19 (song) shoved into jungles and shot at." The title "19" comes from the documentary's claim that the average age of an American combat soldier in the war was 19, as compared to World War II's 26. This claim has since been disputed. Undisputed statistics do not exist, although Southeast Asia Combat Area Casualties Current File (CACCF), the source for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, shows a large number of deaths (38%) were ages 19 or 20. According to the same source, 23 is the average age at time of death (or time of declaration of death). The song also comments that while
The Unknown Soldier (song) The Unknown Soldier (song) "The Unknown Soldier" is the first single from the Doors' 1968 album "Waiting for the Sun" and released in March of that year by Elektra Records. An accompanying 16mm publicity film for the song featuring the band was directed and produced Edward Dephoure and Mark Abramson. The song became the band's fourth Top 40 hit in the US, peaking at number 39 on the "Billboard" Hot 100, and enjoying an eight-week appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 list overall. However, due to the song's controversial lyrics many radio stations refused to play it. The song was