Short answer: Of course!
Detailed answer: There's been a lot of small print laws (laws people are unaware of) written in the 21st century, concerning US military insignia/medals, etc. So rather than becoming a lawyer just to wear a hat, it might be safer to at least don't wear any official US Military insignia nor medals (this includes US military badges and ribbons: badges are Combat Infantryman Badges (called CIBs) or Combat Medical Badges; Expert/Sharpshooter/Marksman rifle/pistol/tank badges; airborne/pathfinder/ranger tabs or badges). Tabs are cloth(patches) words that are half moon shaped sewn above a divisional patch which is sewn upon the man's left shoulder (for his current assignment) or over his right shoulder if he was in that division in combat (nick-named the combat patch). An example of a "tab" would be the ever common "Ranger" tab sewn over a division patch or the "Airborne" name which is over the screaming eagle head of the 101st Abn Div (Ambl).
Civilian hats (caps) not showing an UNEARNED medal/ribbon/badge might be OK. Unearned meaning, no written orders authorizing you to possess them. It would be difficult to arrest someone wearing the "tabs" however, because divisional patches like the 82nd and 101st have the "tab" permanently attached to them...as the "tab" is actually part of those particular divisional patches. And many people buy and wear caps with divisional patches on them.
If you want to "pick your way" thru those new complicated Federal Laws, you might find that only the Medals (this always includes the ribbon) and badges (especially the CIB) will probably be the main thing to avoid wearing. Unless you have written orders.
He/She is a Veitnam Era Veteran.
Vietnam era. The period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in the case of a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. The period beginning on August 5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in all other cases. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 101(29))
Generally, a Vietnam era veteran is considered anyone who served in the military between 1964-1975. There are, however, some nuances in the case of Vietnam War veterans, who served in country during the war. They can date back to the late 1950s and early 1960s, when the US had advisers in Vietnam; also, while there were only few in Vietnam at this time, some US servicemen who served in 1974-1975 would be considered Vietnam veterans (I.e. marines present at the Fall of Saigon and US Navy sailors who aided in evacuating Saigon).
Veteran Affairs
To simply have served in the country of South Vietnam while serving in the U.S. military services. Many joined the Army, so the initial service was three years. Others were drafted, and had to serve two years in the service. Draftees who came home after serving a year in Vietnam with only two or three months remaining on their 24 month service obligation were given 'early outs.' Others serving from '59 to '75 are considered Vietnam Era Veterans -- serving in the military during that time, but not actually assigned to units in Vietnam.
You are a Vietnam Era Veteran but not a Vietnam War Veteran
He is a Vietnam Era Veteran.
He/She is a Veitnam Era Veteran.
Not everyone who served during the era of the Vietnam War went to Vietnam. Some remained in cantonment. Some participated in other military actions during this era (e.g., the occupation of the Dominican Republic, etc.). Some were stationed in other countries in support of operations in Vietnam. "Vietnam-era veteran" refers to them.
No particular individual defined the term. A veteran, in this sense, means someone who served in a particular conflict, Vietnam in this case.
The Vietnam War 'era' was 1961 to 1975.
Anyone who served in Vietnam during the conflict. Not only US troops, but several nations did so too.
Beginning service when the war was going on is considered Vietnam "Era." A veteran doesn't have to serve "in country" to meet "Era" status.
Vietnam era. The period beginning on February 28, 1961, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in the case of a veteran who served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period. The period beginning on August 5, 1964, and ending on May 7, 1975, inclusive, in all other cases. (Authority: 38 U.S.C. 101(29))
Generally, a Vietnam era veteran is considered anyone who served in the military between 1964-1975. There are, however, some nuances in the case of Vietnam War veterans, who served in country during the war. They can date back to the late 1950s and early 1960s, when the US had advisers in Vietnam; also, while there were only few in Vietnam at this time, some US servicemen who served in 1974-1975 would be considered Vietnam veterans (I.e. marines present at the Fall of Saigon and US Navy sailors who aided in evacuating Saigon).
Unless you actually served in Viet Nam you are not a Viet Nam Veteran. You are considered a Veteran. I served from 1964-1967 and never was sent to Viet Nam, but was sent to Germany. I am a Veteran but not a Viet Nam Veteran.Additional infoVietnam vets are vets that served from 1964 to 1975 and received the Vietnam Service Metal (VSM ). The military had regulations covering who received the VSM. So since you did not serve during those dates, you would not be eligible for the VSM and therefore not considered a Vietnam Veteran. (If you had served anytime from 1964 to 1975 and had not received the VSM, you would be referred to as a Vietnam Era Veteran.
The VA will divide the "Viet Era" vets into two groups: Those that served in country and those that did not. Example: When filling out forms for the Agent Orange program(s) (for exposure) the VA will issue the veteran a map of South Vietnam. On that map the veteran will indicate areas in which he served. Obviously, if he didn't serve in country, the map is invalid. And so is the medical service attached to it.