He recalled the experience, citing the exposure when they were on the Mekong River.

“You could see the Agent Orange on the water,” he said. This was the same water they were using for drinking water, boiling it down before consumption, thinking the Agent Orange was evaporating. They were wrong.

Phelps said they also took showers and bathed in that same water. But the last reference he made, was when they were exposed directly, when they were sprayed.

“We turned yellow,” he said.

Freeman-Journal photo by Kolleen Taylor
Luann Jackson, left and Jenny Manning of the Women's Auxiliary surprised him with a Freedom Quilt.

Phelps developed cancer at the age of 50.

Phelps lives in Webster City today. He is on 100% agent orange disability.

Members of the Webster City American Legion Auxiliary presented Phelps a Freedom Quilt on Wednesday to honor him for his years of service.