The book "Marine Sniper" is his story, read it in high school out of a box of donated books, I stayed up 3 nights in a row and couldn't stop reading it. He was an extraordinary man and a patriot.
I read Hathcocks Book in the 90s and i have his book until today its stored in the Cellar with other VN War Books (plus a lot of Stephen Kings Horror Storys,) Michael Herr`s "Dispatches" and Hathcocks Book are my favourite VN War Books ( German translations), i would rate Michael Herr´s Dispatches No.1 (100% worth to read try its the best book about Men and war) and Hathcocks No.2, at the end i feeled very sad for him he did his best was an outstanding Sniper served his country, developed new Ideas like using the .50Cal with a scope as a long range Sniper Rifle. was Naval infantry in my Country cold war times and i was shocked at the end of the Book, i couldnt understand why they kicked him out of service nearly 2 Month before retirement, he deserved better, MS is terrible when i worked for an Amublance service i had often 12hour shifts in the Apparment of an MS Sick Ex Soldier (Pioneer/Engineer) the only Part of his Body he could move was his Head he could talk and breathe thats all was a dead Men waiting for his last MS push. Saw Photos of Hathcock after retirement he had lost teeth looks like no one cared for his medical treatment or he couldnt afford to pay for a dentist. Sry for bad engl., i did my best
Watched an interview with him and was completely locked in on the man. It wasn’t me, it was the man himself. Incredible. Definitely my next read. Wanted to know the name. Thanks.
Can't believe they left out the story of him spending 3-4 days behind enemy lines to kill a Vietnamese general. He was given no details of the mission, was simply told it was extremely risky and he accepted. He crawled something like 1500 yards inch by inch, moving only when the wind blew the grass in the right direction to avoid being seen. He was nearly stepped on by patrolling guards at one point. The most amazing part was not that he killed his target, but managed to escape.
Also at one point was lying in an ant bed. I thinknhe said when he fired the shot, the echo of the shot made the vietcong look the opposite direction of where he was and he said at that moment he thought he might have a chance at getting out.
There aren't enough books written about how extraordinary soldiers that the U.S. produces but this man was, without a doubt,in a class of his own. REST IN PEACE CARLOS HATHCOCK.
I read Hathcock's book and he is not the great sniper everyone says he was. Most of his kills where farmers forced by the NVA to take pot shots at US bases and couldn't even shot straight but Hathcock would sit on the edge of the base and pic them off. He was a cold blooded killer and didn't discriminate at all in the people he killed.
Well fortunately there have been a few written about Hathcock, and he also told the story of some of these experiences to classes in the Marine Scout/Sniper school, where he taught the arts of observation and sniping. He also gave a number of videotaped personal interviews after retiring from the Marine Corps, and at least a couple are avaible on YT. Hathcock was very badly injured by a roadside bomb just before he was due to finish his second deployment. He spent many months in hospital. because he'd been very badly burned, and had endured dozens of operations for skin grafts. The fact that he was able to recover to the point where he could shoot at all, let alone teach and promote the USMC scout/sniper school was truly amazing. RI.P. Sgt. Carlos Norman Hathcock, USMC.
I met Gunny Hathcock at our Marine Corps ball in Memphis Tennessee November 11th 1986. We all knew of his illness but he acted pretty normal that night, shaking hundreds of hands.
Carlos always credited his skill as a bushman over his skill with a rifle. His biographical book, which I read several times in high school, talks about this. The part where he crawled on his belly mere inches at a time over three days across an open field deep in enemy territory just to get close enough to take a shot at an NVA General while dodging enemy patrols and lying perfectly still in the brush was a nail-biter. It would take him in excess of 10 minutes just to take a drink of water, because that's how slowly he moved. The human eye perceives quick motion more than anything, and Hathcock knew this well. The man was one of a kind.
It's surprising wat you can do when you move slowly even with no camouflage on.. move slowly as surly an you can often get within feet of someone before they notice
Great description.. I know the same story.. not to mention that after he took out the general, the NVA soldiers walked within feet of Carlos, trying to find who took him out. Big salute to Carlos.
Hathcock was a legend no doubt! But if you do your research, during the exact same period in the same war… Charles “chuck” Mawhinney was actually the top US sniper. He had 103 confirmed and 217 probables. Very quiet and extremely respected marine corp scout sniper. He’s still alive and doing well in Oregon.
Mawhinney was a great sniper, no question. But did he ever run into a flaming steal box to save other Marines? Put himself out, then run back in? Hathcock's legend isn't just about being behind a rifle. To me this willingness to sustain the most painful of injuries over and over make him a Marines Marine.
There was one mission he took to take out a NVA general, I do not remember the distance, but he had to cross a large open field to get into a position to take his target down, at one spot he came virtually nose to nose with one of the vipers that called that area home After he made his shot he had to escape back across that same field, only this time he had NVA searching for him. One of the searchers nearly stepped him, yet he escaped. If I remember what my brother told me Hill 55, was the base for the 7th Marine Regiment. During Gunny's stay there my brother, a RTO for the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines was there as well. He met the Gunny a few times and was on some of the patrols that the Gunny went out with, before he and Burke dropping off to hunting. There is a very good book about the Gunny called "Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills" written by Charles Henderson. Maybe you should read it, it is not always the number of kills, but how and where they were made that make an excellent sniper. Mawhinney may have racked up a larger kill score, which I believe his confirmed kills were only 103 or just 10 more than the Gunny's total confirmed was and his probables were not even half that the Gunny made, but all that made him was a proficient killer, nothing more. If he was such a great sniper, I would have expected to see more written about him, there is not that much out there. When I was stationed at Pendleton and worked out of the dispensary at San Matao home of the 7th Marines, there was still a lot of talk about the Gunny, that was in 1972. The Gunny had a probable kill count of 300 to 400 kills, if you are interested in the body count.
@@sgtoldschool1486 if im not mistaken he defended a downed helicopter with an m14 with a scope knocked off zero against an entire platoon of NVA. Each man is a hero in their own right. We really shouldn't compare them.
My personal opinion about all of it is that all these guys were very gifted marksmen. I was gifted a 22 rifle at the age of 11 & I thoroughly enjoyed shooting. But when it came to hunting & killing, even though I was good at it, I didn't enjoy it as much as the target practice. And since hunting wasn't a priority for us being able to eat, I ended up doing it less & less. All that being said, I can't really relate to accumulating a body count. HOWEVER, yes, these guys are in the Marines during a war so they are getting paid to kill people & at the same time having to kill to keep from being killed. And so a lot of these snipers are sent on missions to kill a certain officer or people in leadership roles for the enemy. Because it's well known that things breakdown in squads when all of a sudden their leader is gone. So it's not really about the # of people that you took down but also the importance of each target in an effort to win the war.
I read "Marine sniper 93 confirmed kills" in 1988. In December of 89 I was in marksmanship instructor school at Camp Lejeune. One day totally by surprise Gunny Hathcock showed up on the range. He spent the afternoon with us and it was awesome. He was an amazing Marine and ive always been thankful that i got to meet him.
@@pepperlewis1 it was extremely cool. I’ve met professional athletes and a few actors. Even shared a sandwich one night with Roy Orbison. But White Feather will always be at the top in my book. It’s a combination of all he accomplished as well as what a fine man he was in person.
@@derekgreene2304 When I was a young Marine I drank up every lie they told. As a 54 year old and a whole lot more awake to reality, I have to agree with you.
My marksmanship medal is the one I am most proud of. Knowing that this brave man could pull off these amazing shots, while in such an insane atmosphere, is truly extraordinary. What a true war hero.
I shot a perfect score and just knew I was going to hog school ,practice range , over confidence and a spotter I couldn't understand the next day on qualification range I looked right over a 25 meter target. Some one else got invited to hog school .
I knew Carlos personally...although we both served in Vietnam near Hill 55 I never met him there...later I met him in Virginia Beach, VA where he gave classes for our P.D. and he gave me two signed copies of his book. He was the finest U.S. Marine I ever knew.
@@deanfennell9398 7.8 billion people on the earth and you wanna believe no one met Carlos Hathcock? sounds like someones a lil bit jealous that his life is so boring
I was at the rifle range at Lejeune back in 86, and while we were on our lunch break, GySgt Hathcock dropped in to greet everyone while we were eating chow. He is a man who was very humble about his work as a sniper, and told us that you have to meld the rifle with your body and mind. That year I shot a 230 out of 250. The best I ever scored in ten years as a Marine. Semper Fi Gunny.
When I was on the Silent Drill Team I met Carlos. We were doing a show in upstate NY and he was the guest of honor. He was in a wheelchair but he damn sure stood up when the drum and bugle corps played the Marine Hymn. Fantastic human being.
How Carlos did not get the Medal of Honor is shocking to me. Burnt over 40% of his body and his selfless need to protect those he served with says everything about the man.
Believe the medal is awarded only when a extraordinary feat of action or heroism is done and witnessed by others. Like holding a line against overwhelming enemy force or sacrificing self for others. There's a good reason why many Medals of Honor are awarded to dead soldiers.
@@williamsporing1500 I had just finished a bullseye match in Raleigh when I saw a mutual acquaintance talking to a small group of people. She turned to me and waved me over, and then she introduced me to Carlos Hathcock. I was stunned and grateful for the honor.
White Feather is a LEGEND among Legends. I met him in '93 at a gun show in VA. While his body was broken as he sat in a wheelchair, his spirit was like a LION !!! Carlos was a simple man with a simple outlook on life -- directly matching his upbringing and hunting background in rural Arkansas. He was totally "no-nonsense" and didn't like small talk. Worse, he hated to have the limelight on him. So, he would redirect all attention away from himself with a flippant, sarcastic comment. He was so low-key and "down-to-earth", it was hard to believe. When an attendee tried to ingratiate himself with Carlos, he told the guy to get lost, "because he [Carlos] didn't need his sympathy." I'll never forget how much he impressed me, because he was SO unassuming.
If the show was on Route 17, I was there standing in line, also. Just as I was about to go in front of him, he took a much needed break due to his condition. Even though I had read his book previously, I had purchased another at this show to get his autograph. The ball cap with his name and logo that I also bought is pretty worn out now but I still wear on occasion.
as a young soldier his story inspired me. I went on to win a Cannaught gold medal, as one of the top shots in the Canadian Army. Tours overseas kept me from competing. I miss / and don't miss shooting anymore. He was a truly great man. Not for his shooting, for dragging out 7 brothers. There was a finn of the same caliber. Check that man out as well
I met Carlos Hathcock as a newly commissioned infantry officer in Quantico, VA in 1978. It was during our rifle training and initial qualifications. I knew of his reputation at the time but did not realize he was so close to death. I guess you never really think Legends and Hero’s like Carlos can die. I will say even this late in his career he was beyond impressive. Hard to think in this day and age it was before cell phones and laptop computers. As a young infantry officer meeting him is something I’ll never forget. As I reflect back on life goals being a Marine is one of my life’s greatest accomplishments. No regrets giving up flight papers to become an infantry officer, although being a Marine pilot would have been pretty cool!
