Suicide statistics for 15-24 year-old white males are examined. The peak in suicide rates for this group in 1977 is explored in the social & psychological context of the Vietnam War, when there was a 26% increase in suicide among 20-24 year-old males. Studies of suicide attempts of high school students revealed a 62.5% rate of ideation or action, with only 12.1% of attempters seeking medical treatment. Approximately 90% of adolescent attempts are therefore not reported.