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
South Korea in the Vietnam War divisions stationed in South Korea to Vietnam, and the possible ramifications of this move on South Korea's security, especially against North Korea. It also saw how Japan made its economic recovery during the destructive Korean War, and saw the same opportunity in Vietnam. Some soldiers saw themselves as repaying the sacrifices Americans had made during the Korean War, but many also saw an opportunity to rise with combat pay and took on service in order to support their families as South Korea was still mired in poverty. The average salary for service in Vietnam was $37.50 per month, higher than