@@albertoavila7053 ***Jit with no vocabulary to articulate they don't believe a story from a better generation of men, therefore using said slang "cap"*** Thanks for sharing your story bro! Simper Fi🪖
You were at Quantico in 78? Ever meet an Irons in the Corpse? Would have been an officer at that point. Believe he was dive instructor mode at that time. May have been involved with teaching translators or interrogation.
@@TheGalliaComata No their agenda was very different back then. I really had a great time at TBS. Only stress was what MOS and duty station you would get. We had 30 slots for 60 Marines. Are to believe that many would start their careered not doing what they wanted. I totally lucked out. 0302 Camp Pendleton.
No mention of the mission when he stalked his target for miles to get within range of a certain unfavorable general, after he took the shot and killed the guy, he successfully exfilled the area, like a ghost. His book was amazing too btw.
Yep, I read the book as well, and it's amazing. I guess he had some regrets after that particular mission because the NVA went nuts with retaliatory strikes for the week that followed it.
He's a true legend and revered among all snipers. His history & lessons are taught not just in the USMC Sniper School but across the other branches as well as foreign schools. A true patriot and absolute bad ass.
I'm glad he had luck and grace to fall over when Cobra shot. God Bl Trinity protects and provides. The good guys usually win. My dad fought Nazis and we cracked their code like Japanese. I hope and pray he'll get President's Medal and maybe someone can help. Glad no PTSD and Jesu Mary's Divine Mercy way will help us as He may come soon said StJPII. Same with Fatima vision no WW as we pray and enough pure. God bless US
I met Gunny Hathcock shortly before his passing. That was in 1997. You could still sense that focus through the pain. He had a sense of purpose. Keeping his fellow Marines alive.
@@userI3I2 No, sir, and you need to ask if you are on the wrong side of freedom vs. tyranny. This is not worship, but admiration, for an exemplary American who served with a tradition of serving as liberators, not conquerors, a lesson you & your peoples should heed. Please go forth & have a nice day!
The white feather’s commitment to his fellow Americans and his country is inspiring. So many people say what they are willing to risk but this man proved it every single day!
Adelbert Waldron is too often overlooked. He arrived in RVN a month before me and went almost immediately to our Sniper School. When you look at how his tour was cut short when our 9th Division was moved to Hawaii, his record is amazing. Upon his return he was largely silent about his service. Adelbert deserves an episode.
He was a quiet about it ,and sometimes seen on pictures in some articles elsewhere. And his equipment was on the other side of the "scale" with the M21 and ART 2 scope and mount.
They don't mention , he went 50 miles behind enemy lines , he hide alone in a field for weeks , and he shot and killed a high ranking NVA General. Then he escaped alive , all alone.
I had the pleasure to meet him when he came to speak at our local American Legion . A true legend and gentlemen and I told him my favorite part of his biography was when he won the sniper contest at camp Perry Ohio . I watch him closely and he appeared to go back to that memory and thanked me and my brother who served in the Marines around the same time. A true Hero
Gunny Hathcock will always be a legend within and outside the Marine Corps. He exemplified what it means to be a Marine. Rest In Peace Gunny. Semper Fi
He exemplified what it means to be a marine by killing a bunch of people in a country he had no business being in for a country that had no business being there. You're not wrong, I guess.
@@mechanomics2649 He said he didn't enjoy killing people but enjoyed the hunt Military personnel don't get to chose where they're deployed. Don't blame him for going to Vietnam, respect that he took another tour that wound up scarring him for life, so in that respect, he DID choose to go back, albeit with good intentions for his fellow Marines. As he saw it, he was saving other Marines' lives. You also have to remember the politics of the time, but if you want a really good book to read about Vietnam & HOW it became the mess it was, read "A Bright Shining Lie" by Neil Sheehan, which is partly about the history of Vietnam 1945 onwards, & a history of one of the early military advisors, Lt. Col John Paul Vann.
A legend. Met him when I was a SWAT sniper, truly a memorable meeting. Quiet, unassuming, humble. He signed my copy of his book, even though, as I found out later, he received no money from the paperback version. A lot can be learned from those who came before us.
If I heard correctly, the narrator said: "It was with his Winchester Model 70, he made the .....2,500 yard shot." He actually made that shot with an M2 .50 caliber machine gun that had a scope mounted on it. The first shot cut the bicycle frame in half and when the VC soldier got up and started firing, Hatchcok sent the 2d round down range, killing him.
He once said "I don't enjoy the slaughter of being a sniper. I only do it to try to protect as many American lives as possible." Now, it's really good to hear a man & Marine say such a thing.
Too bad it's not true, and you can tell because when he was serving as a teacher statewide he didn't like it and wanted to go back to the warzone where all he did was hunt and shoot people. What do people expect him to say? "I like hunting humans that's why I'm really good at it"? Of course not, he's a smart person, he knows he has to say, "I hated the killing part actually, I was only thinking of others, I never wanted to do it, but they made me"
@@ashesmandalay1762 You're quite the cynic, aren't you? I choose to believe the original statement. Maybe you should look into your own nature and see what you find there. You could be projecting your own inner demons.
@@charlessmith6412 Actually, he's probably kind of right. Many people in combat roles like that get addicted to the adrenaline, the rush, etc. Usually there's a disparity of not actually liking the idea of killing someone, but the action, adrenaline and danger, the struggle/fight to preserve your life, and the sense of purpose it gives you, especially if it's protecting friends and allies. Some people do actually enjoy killing and that's fucked up, but it's not always cause they're just some psycho but because it's a way to cope and not feel horrible, or justify it, maybe call it revenge or something. It's really complex, and hard to understand for anyone who hasn't experienced actual war or fighting, but anyone who's actual experienced combat and killed can understand at least some.
@@IkeanCrusader1013 Nice rationalization. But I prefer to believe "white feathers" statement. Being 'probably kind of right' is logically equivalent to being probably kind of wrong.
@@charlessmith6412 Well if you're gonna be a cunt, I agree that he was most likely projecting and that's pretty cynical, but he still makes a fair point. So no, he's not "probably" kind of right, he is just half right, if you don't know the man personally, you have no idea and there's about a 50/50 chance he was telling the truth there. You have no more idea what you're talking about than he does, and he almost certainly missed the war after returning to civilian life, but (50/50) probably not because he liked killing and death, but you miss the comradery, and you become so used to that environment, and your nervous system being constantly on survival mode, that nothing seems right back in the "normal" world.
Hoorah Marine. Thank you for reminding me of the pride I have for a fellow Marine who accomplished, missions, and duty in a warzone multiple times.His bravery is now in my memories of the finest soldiers that ever lived. Guny Hancock.
A guy who killed a bunch of people he had no business killing, in a country he had no business being in, having been sent there by a government who inserted itself into a situation it had no business inserting itself into, makes you feel pride?
I've heard about Carlos Hathcock since I joined the Air Force in 1985, but never knew this much about him. THANK YOU for this very important video, honoring a magnificent US Marine and his galiant actions serving our beloved country...👍
One of my heroes. Thanks for doing this vid. You could do another one on him about his mission to hit a General in his own compound. A true American. They broke the mold when they made him. Rest Easy Marine.
Wenn man so einen Schwachsinn schon hört ... "danke für euren Dienst (fürs Land)" ... kein normaler Bürger eines Landes hat direkten Profit an einem Krieg, wenn er nicht dem militärisch industriellem Komplex zugehörig ist.
There are actual interview clips with him telling stories of his experiences in the military. They are posted on youtube and its much better hearing those stories right from the man that lived them.
@@robreesor5011 I've seen the ones on a sniper documentary with his actual interviews. But just would be nice if we got a Band of Brothers ish mini series about his career.
They don't mention , he went 50 miles behind enemy lines , he hide alone in a field for weeks , and he shot and killed a high ranking NVA General. Then he escaped alive , all alone.
@@nickkerr8775 there is a video of him talking about that here on youtube...he had guys walking right past him while he was in his gilli suit...a few almost stepped on him he said.
As a long distance shooter myself I've always admired white feathers accomplishments his weapon and optics and caliber were minimal at best compared to the firearms and calibers and advanced optics available today . He truly set the bar for all American snipers.
Years ago, in the late 1980s, I was privileged to go to an "appreciation day" for an employee who was in the Army Reserves. We toured the base, including the rifle range, and even rode in a Huey to another location. The final thing was a gathering at which a speaker was to be presented, and the speaker was none other than Carlos Hathcock. This was before the effects of MS were diagnosed in hm,. and we heard him speak for almost an hour, during which not a single person got up, lest they miss part of his talk. He recounted the time he spent in Viet Nam, what made a good sniper, and took questions after his talk. It was amazing, and I'm glad I was invited to go. Thank you, Jaime, for asking me to go with you!
Legend of a Marine. Learned about him day from training day one through training day 95 at Parris Island and all through the school of infantry. He wrote the manual for the Army, Navy, and Marine sniper schools.
@@mechanomics2649 ha ok dirty hippie. 95 confirmed kills makes him a legend. A war we lost? That’s debatable. There’s a difference between losing a war and just losing interest. I guess the real results are told in bodies. May want to have a look at that statistic.
Read his book, One shot one kill. I read it twice and it's amazing. I meet him at a gun show years ago and he was quite an outstanding individual. RIP to an American hero.
I had the honor of meeting Carlos Hathcock twice in the 1990s. I bought a copy of his book from him that he personally signed. He was a legend and an American hero.
21 years of boredom mixed with the occasional reason for terror is nothing to look down on, of course working for mickey is no picnic either. I think that no sane person could wear those furry costumes in the heat for 21 years, so you probably got off easy in the military, especially when you consider all the screaming children... THANKS FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY!!!
Watched Carlos shoot on CP Viale range: met his family at the first presentation of the CMP Hatchcock Trophy...thanks to my my Marine friends Ken and Jim for coming up with this legacy, sure miss you guy's and the times we shared. RIP.... I have MS now too - it is the hardest battle of all.
I wish I'd have read this when you wrote it. Maybe you can still be helped by this information. Check out the use of saturated beef suet and not eating anything but beef for 90 days. There are reports from MS sufferers who have put the condition into remission with a carnivore way of eating.
