The Use of Super Glue in Wartime: Myths and Realities

Over the decades, the topic of using super glue to seal battlefield wounds has gained significant attention, particularly in the context of the Vietnam War. This practice, often a subject of varied testimonials and debates, raises important questions regarding its presence and application during wartime. Here, we explore the factual basis of this claim, drawing from personal anecdotes, historical records, and expert insights.

Personal Experiences

My own personal experience with super glue dates back to 2018, when an emergency room physician in California employed the technique to close a wound above my left eye. In the 1970s, I encountered a Vietnam veteran who applied plumbing glue to a cut, asserting that it was alcohol-based and safe. My adult son, who is a welder, shared a similar experience during a construction site accident, with an Iraq war veteran applying super glue, labeling it 'alcohol-based' without causing any concern. Despite the 'alcohol-based' claim, a petroleum-based origin might be more plausible.

The veteran who used super glue noted that it works well and questioned the alcohol explanation. This anecdotal evidence hints at the widespread belief and application of this technique, even in the absence of medical training or formal endorsement.

Historical Context

While the original discovery of super glue occurred during World War II, the popular belief that soldiers utilized this product to seal wounds has not been substantiated. However, super glue was indeed used to seal battle wounds during the Vietnam War. According to sources from , this was a documented practice employed by medical personnel.

Jimmy Morrison, a medic who served in Vietnam and then in Germany, provides a nuanced perspective. He clarifies that super glue likely existed during the war but was not commonly used. He also doubts the benefit of using super glue for unclean wounds, suggesting that the field conditions and the nature of battlefield injuries would have made it impractical. Morrison posits that the heat and unclean environment would have hindered the glue's effectiveness, and that most wounds would have been too messy to seal properly.

Conclusion

The use of super glue to seal wounds is a myth frequently debated in the context of the Vietnam War. Although it was employed in some cases, its application was not widespread due to the challenging battlefield conditions. Personal stories and historical accounts suggest that while the technique did find some use, it was not part of standard medical procedures.

As a result, it is important to approach this practice with a balanced perspective, recognizing both its potential benefits and the limitations imposed by the reality of wartime medical care.