Asian Americans who served in the U.S. military during war in Vietnam were confronted not only by the harsh realities of war, but also with their racial and national identities. Asian American military service officers faced racism from their superiors and fellow U.S. soldiers, and were challenged by Vietnamese citizens and soldiers who saw a connection to them. This lesson explores some of the ways in which Asian Americans in the military experienced the war in Vietnam and the ways they negotiated their identities with being seen by both sides as “foreign invaders.”

2021 Social Science Standards Integrated with Ethnic Studies:
Historical Knowledge: HS.60, HS.64
Historical Thinking: HS.70
Social Science Analysis: HS.72, HS.74, HS.76, HS.77

See the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial wall in Washington D.C. through the eyes of war veteran and contemporary poet Yusef Komunyakaa. In this video segment from Poetry Everywhere, Komunyakaa reads his poem Facing It.

Poster showing boys with fife and drum leading a parade of veterans and soldiers. In memory of American soldiers of the wars of 1775-1783, 1812-1814, 1846-1847, 1861-1865, 1898. Monogram unidentified. Forms part of: Willard and Dorothy Straight Collection.

Poster showing veterans in a Memorial Day parade. In memory of American soldiers of the wars of 1775-1783, 1812-1814, 1846-1847, 1861-1865, 1898.

Poster showing a soldier holding his "Honorable Discharge," crossing a welcome mat to pass through door of "Bureau for Returning Soldiers and Sailors." United States Department of Labor--United States Employment Service.

U.S. Employment Service/American Red Cross poster showing U.S. Marines engaged in battle in France; also shows a badge listing battles in which the Marines fought. Poster is promoting veterans for employment. Poster caption continues: [?] needs with the U.S. Employment Service ; [?] Cross co-operating with The Department of War, The Department of Labor.

Poster features three photographs of men receiving aid, including letter writing and the projection of images on the ceiling for men who are confined to bed. No. 4. Title from item.

Poster features three photographs of men receiving aid, including letter writing and the projection of images on the ceiling for men who are confined to bed. No. 4.

Poster showing a veteran bidding farewell to a soldier, as others set off in the background. Caption: "Good Bye my lad, I only wish I were young enough to go with you!" Poster no. 63. For poster with same image in black and white, see POS - WWI - Gt Brit, no. 19. Title from item.

Poster showing a veteran bidding farewell to a soldier, as others set off in the background. Caption: "Good Bye my lad, I only wish I were young enough to go with you." Poster no. 24. For poster with same image in color, see POS - WWI - Gt Brit, no. 49. Title from item.

Poster honoring veterans, showing a boy and an old soldier saluting each other, and girl presenting the soldier with bouquet of flowers. Date stamped on verso: Apr 16 1937.

The student created, student managed Kiski Area Veterans Website, established in 2016, showcases local veterans stories while honing Biographical Research skills. Combining Gigapan Technology with the power of G-Suite, photos of local monuments are uploaded to our site, serving as the foundation bringing students closer to local Veterans while encouraging community involvement in our curriculum.

In this unit students will connect past and present experiences of war by interviewing, researching, and analyzing different sources. They will also compare the ideologies that were the driving forces behind each major country involved in World War II. By the end of the unit, students will be able to discuss, defend, and draw conclusions about major events/controversies that happened during the war.

Poster showing an old veteran, wearing his decorations, shaking hands with a young soldier. Caption: A chip of the old block. Copyright by Dobson, Molle & Co. Ltd. Poster no. 18. Title from item.