Camp Friendship - Korat
"There was no herbicide activity
  .. in Korat."
Sept'68 - Sept'70
Plumber's Work
55-gal Drums
(See Full Report below.)

Reported by Mark Olson, 528th Engr Det, Plumber

    On a regular basis, Mark would retrieve from a storage area near the 31st Field Hospital chemical drums to be used for various purposes such as taking a 3 inch pipe and retrofit for shower factilities around the camp.     That's right .. showers.     It isn't bad enough that the water table in Korat (and other military camp areas in Thailand were contaminated for decades to come by high toxin govt chemicals allegedly not sprayed .. we just have a nack of finding dessert in the jungles of Thailand .. but GI's were served up with steel drums that held chemicals shipped in from Satahip .. sound familiar?     It should .. drums "popping" up all over, eg, Hua Hin .. airfields .. deep water port .. ummh .. (liability) cover-up .. Uncle Sam loves you.

    Plumber (expert) testimony:   you can clean those drums, but the steel will always hold residue from the original (high) toxin content, ie, traces; traces=equals exposure and traces = you're fucked.

    But, don't take my word for it.     Thailand veterans have claimed such "encounters" over the years and the court and the V.A. have (emphatically) denied it.     Who do you trust?     What evidence do they need?     How do they expect a veteran (a plumber) to verify such findings?     U.S. GOVERNMENT COVERS UP AT VETERANS' EXPENSE.     Search engines -- spider that.     Congress/VA Secretary/administrators .. "spin" on this...

Note:   nomenclature-wise, the use of the word "drum" versus "barrel" is interchangeable here for all practicle purposes.
 
Full Report

Building Hot Water Heaters out 55 gallon Barrels     I was a MOS 51K20, which is a Plumber. My background beyond the U.S. Army, I became a Plumbing Contractor 17 years and a Journeyman Plumbing for over 30 years. I was also a Welder for about 4 yrs. I took Auto Mechanics, while attending North Dakota State College of Science. I took the Plumbing Coarse at North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND. I received a Certificate with a Grade Point Average of 3.935. I'll be connecting being a plumber, welder and mechanic later in this statement.     I was a License Plumbing Contractor in Utah for 17 years, a Licenses Journeyman Plumber in Utah, Montana, Colorado, and North Dakota combined this is over 30 years.     I was a plumber for the majority of time, while I was in Thailand. I was also a MOS 76P40, which is a Stock Control Accounting Specialist. I operated RT6000 Forklift, 5 Ton Tractor Truck & Lowboy, and 5 Ton Dump Truck. Being a Stock Control Accounting Specialist, I worked the S-4 Logistics Yard of 809th Engineer Battalion, Operating the RT-6000 Forklift. I had a 5 Ton Dump Truck assigned, which I would move Soil, Materials for Plumbing, Sand and All Types of Fill, Etc.     55 gallon Barrels were used in building Hot Water Heaters. These Hot Water Heaters were used in the Shower & Lavatory Areas of the Troop Hooch Areas.     These 55 gallon Barrels weren't designed to start out as Hot Water Heaters. These Barrels contained, whatever was shipped to Thailand. These would be found at Cam Points. Cam Points were at all U.S. Military Bases or Camps. Cam Points are where all kinds of Metals, were taken as Junk.     The 55 gallon Barrels were piled in an area at Cam Point. Plumbers would take whatever barrels, that would be needed to build Hot Water Heaters. There were NO regulations on what barrels could be used FOR.     Plumbers and Welders would then build the Hot Water Heaters. First: the barrel would be fitted at the center with 3" galvanized pipe, which would be welded into the center of the barrel. Second: two 1" galvanized pipe each would be placed half way from the center to the rim of the barrel, which be welded into the barrel. The two pipes would a length of 8" for the Hot Water and 6" from the bottom for the Cold Water. A fourth Hole which was fitted thread fitting for a Temperature and Pressure Value. This would complete turning the barrel into a Hot Water Heater. There was a hole made for a sensor for burner workings for temperature control.     There was the burner workings, which are separate from Hot Water Heater Tank.     This is where I'll state some very important facts about Steel.     Steel is a porous metal.   55 gallon barrels isn't highly finished steel, like highly finished auto engine parts. When Zmax or Prolong which penetrate the pores. There lays the Problems with using 55 gallon barrels, which contents were Chemicals of every type. While being a welder at few plants. I saw what cutting oils would leave behind. After welding these parts would be washed with chemicals, so parts could be painted.     NO barrels would ever become clean while in use with water. Story Update Email first - "This my knowlegde about the 33 Gallon Barrels.     Because the contents, they were very hard to get clean.     There was also Motor Oils and etc.     The water would always have a film on it with these Barrels." 33 Gallon Barrels of Asphalt     These Barrels were usually Black in Color. It was called Asphalt, but it was an asphalt harder.     While working at S-4 Logistics 809th Engr Bn would have to go TDY to Bangkok to Texaco.     Pick up a 5 Ton Dump Truck load of Asphalt Barrels.    Taking the load to the Asphalt Plant, A CO 809th Engr Bn.     I know, which Barrels were used from the 33 Gallon Barrels to the 55 Gallon Barrels.     There was something, I just thought about the hot water heaters.    They were also connected to the Lavatory Sinks.     Any Hot Water use there would have affected everyone shaving and etc.     The Chemicals could have an effect on Acne. Mark O. Olson 44th Engineer Group, USARSUPTHAI 17 Sept 1968-17 Sept 1970 "Huh .. you got anything besides that orange shampoo???   My hair is beginning to fall out..." "Look mom!   No more acne!!!"

