AMERICAN WEAPONS IN THE VIETNAM WAR

KA-Bar

Combat knife adopted by the USMC in 1942

Traditionally used a 7 in. carbon steel blade and leather-washer handle.

• Later models had a serrated blade to cut pilots out of crashed air craft

Carbine Favored when providing suppressive fire

to save heavier ammunition Shorter barrels were favored when

traveling on trucks, planes, or helicopters. They were often aimed in the direction of

the enemy, not directly at the enemy, to hold them down where they are.

Replaced by the M16

Beehive Rounds

Anti personnel round fired from artillery gun

Filled with metal darts that are ejected during its trajectory

Known as the beehive round because of the sound the metal darts make during flight

M14

The M14 rifle is the last issued “battle rifle” issued to troops

Issued to troops durring basic training

Replaced by the M16 in 1970 Still used for ceremonial reasons

today

M16

The M16 replaced the M14, and can either fire semi auto or full auto rounds

Used by the US Intended for jungle warfare Most produced weapon of its caliber

M60

Formerly called the “united states machine gun”

Can fire many different rounds such as ball, tracer, and armor piercing rounds

Introduced in 1957, it is still used today

M14

The M14 rifle is the last issued “battle rifle” issued to troops

Issued to troops durring basic training

Replaced by the M16 in 1970 Still used for ceremonial reasons

today

M16

The M16 replaced the M14, and can either fire semi auto or full auto rounds

Used by the US Intended for jungle warfare Most produced weapon of its caliber

M60

Formerly called the “united states machine gun”

Can fire many different rounds such as ball, tracer, and armor piercing rounds

Introduced in 1957, it is still used today

M14

The M14 rifle is the last issued “battle rifle” issued to troops

Issued to troops durring basic training

Replaced by the M16 in 1970 Still used for ceremonial reasons

today

M16

The M16 replaced the M14, and can either fire semi auto or full auto rounds

Used by the US Intended for jungle warfare Most produced weapon of its caliber

M60

Formerly called the “united states machine gun”

Can fire many different rounds such as ball, tracer, and armor piercing rounds

Introduced in 1957, it is still used today

M14

The M14 rifle is the last issued “battle rifle” issued to troops

Issued to troops durring basic training

Replaced by the M16 in 1970 Still used for ceremonial reasons

today

M16

The M16 replaced the M14, and can either fire semi auto or full auto rounds

Used by the US Intended for jungle warfare Most produced weapon of its caliber

M60

Formerly called the “united states machine gun”

Can fire many different rounds such as ball, tracer, and armor piercing rounds

Introduced in 1957, it is still used today

Deanna WilliamsM-79

The m79 grenade launcher is a single-shot, shoulder-fired, break action grenade launcher that fires a 40x46mm grenade that appeared during the Vietnam War.

It was popular among American soldiers (particularly US Army) because it was easy to use, was reliable, and its firepower.

American troops dubbed it the “platoon leader’s artillery”.

Deanna WilliamsRPG

A rocket-propelled grenade is a shoulder-fired, anti-tank weapon system that fires rockets with an explosive warhead.

Are very affective against armored vehicles like APCs.

Used extensively during the Vietnam War, especially the Vietnam People’s Army and Vietcong.

Deanna WilliamsClaymore Mine

A directional anti-personnel mine used by the U.S. military

Command-detonated and remote-controlled

Was developed in WWII

The type M18A1 was standardized in 1960, seeing its first action in the Vietnam War

During the Vietnam War, Vietcong, etc. would turn the mines around to face American troops. In retaliation, American troops would turn them back around.

M2 Flamethrower

American man-portable backpack flamethrower

Burn time lasted about 47 seconds Effective up to 20 meters (need to get

close)

Eric Zaneski

M102 Howitzer

Light weight towed weapon Basic artillery Used to clear land from obstructions and

enemy forces

Eric Zaneski