18. Air Madness

A startling revelation from the Vietnam War era: the United States unleashed a staggering 7 million tons of bombs, missiles, and rockets over Indochina throughout the conflict. This colossal bombardment dwarfs the 2.1 million tons of explosives dropped across Europe and Asia during World War II.

Ironically, a significant portion—4 million tons—was unleashed upon South Vietnamese territory, aiming to eradicate communist guerrillas lurking in rural hideouts. This asymmetrical warfare strategy, aimed at flushing out elusive adversaries, underscores the scale and intensity of U.S. military operations in Vietnam, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape and the memory of those who endured its fury.