Hmmmm, that is a very interesting question and I would love to hear some of the responses! As far as setting foot in country no, you just had to participate. If you had to set foot on the soil it would eliminate the Air Force and the Navy from the honor when we know their service was definately an important part of the effort. In your particular case,it may or may not be the thin line between Viet Nam Vet and Viet Nam ERA Vet. In either case, thank you for your service!!!