Vietnam Veteran News

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Vietnamese rice fields that were subject to Agent Blue applications during the Vietnam War.

Episode 2891 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature the story of Agent Blue and its use during the American Vietnam War. The story was told in a new paper by Authors: Kenneth R. Olson and Bryan R. Higgins. ¹Kenneth R. Olson enlisted in the US Army and served as a Clerk Typist (SP5) at Fort Knox, Kentucky and as a Supply Sergeant in the US Army Reserves at Cleveland, Ohio during the Vietnam Era (1969 to 1973). Professor Emeritus of Soil Science, NRES, ACES, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois Email: krolson@illinois.edu

Bryan R. Higgins is a Distinguished Service Professor of Geography and Planning Emeritus at the State University of New York. He was drafted into the US Army and served as a Science and Engineering Aid in the Neurophysiology Section of the US Army Chemical Corps during the Vietnam era. Email: higginbr@plattsburgh.edu

Their paper titled: The Secret Toxic Legacies of Chemical Warfare: Agent Blue Use During the 2^nd Indochina and Vietnam Wars in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam (1961 to 1971) tells about the use of Agent Blue in the American Vietnam War.

The paper begins in 1942, as it recount how biological warfare scientists at Camp Detrick, Maryland, began investigating the possible uses of defoliant herbicides, based on Dr. Arthur W. Galston’s scientific discoveries, while working with TIBA. The U.S. Department of Army’s Chemical Corps Biological Laboratories initiated a major program in 1952 at Camp Detrick, Maryland to develop both the herbicide formulations and aerial spray equipment for potential deployment in the Korean Conflict. The Agent Blue precursor reagent, cacodylic acid, was invented at Fort Detrick in 1957

The paper ends with these questions: The primary objective is to determine why no major news organization in the United States, including the New York Times and Washington Post, have never investigated Agent Blue use during the 2nd Indochina and Vietnam wars? Why did the use of Agent Blue story, used to destroy Laotian, Cambodian, and South Vietnamese civilian food (rice) sources and production sites, received only very limited coverage by US print media news organizations during the last 64 years?

.Listen to Episode 2891 and discover more about the Agent Blue story.

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Vietnamese rice fields that were subject to Agent Blue applications during the Vietnam War.

Episode 2890 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature the story of Agent Orange and its use during the American Vietnam War. The story was told in a new paper by Authors: Kenneth R. Olson and Bryan R. Higgins. ¹Kenneth R. Olson enlisted in the US Army and served as a Clerk Typist (SP5) at Fort Knox, Kentucky and as a Supply Sergeant in the US Army Reserves at Cleveland, Ohio during the Vietnam Era (1969 to 1973). Professor Emeritus of Soil Science, NRES, ACES, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois Email: krolson@illinois.edu

Bryan R. Higgins is a Distinguished Service Professor of Geography and Planning Emeritus at the State University of New York. He was drafted into the US Army and served as a Science and Engineering Aid in the Neurophysiology Section of the US Army Chemical Corps during the Vietnam era. Email: higginbr@plattsburgh.edu

Their paper titled: The Secret Toxic Legacies of Chemical Warfare: Agent Blue Use During the 2^nd Indochina and Vietnam Wars in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam (1961 to 1971) tells about the use of Agent Blue in the American Vietnam War.

The paper begins in 1942, as it recount how biological warfare scientists at Camp Detrick, Maryland, began investigating the possible uses of defoliant herbicides, based on Dr. Arthur W. Galston’s scientific discoveries, while working with TIBA. The U.S. Department of Army’s Chemical Corps Biological Laboratories initiated a major program in 1952 at Camp Detrick, Maryland to develop both the herbicide formulations and aerial spray equipment for potential deployment in the Korean Conflict. The Agent Blue precursor reagent, cacodylic acid, was invented at Fort Detrick in 1957

The paper ends with these questions: The primary objective is to determine why no major news organization in the United States, including the New York Times and Washington Post, have never investigated Agent Blue use during the 2nd Indochina and Vietnam wars? Why did the use of Agent Blue story, used to destroy Laotian, Cambodian, and South Vietnamese civilian food (rice) sources and production sites, received only very limited coverage by US print media news organizations during the last 64 years?

.Listen to Episode 2890 and discover more about the Agent Orange story.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine LCpl José F. Jiménez.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2889 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Marine LCpl José F. Jiménez.  Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the U.S. Citizenship and immigration Services website..

Marine Lance Corporal José F. Jiménez was a brave young man who embodied the spirit of selfless service during one of the most harrowing battles of the Vietnam War. Born in Mexico and raised in the United States, Jiménez enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 21, driven by a deep sense of duty.

On August 28, 1969, while serving with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam, Jiménez’s platoon came under heavy enemy fire. As his unit moved forward to assault a North Vietnamese Army (NVA) position, they were ambushed by entrenched forces, leaving them vulnerable to devastating fire from machine guns and grenades.

Without hesitation, Jiménez charged across open ground, fearlessly assaulting multiple enemy positions. He destroyed several enemy bunkers, clearing the path for his platoon. His courage under fire was extraordinary, but Jiménez didn’t stop there. When an NVA grenade landed near his comrades, he quickly threw himself on the grenade, shielding his fellow Marines from the deadly blast.

