What was a Bouncing Betty in Vietnam?
What was a Bouncing Betty in Vietnam?
The S-mine acquired its odd nickname “Bouncing Betty” from American infantrymen. The S-mine had a great psychological effect on Allied forces because of its tendency to maim, rather than kill, the infantryman. The German habit of laying the mines around anti-tank and anti-vehicle mines contributed to the reputation.
What does a Bouncing Betty?
(military, informal) A land mine which is propelled a meter or two into the air before exploding to increase the amount of damage inflicted on surrounding troops.
Is Vietnam still full of mines?
More than 6.1 million hectares (15 million acres) of land in Vietnam remain blanketed by unexploded munitions – mainly dropped by US bombers – decades after the war ended in 1975. At least 40,000 Vietnamese have since died in related accidents.
Why are they called Bouncing Betty?
The German habit of laying the mines around anti-tank and anti-vehicle mines contributed to the reputation. If a vehicle was disabled by a mine, the soldiers would be trapped in it until someone came to rescue them. The S-mine acquired its cynical nickname “Bouncing Betty” from American infantrymen.
How does a bounding mine work?
A bounding mine is an anti-personnel mine designed to be used in open areas. When it is tripped, a small propelling charge launches the body of the mine 3 to 4 feet (91.44 to 121.92 cm) into the air, where the main charge detonates and sprays fragmentation at roughly waist height.
Are there still bombs in Vietnam?
Despite the war ending in 1975, it is estimated that there are still at least 350,000 tons of live bombs and mines remaining in Vietnam alone, with Cambodia also heavily affected and Laos suffering more than either country.
How are landmines activated?
They can be activated by direct pressure from above, by pressure put on a wire or filament attached to a pull switch, or even simply by the proximity of a person within a predetermined distance. Antipersonnel landmines claim victims across the globe each day.
What does LZ Gator mean?
You’d think there would be something left, some faint imprint, but LZ (Landing Zone) Gator has been utterly and forever erased from the earth.
