Larry Anderson wrote on 2009-08-18 00:43:35.0
Comments: I really would like to contact anyone I could to try to help as much as possible feeling guilty for years that I had exposed all the men of Camp Mercer to AO unwittingly, not knowing the consequences or side effects of AO. Will share in depth so perhaps it could help others suffering from exposure to AO, sincerely, Larry Anderson, Comabat Medic Camp Mercer 1967-68
would compare notes, I was assigned TDY extended service 1967-68, set up shop and ran clinic for the battalion and attached special forces unit. What years were you there? Sorry but as my duty was singlular I really don't know anyone from my service there, was always shut up in the dispensary or limited contacts as I worked alone for all the men. I have only heard from one person I knew at that time, glad to share notes and also let you know that I had inadvertedly sprayed and exposed the entire camp to AO while I was there, not knowing the effects and not being told or warned either, sincerely, Larry Anderson
Dear Paul, have we corresponded? Just looking here and saw your message. Answer is simple, Yes, Yes and Yes. I was a combat medic with extended duties and assignments, out of I-Corp, Camp Stanley, assigned TDY for much of my duty to Camp Mercer just south of Kimpo Air Base, south of Seoul. As part of my duties there I tried to care for every concern of my men. We were being over run with rats and mice, lice, etc. so I called in the Sanitation Engineers from Seoul, knew Col Bruger, Surgeon General so was able to get lots of things done. During the Spring thru summer of 1968 I was delivered, handled and sprayed AO all over our camp, all around our buildings, latrines, quanset huts, mess hall, etc. several times. I was also assigned various times to go with units along the DMZ and other places where I had no idea where we were. AO was widely, much more then reported, used. Also yes, it is embedded into clothes, dirt, plant, etc. and residual to that even after spraying it can contaminate. I was also there in Korea along the DMZ in 1977-78 and worked as special assignment for the commanding general of the 2nd Div IG team. I was given orders, probably general orders to all units as well, to remove all remaining supplies of Dioxin from warehoues through out all the 2nd Division. So we know it was present at least if not used even as late as 1977. After over 30 years of fighting I did go to Korea and testified for the Korean Herald and finally was granted recognition for my combat service and for exposure to Agent Orange. I have many problems, skin, heart, infections, irritable bowl, etc. and have a son with Spina Bifida and also a son with severe seizures. AO was only so far credited with Spina Bifida so my son now can get help under that program. Best wishes, Larry Anderson
Keywords: 547th Engineers Camp Mercer / I Corp Camp Stanely Combat Medic, Dispensary
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