Effects of the American Air War in Vietnam

Essay by sandwichezUniversity, Master'sA+, November 2006

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Neilands, J.B., Orians, Gordon H., Pfeiffer, E.W., Vennema, Alje, and Westing, Arthur H. Harvest Of Death: Chemical Warfare In Vietnam And Cambodia. New York: Free Press, 1972.

Harvest of Death is a thorough record of facts regarding chemical weapons, and the use of chemical warfare during the Vietnam War. The book covers many topics, including the development of chemical weapons, the effects on eco systems, and the effects on humans. I referred to this book for information about herbicides and defoliants the most. I was able to research the volume of chemicals used by the U.S. military, as well as the long-term effect these weapons have on farming soil and rice fields. I also used this source for the detailed information regarding the health risks involved with exposure to chemical weapons.

Clodfelter, Mark. The Limits Of Air Power: The American Bombing Of North Vietnam. New York: Free Press, 1989.

The Limits Of Air Power is a collection of events leading up to, and following the bombing of North Vietnam.

The book's perspective is of the United States Air Force Intelligence. Clodfelter evaluates and analyzes U.S.A.F. air campaigns Rolling Thunder, Linebacker I, and Linebacker II in terms of how effectively they supported the strategic goals of the United States. With this source, I was able to research Operation Ranch Hand in great detail. The book is a wealth of military statistics, and tables that illustrate the results of bombing missions. I was also able to get detailed information regarding the dimensions of a bomb crater, as well as record of ordinance that failed to detonate.

Isserman, Maurice. The Vietnam War. New York: Facts on File, Inc, 1992.

This book is a perspective from a U.S. soldier in the Vietnam War. It provided insight about the soldier's attitude toward the war, and...