Page Contents:
Agent Orange
"VA does have significant information regarding Agent Orange use in Korea along the DMZ. DoD has
confirmed that Agent Orange was used from April 1968 up through July 1969 along the DMZ. DoD defoliated the
fields of fire between the front line defensive positions and the south barrier fence. The size of the
treated area was a strip of land 151 miles long and up to 350 yards wide from the fence to north of the
"civilian control line." There is no indication that herbicide was sprayed in the DMZ itself.
Herbicides were applied through hand spraying and by hand distribution of pelletized herbicides. Although
restrictions were put in place to limit potential for spray drift, run-off, and damage to food crops,
records indicate that effects of spraying were sometimes observed as far as 200 meters down wind.
Units in the area during the period of use of herbicide were as follows:
The four combat brigades of the 2nd Infantry Division, including the following units:
- a) 1-38 Infantry
- b) 2-38 Infantry
- c) 1-23 Infantry
- d) 2-23 Infantry
- e) 3-23 Infantry
- f) 3-32 Infantry
- g) 109th Infantry
- h) 209th Infantry
- i) 1-72 Armor
- j) 2-72 Armor
- k) 4-7th Cavalry
Also, the 3rd Brigade of the 7th Infantry Division, including the following units:
- a) 1-17th Infantry
- b) 2-17th Infantry
- c) 1-73 Armor
- d) 2-10th Cavalry
Field Artillery, Signal, and Engineer troops were supplied as support personnel as required. The
estimated number of exposed personnel is 12,056.
Unlike Viet Nam, exposure to Agent Orange is not presumed for veterans who served in Korea. Claims for
compensation for disabilities resulting from Agent Orange exposure from veterans who served in Korea during
this period will be developed for evidence of exposure. If the veteran was exposed the presumptive
conditions found for Agent Orange exposure apply."
Source: Gary D. Moore, 5161 Howard Road, Smiths Creek, MI 48074-2023, USA. Website:
http://www.gmasw.com:80/index.html.
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