Though mortally wounded, Jiménez’s actions saved many lives that day. His extraordinary heroism, determination, and self-sacrifice earned him the Medal of Honor posthumously. His name remains etched in the hearts of his fellow Marines and in the annals of Marine Corps history as a symbol of ultimate bravery and sacrifice. Today, he is remembered not just for his heroic actions, but for his unwavering devotion to his comrades and his country.

Listen to Episode 2889 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine LCpl José F. Jiménez.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army CSM Delbert O. Jennings.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2888 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army CSM Delbert O. Jennings.  Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and Tara Ross.

Army Command Sergeant Major (CSM) Delbert O. Jennings was a Vietnam War hero who earned the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary bravery during combat. On December 27, 1966, while serving as a platoon leader with the 3rd Battalion, 12th Cav  Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Jennings and his unit were ambushed by a large enemy force in the dense jungles of Vietnam.

As enemy fire rained down, Jennings realized that his platoon was in danger of being overrun. Without hesitation, he charged through a hail of bullets, personally killing several enemy soldiers who had established a machine-gun position. He then organized his men and directed their defense, despite being wounded by shrapnel. When one of his comrades was injured and lying exposed in the open, Jennings crawled to his position, dragging him to safety while continuing to fight off the attackers.

Even after receiving a second wound, Jennings refused evacuation and continued leading his men, displaying remarkable courage under fire. His leadership and determination saved many lives that day, and he remained on the battlefield until the enemy was repelled.

For his gallantry and intrepidity, Jennings was awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions exemplified the highest standards of military service, embodying selflessness and valor in the face of overwhelming odds. He remains a symbol of heroism and sacrifice to the U.S. Army and the nation.

Listen to Episode 2888 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army CSM Delbert O. Jennings.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Don J. Jenkins.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2887 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Don J. Jenkins..  Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Army Staff Sergeant Don J. Jenkins, a Vietnam War hero, displayed extraordinary valor during one of the war’s most brutal engagements. Born in Quality, Kentucky, Jenkins enlisted in the U.S. Army, joining Company A, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division. His Medal of Honor moment came on January 6, 1969, in Kien Phong Province, Vietnam.

That night, Jenkins’ unit was ambushed by a fierce North Vietnamese force. Under relentless enemy fire, his platoon was pinned down, surrounded, and suffering heavy casualties. Jenkins, a machine gunner, sprang into action with little regard for his own safety.

He repeatedly exposed himself to withering gunfire, providing cover for his comrades to reposition. When his weapon was destroyed, Jenkins did not retreat. Instead, he picked up a rocket launcher, engaging the enemy until it was damaged. He then grabbed a rifle and continued his one-man assault. During this battle, Jenkins carried wounded soldiers to safety, often crossing dangerous, open terrain to drag them out of harm’s way.

Despite being wounded himself, Jenkins stayed on the battlefield for hours, refusing evacuation. His actions saved numerous lives and helped turn the tide of the battle.

Jenkins was awarded the Medal of Honor for his unparalleled courage and commitment to his fellow soldiers. His heroism exemplified the highest ideals of military service—selflessness, bravery, and dedication. Today, his story stands as a testament to the valor and resilience of those who fought in Vietnam.

Listen to Episode 2887 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army SSG Don J. Jenkins.

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Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2886 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Navy Corpsman Third Class Robert R. Ingram. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Medal of Honor Speak Out website.

Navy Corpsman Third Class Robert R. Ingram was serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam, on March 28, 1966, when his courage and dedication to his comrades earned him the Medal of Honor.

Ingram’s platoon was ambushed by a heavily armed North Vietnamese battalion. As the attack rained down, many Marines were wounded. Despite being shot through the hand early in the battle, Ingram rushed to their aid. Crawling across the battlefield under heavy enemy fire, he made his way from one wounded Marine to another, providing life-saving medical care. The firefight was brutal, but Ingram’s resolve never wavered.

Over the course of the engagement, Ingram was hit by enemy fire a total of four times, sustaining severe injuries to his chest and head. Even with these life-threatening wounds, he refused to stop. When his medical supplies ran low, he used whatever he had on hand to treat the injured, his own well-being secondary to the survival of his comrades.

Ingram’s determination and selflessness helped save numerous lives that day. His heroic actions exemplified the highest standards of valor and sacrifice. For his incredible bravery under fire and his refusal to abandon his fellow soldiers, Robert R. Ingram was awarded the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military honor. His story is a lasting tribute to the courage and dedication of all Navy corpsmen who have served on the battlefield.

Listen to Episode 2886 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Navy Corpsman Third Class Robert R. Ingram.

Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 George Alan Ingalls.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2885 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 George Alan Ingalls. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia and the Family Search.

Army Specialist Four George Alan Ingalls was a courageous soldier whose selfless actions earned him the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. Born on March 9, 1946, in Hanford, California, Ingalls enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966. By April 16, 1967, at just 21 years old, he found himself in Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam, serving as a rifleman in Company A, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.

