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On 30 November 1961 President Kennedy approved a limited program of defoliant operations in South Vietnam.

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30 Nov 1961

The 1961 decision to defoliate Vietnam. On 30 November 1961 President Kennedy approved a limited program of defoliant operations in South Vietnam.

1961

Roswell Gilpatric intervened in The 1961 decision to defoliate Vietnam. Sent the Defense Department’s memorandum to the President.

24 Nov 1961: Dean Rusk intervened in The 1961 decision to defoliate Vietnam. Recommended approval to President Kennedy.

The 1961 decision to defoliate Vietnam involved John F. Kennedy, Dean Rusk and Roswell Gilpatric.

The 1961 decision to defoliate Vietnam led to Operation Ranch Hand.

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Pictures, from Wikimedia Commons: John F. Kennedy, Cecil W. Stoughton, Public domain.