Quote:
Originally Posted by Max2147
The US put a lot of pressure on them. The US never invoked ANZUS, but it was understood that, as American allies that were close to Asia, they were supposed to send forces.
Australia's leaders were pretty enthusiastic about the war, and actually pushed the US to get even more involved. New Zealand was more reluctant, and they only sent a token force.
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The Vietnam conflict was the first in which New Zealand did not fight alongside the United Kingdom, instead following the loyalties of the ANZUS Pact. New Zealand and the Australian troops in Vietnam were given the nickname 'Great Ghosts of the Forest' by the Vietcong because the troops were the only army able to walk through the forest without being heard.
I remember my uncle speaking about how he was proud of been named a ghost by the Vietcong even if he did collect their ears!
