VIETNAM WAR'S UNUSUAL 'TOILET BOMB' MISSION
Wars are full of strange stories, and some of them are unexpected and oddly hilarious. Like that time when the U.S. Navy dropped a literal toilet bomb over North Vietnam.
Yes, you read that right. A toilet. Dropped from an aircraft.
The aircraft in question is known for its power and reliability during the Vietnam War, and no, the Vietnam toilet bomb was not a prank for the sake of it. Still, it sure did have a surprising mix of frustration, humor, and rebellion against bureaucracy. Let’s learn why they decided to drop a literal toilet.
Vietnam War Background: Key Events and Context
The U.S. Navy was heavily involved in the Vietnam conflict. They were conducting air strikes as part of Operation Rolling Thunder from March 1965 to November 1968.
One of the aircraft that was often used at the time was the A-1H Skyraider. A single-seat attack plane that is overly powerful and capable of carrying a massive payload. One of the squadrons based on the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CVA-41) was VA-25, also known as the “Fist of the Fleet.”
So, they launched strike missions here and there, throughout the mission’s duration. Then, they had a bit of a surprise planned for their final sortie before heading home. It involved dropping something a bit more symbolic, the “porcelain throne" (a toilet).
Vietnam Toilet Bomb Mission: Reasons and Context
The aircraft carriers were so thin that they would leave with only half a load of supplies. So pilots had to be creative with the empty pylons under their aircraft. They loaded up a ‘gift’ for the North Vietnamese to celebrate the six millionth pound of ordnance, or bombs and weapons dropped during the war. They decided it should be something unique.
It was Commander Clarence W. Stoddard Jr., the squadron Executive Officer (XO), who was flying the A-1H Skyraider, BuNo. 135295, NE/572 “Paper Tiger II.” And of course, it was the sailors who packed the ‘gift’ on the aircraft’s right wing.
It’s actually a nice gesture that they had this ‘gift’ planned. But in all reality, it’s not what you would expect as a gift, you’ll be surprised, and maybe burst into a laugh when you learn about it.
Because the ‘gift’ was actually a “porcelain throne," or in simple words, a toilet.
It was not authorized, not even a standard practice for weapons. But everyone’s question is, how did that get on the wing of an attack aircraft?
Toilet Bomb Selection: Unconventional Warfare Tactics
Apparently, the toilet was damaged and was supposed to be thrown away. The plane's captain salvaged it before anyone gave it a float check. And as the plane was off the deck, a message was delivered over the 1 Main Circuit (1MC), asking, “What the hell was on 572’s right wing?”
The sailors attached the toilet to an A-1H Skyraider NE/572 “Paper Tiger II.” It remained useful to the other military branches for longer than expected, and its service continued until the 1970s.
The A-1H Skyraider was headed to the Mekong Delta in South Vietnam. Approaching the target area, Stoddard released the Vietnam toilet bomb, and ended with ‘and one code name Sani-flush.’ From there, jokes about germ warfare exploded.
Why did they do it? It’s simple. The Vietnam War was long, brutal, and filled with red tape. Crews are probably exhausted. Their missions were dangerous and repetitive. And so, maybe a dark humor kept them sane.
The most important thing of it all, the toilet didn’t hit anything important, because it was not meant to hit anything or anyone. It’s merely a thing that everyone could get a laugh from.
Impact of Toilet Bomb Mission: Military and Cultural Reactions
The Vietnam toilet bomb being dropped from the A-1H Skyraider is now a beloved piece of military history. You’ll probably also have a good laugh when you see it, and think, “Well, they sure did have a germ warfare back then.”
As it lives on, it’s indeed these small stories that make us see the lighter side of service. We know that in every mission, people are doing their best to get through unimaginable stress. For them, a little ridiculousness goes a long way.
If you hear someone say that military history is dry, tell them about the A-1H Skyraider that flushed right out of the bomb bay. It didn’t explode, but it sure did make a splash.
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BY ALLISON KIRSCHBAUM
Veteran, Military History & Culture Writer at VeteranLife
Navy Veteran
Allison Kirschbaum is a Navy Veteran and an experienced historian. She has seven years of experience creating compelling digital content across diverse industries, including Military, Defense, History, SaaS, MarTech, FinTech, financial services, insurance, and manufacturing. She brings this expertis...
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Expertise
Allison Kirschbaum is a Navy Veteran and an experienced historian. She has seven years of experience creating compelling digital content across diverse industries, including Military, Defense, History, SaaS, MarTech, FinTech, financial services, insurance, and manufacturing. She brings this expertis...
