Physical Description
Printed card stock.
General History
This card entitled “Nine Rules For Personnel of US Military Assistance Command, Vietnam” was carried by soldiers. The card reads: "Rules: The Vietnamese have paid a heavy price in suffering for their long fight against the communists. We military men are in Vietnam now because their government has asked us to help its soldiers and people in winning their struggle. The Viet Cong will attempt to turn the Vietnamese people against you. You can defeat them at every turn by the strength, understanding, and generosity you display with the people. Here are nine simple rules: 1.) Remember we are guests here: We make no demands and seek no special treatment. 2.) Join with the people! Understand their life, use phrases from their language and honor their customs and laws. 3.) Treat women with politeness and respect. 4.) Make personal friends among the soldiers and common people. 5.) Always give the Vietnamese the right of way. 6.) Be alert to security and ready to react with your military skill. 7.) Don't attract attention by loud, rude or unusual behavior. 8.) Avoid separating yourself from the people by a display of wealth or privilege. 9.) Above all else you are members of the U.S. Military Forces on a difficult mission, responsible for all your official and personal actions. Reflect honor upon yourself and the United States of America."
Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.
If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.