Notice:   this article has been sanitized, scrubbed and certifiable for GI use only. Everyone else, use at your own health risk .. ask your physician first... GI Warning:   while showering, do not drink the water.

Legal Disclaimer:

You may not agree with ..
the assertions or allegations
herein ..
but, 500,000 sick soldiers don't lie...

        At one point, military authorities proposed establishing a Thailand-based spray capability;[10] whether this ever occurred is unknown, although herbicide tests were conducted at Thai air bases as early as 1964-65.[11]"

Footnotes:

[10]   Agenda Item for SEACORD meeting, August 19, 1969; Disposition Form to Chief of Staff, Subject: Defoliation Operation, January 18, 1969 (declassified).

[11]   Deutsche Presse-Agentur (Bangkok), “United States denies Thai dumpsite contains Agent Orange,” April 22, 1999.

    FYI, this article was written in an "expanded version" August, 2002 by Andrew Wells-Dang.     I'd say a few years after "the cat was let out of the bag."     In govt-lingo, that's "de-classified."

"Whether defoliation continued after 1970 remains an open question. As a result of increased public outcry, restrictions began to be placed on herbicide use by the US military. In March 1971, Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird requested that he personally approve any herbicide operations in “Laos, Cambodia, or Thailand.”[31] Air Force records show that UC-123 planes, whose sole purpose had been listed as “defoliation,” conducted 860 sorties over Laos from January-June 1971, but no further details are given.[32]"

Footnotes:

[31] Buckingham, p. 178.

[32] 7th Air Force, Monthly Command Status Reports, June 1969-December 1970 (declassified).

    Well, that's got me sprayed .. I mean, "covered."     .. January, 1970.     .. none of this "early 60's b.s."     .. a reference to Footnote [10] and the quote above, in red .. 1964-65 .. right.

"Also unconfirmed is herbicide use by Air America or the CIA, whose records are still closed.[33] In an April 1968 interview, the vice-president of Air America declared that his company had been contracted by the Department of Defense to defoliate vegetation in Vietnam, Laos, and southern Thailand, based from the Udon Thani airbase.[34] The 1971-3 opium destruction missions were probably carried out on this basis, and secondary sources also report that the CIA had spray mission capability.[35] Air Force records do not list any UC-123 aircraft at Udon Thani during this period, suggesting that other aircraft might have been used; however, 7 UC-123’s were present at the Nakhon Phanom airbase in 1970 and 1971, presumably for defoliation purposes.[36] Further research is needed to confirm the extent of additional herbicide use in Laos."

Footnotes:

[33] For more information on missing data, see Andrew Wells-Dang, Roger Rumpf, and Jacqui Chagnon, “The Secret Spraying of Herbicides in Laos and Cambodia,” Interchange, Spring 2002 (http://www.ffrd.org/indochina/news.html#herbicides).
[34] Jacques Decornoy, “Une compagnie privee americaine participe a la lutte contra la guerilla,” Le Monde (Paris), April 20, 1968, p. 2.
[35] Robert Kaylor, “Despite Critics, Defoliation Continues in Vietnam,” Los Angeles Times, January 4, 1970, p. E10.
[36] 7th Air Force, Monthly Command Status Reports, June 1969-December 1970.

See Assertions by Veterans of Herbicide Spraying in Thailand

VSM Legal Precedence   (16 Aug 06)     Or the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) that preceded the VSM This landmark decision sets aside the definition of "service in 'Nam" Over-turns any attempt by the VA to limit benefits to Vietnam-era Veterans Or the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) that preceded the VSM NOTICE   (15 Sep 06 Update) .. take the above link to learn more about this landmark decision.

