The War Years Reimagined: Colorized Photos From the Vietnam War

History March 24, 2025

The Vietnam War stands as one of the most crazily complex and controversial conflicts of the 20th century. It was defined by extremely intense jungle warfare, overriding political unrest, and deep-seeded societal divisions. Even though most of the historical images associated with the era are viewable in black and white, the colorized photos out there can instill newfound life into the throwback moments.

So, let’s take a look at some of the most striking colorized photos that we could find from the Vietnam War.

1. An American soldier in Vietnam in 1965.

A soldier wearing a helmet with the words "WAR IS HELL" written on it looks directly at the camera. The soldier's uniform is visibly worn, accentuating the serious expression captured in the image.
redditdeleted

What a stud.

2. Private Woods with a M60 machine gun and a burning hut in the background, Vietnam 1967.

A soldier in military gear and helmet stands with a machine gun resting on his shoulder, smoking a cigarette. He is surrounded by burning buildings and palm trees, with flames and smoke in the background, conveying a chaotic scene.
redditaknight

Now that’s an intense shot if I’ve ever seen one.

3. A soldier out in Vietnam taking his moment.

A soldier in uniform sits among foliage, holding his head with his right hand and resting his elbow on his knee. His expression is pensive. The background shows another soldier partially visible, surrounded by green leaves.
reddithesp

Those deep ponderous moments must’ve been unimaginably tough.

4. Looking sharp.

A person in military attire standing outdoors with a camera in their hand, looking at the viewfinder. They wear glasses and a green cap. Tents and a dirt road are visible in the background, suggesting a campsite.
redditgdwcolor

Now that’s a nice camera.

5. US Soldier with pictures of his girlfriend, Chu Chi base camp, Vietnam 1968

A soldier in green uniform and helmet is looking down. The helmet is adorned with color photos of women. He wears a bandolier and a blue scarf. Trees are visible in the background.
redditominoushippopotamus

An impressive fit indeed.

6. Private R. Jones of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines takes a standing break during Operation Pitt, 12 miles north of Danang, December, 1967

A soldier stands in a jungle landscape, wearing camouflage gear and helmet, holding a rifle. Misty hills and a river are in the background. A helmet and a bag are on the ground beside him.
redditdeadgoroth

Those standing breaks were very necessary.

7. Talk about a powerful shot that just stops you in your tracks.

A person in military clothing sits on the ground, leaning against cardboard boxes. They are covered with a poncho-like fabric. Several individuals in similar attire are in the background among dense foliage. The scene conveys fatigue and rest.
redditcthulscat

The emotional turmoil alone must’ve been staggering.

8. 1st Battalion 9th Marines in Vietnam, where they suffered the highest KIA rate in USMC history

A group of soldiers in vintage uniforms stand near a trench in a rugged outdoors setting. One soldier is in the foreground, holding a rifle, while others are in the background. The scene conveys a tense, watchful atmosphere.
redditanonymous

They were not messing around.

9. Portrait of an American Soldier in Vietnam War

A soldier with a muddy face and helmet lies in the grass, looking intently. The coiled cord of a radio is visible behind his helmet, suggesting communication equipment. The scene conveys tension and focus.
redditalaskablue

He’s looking just a tad bit troubled.

10. Helping each other through an unimaginably difficult time.

A soldier comforts a distressed fellow soldier sitting outdoors on a hillside. Another soldier nearby reads a book. The scene conveys emotion and camaraderie, with military attire and gear present.
redditzeldave136

Those supportive moments were essential to push through those inconceivably difficult times.

11. Marine Lance Corporal Dalton Gunderson checking the area for Viet Cong snipers during Operation Virginia in 1966.

A soldier in green military uniform and brown boots sits aiming a sniper rifle, with a scope, in a grassy area. Another soldier in similar attire sits in the background, holding a cup. Hills and vegetation surround them.
redditlinteringaround

He’s fully locked in.

12. Colonel Harold (Hal) Moore in South Vietnam in 1966, when he was 44.

A soldier in a green military uniform and camouflage helmet stands outdoors with a cigar in his mouth. He has a thoughtful expression and wears insignia on his uniform. The background is blurred with greenery.
redditgivingcolor2history

What a boss.

13. Hovering U.S. Army helicopters pour machine-gun fire into the tree line to cover the advance of South Vietnamese ground troops as they attack a Viet Cong camp eighteen miles north of Tay Ninh

Soldiers in a field advance as military helicopters fly overhead against a backdrop of trees and smoke. The scene conveys a sense of motion and urgency.
redditgdwcolor

That cover from up top was more clutch than we can ever really imagine.

14. Shell Shocked Vietnam Soldier (1968)

A soldier in a green military uniform and helmet sits with a weary expression, holding his weapon. His face is dirty, and he looks upward, conveying exhaustion and determination in a wartime setting.
redditanonymous

The shock must’ve been brutal to weather through.

15. Sergeant David E. Weber, 3rd Marine Division at Phu Bai, 1967

A soldier in full combat gear stands with a rifle. He wears a green uniform, helmet, and has camouflage face paint. Behind him, a military tent with a wooden structure and a sign marked "2nd Sq." is visible.
redditdeleted

Looking ready to roll.

16. Viet Cong recon troops in Quang Tri, 1970

Two soldiers in green uniforms and hats crouch in dense foliage. One looks through binoculars while the other observes the surroundings intently. A third soldier is partially visible in the background.
redditalaskapk

They’re focused in.

17. Some more faces of war in Vietnam

Two soldiers wearing helmets and camouflage gear lie on the ground surrounded by foliage. One soldier looks alert, holding a rifle, while the other peers over his shoulder. The setting suggests a forest or jungle environment.
reddittransmittertom

They’re clearly not thrilled about whatever has come across their periphreal.

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