That night, his squad was on an ambush mission when they were encountered a well-hidden enemy force. As the fight raged on, an enemy grenade was thrown into the midst of his squad. Without hesitation, Ingalls acted on pure instinct and heroism. Realizing the imminent danger to his comrades, he hurled himself onto the grenade, absorbing the full blast. His self-sacrifice saved the lives of his fellow soldiers but cost him his own.

For his extraordinary bravery and willingness to give his life for others, Ingalls was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His Medal of Honor citation describes his gallantry in action as “above and beyond the call of duty,” and his actions embody the highest ideals of military service.

Ingalls’ legacy lives on, a reminder of the profound courage and sacrifice displayed by soldiers during the Vietnam War. His name is engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., forever honoring a hero who gave everything to save his brothers in arms.

Listen to Episode 2885 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army Sp4 George Alan Ingalls.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Marine LCpl James D. Howe.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2884 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Marine LCpl James D. Howe. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Marine Lance Corporal James D. Howe was a young man of uncommon bravery, a Marine who exemplified duty, sacrifice, and heroism during one of the most challenging conflicts in American history—the Vietnam War. Born in 1948 in Six Mile, South Carolina, Howe enlisted in the Marine Corps, driven by a strong sense of patriotism and duty.

In the early morning hours of 6 May 1970, Lance Corporal Howe and two other Marines were occupying a defensive position in a sandy beach area fronted by bamboo thickets. Enemy sappers suddenly launched a grenade attack against the position, utilizing the cover of darkness to carry out their assault.

Following the initial explosions of the grenades, Lance Corporal Howe and his two comrades moved to a more advantageous position in order to return suppressive fire. When an enemy grenade landed in their midst, Lance Corporal Howe immediately shouted a warning and then threw himself upon the deadly missile, thereby protecting the lives of his fellow Marines.

Howe’s extraordinary valor ultimately cost him his life, but his actions saved lives that day. For his selflessness and unwavering dedication to his comrades, LCpl James D. Howe was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, symbolizing the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the American spirit. His legacy of heroism continues to inspire Marines and service members to this day.

Listen to Episode 2884 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Marine LCpl James D. Howe.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army COL Robert L. Howard.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2883 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Medal of Honor recipient Army COL Robert L. Howard and his Silver Star award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Army Colonel Robert L. Howard is one of the most decorated soldiers in American history, earning the Silver Star, among many other honors, for his extraordinary valor during the Vietnam War. Born in 1939 in Opelika, Alabama, Howard served 36 years in the U.S. Army, most of them with the elite Special Forces. His heroic acts are the stuff of legend.

In December 1968, while serving as a staff sergeant in the highly secretive Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), Howard’s team was ambushed by a large North Vietnamese force deep in enemy territory. Despite being wounded by a grenade blast that tore through his body, Howard refused to abandon his comrades. With remarkable courage, he charged through enemy fire, rescuing wounded soldiers and dragging them to safety. When his commander was mortally wounded, Howard took command, fending off waves of attackers, and organizing an extraction under intense fire. His grit and leadership saved numerous lives that day.

Howard was nominated for the Medal of Honor three times in a span of just over a year. He received the Silver Star, a decoration given for gallantry in action, recognizing his relentless bravery and commitment to his fellow soldiers.

After the war, Howard continued to serve with distinction, eventually retiring as a full colonel. He dedicated his post-military life to advocating for veterans. Colonel Robert L. Howard’s legacy remains a powerful testament to courage, selflessness, and dedication to duty.

Listen to Episode 2883 and discover more about Medal of Honor recipient Army COL Robert L. Howard and his Silver Star award.

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Vietnam Medal of Honor recipient Army COL Robert L. Howard.

Congressional Medal of Honor

Episode 2882 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature Army COL Robert L. Howard and his Distinguished Service Cross award. Information featured in this episode comes from Wikipedia.

Colonel Robert L. Howard was one of the most decorated soldiers in U.S. military history. Born on July 11, 1939, in Alabama, Howard joined the U.S. Army in 1956, eventually serving five tours in Vietnam as part of the elite Special Forces. His actions during the Vietnam War earned him a place among the bravest soldiers of his generation.

In December 1968, while on a covert mission deep within enemy territory, then-Sergeant First Class Howard’s unit was ambushed by a much larger force. Despite severe injuries from a grenade blast, Howard took charge of the remaining soldiers. Under relentless enemy fire, he carried wounded comrades to safety, organized a defense, and called in air support to hold off the attackers. His courage and leadership saved many lives, and he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions that day.

Howard’s bravery was so extraordinary that he was nominated three times for the Medal of Honor. He received the Medal of Honor in 1971 for separate heroic actions in a different battle. Over his career, Howard was awarded eight Purple Hearts, a Silver Star, and four Bronze Stars, among numerous other decorations.

After retiring in 1992, Howard continued to serve his country by working with veterans and speaking on military service. He died in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary valor, resilience, and dedication to his fellow soldiers. Howard remains an inspiration to future generations of soldiers and a symbol of the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War.

Listen to Episode 2882 and discover more about Army COL Robert L. Howard. and his Distinguished Service Cross award.