Did you know ..
  .. that Korat was going to be
    .. a major repository
      for thousands of drums
  of chemical herbicides?

    Here are a few 44th Engineer Group (Construction) Reports, ie, "Lessons Learned" (de-classified) mentioning this project, for drum storage.

Project started third quarter of 1966.

Army Disposition Form dtd 17 Oct 66; signed Jack B. Matthews, Colonel, GS

Operational Report for Quarterly Period 31 Jul 66

Mission:   The 44th Engineer Group continued its mission of providing constructional support for the 9th Logistical Command.     (c)   New Projects:   The following projects were assigned to the group during the period:   (2)   Korat POL Drum Storage   (9LC 66-30)

    An open storage facility designed to approx 21,000 55-gallon drums in racks;   includes drums and access road.     Estimated cost is $10,000.     Project is now 20% complete.

Troop Dispositions Chart for Period

Projects - (7)   Korat Drum Storage and (8) Korat POL Facility

Operational Report of Lessons Learned for the Quarterly Period Ending 31 Oct 66 dtd 2 Nov 66; signed Carl F. Trial, Major CE, Adjutant (De-classified)

Pg-6   (d)   Canceled Projects:   (2)   Korat POL Drum Storage Yard:   This project consisted of the construction of twenty 70'x70' storage pads with drainage structures and protecting berns.     Although not completed to the extent indicated in the job directive, the project was subsequently cancelled by the 9th Log Cmd on 8 Sep 66.

See "Thailand Exposed"     Decision Date:   11/28/03

697th Engineer Co (Pipeline) History of the 44th Engineer Group (Construction)

Another unit vet, John Strain, forwarded some "9th Log News" articles to me
(predecssor of "SUPTHAI SENTINAL.")

697th did not just lay pipe.     POL tanks, water tanks, storage pads, hootches
-- we did it; all over Thailand.     These clips were around the time, 2 Sep 66,
when the Drum Storage Yard Project in Korat was cancelled .. not a sick guy there.
Herm's Hutch Builders (more common spelling:   "hootch")     Welcome new C.O.
Final touches on a water tank for the 31st Field Hospital -   (Partial Clip)

re: asphault drums were smaller .. 33 gallons .. used in road construction
  - Lt Lee Peters, 697th     See Quarterly Operation Reports


Source:   Korat Post

Send your "Did You Know.." info
  to Franco @ Email; photo evidence welcomed too.

    See Sample Inquiry, and this Research.

p.s.   An unsubstantiated report of drums being unearth at Korat RTAFB
for extending the runway(s).     "There was no herbicide activity .. in Korat."

    I was assigned to NKP in 73-74, I was eXposed to the TCDD or other chemicals while there. I was a Heavy Weapons Leader and we trained in this stuff. We responded to emergencies in this junk. Also, I would like to say that one of the problems they had in this region of Thailand and Laos I don't see any body mention, was Malaria carring Masquitios, and one the best ways to control these bugs was to keep the vegatation down. All around the Perimater the vegatation was controled and the ground most places were dirt, my point is nothing grew up the side of the trees located on the east side of the weapons stroage area, or along the fence lines etc. Klongs etc. etc. all the way back into the jungle. If you were to see pictures now, the jungle has reclaimed most of this, however at the time it was controled. I believe my body absorbed some of the jucies.

Source:   Curtis D. Hammond   Link   (Military Dog Handler Forum - same for below)

    >My name is Warren Maynard and I was stationed at Korat 71-72.   They used a fogger machine at night, they say to kill insect and vegetation. The fogging machine would choke the GI's who was around the immeidate area, after they sprayed. I too have a claim in for agent orange because of being a diabetic. If you have any knowledge or more information please contact me. Thank you

My Name is Arthur Lewis Jr. I served in Korat, Thailand in the 388th MMS Sq. from March 1973-September 1975. During that time I was often ordered to SP Augmentee duty. I was posted at several towers and bunkers around the base. From the towers, I could see many bare/brown areas very near the perimeter areas I was responsible for guarding. I noticed that they never needed to be attended to by the grass cutter details that were contracted to the base. I also noticed a bunch of barrels of stuff located at the O-6 end of the runway (I think this was the right designator. I couldn't swear to what was in them). I had a six month break in service, then I enlisted in the Army. I now have type II Diabetes diagnosed in October 2005). I was told, during a PRP physical (At this time I was in the Army in Germany) that I was borderline diabetic and hypertensive. I now know (Having looked back at my medical records) that I had diabetes and high blood pressure when I was 25 years old and was not treated for it. I stayed in the hootches at he far rear of the base; and I too remember the foggers used for that purpose. Thank you for your time, and may God bless all of you guys-ladies.

