Judson Malcom, Vietnam veteran
Athens, Georgia, USA | Photos
My body is still fighting the Vietnam War as a result of my exposure to Agent
Orange and possibly other agents much stronger than Agent Orange. The enclosed
photographs are very important. The top photographs prove I was in Vietnam, and
the bottom two photographs show two views of a hill that was defoliated with what
I was told were Agent Orange and enough other chemicals so that nothing would
grow on the hill for 100 years. At the time I was glad that this position had
been denied to the enemy and helped secure our positions; however, to a somewhat
young and naive soldier the dangers of what might happen if these chemicals got
into the ground water supply didn’t even cross my mind. Today as a result
of my health and lack of help from a Veterans Administration that can’t or
won’t help the Vietnam Veterans and now even some of their children with
their health problems I must give a warning.
My warning is address to the final court I can appeal — the court of public
opinion. This warning is address to the mothers of the future soldiers of the
United States of America. If your child is exposed to chemical/biological agents
they might be treated like I and many of my fellow Vietnam Vets. We are many times
referred to as crazy, malingers or other degrading terms. All my health records
for over 20 years indicate I do have health problems, but according to the Veterans
Administration none connected to my service in Vietnam. I was in good health when
I went into the service. I was always taught that the pen was mighter than the
sword, and in this case I hope it is true.
I don’t want a mother of a sick soldier come up to me during the next
war or conflict and say why didn’t you say something or why didn’t you
try to let someone know that something was wrong. Well I have and you, the mothers
of the future soldiers, need to make a stand now on this issue or you will shead
your tears later. Do not let your children go into the military as it now structured.
Judson Malcolm (left) and Fess
Parker - 1971
Judson Malcolm at An Son in front of
a Cobra gunship
Defoiliated Hill in Qui Nhon.
Picture taken from Quiency compound
Same defoiliated hill from
nearby Vung Chui Mountain.
