How racism killed black soldiers in Vietnam 🇻🇳 During the Vietnam War, racism profoundly impacted Black soldiers, exposing them to greater risks and lifelong consequences. Disproportionate Combat Exposure: Black soldiers made up 23% of combat troops, despite being only 11% of the U.S. population. In some airborne units, they represented 45-60%, increasing their exposure to danger. Project 100,000: This 1966 program disproportionately enlisted poor Black men, with 40% of recruits being African