The Winter Soldier Investigation was a pivotal event organized by the Vietnam Veterans Against the War (VVAW) from January 31 to February 2, 1971, in Detroit. It aimed to expose war crimes and atrocities committed by U.S. military forces during the Vietnam War. The investigation was named as a contrast to Thomas Paine’s “summer soldier,” symbolizing those who support war only in times of ease, while “winter soldiers” speak truth despite hardship.