I was lucky enough to meet Hathcock when I was a kid. He was a very good man. He was very kind to me, and told me everything I wanted to know. I asked him a lot of questions about being a sniper and how things were done. He was more than happy to tell me, and agged me on about enlisting to the marine corp as a force recon sniper telling me don't take no as an answer. I had just gotten out of the hospital from having a cancerous bone tumor removed from my knee and was starting chemo the next day. He told me "If you have the fight in you to survive this the marines should be proud to have you". That was in 1987. When i heard he passed away i cried for days cause along with my dad he was my hero. I started trying to enlist at 16 in 1994. I was amancipated and married to my first wife in march of 1994. I tried hundreds of times making it to the physical before they would say "youve had surgery on your knee so we can't take you at this time you can try again in 90 days". I tried every 90 days until my 35th birthday. At one point they told me if i keep trying i would be charged with a felony for wasting recruiters time, and i kept trying anyway. At 35 i was to old to enlist by law, so i quit trying. From september 1998 to august of 2007 i was employeed by government security contract company to catch drug runners in south America, so i guess you could say i got to serve anyway but it is not the same. I would still enlist in a second to get to do my part if they would let me. Maybe then my father could finally have something to be proud of me for. Anyway Hathcock was a great man, and my life has been much for the better for having had the chance to meet him.
I knew Bill Donovan. He was a wonderful scout master in Carlsbad, Ca. He helped many fine young men to become Eagle Scouts. Bill had been a marine marksman in Vietnam and was a retired Gunny Sargent. Bill was one of those unbelievably brave men who would go out into the bush and hunt Vietcong VIP's and other targets. Bill had a 'scope to scope' kill that he was humble about but proud of. RIP Bill. You were one of the very best!
Hathcock is a true legend. He was not adequately recognized for his bravery and accomplishments, which were accomplished under trying circumstances and at great risk to his own life. How he did not receive the Navy Cross and multiple Silver Stars is beyond me.
Because its all stolen valor and bullschitt. An incredible story told by a con man supreme with NONE of it verifiable. And now that he is gone, no one can confront. If 25% of it were true the whole world would know about it. But no, its bullschitt believed by the unknowing. I just can't figure out why you want to believe. I was there, its bullschitt. Ask some other combat vet as well.
The US Navy, and the Marine Corps by extension, were particularly stingy, per policy, in passing out medals during Nixon's Presidency, and enlisted men were last in line. I wonder how many Marine Corps Achievement medals he had, all with that V device on them? Even though half the casualties we suffered were during the last half of the war, we were "winding it down" and the politicians wanted to avoid drawing attention to the fact was what I was told at the time by my CO.
Probably because of political crap. Like doing a lot of work over the border in Laos or Cambodia. That was common reason a lot of special forces guys didn't get awards. There lots of reasons that suck but make sense.
@@jamesrjohanniii774 No, he was a con man. And like all con man, he told a great series of stories. Stolen valor is what he is. And I am getting too old to continue to dispel his bullschitt stories. Ask some other Nam combat vet, see what they say. I'm tired of telling folks that want to believe an incredible incredible series of stories that have way too many holes in them to be believed.
Thank you for your service, commitment to your fellow team members, amazing bravery, and your absolute devotion to relaying your combat proven skills to future generations of those that are so lucky to walk in your shadow. THANK YOU.
My neighbor in Texas was a Marine sniper. Bob Linnett U.s.marine in Vietnam. I wish someone would look at his Vietnam experience as he never speaks/spoke about it. God Bless him ,his wife and EVERYONE WHO FOUGHT IN THE VIETNAM WAR.
It’s a shame that all of our soldiers fought in this war but were so disrespected by the American people that spitting in their faces when they came home. Something that should have never happened.
Although I had read a book written about Whie Feather, I had not known that he had MS. My own brother suffered from the same horrible condition. It is thought that MS is caused by a virus contracted as a result of nerve damages. Being burned would certainly expose nerves and provide an entry point for that dreaded virus. Thanks, Carlos Hathcock should be remembered and honored.
No know cause with Multiple Sclerosis. No cure. It gets worse every day. Ask me how I know..... 19-years now and doctors still don't have a fucking clue. But my monthly copay is up to $7000.00 for a one per day pill!
Man do I know who this man was! He had left Vietnam when I arrived but this man was talked about and admired by everyone there. Amazing skill with a weapon not a lot different than a hunting rifle. They have amazing high tech weapons today which does help a sniper a lot. No matter skill is everything and the feather had tons.
I got to meet him and Charles Henderson, the author of the book, "Marine Sniper" at a Marine Corps League tradeshow in DC in the late 80's. Remington had hired them as celebs to man their tradeshow booth. I was manning the McDonnell Douglas booth across the aisle as a staffer. He seemed like a great guy, friendly, no bravado, very matter of fact. Meeting him gave no clue that he was basically a superhero. I was impressed.
I remember my when my drill instructor told my platoon the story of Carlos Hathcock right before qual day and when she was done telling his story, she gave each person in my platoon a white feather and told us all that we were Carlos Hathcock while shooting down range. His story deeply inspired me and every person in my platoon ended up shooting expert on table 1.
Using a guy who was a victim of propaganda by a government that inserted itself into a place it had no business being, and in an unjust war that it lost, as inspiration isn't something I'd go around telling people.
@@mechanomics2649 Not all of us were born with elitist know all understanding. The point is in a world of survive or perish Hathcock was a survivor not by hiding but facing the force against him head on with courage and "nerves of steel" and that is inspiring to mind and spirit of what man can accomplish. Just curious, what have you done?
@@mechanomics2649 When you're told by your country that the enemy is Hitler all over again, without means of computers to dissent or find all the facts, you are going there to protect your country. Not a man there should be shamed for the cause they believed in.
As a former sniper (few in the comments I think), what never seems to do this guy justice, is an explanation of the terrain. Hot and humid, a given (utterly energy sapping) heavy cover (makes it hotter, it's an advantage but also your enemies, makes folks easier to track). What's never mentioned, the jungle is trying its level best to kill you. Toxic plants, disease (infections are easy to get) venomous wildlife, apex predators (Vietnam i believe it was tigers), then there's the enemy. There well educated and trained, it's there back yard (lethal combo) then there's the booby traps, which the Vietnamese were masters in. Combine all this, and be as effective as he was under massive stress, with 60s tech and nutrition? That's impressive.
Yeah the tech, or lack there of, usually doesn't get much mention either. The optics alone back then would be considered unusable by today's standards.
Very true statement. I always think of Charlie Sheen in 'Platoon' when I try to imagine how truly miserable that environment would have been in Vietnam. Sure puts things into perspective when the social justice 'woke' crowd kneels for our National Anthem!
@@joeswinsick8977 American invaders of Vietnam deserved to be miserable. Nationalism is infantile and pathetic. Colin Kaepernick did more for America than anyone who "served" in Vietnam. Stop whining.
@@joeswinsick8977 I never understood why people get so bent out of shape about kneeling. Are we implying that people are disrespecting God when they kneel before him? How would you feel if someone saluted God instead of kneeling? Food for thought
I had the pleasure to meet this remarkable human being in VA Beach sniper training school ... Where a buddy of mine and then chief of police( CHIEF WALLS) allowed me to attend and watch his skillful teaching . The experience was and to this day one of the best days ever.
Because it's bullshit. Almost 50 years since the war ended, and there is still zero proof of this General ever being killed. No name, no date, no area, nothing...just what Hathcock and his biographer said. That doesn't strike you as odd? If this indeed happened, it would have made front page news in Sea Tiger and Stars and Stripes, but nope...nothing. The only NVA General to have died during Hathcock's deployment was Nguyen Chi Tanh, and he died in Hanoi (1967).
I agree, after all he gave and sacrificed, that was really shabby treatment to screw him out of the 20 year mark, which makes a BIG difference in your retirement benefits.
@@289wolf When you add this to the theft of the rifle with the shot out scope, which has to be ultimate trophy for any sniper, I think he was the target of weaponised jealousy.
@@289wolf I recognised that there was something significant about 20 years of service but could you please elaborate on how much difference it would have made for Carlos to actually reach 20 years of service? Mark from Melbourne Australia
@@markfryer9880 aside from a pride thing it has to do with pension. In order to receive full pension one must complete 20 years of service. Anything below 20 years the pension percentage drops. In a roundabout way 20 years means you're eligible for retirement.
@@markfryer9880 I was in Bulgarian Air Force in old times . 20 years of service was max and u reviving full military benefits +pension + 14 paychecks cash pays + tax free + very big apartment and can works as Conttactor to rest if you life + every honorable Achievements . Basically you r Close to God him self
I had the honor of meeting Carlos at a Virginia Beach gun show in the early 90's through a mutual friend who was a Marine sniper in Korea. He would visit shows when his health was up for it. I purchased a "Whitefeather" lithograph and had Carlos sign it for me. The thing that struck me about him was how humble of a man he was.
I met him at the same gun show, sitting in his wheelchair chain smoking Winstons. He was very humble and graciously answered my questions about his service. He autographed Henderson's book for me which I still have. I told him I was in the army and he thanked me for my service! I was flabbergasted because I'm just a 88M (truck driver). Class act. I remember when he died there was a big writeup in the Virginian Pilot about him since he lived off Independence Blvd. over by Little Creek. Sad day. Helluva marine and he saved countless lives during his service.
I think I attended the exact same gun show. It was in '93. I know, because I was on assignment with the US Senate in '93-94 and I attended the gun show in the Summer. So it was definitely '93. And as you rightfully say, he was a HUMBLE, but assertive man.
@@chipmartin7608 Gun show was in '93. I attended the exact same one and met Carlos as well. I had SO MUCH respect for him, I purposely stayed at a distance so as NOT to insult him like others did who were staring at him and making stupid comments. Being in the presence of such a Noble Soul, and listening to his unassuming comments and responses is something that I will never forget.
A Man like that is like truly something. No one real military person enjoys the killing of another, the victor is yes but never the killing. He like others before him and after him help protect others in very special way. Thanks for another great story of history.
