Final answer:
The Vietnam War saw a disproportionate number of African American soldiers in combat, representing over 20 percent of U.S. combat deaths early in the war, though they were only about 10 percent of the population. This was due to discriminatory drafting practices and social inequalities. Veterans faced ongoing racial tensions and systemic issues upon their return.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Vietnam War had a disproportionate impact on African American soldiers. During the initial years of the conflict, African American soldiers accounted for over 20 percent of U.S. combat deaths, despite making up only about 10 percent of the U.S. population at the time. The racial composition of the draft was so skewed that nearly two-thirds of eligible African Americans were drafted compared to lower percentages for other groups. This disproportionate impact was a reflection of broader social inequalities, including discrimination in military enlistment opportunities and draft board policies.
African American veterans of the Vietnam War faced significant challenges after the war, dealing with severe poverty in inner cities and a failure of government programs to address these issues. Many Black soldiers formed organizations to protect themselves and represent their interests due to the discrimination and racial tensions that they experienced both at home and in the military. Overall, the Vietnam War exacerbated existing racial tensions and inequities within the armed forces and American society more generally.