Agent Orange History

In January 1962, Operation Ranch Hand was initiated with two main objectives: to defoliate trees and vegetation for improved visibility during military operations and to eradicate food crops utilized by enemy forces. This operation prominently featured the use of various toxic herbicides, with Agent Orange being the most well-known. Between 1962 and 1971, the U.S. Air Force sprayed approximately 19 million gallons of herbicides in Vietnam, of which over 11 million gallons were specifically Agent Orange.

At the time, American soldiers were assured that these chemicals posed no harm; however, recent findings have revealed the long-lasting and detrimental impacts of these herbicides. It is estimated that over 300,000 U.S. veterans have died due to health complications related to Agent Orange exposure, a number nearly five times greater than the 58,000 American fatalities recorded during the Vietnam War itself. This ongoing situation highlights the enduring consequences of the Vietnam War, affecting individuals and families long after the conflict officially ended.