Arthur Lewis

VSPA website     Viet-REMF "In the rear with the gear"

How about Okinawa .. base spraying?

    I served in Okinawa in 1961-62 at which time we began a massive build-up of supplies and ordnance which included herbicides known as 2, 4, D and 2, 4, 5, T. The combined product of these two chemicals was a 50-50 mix which was then mixed 50-50 with diesel fuel and given the code name “Agent Orange”, for the orange band that was used to mark the drums it was stored in. The purpose of the product was to deny an enemy cover and concealment in dense terrain by defoliating trees and shrubbery where the enemy could hide. In Okinawa we had other uses for it, particularly near base camp perimeters. Spraying from both truck and back pack were utilized along roadways too. The term “Agent Orange” was at the time merely one of several used to identify various herbicides used in the South Pacific. Others included Agents White, Blue, Purple, Pink and Green. Agent Orange was used by far the most. It was my job, MOS-3531 Motor Transport operator (see DD-214 #25 A&B as evidence) to transport troops and cargo. On many occasions the cargo was herbicides known as 2-4-D and 2-4-5T. Sometimes they were full and sometimes they were empty. Sometimes the drums were half full of a 50-50 mix of herbicides and I would have to take them and add the remaining 50% of diesel fuel or kerosene for better dispersion. On many occasions while handling the drums the contents would get on my hands and clothing and when we were spraying along the roadways by truck and back pack the wind would change and blow the herbicides onto our skin and clothing. The thing that bothers me the most is that we were not told or warned about the hazards of the herbicides that we were handling nor were we issued any protective clothing such as gloves and etc. I believe that the frequent exposure to the concentrated unmixed herbicides was much more hazardous than if I would have been sprayed with a diluted thin down mixture.

[that] Army Personnel or other military sources would be able in any event to verify the filling of, and mixing of solvents in, 55 gallon drums with herbicides in Okinawa for use in this particular time period, including as a part of Operation Ranchhand].

Thus, the only significant issue to be resolved is whether he was in fact exposed to dioxins in service. The evidence in this regard may not be independently verifiable or overwhelming, but the aggregate data is entirely consistent therewith. In that regard, the Board finds that the veteran’s explanations for the gaps in the otherwise contemporaneously documented information of record in that regard are quite credible. He has provided a comprehensive description of the activities through which he was exposed to concentrated dioxins, as well as the reasons why the mixing of the concentrated chemicals with diesel fuel or other agents was necessary. [Parenthetically, it is unnecessary in this context to address his opinion that the dioxin in its concentrated state, i.e., before he mixed it, was more toxic than the dispersed version sprayed as a defoliant in whatever location for whatever purpose].

These asserted facts mesh well with those more readily recognizable things for which there is no need for verification, i.e., why the secondary chemicals utilized for dilution of the concentrates, such as diesel fuel or kerosene, would have been most readily, and perhaps almost exclusively, available in the environment in which the veteran then worked.

They also make good common sense when placed next to the known problems such as the ongoing rain in the Far East during that portion of the year which made the requirement for nonsoluble defoliants a reality in the first place. All are entirely believable and consistent with the other known information.

The service department has verified that the veteran was indeed where he said he was, at a time when military build-up from a support standpoint was considerable, doing a job which was entirely consistent with the mixing and other transport of herbicides, and at a time when these were both used and warnings not necessarily given, as he stated, since the hazards were not fully understood. He can scarcely be faulted for the nonverifiability of specific practices in the so-called Okinawan theater of operations. His assertions in that regard are both reasonable and justifiable and appear both sound and factually accurate, all of which raises a certain premise from which conclusions may be reasonably drawn. It is exactly such situations in which the Court has mandated that the Board make judgments with regard to ultimate and relative credibility, which in this case, the Board finds in the affirmative.

Thus, having concluded that the veteran was exposed to herbicides while assigned to motor transport duties in Okinawa in 1961-2, not coincidentally concurrent with other entirely reasonable circumstances enumerated by the veteran, the Board finds that a doubt is thus raised which must be resolved in his favor, and in so doing, that service connection must be granted for prostate cancer as being the result of Agent Orange exposure under pertinent exceptions to the regulations. 38 U.S.C.A. §§ 1110, 5107; 38 C.F.R. §§ 3.303, 3.307, 3.309.

ORDER

Service connection for prostate cancer due to Agent Orange exposure is granted.

Source:   VBA 9800877   (Granted)     See HadIt.com Forum.