Myth: Many US troops committed acts of violence against their own command (fraggings).
Fact: Acts of violence against officers are a part of every war. Vietnam was no different, although the incidents were more frequent toward the end of the war.
- So-called "fragging" (e.g. throwing a fragmentation grenade into the dwelling of an officer while he's sleeping) has been a part of every war.
- Fragging was more frequent in Vietnam than other wars but not endemic. The target was often non-commissioned officers and sometimes lower-ranked enlisted men.
- The Army (600-850 estimated) and Marines (100-150 estimated) documented approximately 730 possible fragging incidents through 1972.
- Official casualty reports list 236 homicides in all branches of the service during the Vietnam War.
- 7,881 officers died in Vietnam. 56 individuals were killed by fragging. Even if every one was a commissioned officer, their deaths would represent 0.7% of the total officer deaths.
- The vast majority of fragging incidents occurred in rear areas and were carried out by malcontents and drug or alcohol users who didn't want to be in Vietnam. Ironically, most were volunteers.
Confirming Evidence
Vietnam War Deaths: Officer Deaths by Rank
Military historian examines Vietnam-era fragging cases
Did soldiers really frag officers in Vietnam?
Fragging: Why U.S. Soldiers Assaulted Their Officers in Vietnam
NAM Radio: US Soldiers & Fragging Assaults in Vietnam
Statistical Information about Fatal Casualties of the Vietnam War
