Today in history: Agent Orange used in Laos

1982: A draft of an official Air Force history — Operation Ranch Hand: The Air Force and Herbicides in Southeast Asia 1961-1971 — reported that the U.S. secretly sprayed herbicides on Laos during the Vietnam War. For related reading, take a look at a review of the 2012 book, "Agent Orange: History, Science and the Politics of Uncertainty" on HistoryNet.com. 

Also today in history:

1900: The Boers besieging Ladysmith inflicted a bloody defeat on a relief force led by British General Sir Charles Warren at Spioenkop, South Africa, during the Boer War. Read a first-hand account of fighting during the Boer War on HistoryNet.com.

1968: The 1st Australian Task Force launched Operation Coburg against North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces around Long Binh and Bien Hoa.

1972: Japanese Sgt. Shoichi Yokoi was found in a Guam jungle, where he had been hiding out since 1944.

In Other News

Opinion

Why the military’s approach to its suicide epidemic is failing

In this opinion piece, the chairman of Boulder Crest Foundation argues that current military suicide prevention efforts are falling short.

Could a fighter jet software upgrade have saved this pilot’s life?

The Navy has declined to answer questions about a fatal Super Hornet crash, and whether a safety system could have saved the pilot's life.

VA acknowledges significant errors in budget shortfall predictions

Department leaders had warned of funding gaps of up to $18 billion but now believe those estimates were too high.

Women in combat ‘proficient,’ SecDef says, dismissing calls for change

Austin praised women in the military and said they should not be removed from front-line fighting posts.

Eligible veterans get easier access to military bases under new rules

New rules allow veterans and caregivers to enroll for streamlined access to military installations.

Load More