Evolution of the Formula
The napalm used in Vietnam was a significant evolution from earlier versions used in World War II and Korea.
1. Original Napalm (WWII and Korea):
The original thickening agent was a combination of aluminum naphthenate and aluminum palmitate (the name “napalm” is a portmanteau of naphthenate and palmitate). This white powder was mixed with gasoline to create a sticky gel.
2. Napalm-B (Used in Vietnam):
For Vietnam, the U.S. military primarily used a new, more effective formulation officially called Napalm-B, or “super napalm.” The composition changed for several reasons: to improve effectiveness, to make production easier, and because the original thickeners were also needed for soap production.
The primary thickening agent in Napalm-B was polystyrene plastic (the same material used in styrofoam) and benzene.
- Polystyrene: This acts as the gelling agent, giving the mixture its sticky, jelly-like consistency.
- Benzene: This solvent helps dissolve the polystyrene plastic into the fuel base.
This new mixture was combined with gasoline or other petroleum fuels.
Key Characteristics of Napalm-B:
- More Stable: It was less likely to accidentally ignite from shock or friction than earlier mixes.
- More Adhesive: It stuck to targets more effectively.
- Longer Burn Time: It burned longer and more fiercely.
- Easier Logistics: The components were easier to transport and mix in the field. The dry powder and liquid components could be shipped separately and combined at airbases in South Vietnam just before loading onto aircraft.
How It Was Used
Napalm was a primary weapon for close air support and area denial. It was delivered by aircraft, most famously the Douglas A-1 Skyraider and the F-4 Phantom II, in canisters that would detonate upon impact, splattering the burning gel over a wide area.
Its tactical purposes included:
- Destroying Enemy Structures: Burning down jungle hideouts, bunkers, and tunnel complexes.
- Area Denial: Incinerating vegetation to remove cover for Viet Cong and NVA troops (this was part of the broader “Operation Ranch Hand,” which also involved Agent Orange).
- Anti-Personnel: Its horrific effectiveness against troops in the open made it a powerful psychological weapon, in addition to its physical destructiveness.
The Human and Ethical Impact
Any discussion of napalm in Vietnam is incomplete without acknowledging its devastating humanitarian consequences. The weapon was notoriously indiscriminate, and its use in and around villages caused catastrophic burns and deaths among countless civilians, immortalized by the famous photograph of Kim Phuc. The ethical debates surrounding its use became a central point of protest for the anti-war movement and continue to be a dark chapter in the history of modern warfare.
In summary, the napalm used in Vietnam was primarily Napalm-B, a mixture of gasoline, benzene, and polystyrene plastic, designed to be a more effective, stable, and terrifying incendiary weapon.
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