What was the survival rate of tunnel rats?

Our Tunnel Rat unit was small, with at most 120 men in country at any one time and a total of around 700 who served in the role over the years from 1965 to 1972. During that time 36 of us were killed and around 200 wounded, giving us an average casualty rate of 33 percent.

Did the Marines have Tunnel Rats in Vietnam?

The tunnel rats were American, Australian, New Zealander, and South Vietnamese soldiers who performed underground search and destroy missions during the Vietnam War.

Who was the best tunnel rat in Vietnam?

One of the American “Tunnel Rats” in Vietnam, Garza was chosen, because of his slight stature, to venture into the narrow, pitch-black passageways of the tunnels. Garza’s unit was stationed near Parrot Peak in Cambodia during the Vietnam War in 1969.

How many Tunnel Rats died in Vietnam?

Imagine been alone down there, a million miles from home during those crazy 10,000 days in Vietnam. That both sets of men had to endure this life is appalling. There were never more than 100 Tunnel Rats in country at any one time and around 700 in total. There were 36 killed and 200 wounded.

What did Tunnel Rats do in the war?

They were tasked with gathering intelligence on them, destroying them and killing or capturing soldiers who occupied them. Due to restrictions in space, the tunnel rat usually only carried a pistol or revolver, a bayonet, explosives and a flashlight.

Why were the tunnels so important to the Vietcong?

The tunnels were the lifeblood of the Vietcong. To give the occupying forces any chance of winning the war, the effect of the tunnels had to be negated. US, ANZAC and South Vietnam combat engineers and infantrymen were required to enter the tunnels.

How did soldiers stay underground during the Vietnam War?

Sophisticated ventilation systems allowed soldiers to stay underground for sustained periods of time. An example is the massive tunnel complex in the district of Cu Chi, just 20 miles north of Saigon. Cu Chi was one of the most bombed and devastated areas in the war, indeed in any war. Yet the tunnels persevered. They housed thousands of troops.