During the Vietnam War, U.S. soldiers used something called “Death Cards” or “Calling Cards” as a form of psychological warfare. These cards were left on the bodies of enemy soldiers they had killed. The idea was to scare the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong when they found their fallen comrades with these cards.
The most famous card used in this practice was the Ace of Spades. Originally, during World War II, the Ace of Spades was seen as a symbol of good luck for the 101st Airborne Division because of its positive association in card games. However, in the Vietnam War, it took on a new meaning as a symbol of death and fear. A story spread among American soldiers that the North Vietnamese were superstitious about the Ace of Spades, thinking it represented death and bad luck. Although this belief wasn’t true, the symbol became very popular among U.S. troops.
In February 1966, two lieutenants from Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion – 35th Infantry Regiment, asked the U.S. Playing Card Company to send them 1,000 decks containing only the Ace of Spades. The company agreed and sent the decks for free, labeling the crates as “BICYCLE SECRET WEAPON.” There were even media reports claiming that dropping these cards from bombers could clear areas of North Vietnamese soldiers more effectively than bombs. Whether or not this was true, the legend of the Ace of Spades boosted the morale of American troops. They would place these cards in their helmets and on the bodies of enemies they had killed, suggesting that the Ace of Spades was the last thing their opponents saw.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Vietnam War, consider subscribing to channels that offer historical insights, such as “Simple History – The Vietnam War” and “Simple History – The Cold War.” These resources can provide a deeper understanding of the events and strategies used during this complex period in history.
Design a card that could be used in a modern context as a form of psychological warfare. Consider what symbols or messages would be effective today. Present your card to the class and explain your choices.
Research another symbol used in warfare throughout history. Prepare a short presentation on its origins, meaning, and impact. Discuss how it compares to the Ace of Spades used during the Vietnam War.
Participate in a class debate on the ethics and effectiveness of psychological warfare. Take on roles as military strategists, historians, or ethicists to argue different perspectives.
Examine media reports from the Vietnam War era about the “BICYCLE SECRET WEAPON.” Identify which aspects were factual and which were exaggerated. Discuss how media can influence public perception during wartime.
Work in groups to create a short documentary about the use of Death Cards in the Vietnam War. Include interviews, historical footage, and your own analysis of their psychological impact.
**Death Cards and Psychological Warfare in the Vietnam War**
Death Cards, also known as Calling Cards, were utilized by U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War as a form of psychological warfare. Soldiers would place these cards, which had their unit information on them, on the bodies of enemy soldiers they had killed. This act was intended to instill fear in the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong who encountered their fallen comrades.
The most recognized card in this practice was the Ace of Spades. Initially, the Ace of Spades was a symbol of good luck for the 101st Airborne during World War II due to its favorable association in card games. However, during the Vietnam War, it transformed into a symbol of death and fear. A legend emerged among American soldiers suggesting that the North Vietnamese were superstitious about the Ace of Spades, believing it to represent death and misfortune. Although this belief was unfounded, the symbol gained popularity among U.S. troops.
In February 1966, two lieutenants from Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion – 35th Infantry Regiment, requested that the U.S. Playing Card Company send them 1,000 decks featuring only the Ace of Spades. The company agreed and provided the decks free of charge, labeling the crates as “BICYCLE SECRET WEAPON.” Media reports even claimed that bombers could clear areas of North Vietnamese soldiers more effectively by dropping playing cards with the Ace of Spades rather than bombs. Regardless of its actual impact on the enemy, the legend of the Ace of Spades served as a morale booster for American troops. They would place these cards in their helmets and on the bodies of the enemies they had killed, suggesting that the Ace of Spades was the last thing their opponents saw.
For more insights into Vietnam War history, subscribe to our channel and check out “Simple History – The Vietnam War” and “Simple History – The Cold War.”
Death Cards – Playing cards used by soldiers, particularly during the Vietnam War, as a form of psychological warfare to intimidate the enemy. – During the Vietnam War, American soldiers would leave death cards on the bodies of enemy soldiers to instill fear among the North Vietnamese troops.
Psychological Warfare – The use of tactics intended to manipulate an opponent’s mind, often to demoralize or intimidate them. – Psychological warfare was a significant aspect of military strategy during the Vietnam War, aiming to weaken the enemy’s resolve.
Ace of Spades – A playing card often associated with death and used symbolically by soldiers during the Vietnam War to frighten the enemy. – The ace of spades became a symbol of fear and death when American troops used it as a psychological tactic against the Viet Cong.
Vietnam War – A prolonged conflict from 1955 to 1975 between communist forces in North Vietnam and non-communist forces in South Vietnam, with heavy involvement from the United States. – The Vietnam War had a profound impact on American society and foreign policy, leading to widespread protests and debates.
North Vietnamese – The communist forces from North Vietnam who fought against South Vietnam and its allies during the Vietnam War. – The North Vietnamese army was known for its resilience and strategic use of guerrilla warfare tactics.
Viet Cong – A communist-led guerrilla force that fought against South Vietnamese and American forces during the Vietnam War. – The Viet Cong utilized the dense jungles of Vietnam to launch surprise attacks on American soldiers.
Superstitious – Having or showing a belief in superstitions, often influencing behavior or decisions. – Many soldiers were superstitious, believing that carrying certain items would protect them in battle.
Morale – The confidence, enthusiasm, and discipline of a person or group at a particular time, especially in a military context. – Maintaining high morale among troops was crucial for success during the long and challenging Vietnam War.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, often focusing on significant periods and developments. – Understanding the history of the Vietnam War helps students grasp the complexities of international relations during the Cold War era.
Soldiers – Individuals who serve in an army, particularly during times of war. – Soldiers in the Vietnam War faced harsh conditions and difficult terrain, which tested their endurance and resolve.
