How did people get killed in the Vietnam War?

Answer 1

Fixed wing aircraft dropped high explosive bombs and napalm bombs. Fired rockets, and cannons. Those were some of the types of weapons that inflicted casualties. Rotor wing aircraft (Helicopters) fired mini-guns (electric powered gatling guns, normally consisting of 6 barrels), machinguns, and fired rockets (2.75 inch). Tanks fired 76MM (M-41 Walker Bulldog tank), 90MM (M-48 Patton tank), 152MM (M-551 Sheridan tank). These weapons inflicted casualties. M-113's Armored Personnel Carriers/Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicles were armed with one .50 caliber machingun and two M-60 machinguns. These inflicted casualties. Artillerymen firing 105MM & 155MM howitzers; 155MM, 8", 175mm, self propelled guns, and M-42 Dusters (twin barreled 40MM), inflicted casualties. Swift Boats, PBR's (Patrol Boat River), Alpha Boats (Assault Support Patrol Boats), and Monitors (River Battleships) fired 81MM mortars, .50 caliber machineguns, and 40MM cannons. These weapons inflicted casualties. Infantrymen armed with M-14 rifles, M-16 rifles, .45 pistols, M-3 submachinguns (.45 caliber), M-60 machinguns, M-79 grenade launchers, M-203 over and under combination rifle/grenade launcher, claymore anti-personnel mines (land mine), M-72 LAW's (66mm Light Anti-Armor Weapon), and hand grenades, inflicted casualties.

About half of US casualties were caused by land mines and 122MM rockets provided to North Vietnam by the Russians. Small arms fire accounted for a large percentage and so did accidents. Over 10% of casualties were non combat related due to injury or illness.

Answer 2

Like most fighting men; shrapnel & bullets.

Answer 3

By bullets primarily; 7.62mm from SKS, AK47s, and RPD machineguns. Rocket, artillery, mortar, grenade, and anti-personnel mine shrapnel secondly.

Answer 4

See sites: Vietnam history