1. The Vietnam War Operation Ranch Hand Defoliation Spray Missions

2. Operation Ranch Hand USAF defoliation spray missions Part of a larger Operation Trail Dust Deny jungle cover and crops Concerns about Geneva Protocols Agent Orange effects: Dioxin

3. Operation Trail Dust Involved All Services

4. Extensive Coverage of South Vietnam http://www.hatfieldgroup.com/graphics/featured/viet.jpg

5. Operation Ranch Hand USAF part of Operation Trail Dust

6. Ground Fire Suppression

7. UC-123B Provider

8. UC-123B in VNAF Markings

9. Aircraft Markings USAF VNAF

10. Operation Ranch Hand Aircraft Markings

11. UC-123K “Patches” National Museum of the US Air Force

12. UC-123K “Patches” Markings

13. Legacy of Agent Orange

14. Controversy: “I was sprayed with Agent Orange” Typical Report: Single silver airplane, spraying over a fixed base or fire support base Ranch Hand Tactics: Likely Explanation: Insect eradication program  Multi-ship formations (minimum of three)  Routes pre-cleared for counter-fire (i.e., no friendly forces) Operation Fly Swatter

15. Tom Pilsch Web Site: www.cc.gatech.edu/~tpilsch/AirOps The Vietnam War A FAC’s-Eye View