As a person who's born and raised in Arkansas, and the majority of my family serving in the armed forces, I can't believe i've never heard anything about this before. I appreciate the history lesson
It's an easy story to miss. I grew-up in East L.A barrios in the 60s & 70s, and heard vague references to Gunnery Sargent Hathcock as Vietnam was not a popular topic in the mainstream press... but of course, we were not in the mainstream. Vietnam was something many of us ASPIRED to: Multiple neighbor kids signed-up for their service of choice (else get drafted by the Army... the Marines were particularly popular), and I learned even in junior high school, by gaining sufficient rank in the Boy Scouts (Eagle or Life), a fresh recruit could skip rank as Private, & get promoted automatically to Corporal. Wow! I made Eagle! THEN, I heard of some of Sgt Hathcock's actions in 'Nam. Oh, man... How do you prepare for THAT in L.A.? By spending as much time out in the FIELD (like on monthly camp-outs), and learn outdoor skills on your own, beyond what the Boy Scout Manual & adult leadership taught! OK, so the part with the guns wasn't possible, so we snuck-up on small game, or unsuspecting scouts/leaders as a surrogate. And a lot of us got quite good! But by the time high school graduation came around, the US had pulled-out and lost the war. We abandoned our allies, and the rest is history. EXCEPT for the few beacons of pride & awe like Sgt. Hathcock's story. I remained inspired, went-on to college, medical school, residency, and practice as a trauma surgeon, eventually left the People's Republic of California for the United States of America, and now live only a few hundred miles from where Sgt. Hathcock grew-up, potentially allowing my kids to gain the same skills he did. Unfortunately, none have. Although I did OK, I have little valor to offer as an example to my growing sons, EXCEPT for testimony like Sgt. Hathcock's story, be it through one of his books, or the video outline provided here, like by Dark Docs. And for that, I remain very thankful to Dark Docs for publishing this story, and to Sgt. Hatcock for his service, valor, for remaining a beacon of hope, inspiration, and providing a historic example from a time when we needed all of the valor and inspiration we could use. And continue to need. He really deserves the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Hathcocks interview before he died was a great listen. He goes into detail about some of his crazy missions. Going after a high ranking NVA officer all alone, completing the mission, and getting back alive.
You are either a born badass, or you are not. His story is not about a single incident or battle but of a lifetime of dedication to serve showing true resilience and durability. Thank you to all that serve in our military/police/first responders.
White feather held the record for longest kill. Outstanding. A Canadian sniper from the JTF holds the record for longest kill. Outstanding. We are all in this together.
As a young man I learned of "White Feather". At 62 I still consider this man the epitome of a true warrior. His biography is among the most incredible true stories I have ever read, I highly reccomend it. The fact that the Marines still hold him in the highest regard says it all
I had the honor to sit next to him at our dining in when I was at TBS. He was modest and low key and happy to be among us. I told him that he set a high bar for current Marines like myself to live up to and I would try my best to do so.
@@Eventual-Visitor I can tell you're a liberal pu$$y and a horrible person whose heroes are transgender nutcases named Levine and Brinton. You wouldn't last 10 seconds among real men.
@@mohawkdriver4155 You're right, i rather prefere women. But i don't judge, if you want real men and more than one at the time....well, lets just say it's your ass and you do with it what you want. Oh, by the way, you don't have to worry, as you can see the truth already got censored.
@@Eventual-Visitor I'd say anyone who thinks Hathcock and Kyle were psychopaths just isn't in touch with any kind of reality and should put themselves in their boots before making disparaging and untrue comments about them. The truth of the matter is that these men, by their actions, saved lives and that's what they'll be remembered for by their comrades. Maybe go serve in the Armed Forces before you open your mouth about something you know nothing about.
He was medically retired after he developed multiple sclerosis. He came back and talked to all the sniper classes until he passed away. The man is a legend. If you like his story, look up Colonel Wendell W. Fertig. He is the father of modern special forces and was screwed over by the "hero of the Phillipines," Douglas MacArthur.
Hi Ron when I read your account About McArthur all I could do was agree, he was the most disgusting person and the way he slaughtered his men was beyond bad. I agree with what you said.
Why would anyone like his story? He killed a bunch of people in a country he had no business being in, for a government that couldn't care less about him that involved itself in a conflict they had no part in. What is there to like about any of this? He isn't a legend. He was a useful tool of the government who is used as propaganda to sucker other people.
All Vietnam vets deserve a thank you they were putting the bad situation by a government that didn't give a s*** about their lives I know a lot of veterans from Vietnam bust them are gone now but those guys deserve a big thank you from the country that they served for
They served nobody really. Vietnam was just a battlefield America should have never been on… bigger countries using smaller counties in a larger political game… it’s sad that so many on both sides fought and died for nothing.
A "Thank you" for what? How did some Vietnamese rice farmer pose a threat to the constitution or the bill of rights? Or the average American? Stop regurgitating the propaganda BS. It's gross.
@@isthisfake1519 How the hell is some poor Iraqi dirt farmer gonna "compromise" our freedom? Since the invasion of Afghanistan 20 years ago over 4 million middle easterners in 4 different countries have been murdered by American bombs and bullets. That's 4,000,000 men, women and children who had fuck all to do with 911. They never attacked us or even so much as threatened us. Their only misfortune was being born on top of resources wanted by western corporations and their shareholders.
@@isthisfake1519 Our freedom never would have been compromised had the US not inserted itself into a situation it had no business being in. The US's involvement did compromise the freedom of others though, not that you actually care about compromised freedom.
I remember when I was in high school reading a book about him I had bought at my local bookstore and I especially like the part when he had to hunt down that sadistic female Vietcong commander.
I enjoyed that he hunted down that French (or maybe Canadian) that was advising the VietCong and interrogating captives. Also that he killed that sadistic female commander. That part of his book shook me. She was pure evil.
this is a great representation of the pain and suffering the people who fought for our freedom went through, and i think all should be aware of these stories
Would your freedom have been lost if nobody died on a foreign land? Viet Nam was nothing more than a testing ground for new weapons and a lot of humans died for nothing
I read the book Marine Sniper 2 X while I was in the Marines!!In 2nd phase of boot camp is rifle range @ Camp Pendleton California & this is where we were introduced to the knowledge of Mr.Carlos Hathcock.Carlos Hathcock is a LEGEND in the Sniper community always has been & always will be.
I'm a marine, as was my daddy. He told me the story of Carlos. I was very impressed & was saddened by his death. A very brave man , one of my heroes of the Marine Corps. Chesty was a heck of a good one too. Read their books. My daddy was in Korea, a bad place for any man. Especially my dad. Proud Marine & proud to be the daughter of a Marine.
I admire your father. Yes, they say Korea was bad. It was terribly cold, and they were up against six Chinese Divisions, maybe even more. Not very good soldiers the Chinese, but there were many of them. One against 10. From the Netherlands, where I live, went something around 650 men I believe. Not much, I know, but we have a small country, and we have had a war in the East Indies, between 1945 and 1949.
I used to think of this guy when I was hitting silhouette targets on a range with an M2. I forget the distance but I’d guess around 1,000 yds. Seeing that target drop is an amazing feeling.
The greatest ever, in history. Forget the numbers. What he did and accomplished in the conditions he operated in were absolutely superhuman. The book Marine Sniper was absolutely unbelievable.
@@cabbage681 Spent 31 months in country and it is pure BS that an Arty unit fired Illum so he could get personal kills. If you told Arty , you had people in the open, they would put HE on them , not Illum. Want to learn how it was? Read my book--Xin Loi, viet Nam
@@drm2364 Read the part about using artillery to fire illum rounds ALL night. Ever been in COMBAT? I spent 31 months fighting--not serving--in Viet Nam and Artillery would have put rounds with VT fuses on those NVA immediately! Pure BS. By the way just returned from Vi et Nam--was nice to learn that the BIG Marine installations at Da Nang were surrendered to two battalions of female NVA infantry!
I worked with this guy from time to time in I-corps. Long shots were hard because heat thermals distorted the air. A lot of shots were taken inside 150 meters. This meant that a sniper team would likely have to leave the area immediately after taking a shot. This added considerable complexity to the situation. Patrolling, tracking and map orienteering became extremely important as a result.
The possibility of Communism being spread by a maniacal government is threat enough but the lives lost were horrific. Let the politicians fight it out .!!!!
A lot of planned distance shots are taken in cooler parts of the day for just that reason of heat haze. Better definition of a target is more likely early and late because of shadow and sun angles too.
I met Carlos Hathcock a few times while shooting matches at Quantico. One year at the National Matches at Camp Perry, I got recruited to shoot on a team, and when we went to sign up, we were asked if we wanted to have a coach, and I said yes. We got Sgt. Carlos Hathcock, Jr.
@@johngibson2884 That name doesn't sound familiar, but it was a while ago and I was new on the Maryland State Rifle Team, and it was my first year there. Since I didn't get picked for the team match, a group of us formed our own team. Pretty sure it was 1989.
@@davemagnani5166 oh I'm sorry, Randy was a member of the Marine pistol and rifle team ... he rode seat on an F-14 for 10 years... he was also an accomplished gunsmith& friend of mine when I was at yavapai College and Gun Site from 91 to 94
We need a real hero sniper to neutralize Xi JinPing and so save the entire World. Best to get him when he leaves the country on diplomatic missions. We need operatives to inform us of Xi’s location and to smuggle the rifle and laser range finder into the host country. This mission will prevent World War III and save billions of lives. Who is in? Let’s become the greatest heroes of all time and let’s do it!
Carlos Hathcock is an absolute legend. The book written about his Marine Corps career in Vietnam should be mandatory ready in every school. You did miss arguably one of his most infamous exploits, against a high ranking NVA officer well behind enemy lines.
You mean the high-ranking NVA General that still hasn't been identified almost 50 years after the end of the war? No name, no date, no area of operation? The killing of a general that has no proof or evidence other than from Hathcock and his biographer's own mouth? Don't you think that kind of operation would have made front page news of Sea Tiger or Stars and Stripes as a morale boost? Carrying out that kind of mission would certainly be worthy of some sort of medal or commendation, yet such award never happened. The only NVA General to have died during Hathcock's deployment was General Nguyen Chi Tanh, and he died in Hanoi, 1967. There is absolutely zero evidence or proof of Hathcock EVER killing a general in both US and Vietnamese records. Hathcock and his biographer (Charles Henderson) got carried away with their stories and fabricated a lot of it.
@@canobenitez if you want to believe that, I'm not gonna stop you. However, there is good reason the book about Hathcock is sold in the fiction section. 🤷🏼♂️
We need a real hero sniper to neutralize Xi JinPing and so save the entire World. Best to get him when he leaves China on diplomatic missions. We need operatives to inform us of Xi’s location and to smuggle the rifle and laser range finder into the host country. This mission will prevent World War III and save billions of lives. Who is in? Let’s become the greatest heroes of all time and let’s do it!
Thank you for this video. At 0:31 you refer to Gunny as "The brave soldier." If he was alive, he wouldn't be fond of that comment, soldiers are in the Army and Gunny Hathcock is a Marine. Though MS slowed him quite a bit in his later years, he still refused to show discomfort and carried on to the end with his head held high. He was the guest of honor multiple times at the Lou Diamond Detachment, Marine Corps League charity rifle match at Camp Perry in Ohio. A true Marine.
