23. Unsung Alliances

The Vietnam War, commonly remembered as a primarily American conflict, was, in fact, a multinational coalition effort that included significant contributions from Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea. These nations, often overlooked in popular narratives dominated by Hollywood’s American-centric storytelling, sent tens of thousands of troops to fight in the dense jungles and challenging terrains of Vietnam.

Australia and New Zealand, acting upon alliances and commitments to prevent the spread of communism, contributed extensively with troops, support, and medical aid. South Korea, under similar anti-communist sentiments, sent over 350,000 soldiers, making it the largest foreign military presence after the U.S.