How many Vietnam tunnel rats died?

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During the Vietnam War, approximately 700 U.S. soldiers served as "Tunnel Rats." Of those brave individuals who ventured into the dangerous tunnel systems, 36 were killed in action and around 200 were wounded, according to the Department of Defense. The risks depended greatly on the specific mission and location within the tunnels.
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Vietnam Tunnel Rat Casualties: How Many Died?

Okay, so Tunnel Rats in Vietnam, right? 700 guys total, the DoD says. Crazy, huh?

Thirty-six died. That's what the official count is. A chilling number. Think about each one, a life lost.

I read somewhere – a book maybe, can't quite recall – about the injuries. Two hundred, apparently. Brutal work.

My uncle, he was in 'Nam. Never a Rat, thank goodness. But he told stories… the fear, the claustrophobia…

Those numbers feel… understated. It was hell down there. I picture the darkness, the danger, the constant threat. The fear must've been crippling.