Carlos Norman Hathcock Jr. was one of the most incredible people to ever walk the face of this earth. Not just by his sniping skills, but his love of this country, his dedication to the Corps, and his fellow comrades, extremely rare, if not almost completely nonexistent today, makes him the best there ever will be at what he did and who he was. Just amazing!!!
It's sad that you think a guy that killed people he had no business killing in a country he had no business being in and in a war that the US had no business inserting itself into is one of the most incredible people to walk the Earth. Really, really sad.
I served in the Marine Corps, and throughout Boot camp (knowledge portion) and especially during crucible, we were taught about various Marines that were exemplary and carried the three pillars of Honor, Courage and Commitment. While I do not think Mr. Halfcock was one exemplified, from what I went through I can say that he is on top of the chain of exemplified Marine. Now after 20 years out, this story motivated the hell out of me. At least to continue these virtues in my civilian life and with whatever I am doing. To do better. Semper Fidelis!
There is nothing honorable i what he did. There's no honor in killing people you have no business killing in a war you have no business being in. Being committed to a government willing to put you in that position is not a virtue, it's a tragedy. Holding these people up on a pedestal only makes it easier for the government to use you up and spit you out.
Despite what we read in popular culture about snipers, being one is one of the toughest, most sapping, harrowing roles. For example, snipers are often tasked with collecting intel on enemy positions and have to stay in cramped conditions for extended periods of time while performing all their bio functions in that location. They need excellent memory, recall, attention-to-detail mindsets. Very, very tough people.
They also have to be mentally tough. Unlike most soldiers, snipers see the faces of the men they kill. Sniper schools do not want psychopaths, and they do not want cowboys looking for revenge. They want people motivated by a desire to save their fellow soldiers by eliminating enemy threats.
I had the privilege of meeting Carlos Hatchcock about a year before he died. I am an Army Sniper was in total awe of his accomplishments. All of my duty was in the Middle East. I never had to belly crawl through the jungle or leech infested streams to stalk my target and pretty much all of my kills were a 1000m with an M107. He was a slight and very humble and genuine person, which ran counter to his larger than life reputation. He was already suffering badly from Parkinsons but was a true gentlemen and someone I am so glad I had the privilege to meet and talk with. A point of correction, his longest kill was NOT shot with his Win Mod 70, it was with a M2 with a mounted Inertl scope. A 2500 yd shot with a .30-06 is a nearly impossible shot. The bullet drop at 1000 yds alone is over 375 inches.
Marine sniper..93 confirmed kills.....absolutely loved this book.......I'm a Navy vet and saw this book, picked it up and started reading it, it absolutely drew me into it so bad I couldn't put it down no matter how hard I tried.......Semper Fi Marine!!!!!!!
It is argued if Carlos is the best sniper or not. I can only look at it this way. He took what tools he had at the time. And made some incredible shots. He did not have all this new and modern computer calculated equipment. Not any of the new and improved ammo's of today. No he had 1940's and 50's technology and equipment. And sat records that held over what, 30 plus years. So let's take these guys that are breaking his records and let them use the same equipment as Carlos used and see how they do. Hands down, Carlos is the best sniper to ever have lived or walk this earth. Nothing against the ones breaking his records. They are also great people. I look at it this way. I broke speed records from the 1930's with a 1990 Camaro. is that equal in saying I broke records? No it is not. It is the same job per say. Yet, it is still comparing apples to oranges to me.
That's the same way I see it. While the Winchester model 70 that Carlos used is widely regarded as one of the finest rifles ever made, it was still manufactured with old fashioned machining equipment decades before our far more precise and controllable CNC equipment today. Much the same can be said for the ammo that he used, yet he still accomplished shots that Marines still speak of with admiration and heads shaking in disbelief.
Ya, very old school good. Maybe he'd picked up a Native American spirit guide or something while hunting in the Arkansas hills (under circumstances where, if you miss, you go hungry - that will tend to significantly improve one's aim, put an edge on the matter) who taught him some skills people don't commonly have these days. Inventive, creative, responsive, improvising on the fly... you just don't get those skills running a computer program. While the equipment is important, it matters less than the skill.
You forget simo hayha - the sniper from Finland nicknamed ‘White death’ An Absolute animal. Although Carlos is incredible too. Never knew about this hero. Thank you dark docs!
I read his book when I was young and in the Air Force. I shot expert every time I had to qualify with any weapon the Air force would hand me. I was also stationed in Arkansas, in Missiles, and used to roam the woods there because of Caroos. It helped me understand where he learned his craft. He was a fine man, and a Great Marine.
I remember hanging out with some friends as we walked by a bookstore in my early 20’s. I went in and took a quick look around. I found the book “Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills” sitting in a book bin for 99 cents. This was a long time before snipers were “Popular” in the movies or even well known. I bought the book on a whim. One of the few books I read straight through. Years later “sniper” movies or movies with snipers in the group started to pop up. They all stoled the scene of Carlos’ famous shot of shooting the opposing sniper though the the enemy’s scope. I looked up what this book costs now and get pissed-off. Mr. Hathcock’s estate doesn’t get a penny of these inflated prices. I loaned/gave my copy to a friend to read (a non-reader) and he couldn’t put the book down either. I’m tired of hearing about today’s snipers getting more confirmed kills or longest kill shot. Gunny was in a league of his own. No one else comes close. To the snipers that write books today, the only ones I give credence to our those who acknowledge Hathcock as the best.
A relentless dedication to his craft, 4D situational awareness,, honor, with patriotism. Hopefully, today's youth "new recruits" might have a chance to learn about this man, and to what he achieved as a soldier. What an excellent summary of this Tier 1 marksman. Obviously, Tier 1 classification was not yet in practice, but he built and opened the door for excellence in his craft as The Sniper!
Sure, honor and patriotism by killing a bunch of people he had no business killing, in a country he had no business in, sent there by a government who inserted itself into a situation it had no business inserting itself into, a government who couldn't care less about the guy. With any hope, new recruits see what the problem is with these kinds of stories and with the Vietnam War, and Iraq War in general.
I believe the record was with his M2. There is a documentary (the only one he agreed to do) where he explains how he had to sight in and walk the round out to the 2500 yards.
@@kcgunesq I can't remember if it was the kid on the bike or the VC commander stretching first thing in the morning. Then again, VC commander may have been when he crawled for several days. I get them mixed up. Any insight is appreciated.
It was the bicycle. He spoke of it in his book. He smoked the commandered because he like to point. That's how he confirmed who VC officers were, they really like to point.
I was in Vietnam with White Fellow in 1969. And when I got home I went to visit him at his home in Virginia Beach, VA. After he was discharged. He was a wonderful person.
Hathcock will always be a completely different breed of soldier for the time. (EX British army guy hear (Basic soldier at best) It takes balls to continually take on what must have looked like an impossible suicide missions. And continually want to serve your nation even when he could have easily retired from service proud of his achivments. Granted in my time in the british army i only ever came across 1 sniper trained brit, and whilst i respected him massively (He was my basic training corporal) he was no Hathcock...
Whenever I hear stories about this incredible, American soul, I’ve got no shame in admitting that my eyes sweat. Just imagine how many sons, fathers, brothers came home because of this avenging angel. It’s my fear that there are very few people in the world nowadays that could measure up to this man in any endeavor, the world is poorer for the lack of this warrior.
As a Marine I can't remember how many times this man was mentioned, and after reading books and watching documentaries I realized how important and amazing this man is. A true American and Marine.
Read his book when I was in the 5th grade. It was the first time I read a real book and it was an eye opener. That was the moment that I wanted to be a marine. Fields of fire was another amazing Vietnam war book. I read that right after I read marine sniper.
Was introduced to Hathcock’s “story” way back as a teenager. Never then, or today, have I been swayed from he being the best ever. Not demeaning the Kyle’s, and other decorated hero’s, it’s just Carlos’s story, in his book 93 Confirmed Kills, have I come close to viscerally feeling his dedication and brilliance.
Always been one of my heroes. I read his story in high school. I wasn't able join marines but have always wished I could. His story should be told more often. A true American hero.
Carlos Hathcock became my greatest hero after reading the actuarial accounts of his life. The double referenced accounts of his history was in the form of two books written for him & about him. Carlos never talked about himself. It took a close friend to write the 2 books separated by 20 years. The first book told Carlos's story viewed from the US Marine view. 20 years later the same author went to N. Vietnam and got the view from the enemy's view point. There is no question about his accomplishments. He was hated/feared by the N.VC as much as he was loved by the Marines. When asked, he would only say he was doing his job just the same as the man driving supply trucks. I study history, so it is easy for me to say - there never was a soldier like Carlos and there will never be another. That is why Carlos Hathcock is my all time greatest hero.
I was on the Marine Corp Base Camp Lejeune rifle team 1972. Carlos was there still shooting even though he was seriously burned. His arm was always bent from scar tissue received taking a shell in the back of the trunk when he saved lose lives. Amazing man.
Carlos Hathcock was killing people in a country he had no business being in after being sent there by a government that involved themselves in something they had no business involving themselves in. If you actually study history, this should be apparent to you, as should the fact that there are always soldiers like him and there will always be soldiers like him. Find better heroes, or better yet, stop idolizing people and be your own person.
@@mechanomics2649 // When someone dictates what I should do, I get real defensive and hold onto my beliefs harder than before. I understand history, you are not in a position to judge that. So, I reject your total argument totally. It is obvious you have never learned how to debate people or you would have used data to change my mind, rather than putting me down. So sad... Peace to you, my brother.
Charles Henderson book about Hathcock is a timeless one. They used the 8x Unertl scope which mounte on a braquet fixed and zeroed it . After use take scope off and put it back on the M70 of their and rezero that one.
Major James Land played a major role in that book ...not to mention he played an import role in GySgt Hathcock's development. Not to mention his role in creating the United States Marine Corps Sniper School. GySgt Hathcock would have wanted everyone to know about Major Land's efforts. Semper Fi, Devil Dawgs ...
@@jeremyfisher8782 And HW McBride book from ww1 ,and Hesket Pritchard who set up the allied sniper school in France was much of the knowledge Land used to write the startup for his courses.
![BOWKYLION - วิงวอน (ex-change) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/cLdnZWDaO-w/mqdefault.jpg)
The book "Marine Sniper" is his story, read it in high school out of a box of donated books, I stayed up 3 nights in a row and couldn't stop reading it. He was an extraordinary man and a patriot.
Same with me!
