History of New Zealand's Involvement in the Vietnam War

The Vietnam War was New Zealand's most controversial military experience of the twentieth century and carried significant implications for subsequent policy-making and public debate about national security. Roberto Rabel's volume on the diplomatic, political and social dimensions of New Zealand's involvement in this conflict, entitled New Zealand and the Vietnam War, was published in September 2005.

Work is also underway on the second volume of the official history of New Zealand ’s involvement in the Vietnam War. This volume, written by Ian McGibbon, will cover the activities and experience of the New Zealanders who went to South Vietnam not only in military units but also in medical and aid teams. It will also address the problems experienced by Vietnam veterans in the aftermath of the war.

See also the Vietnam War entry from the Oxford Companion to New Zealand Military History.

soldiers boarding helicopter in jungle

Men of V Company's 6th Platoon board one of 9 Squadron FAAF's Iroquois helicopters, 23 March 1968

Australian War Memorial
P1661.019