Itroduction

After more than a year filled with pain and fear, the hostages from Iran arrived home to a yellow ribbon and red carpet welcome by the American people. In contrast, the Vietnam veterans did not receive such a hero’s welcome. Only recently have American women who served in the Vietnam war finally come "out of the closet"

and appeared on television screens and newspapers with their untold stories. These women who suffered the pain of the Vietnam war were and are still dealing with serious problems, including the condition called Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. (1)

What motivated these women to join the Army and go to Vietnam? What kind of experiences did they meet with? Did they receive the understanding and respect of their fellow citizens while in Vietnam and when they come back home? And why have they been crying and hiding in the closet suffering their fear and stress alone?