Psychological Operations (PsyOps)

These are a few of the propaganda leaflets that were dropped from planes in the area that we were patrolling near the DMZ. Each leaflet was printed on both sides. I have included both sides. Thanks to US Navy Chief Petty Officer Patrick West for providing the the translations on these leaflets. (Pat is the son of Chris West. Chris was one of the HM1s who was stationed with me at the Rockpile Battalion Aid Station during the summer of 1967)

Translation:   TO ALL LOYAL VIET CONG. The government of the Republic of Viet Nam will reward and assist you if you come back to the R.V.N.  *24 Piasters for food/rice every day *24 Piasters every day for your wife *12 Piasters every day for each of your children *Will also include other (undisclosed) considerations For all of the WEAPONS that you bring back, there is a reward according to the type you bring . Weapons: 800 Piasters for a pistol 1000 Piasters for an AK-47 or M-1 Girrand 1200 Piasters for an SKS 7.62 semi/automatic carbine 2000 Piasters for an M-3 "Grease Gun" 3500 Piasters for an RPD light machine gun 5000 Piasters for a 30 caliber medium machine gun 6300 Piasters for a 51 caliber heavey machine gun

Piaster (110 P = $1.00). A defecting Viet Cong with a wife and 2 children would receive 26,280 Piasters per year or $238.91 per year. Information and surrender of weapons would increase that allocation. This leaflet's purpose was to entice Viet Cong to work for the Republic of Viet Nam promising that he and his family would be compensated a guaranteed amount for food and comodities. The other considerations had to do with information contributions. If he brought in a weapon, it would be purchased from him thus removing it from use against the Americans or ARVN . Many former Viet Cong were utilized as "Kit Carson" scouts with the Marines because of their inside knowledge of the Viet Cong and NVA.