The Vietnam War destroyed the lives of countless families. Men took part in the war, leaving the women and children to survive on their own and stay out of the crossfires and bombings.
Here is a heartbreaking and rare photo of a fatherless family trying to survive as they run away from a hot zone through a river. The anguish of the Vietnamese people did not end when the war was over; it went on for many years to come.
Pain Does Not Hinder Tough Men
Governments train their soldiers to be ruthless and powerful fighters that can withstand pain and trauma for extended hours. In this photo, a U.S. soldier bandages an injured comrade who seemed rather unbothered by the painful procedure.
The Vietnam War called for highly-resilient men to rise against any adversity a war brings. Discomfort, pain, and traumatizing sceneries are nothing but mere human emotions that shouldn't shake their will, at least until the war is over. The suppression of emotions among soldiers during the war takes a pricey toll the moment that everything ends.
Humanity Wins
This photo shows a beautiful act of kindness despite the atrocities that tore both parties apart. A U.S Marine giving a North Vietnamese prisoner a hearty helping of drinking water. While inhumane treatment of prisoners on both sides remained to be rampant, there were also moments when humanity prevailed.
The three prisoners shown in the image above were from the North Vietnamese Army. They were brought back to the South Vietnamese base shortly after being captured by a U.S. patrol. The white paper hanging from their necks are labels that contain the specs of when and where the troops captured them.
On The Verge Of Collapse
Wars can drain even the fittest of troops. Evident from the image above a very fatigued soldier with a facial expression that is screaming for some downtime and sleep. The war did not just induce fear, blood-soaked encounters, and life-threatening trauma, it would also drive soldiers to the point of exhaustion.
No soldier will ever get used to the excruciating level of energy that battles require. From the sleepless nights, dehydration, heat, and rough terrain to the seemingly unending movements, soldiers are sure to face unimaginable hardships.
Camaraderie In The Heart Of Chaos
As depicted in the photo above, a Marine Sergeant shows concern for an injured soldier. This photo vividly shows the anguish and destruction that the war brings, not only to civilians but also to soldiers. Photographer Larry Burrows took this photo in October 1966, in the south of Vietnam's demilitarized zone.
Jeremiah Purdie, the Sergeant who has a blood-stained bandage in the photo, was also severely injured but seemed to be unstoppable in trying to assist his wounded comrades.