Vietnam Vet Describes Shrapnel Hitting Nearby Him & Almost Killing His Commander. Scary Stuff!

I have interviewed hundreds of Vietnam veterans in my career. This informal interview was done for a family member of this veteran. This short description of the effect of shrapnel on him stuck with me and I present it now for those interested or those who have experienced this. The Viet Cong (VC) and the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) used a variety of weapons and tactics against American • Grenades: Hand grenades were commonly used in close among these, explosive devices that produced shrapnel were particularly notable. Shrapnel refers to fragments from an exploding device that can cause injury or death to personnel. It can include pieces of the device itself, as well as any additional material packed into the device to increase fragmentation. Both the VC and NVA had access to mortars and artillery. When these shells exploded, they produced a lethal spray of shrapnel, which could kill or wound soldiers both from the blast and from fragment penetration. Perhaps the most notorious for producing shrapnel were booby traps, punji“ stake pits (sharp bamboo stakes) and explosives rigged to go off when disturbed. They were hidden along paths, in huts, or even on bodies. Shrapnel produced a range of injuries from superficial wounds to deep penetration injuries affecting vital organs. The random nature of the fragments made it unpredictable. Some soldiers walked away from a blast with minor injuries, while others nearby could be killed instantly. Beyond the physical harm, the constant threat of booby traps, IEDs, and sudden mortar or rocket attacks took a psychological toll on American troops as this speaker indicates. The unpredictable nature of guerrilla warfare, where every step could result in an explosion, created a pervasive atmosphere of tension and fear. The VC & NVA used the threat of shrapnel-producing devices as much for their psychological effect as for their actual damage. Ambushes, surprise attacks, and traps were designed to demoralize and inflict fear upon the American soldiers. Medics and corpsmen in the field would provide immediate care for shrapnel wounds, which often involved stopping bleeding, dressing wounds, and administering pain relief. Seriously wounded soldiers would be evacuated, often by helicopter, to field hospitals for more extensive treatment. Shrapnel wounds have had could have long-term health implications for many vets. Some carried shrapnel in their bodies for the rest of their lives, either because it was too dangerous to remove or because it was missed during initial treatment. In addition to physical scars, the trauma of such injuries could lead to psychological issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If this clip had meaning for you I ask you to contribute to my efforts to continue presenting clips from my archive. You can click the thanks button below the video screen or become a patron by going to Thank you David Hoffman filmmaker