Patch - Vietnam War -  US AIR FORCE - AGENT ORANGE SPRAYING OPERATIONS

Ranch Hand was conducted by the United States Air Force and US Ground Forces from January 1962 through to late 1969 and was conducted in South Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and smaller sections of North Vietnam.

The Ranch Hand mission involved the spraying of different types of defoliant chemicals. The Chinese symbol in the middle means "Purple". Agent Purple and Agent Orange sprayed during the same mission.

In total, over 19 Million US Gallons ( 65 million litres ) of Herbicides were dropped / Sprayed.

They were used to destroy jungle cover in areas believed to be VC Fortress Areas, to destroy crops in areas believed to be supporting the VC and to destroy mangrove areas where VC were located.

The primary chemicals used were; Agent Orange -- Named for the color of the band that surrounded the drum containing the chemical.

Agent White - Again named after the band surrounding the drum.

Dioxin, an impurity in Agent Orange has, unfortunately had long lasting effects both on those on the ground, their offspring and US Forces that came in contact with the chemical.

Measures 3.2 inches diameter.