Difference being that Germany and Japan were viewed as complete enemies - in the Vietnam War, they weren't complete enemies - we were helping one country while fighting the one on the other side of the border. Much like Korea, you don't defend your country by destroying its other half.
And we never had the intention of helping Germany and Japan - that is a BIG difference - we largely helped them at the end of the war for two reasons: a) to prevent a repeat of WW1 where a vengeful nation would arise and b) to prevent the spread of communism (by making our side look better).
However, we had the intentions of helping Korea and Vietnam just as Iraq today - you don't go in saying you're going to help a people by destroying their country.
There is a reason why there is a difference between total war and limited war (no matter how wrong or stupid it might sound).
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