I read Hathcocks Book in the 90s and i have his book until today its stored in the Cellar with other VN War Books (plus a lot of Stephen Kings Horror Storys,)
Michael Herr`s "Dispatches" and Hathcocks Book are my favourite VN War Books ( German translations), i would rate Michael Herr´s Dispatches No.1 (100% worth to read try its the best book about Men and war) and Hathcocks No.2, at the end i feeled very sad for him he did his best was an outstanding Sniper served his country, developed new Ideas like using the .50Cal with a scope as a long range Sniper Rifle.
was Naval infantry in my Country cold war times and i was shocked at the end of the Book, i couldnt understand why they kicked him out of service nearly 2 Month before retirement, he deserved better, MS is terrible when i worked for an Amublance service i had often 12hour shifts in the Apparment of an MS Sick Ex Soldier (Pioneer/Engineer) the only Part of his Body he could move was his Head he could talk and breathe thats all was a dead Men waiting for his last MS push.
Saw Photos of Hathcock after retirement he had lost teeth looks like no one cared for his medical treatment or he couldnt afford to pay for a dentist.
Sry for bad engl., i did my best
Watched an interview with him and was completely locked in on the man. It wasn’t me, it was the man himself. Incredible. Definitely my next read. Wanted to know the name. Thanks.
I think book name is 93 confirmed kills maybe just diff printing diff name
55 days. Wow they couldn’t even give him those 55 days for everything he has done. Disappointing :(
Can't believe they left out the story of him spending 3-4 days behind enemy lines to kill a Vietnamese general. He was given no details of the mission, was simply told it was extremely risky and he accepted. He crawled something like 1500 yards inch by inch, moving only when the wind blew the grass in the right direction to avoid being seen. He was nearly stepped on by patrolling guards at one point. The most amazing part was not that he killed his target, but managed to escape.
I read that. Hollywood took parts of that for the movie sniper. He must of had nerves of steel!
Also at one point was lying in an ant bed. I thinknhe said when he fired the shot, the echo of the shot made the vietcong look the opposite direction of where he was and he said at that moment he thought he might have a chance at getting out.
Timing .....
USMC scout sniper Carlos Hathcock. I still hold him and beat US sniper in history
Allegedly
There aren't enough books written about how extraordinary soldiers that the U.S. produces but this man was, without a doubt,in a class of his own.
REST IN PEACE
CARLOS HATHCOCK.
Good. It's horseshit propaganda used to draw young men into a machine that will use them up and spit them out.
It is rightfully overshadowed by how horrendously our soldiers get used as pawns in pointless wars
Australia, for our size and resources, put up a huge fight.
I read Hathcock's book and he is not the great sniper everyone says he was. Most of his kills where farmers forced by the NVA to take pot shots at US bases and couldn't even shot straight but Hathcock would sit on the edge of the base and pic them off. He was a cold blooded killer and didn't discriminate at all in the people he killed.
Well fortunately there have been a few written about Hathcock, and he also told the story of some of these experiences to classes in the Marine Scout/Sniper school, where he taught the arts of observation and sniping. He also gave a number of videotaped personal interviews after retiring from the Marine Corps, and at least a couple are avaible on YT.
Hathcock was very badly injured by a roadside bomb just before he was due to finish his second deployment. He spent many months in hospital. because he'd been very badly burned, and had endured dozens of operations for skin grafts. The fact that he was able to recover to the point where he could shoot at all, let alone teach and promote the USMC scout/sniper school was truly amazing. RI.P. Sgt. Carlos Norman Hathcock, USMC.
One of my heroes. Was so very fortunate enough to meet shortly before his passing. One hell of a Man and Marine. RIP Warrior.
I met Gunny Hathcock at our Marine Corps ball in Memphis Tennessee November 11th 1986. We all knew of his illness but he acted pretty normal that night, shaking hundreds of hands.
Carlos always credited his skill as a bushman over his skill with a rifle. His biographical book, which I read several times in high school, talks about this. The part where he crawled on his belly mere inches at a time over three days across an open field deep in enemy territory just to get close enough to take a shot at an NVA General while dodging enemy patrols and lying perfectly still in the brush was a nail-biter. It would take him in excess of 10 minutes just to take a drink of water, because that's how slowly he moved. The human eye perceives quick motion more than anything, and Hathcock knew this well.
The man was one of a kind.
It's surprising wat you can do when you move slowly even with no camouflage on.. move slowly as surly an you can often get within feet of someone before they notice
@John Drake Damn i never knew that, i come from Northern Ireland so this is interesting to learn about
Great description.. I know the same story.. not to mention that after he took out the general, the NVA soldiers walked within feet of Carlos, trying to find who took him out.
Big salute to Carlos.
It's not just the human eye - few animals can detect other non-moving animals if they remotely blend it.
Amazing!
Hathcock was a legend no doubt! But if you do your research, during the exact same period in the same war… Charles “chuck” Mawhinney was actually the top US sniper. He had 103 confirmed and 217 probables. Very quiet and extremely respected marine corp scout sniper. He’s still alive and doing well in Oregon.
Mawhinney was a great sniper, no question. But did he ever run into a flaming steal box to save other Marines? Put himself out, then run back in? Hathcock's legend isn't just about being behind a rifle. To me this willingness to sustain the most painful of injuries over and over make him a Marines Marine.
There was one mission he took to take out a NVA general, I do not remember the distance, but he had to cross a large open field to get into a position to take his target down, at one spot he came virtually nose to nose with one of the vipers that called that area home After he made his shot he had to escape back across that same field, only this time he had NVA searching for him. One of the searchers nearly stepped him, yet he escaped.
If I remember what my brother told me Hill 55, was the base for the 7th Marine Regiment. During Gunny's stay there my brother, a RTO for the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines was there as well. He met the Gunny a few times and was on some of the patrols that the Gunny went out with, before he and Burke dropping off to hunting. There is a very good book about the Gunny called "Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills" written by Charles Henderson. Maybe you should read it, it is not always the number of kills, but how and where they were made that make an excellent sniper.
Mawhinney may have racked up a larger kill score, which I believe his confirmed kills were only 103 or just 10 more than the Gunny's total confirmed was and his probables were not even half that the Gunny made, but all that made him was a proficient killer, nothing more. If he was such a great sniper, I would have expected to see more written about him, there is not that much out there. When I was stationed at Pendleton and worked out of the dispensary at San Matao home of the 7th Marines, there was still a lot of talk about the Gunny, that was in 1972. The Gunny had a probable kill count of 300 to 400 kills, if you are interested in the body count.
@@sgtoldschool1486 if im not mistaken he defended a downed helicopter with an m14 with a scope knocked off zero against an entire platoon of NVA. Each man is a hero in their own right. We really shouldn't compare them.
"Hathcock was cool but so-and-so is better!" Smd bro
My personal opinion about all of it is that all these guys were very gifted marksmen. I was gifted a 22 rifle at the age of 11 & I thoroughly enjoyed shooting. But when it came to hunting & killing, even though I was good at it, I didn't enjoy it as much as the target practice. And since hunting wasn't a priority for us being able to eat, I ended up doing it less & less. All that being said, I can't really relate to accumulating a body count. HOWEVER, yes, these guys are in the Marines during a war so they are getting paid to kill people & at the same time having to kill to keep from being killed. And so a lot of these snipers are sent on missions to kill a certain officer or people in leadership roles for the enemy. Because it's well known that things breakdown in squads when all of a sudden their leader is gone. So it's not really about the # of people that you took down but also the importance of each target in an effort to win the war.
I read "Marine sniper 93 confirmed kills" in 1988. In December of 89 I was in marksmanship instructor school at Camp Lejeune. One day totally by surprise Gunny Hathcock showed up on the range. He spent the afternoon with us and it was awesome. He was an amazing Marine and ive always been thankful that i got to meet him.
That would be an amazing experience
@@pepperlewis1 it was extremely cool. I’ve met professional athletes and a few actors. Even shared a sandwich one night with Roy Orbison. But White Feather will always be at the top in my book. It’s a combination of all he accomplished as well as what a fine man he was in person.
Awesome, fair play. In the presence of greatness even though I don't agree with the way the powers that be just fabricate lies to go to war.
Met him briefly at a vetrans parade and he could read a person at 20 feet... Should have gotten the Congressional medal of honor
@@derekgreene2304 When I was a young Marine I drank up every lie they told. As a 54 year old and a whole lot more awake to reality, I have to agree with you.
My marksmanship medal is the one I am most proud of. Knowing that this brave man could pull off these amazing shots, while in such an insane atmosphere, is truly extraordinary. What a true war hero.
❤ I Strongly Concur!!
I shot a perfect score and just knew I was going to hog school ,practice range , over confidence and a spotter I couldn't understand the next day on qualification range I looked right over a 25 meter target. Some one else got invited to hog school .
Either that, or its just a series of stories told by a very competent con man. And that is my vote, cause I was there.
@@shawntailor5485What is hog school?
Yeah, airsoft 20 m.
I knew Carlos personally...although we both served in Vietnam near Hill 55 I never met him there...later I met him in Virginia Beach, VA where he gave classes for our P.D. and he gave me two signed copies of his book. He was the finest U.S. Marine I ever knew.
I met Gunny at a gun show in Hampton VA.
Yeah sure bro
@@deanfennell9398 7.8 billion people on the earth and you wanna believe no one met Carlos Hathcock? sounds like someones a lil bit jealous that his life is so boring
How much for one of those books
@@michaelgarrett1959 His book IS AVAILABLE in paperback for onlu a few $
I bought over a dozen for my gun club years ago
Great read.
I was at the rifle range at Lejeune back in 86, and while we were on our lunch break, GySgt Hathcock dropped in to greet everyone while we were eating chow. He is a man who was very humble about his work as a sniper, and told us that you have to meld the rifle with your body and mind. That year I shot a 230 out of 250. The best I ever scored in ten years as a Marine. Semper Fi Gunny.
{ip
I thank you for your service!!
Was Albert Einstein your CO?
Did you know that since you were at Camp Lejeune, that you may be eligible for significant compensations.?
@@talonpilot lol those ads are everywhere on TV now lol
When I was on the Silent Drill Team I met Carlos. We were doing a show in upstate NY and he was the guest of honor. He was in a wheelchair but he damn sure stood up when the drum and bugle corps played the Marine Hymn. Fantastic human being.
Wow, a true fearless man, he needs way more recognition than what he got!
How Carlos did not get the Medal of Honor is shocking to me. Burnt over 40% of his body and his selfless need to protect those he served with says everything about the man.
Not up to speed on US service medals, but isn't the MoH directly related to extraordinary combat action?
im not sure which id be more proud of, a metal of honor or having a metal named after me.
@@Tan_was_here well said brother
@@anfo_4241 I believe so and I think it has to be witnessed by a commissioned officer.
