Vietnam’s “Hooch Poppers”: The Small But Mighty Mini-Grenades

For special operations personnel during the Vietnam War, the V40 mini-grenade—a little explosive gadget weighing just 4.8 ounces and measuring 4 cm across—was a prominent tool. Called the "hooch popper" for its ability to clean tight areas and rooms, this grenade gained a reputation for both utility and danger.

The V40 was used rarely by special operations teams such as Navy SEALs and MACV-SOG since its diminutive size and 5-meter deadly radius limited its employment outside close quarters. Troops could toss its four-second time-delayed lightweight design farther than their heavier MK2 and MK26 grenades. Its efficacy was often hampered, nevertheless, by the high jungle canopy and rich vegetation.

Retired Navy captain and Vietnam War veteran Rick Woolard remembered the grenade's value in particular situations, including urban battles. Woolard advised rolling one of those things in there as a wake-up call if you intend to enter a hooch full of only nasty guys.

The V40's limited explosive force left much to be desired, even if it has benefits in tight areas. Woolard related a night mission when he tried to demolish a minor bridge with a V40, only to discover the grenade had little effect.

Though creative, the V40 mini-grenade's limited adaptability guaranteed it wouldn't find use outside the Vietnam War. It is still an original chapter in the annals of military explosives.

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