The Vietnam War

Medical and Psychological Problems

Agent Orange.

There were many problems associated with the use of the chemical nicknamed "Agent Orange" during the Vietnam War, many of them, not discovered until years later.

Agent Orange, a violent chemical, was used before any testing had been made, and proved to be a serious risk to the health of those exposed to it, and to the health of their children. Minor symptoms experienced by soldiers include skin blisters, itching, nasal problems, and often blurred vision. Others, though, weren't so lucky, with many suffering from respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, gastro-urinary muscular and nervous system disorders, and sometimes even, cancers and tumors.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post traumatic stress disorder involves psychological and emotional distress which develops following a stressful, traumatic event or series of events. It is most often occurs after a serious threat to ones life, such as was experienced by soldiers in the Vietnam War.

Psychological symptoms of PTSD include agitation, irritability and tension, sleep disturbance, social withdrawal due to a loss of confidence and emotional detachment, flashbacks including intrusive memories and feelings, and anxiety which often resulted in panic attacks.

Physiological problems such as headaches, stomach upsets, and rashes were not uncommon.

To my darling wife,

I am missing you more and more everyday. This place has me constantly in a bad mood, we are low on C-rations, and there is hardly any water.

Last night I went on a fire team-sized patrol, which consists of 4 people. It put such a strain on my back, carrying about 110 pounds of ammunition and supplies, as you can imagine! It all seems kind of pointless though, but that's what we've been told to do.

But it was last night that both my strength and courage were finally put to the test, as my best friend over here, was shot.

It was in the dead of the night, the two of us were on patrol. I could make out the sounds of shots being fired in the distance, I assumed he could hear them too, but I guess not. Before I knew it, he jumped had jumped over the bunker, and was running in the direction of the enemy. I have grown to realise, in this place, the value of a second, half a second, even. If I were all that half second sooner in pulling the trigger myself, then maybe he would still be alive. Strange how short a time a half of a second is--the difference between life and death. I couldn't get to sleep last night; the dreams I have are not dreams, they are nightmares. I am