M18 smoke grenade

The violet-colored smoke grenade was used in-theater because of its vivid color; previously it was only used in the United States for training.

Its smoke was more toxic than the other color mixtures and was removed from the inventory after the end of the Cold War in the 1990s.

The green-colored smoke grenade was still used in Southeast Asia because the jungle undergrowth was a different color and would still contrast with it.

For additional security the colors were sometimes identified as cherry (red), lime (green), lemon or banana (yellow), or grape (violet).

Expended smoke grenade canisters remain hot for some time after burning out and should not be picked up bare-handed.

M18 Colored Smoke Grenade with "violet" or purple smoke filling.
Diagram and cross section of the M18 Colored Smoke Grenade (Yellow smoke filling depicted).
Smoke billowing from an M18 Colored Smoke Grenade with green smoke filling.