What is punji pit?

(po͝on′jē, pŭn′-) n. A very sharp bamboo stake that is concealed at an angle in high grass, in a hole, or in deep mud, often coated with excrement, and planted to wound and infect the feet of enemy soldiers. Also called punji stake.

Are punji sticks war crimes?

Punji sticks have a long history of horrible pain and agony it causes to anyone who walks right into the traps. The use of punji sticks in any act of conflict is banned from use under the 1980 Geneva Convention.

What are the pits in Vietnam called?

Punji Sticks These are traps made with sharpened bamboo stakes, often smeared with urine, feces, or another substance that would cause infection in the victim. The VC would dig a hole and put the sticks in the bottom, then cover it with a thin frame.

How did punji sticks work?

They placed the traps around defended positions or in spots the enemy might seek cover during an ambush. They also placed more active traps, tripped by a hidden vine or wire to whip into and impale the victim. The stakes themselves were seldom fatal, but they could inflict painful, sometimes crippling injuries.

Why are Punji Sticks banned?

Less than 1000 US soldiers died from Punji Sticks, but the soldiers who survived these traps were normally crippled for life. The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons was signed on April 10, 1981. Protocol II: Mines, Booby Traps and Other Devices declares Punji Sticks to be outlawed by the Geneva Convention.

Who were the Tunnel Rats in Vietnam?

The tunnel rats were American, Australian, New Zealander, and South Vietnamese soldiers who performed underground search and destroy missions during the Vietnam War.

What are punji sticks made of?

The punji stick or punji stake is a type of booby trapped stake. It is a simple spike, made out of wood or bamboo, which is sharpened, heated, and usually set in a hole.

How did the punji stick help the Vietnam War?

Punji Sticks were also used against the Mongolian Invasions of Vietnam. They varied from normal sizes to some large enough to disable ships (these were used underwater). This helped the Vietnamese under the leadership of General Tran Hung Dao defeat the superior Mongol Army in the many attempted invasions.

What percentage of wounds are caused by punji sticks?

During Rich’s tour of duty, there were 324 cases where the patient was wounded by a punji stick, representing 38% wounds because of hostile action. The need for early surgery of the wounded is now accepted.

How many US soldiers died from punji sticks?

Less than 1000 US soldiers died from Punji Sticks, but the soldiers who survived these traps were normally crippled for life. The Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons was signed on April 10, 1981.

What are punji sticks?

The most common of these traps was the punji stick. Punji sticks were made either from sharpened bamboo, with the points hardened by fire, or nails, which were then inserted through wooden boards. They were then placed, often quite densely, in areas of pre-arranged attack such as fields where helicopters were bound to drop attacking infantry.