Believe the medal is awarded only when a extraordinary feat of action or heroism is done and witnessed by others. Like holding a line against overwhelming enemy force or sacrificing self for others.
There's a good reason why many Medals of Honor are awarded to dead soldiers.
I met Carlos Hathcock several years ago. A quiet, unassuming man. RIP, Sir.
Yes he was.
Your definition of several and mine are different since he died 22 years ago.
@@josephhodges9819 I met him around 1994.-5
@@mrp55net I met him in ‘78
@@williamsporing1500 I had just finished a bullseye match in Raleigh when I saw a mutual acquaintance talking to a small group of people. She turned to me and waved me over, and then she introduced me to Carlos Hathcock. I was stunned and grateful for the honor.
White Feather is a LEGEND among Legends. I met him in '93 at a gun show in VA. While his body was broken as he sat in a wheelchair, his spirit was like a LION !!! Carlos was a simple man with a simple outlook on life -- directly matching his upbringing and hunting background in rural Arkansas. He was totally "no-nonsense" and didn't like small talk. Worse, he hated to have the limelight on him. So, he would redirect all attention away from himself with a flippant, sarcastic comment. He was so low-key and "down-to-earth", it was hard to believe. When an attendee tried to ingratiate himself with Carlos, he told the guy to get lost, "because he [Carlos] didn't need his sympathy."
I'll never forget how much he impressed me, because he was SO unassuming.
Your very lucky to have met him!!!
If the show was on Route 17, I was there standing in line, also. Just as I was about to go in front of him, he took a much needed break due to his condition. Even though I had read his book previously, I had purchased another at this show to get his autograph. The ball cap with his name and logo that I also bought is pretty worn out now but I still wear on occasion.
as a young soldier his story inspired me. I went on to win a Cannaught gold medal, as one of the top shots in the Canadian Army. Tours overseas kept me from competing. I miss / and don't miss shooting anymore. He was a truly great man. Not for his shooting, for dragging out 7 brothers. There was a finn of the same caliber. Check that man out as well
Connaught, not Cannaught.
Did you know anybody named Mike T,he was in the 90's
as a fellow Canadian, thank you for your service. me and and all the rest of the Canadian civilians are glad this man inspired you.
@@brianphaneuf6875making the correction was enough.. adding insult to it was unnecessary 😐
@@slimmeezy6965monkey stop trolling
as an Arkansan, im happy to have this guy in my state's history. absolute legend.
Me too!
Same here. My man was a BEAST!
Some am I > he resided in N.County San Diego after his service...
Glad I'm not Austrian
Nah I'll take the guy who opens the bay doors on a bomber to drop nukes sorry fellaz
I met Carlos Hathcock as a newly commissioned infantry officer in Quantico, VA in 1978. It was during our rifle training and initial qualifications. I knew of his reputation at the time but did not realize he was so close to death. I guess you never really think Legends and Hero’s like Carlos can die. I will say even this late in his career he was beyond impressive. Hard to think in this day and age it was before cell phones and laptop computers. As a young infantry officer meeting him is something I’ll never forget. As I reflect back on life goals being a Marine is one of my life’s greatest accomplishments. No regrets giving up flight papers to become an infantry officer, although being a Marine pilot would have been pretty cool!
Cap
@@albertoavila7053 ***Jit with no vocabulary to articulate they don't believe a story from a better generation of men, therefore using said slang "cap"***
Thanks for sharing your story bro! Simper Fi🪖
@@albertoavila7053 stupidest slang word ever
You were at Quantico in 78? Ever meet an Irons in the Corpse? Would have been an officer at that point. Believe he was dive instructor mode at that time. May have been involved with teaching translators or interrogation.
@@TheGalliaComata No their agenda was very different back then. I really had a great time at TBS. Only stress was what MOS and duty station you would get. We had 30 slots for 60 Marines. Are to believe that many would start their careered not doing what they wanted. I totally lucked out. 0302 Camp Pendleton.
No mention of the mission when he stalked his target for miles to get within range of a certain unfavorable general, after he took the shot and killed the guy, he successfully exfilled the area, like a ghost. His book was amazing too btw.
Yep, I read the book as well, and it's amazing.
I guess he had some regrets after that particular mission because the NVA went nuts with retaliatory strikes for the week that followed it.
@@Gunners_Mate_Guns I can't even fathom doing shit like that. You gotta be a hard mfer.
Worst part is how the corps treated him when he could no longer do his job, an absolute shame.
Sniper elite.
@@Gunners_Mate_Guns can you please share the name of the book please? Thanks 🙏🏽
He's a true legend and revered among all snipers. His history & lessons are taught not just in the USMC Sniper School but across the other branches as well as foreign schools. A true patriot and absolute bad ass.
I'm glad he had luck and grace to fall over when Cobra shot. God Bl Trinity protects and provides. The good guys usually win. My dad fought Nazis and we cracked their code like Japanese. I hope and pray he'll get President's Medal and maybe someone can help. Glad no PTSD and Jesu Mary's Divine Mercy way will help us as He may come soon said StJPII. Same with Fatima vision no WW as we pray and enough pure. God bless US
Hopefully not all snipers, just the ones who've drank the kool-aid.
I met Gunny Hathcock shortly before his passing. That was in 1997. You could still sense that focus through the pain. He had a sense of purpose. Keeping his fellow Marines alive.
How blessed you are!!!
WOW!!!!!!!
@@fishin-magician Blessed for what? Meeting a vet from a disgraceful war?
@@mechanomics2649 war was disgraceful, vet was not
@@mechanomics2649yeah your opinion has no value. You vote blue did ya? Groomers gotta groom ya know.
@@BillyBob-wq9fl you got weiner on your breath, Billy Boob.
One of the greatest Marines to ever live, a true warrior
I agree with your permit. By the way, “Marine” is always capitalized.
@@davidgold5961 I'm ashamed of myself for not proof reading that! Thank you for the kind correction
@@davidgold5961 damn right it is!
Your hero was on the wrong side of history. Worshipping American soldiers is just sad.
@@userI3I2 No, sir, and you need to ask if you are on the wrong side of freedom vs. tyranny. This is not worship, but admiration, for an exemplary American who served with a tradition of serving as liberators, not conquerors, a lesson you & your peoples should heed. Please go forth & have a nice day!
The white feather’s commitment to his fellow Americans and his country is inspiring. So many people say what they are willing to risk but this man proved it every single day!
Adelbert Waldron is too often overlooked. He arrived in RVN a month before me and went almost immediately to our Sniper School.
When you look at how his tour was cut short when our 9th Division was moved to Hawaii, his record is amazing. Upon his return he was largely silent about his service.
Adelbert deserves an episode.
He was a quiet about it ,and sometimes seen on pictures in some articles elsewhere. And his equipment was on the other side of the "scale" with the M21 and ART 2 scope and mount.
Bert Waldron and that shot from a moving boat.
My opinion in knowning at least one really good USMC sniper: the good ones usually don't talk about their service, just acknowledge it.
They don't mention , he went 50 miles behind enemy lines , he hide alone in a field for weeks , and he shot and killed a high ranking NVA General. Then he escaped alive , all alone.
Don't forget Chuck Mawhinney.
I had the pleasure to meet him when he came to speak at our local American Legion . A true legend and gentlemen and I told him my favorite part of his biography was when he won the sniper contest at camp Perry Ohio . I watch him closely and he appeared to go back to that memory and thanked me and my brother who served in the Marines around the same time. A true Hero
Gunny Hathcock will always be a legend within and outside the Marine Corps. He exemplified what it means to be a Marine. Rest In Peace Gunny. Semper Fi
He exemplified what it means to be a marine by killing a bunch of people in a country he had no business being in for a country that had no business being there.
You're not wrong, I guess.
@@mechanomics2649 He said he didn't enjoy killing people but enjoyed the hunt
Military personnel don't get to chose where they're deployed. Don't blame him for going to Vietnam, respect that he took another tour that wound up scarring him for life, so in that respect, he DID choose to go back, albeit with good intentions for his fellow Marines.
As he saw it, he was saving other Marines' lives.
You also have to remember the politics of the time, but if you want a really good book to read about Vietnam & HOW it became the mess it was, read "A Bright Shining Lie" by Neil Sheehan, which is partly about the history of Vietnam 1945 onwards, & a history of one of the early military advisors, Lt. Col John Paul Vann.
A legend. Met him when I was a SWAT sniper, truly a memorable meeting. Quiet, unassuming, humble. He signed my copy of his book, even though, as I found out later, he received no money from the paperback version. A lot can be learned from those who came before us.
Why didn't he get money from the paperback edition? Do you know why?
@@Genesh12 I don’t know, that is what I was told by one of the Marines with him
If I heard correctly, the narrator said: "It was with his Winchester Model 70, he made the .....2,500 yard shot." He actually made that shot with an M2 .50 caliber machine gun that had a scope mounted on it. The first shot cut the bicycle frame in half and when the VC soldier got up and started firing, Hatchcok sent the 2d round down range, killing him.
I was looking for this exact comment.
@@Lucas12v Sounds right. I don't know if a .30 caliber round will even go that far, or if it would have enough power to kill someone if it did.
@@heypainterman
A .22LR is dangerous out to a mile and a half. A 30-06 would go 2500 yds. Not saying it would hit what you were aiming at but....
Dark docs and their related channels are not known for their accuracy
That’s amazing.👍
He once said "I don't enjoy the slaughter of being a sniper. I only do it to try to protect as many American lives as possible." Now, it's really good to hear a man & Marine say such a thing.
Too bad it's not true, and you can tell because when he was serving as a teacher statewide he didn't like it and wanted to go back to the warzone where all he did was hunt and shoot people. What do people expect him to say? "I like hunting humans that's why I'm really good at it"? Of course not, he's a smart person, he knows he has to say, "I hated the killing part actually, I was only thinking of others, I never wanted to do it, but they made me"
@@ashesmandalay1762 You're quite the cynic, aren't you? I choose to believe the original statement. Maybe you should look into your own nature and see what you find there. You could be projecting your own inner demons.
@@charlessmith6412 Actually, he's probably kind of right. Many people in combat roles like that get addicted to the adrenaline, the rush, etc. Usually there's a disparity of not actually liking the idea of killing someone, but the action, adrenaline and danger, the struggle/fight to preserve your life, and the sense of purpose it gives you, especially if it's protecting friends and allies. Some people do actually enjoy killing and that's fucked up, but it's not always cause they're just some psycho but because it's a way to cope and not feel horrible, or justify it, maybe call it revenge or something. It's really complex, and hard to understand for anyone who hasn't experienced actual war or fighting, but anyone who's actual experienced combat and killed can understand at least some.
