Although the topic of Russian roulette is often sensationalized and dramatized in popular culture, it is a real and deadly game that was occasionally used during the Vietnam War.
One example of this occurred on October 25, 1967, when four American servicemen were shot by a NVA soldier while playing Russian roulette in a bunker in the Central Highlands. The servicemen – Sergeant First Class Robert K. Riggleman, Sergeant Lawrence W. Litton, Private First Class Donald A.
Elliott, and Private First Class Lloyd R. Kimes – all died from their injuries.
Russian roulette is typically played with six rounds of ammunition – four bullets in the gun and two in the chamber – with the player spinning the chamber to determine which bullet will be fired next. Because it is such a dangerous game, it is illegal in most countries, including Vietnam.
However, because it is also a popular game among young people who may not be aware of the risks involved, it continues to be played illegally to this day.
