During the Vietnam War, The John Birch Society played a significant yet largely unrecognized role in informing public opinion. Unfortunately, the Society’s efforts at the time were insufficient to overcome the massive deceptions practiced against the American people. These deceptions were not limited to pro-Communist influences within our media with regard to the war. Perhaps the biggest deception of all was the phony opposition to Communism practiced at the highest levels of our own government. A generation of young men paid the price — over 50,000 Americans paid the ultimate price and many more were seriously wounded.

The same globalist agendas which gave us the Vietnam War continue to this day. Unless these agendas are understood and the corrupt influences over our government exposed and routed, future generations will be sacrificed in more no-win wars or worse yet as enforcers for a new world order rather than defenders of our nation.

Although the Society loudly questioned why our government was conducting a no-win war against the Communists in Vietnam while helping them everywhere else, even helping to establish a Communist enclave 90 miles off our Florida shores, the Society’s support for our men fighting in Vietnam was total. As the war progressed, those asked to fight felt betrayed by the distortions of their sacrifices which appeared in the American media and by the anti-war movement at home. They also felt the solid folks back home just didn’t care or couldn’t understand. Their morale would have improved greatly had they been aware of what The John Birch Society was doing on their behalf.

Starting in 1964, the members of The John Birch Society received regular updates and action requests on the Vietnam War. The following are a sample showing some of the information given and the suggested action to help our men in Vietnam.

Vietnam/JBS Timeline

Not intended to be comprehensive by any means, the following timeline represents some of the significant events of the Vietnam War and JBS activity.

1958

  • The John Birch Society is founded by Robert Welch as an organization dedicated to “Less Government, More Responsibility, and with God’s help – a Better World.”

1959

  • North Vietnamese begin infiltrating men and supplies into South Vietnam via the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

1960

1961

  • Vice-President Johnson visits South Vietnam, promises additional aid.

1962

  • The American Military Assistance Command is formed in South Vietnam.
  • By mid-1962 the number of American advisors to South Vietnam has increased from 700 to 12,000.

1963

  • In November, South Vietnamese President Diem is overthrown and assassinated. Coups and countercoups last for nearly two more years.
  • By the end of 1963, 15,000 American military advisors are in South Vietnam, which received $500 million in aid during 1963 alone.

1964

  • Tonkin Gulf Resolution passed by Congress
  • The John Birch Society begins a letter writing campaign to American government officials to make greater efforts to rescue American POWs in Vietnam.

1965

  • American air raids against North Vietnam are authorized.
  • The first American combat troops arrive in South Vietnam.
  • By December, troop strength in South Vietnam is at 200,000.
  • The John Birch Society publishes and distributes Hilaire du Berrier’s important book on Vietnam, Background to Betrayal.
  • The John Birch Society adopts campaign slogan, “When are we going to win the war in Vietnam – and why not?”

1966

  • By year-end, troop strength in South Vietnam is at 400,000.
  • Members of The John Birch Society take concerted action to support the troops and win the war in Vietnam through letters to their Congressmen, newspaper editors, and other opinion molders.

1967

  • The Truth About Vietnam and More Truth About Vietnam are published and distributed by The John Birch Society.
  • The John Birch Society begins a petition drive to Congress to stop aiding the enemy. Petitions soon start to arrive at 20,000 per week.
  • By year-end, troop strength in South Vietnam is at 500,000.

1968

  • Viet Cong and NVA begin the Tet offensive against South Vietnamese cities and towns.
  • By year-end, troop strength in South Vietnam is at 540,000.
  • The John Birch Society delivers over one million signatures to Congress demanding the U.S. stop aiding and trading with Communist countries.
  • “The Green Berets” starring John Wayne is released.

1969

  • American troop levels in Vietnam begin to reduce.
  • Anti-war demonstrations are staged in Washington
  • The John Birch Society releases and promotes the filmstrip, The Great Pretense, which documents U.S. aid and trade with Communist countries.

1970

  • April 30, U.S. and South Vietnamese forces attack into Cambodia (Cambodian “incursion”)
  • Lt. William Calley goes on trial for the “My Lai massacre.”
  • Nixon’s national security advisor, Henry Kissinger, begins talks with the North Vietnamese.
  • Four students killed at Kent State in revolutionary mob confrontation with the National Guard. Tragedy becomes cause celebre for anti-war movement.
  • The John Birch Society delivers its 2 millionth signature to Congress demanding a stop to aid and trade with Communist countries.

1971

  • Lt. William Calley convicted for role in the “My Lai massacre.”
  • By year-end, troop strength in South Vietnam is down to 140,000.
  • JBS Founder Robert Welch writes on the “My Lai massacre” in the May 1971 JBS Bulletin.
  • Members and staff of The John Birch Society begin showing a 16mm film narrated by John Wayne entitled “No Substitute for Victory.” Film exposes the crippling rules of engagement under which our fighting forces have had to operate.

1972

  • Bombing of North Vietnam is intensified. Nixon authorizes the bombing of areas near Hanoi.
  • On the heels of U.S. troop withdrawals, North Vietnam launches major spring offensive across DMZ temporarily capturing Quang Tri province.

1973

  • Cease-fire agreements are formally signed in Paris.
  • Last American troops leave Vietnam on March 29.
  • Operation Homecoming. Hanoi releases 591 POWs concluding on March 28th.

1974

  • The Communists are allowed to build up troop numbers and supplies in South Vietnam.

1975

  • Communist forces capture Saigon on April 30, 1975

1975-2002

  • Relations with Communist Vietnam are gradually normalized as tax money from American taxpayers (including veterans and former POWs) is sent to Vietnam.