon sergeant, serving as platoon leader during manning shortages.
“The flight to Vietnam was long, 24 hours long, and the weather was very, very hot,” Brown said. “I asked myself, ‘What did I get myself into?’ as I walked off the plane dripping with sweat. Vietnam was my first overseas duty station where I learned the true meaning of loyalty and how to stay true to your word.”
Both men were wounded during the War and the Army awarded a total of 351,000 Purple Hearts to Vietnam veterans. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, also known as “The Wall,” has 58,281 names of those lost in the war engraved in the black granite — 50,406 enlisted and 7,875 officers. There are 1,578 Vietnam veterans listed as missing in action or unaccounted for.
Honoring and remembering
Vietnam War Veterans Day plays an important role in recognizing the service and sacrifices of Vietnam veterans.
Spencer emphasized how the Vietnam War brought out togetherness among Soldiers, from all walks of life. “It means the world to me,” Spencer said.
Vietnam Veterans Day was first proclaimed on March 29, 2012, by President Barack Obama, who called upon all Americans to observe the day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities that commemorate the anniversary of the Vietnam War.
“Many Vietnam veterans gave the best times of their lives to sacrifice for the constitution of this country,” said Brown.
National Vietnam War Veterans Day was signed into law by U.S. President Donald J. Trump in 2017, designating every March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day.
About 5.4 million Vietnam veterans are alive today. More than 500 Vietnam veterans die every day; many reside in hospices and long-term care facilities.
As we honor their sacrifice, we must also remember the profound challenges they faced, both during and after their service.
By Aya Griffin