@@IkeanCrusader1013 Nice rationalization. But I prefer to believe "white feathers" statement. Being 'probably kind of right' is logically equivalent to being probably kind of wrong.
@@charlessmith6412 Well if you're gonna be a cunt, I agree that he was most likely projecting and that's pretty cynical, but he still makes a fair point. So no, he's not "probably" kind of right, he is just half right, if you don't know the man personally, you have no idea and there's about a 50/50 chance he was telling the truth there. You have no more idea what you're talking about than he does, and he almost certainly missed the war after returning to civilian life, but (50/50) probably not because he liked killing and death, but you miss the comradery, and you become so used to that environment, and your nervous system being constantly on survival mode, that nothing seems right back in the "normal" world.
Hoorah Marine. Thank you for reminding me of the pride I have for a fellow Marine who accomplished, missions, and duty in a warzone multiple times.His bravery is now in my memories of the finest soldiers that ever lived. Guny Hancock.
A guy who killed a bunch of people he had no business killing, in a country he had no business being in, having been sent there by a government who inserted itself into a situation it had no business inserting itself into, makes you feel pride?
I've heard about Carlos Hathcock since I joined the Air Force in 1985, but never knew this much about him. THANK YOU for this very important video, honoring a magnificent US Marine and his galiant actions serving our beloved country...👍
One of my heroes. Thanks for doing this vid. You could do another one on him about his mission to hit a General in his own compound.
A true American. They broke the mold when they made him. Rest Easy Marine.
To all Vietnam Veterans , welcome home and thank you for your service
Welcome home?it ended 50 years ago.
@@hurleycapetown8420 for many that WAR hasn't ended show some RESPECT
@@michaelnieman6218 you need to respect both parties and not just one side of the war
Amen 👍❤️👍
Wenn man so einen Schwachsinn schon hört ... "danke für euren Dienst (fürs Land)" ... kein normaler Bürger eines Landes hat direkten Profit an einem Krieg, wenn er nicht dem militärisch industriellem Komplex zugehörig ist.
He is a legend.
Would of loved a 10 part mini series about his life.
There are actual interview clips with him telling stories of his experiences in the military. They are posted on youtube and its much better hearing those stories right from the man that lived them.
@@robreesor5011 I've seen the ones on a sniper documentary with his actual interviews. But just would be nice if we got a Band of Brothers ish mini series about his career.
They don't mention , he went 50 miles behind enemy lines , he hide alone in a field for weeks , and he shot and killed a high ranking NVA General. Then he escaped alive , all alone.
Fukin A Bubba
@@nickkerr8775 there is a video of him talking about that here on youtube...he had guys walking right past him while he was in his gilli suit...a few almost stepped on him he said.
As a long distance shooter myself I've always admired white feathers accomplishments his weapon and optics and caliber were minimal at best compared to the firearms and calibers and advanced optics available today . He truly set the bar for all American snipers.
My younger brother was an Army sniper. Even among the Army, "White Feather" is revered.
Talent is Talent
Years ago, in the late 1980s, I was privileged to go to an "appreciation day" for an employee who was in the Army Reserves. We toured the base, including the rifle range, and even rode in a Huey to another location. The final thing was a gathering at which a speaker was to be presented, and the speaker was none other than Carlos Hathcock. This was before the effects of MS were diagnosed in hm,. and we heard him speak for almost an hour, during which not a single person got up, lest they miss part of his talk. He recounted the time he spent in Viet Nam, what made a good sniper, and took questions after his talk. It was amazing, and I'm glad I was invited to go. Thank you, Jaime, for asking me to go with you!
Do you, or anyone, have a recording, or notes of what he said? It would be great if you could share. Thanks!
Legend of a Marine. Learned about him day from training day one through training day 95 at Parris Island and all through the school of infantry. He wrote the manual for the Army, Navy, and Marine sniper schools.
Legend from a war that the US had no business being in and ended up losing. Get better legends.
@@mechanomics2649 ha ok dirty hippie. 95 confirmed kills makes him a legend. A war we lost? That’s debatable. There’s a difference between losing a war and just losing interest. I guess the real results are told in bodies. May want to have a look at that statistic.
@@mechanomics2649 soy boy
@mechanomics2649 go touch grass
Read his book, One shot one kill. I read it twice and it's amazing. I meet him at a gun show years ago and he was quite an outstanding individual. RIP to an American hero.
I had the honor of meeting Carlos Hathcock twice in the 1990s. I bought a copy of his book from him that he personally signed. He was a legend and an American hero.
He makes my 21 years in the military seem like 21 years working at Disney World. He's a true warrior.
No ... You are also a true warrior. Thank you for serving our country. Your time and efforts deserve and demand our respect. Thank you ... A shit ton!
21 years of boredom mixed with the occasional reason for terror is nothing to look down on,
of course working for mickey is no picnic either.
I think that no sane person could wear those furry costumes in the heat for 21 years, so you probably got off easy in the military, especially when you consider all the screaming children...
THANKS FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY!!!
Not at all, Proud & thankful for your service.
21 years is a hell of a long time protecting us! Thank you, more than you know!
No sir , thank you for your service every single service member is important 🇺🇸👊🙏
Watched Carlos shoot on CP Viale range: met his family at the first presentation of the CMP Hatchcock Trophy...thanks to my my Marine friends Ken and Jim for coming up with this legacy, sure miss you guy's and the times we shared.
RIP.... I have MS now too - it is the hardest battle of all.
I wish I'd have read this when you wrote it. Maybe you can still be helped by this information. Check out the use of saturated beef suet and not eating anything but beef for 90 days. There are reports from MS sufferers who have put the condition into remission with a carnivore way of eating.
I was lucky enough to meet Hathcock when I was a kid. He was a very good man. He was very kind to me, and told me everything I wanted to know. I asked him a lot of questions about being a sniper and how things were done. He was more than happy to tell me, and agged me on about enlisting to the marine corp as a force recon sniper telling me don't take no as an answer. I had just gotten out of the hospital from having a cancerous bone tumor removed from my knee and was starting chemo the next day. He told me "If you have the fight in you to survive this the marines should be proud to have you". That was in 1987. When i heard he passed away i cried for days cause along with my dad he was my hero. I started trying to enlist at 16 in 1994. I was amancipated and married to my first wife in march of 1994. I tried hundreds of times making it to the physical before they would say "youve had surgery on your knee so we can't take you at this time you can try again in 90 days". I tried every 90 days until my 35th birthday. At one point they told me if i keep trying i would be charged with a felony for wasting recruiters time, and i kept trying anyway. At 35 i was to old to enlist by law, so i quit trying. From september 1998 to august of 2007 i was employeed by government security contract company to catch drug runners in south America, so i guess you could say i got to serve anyway but it is not the same. I would still enlist in a second to get to do my part if they would let me. Maybe then my father could finally have something to be proud of me for. Anyway Hathcock was a great man, and my life has been much for the better for having had the chance to meet him.
Mr. Rose,
That was a great story you just told and I want you to know I believe and appreciate it. Thank you for sharing it with all of us. God Bless.
I knew Bill Donovan. He was a wonderful scout master in Carlsbad, Ca. He helped many fine young men to become Eagle Scouts. Bill had been a marine marksman in Vietnam and was a retired Gunny Sargent. Bill was one of those unbelievably brave men who would go out into the bush and hunt Vietcong VIP's and other targets. Bill had a 'scope to scope' kill that he was humble about but proud of. RIP Bill. You were one of the very best!
Hathcock is a true legend. He was not adequately recognized for his bravery and accomplishments, which were accomplished under trying circumstances and at great risk to his own life. How he did not receive the Navy Cross and multiple Silver Stars is beyond me.
The sniper is not appreciated, until the manure hits the overhead. Hathcock is a true legend, the likes of which will never be seen again.
Because its all stolen valor and bullschitt. An incredible story told by a con man supreme with NONE of it verifiable. And now that he is gone, no one can confront. If 25% of it were true the whole world would know about it. But no, its bullschitt believed by the unknowing. I just can't figure out why you want to believe. I was there, its bullschitt. Ask some other combat vet as well.
The US Navy, and the Marine Corps by extension, were particularly stingy, per policy, in passing out medals during Nixon's Presidency, and enlisted men were last in line. I wonder how many Marine Corps Achievement medals he had, all with that V device on them? Even though half the casualties we suffered were during the last half of the war, we were "winding it down" and the politicians wanted to avoid drawing attention to the fact was what I was told at the time by my CO.
Probably because of political crap. Like doing a lot of work over the border in Laos or Cambodia. That was common reason a lot of special forces guys didn't get awards. There lots of reasons that suck but make sense.
@@jamesrjohanniii774 No, he was a con man. And like all con man, he told a great series of stories. Stolen valor is what he is. And I am getting too old to continue to dispel his bullschitt stories. Ask some other Nam combat vet, see what they say. I'm tired of telling folks that want to believe an incredible incredible series of stories that have way too many holes in them to be believed.
I met a vet here in Colorado that knew him well in Vietnam. A great experience to meet this man.
Thank you for your service, commitment to your fellow team members, amazing bravery, and your absolute devotion to relaying your combat proven skills to future generations of those that are so lucky to walk in your shadow. THANK YOU.
My neighbor in Texas was a Marine sniper.
Bob Linnett U.s.marine in Vietnam.
I wish someone would look at his Vietnam experience as he never speaks/spoke about it.
God Bless him ,his wife and EVERYONE WHO FOUGHT IN THE VIETNAM WAR.
ABSOLUTELY right, Uncle Buzz!!
It’s a shame that all of our soldiers fought in this war but were so disrespected by the American people that spitting in their faces when they came home.
Something that should have never happened.
Although I had read a book written about Whie Feather, I had not known that he had MS. My own brother suffered from the same horrible condition. It is thought that MS is caused by a virus contracted as a result of nerve damages. Being burned would certainly expose nerves and provide an entry point for that dreaded virus. Thanks, Carlos Hathcock should be remembered and honored.
It's unknown what causes it I am diagnosed 12 years now
@@dougdonnelly1311 Will pray for your health and healing. 🙏
No know cause with Multiple Sclerosis.
No cure.
It gets worse every day.
Ask me how I know.....
19-years now and doctors still don't have a fucking clue.
But my monthly copay is up to $7000.00 for a one per day pill!
Man do I know who this man was! He had left Vietnam when I arrived but this man was talked about and admired by everyone there. Amazing skill with a weapon not a lot different than a hunting rifle. They have amazing high tech weapons today which does help a sniper a lot. No matter skill is everything and the feather had tons.
I got to meet him and Charles Henderson, the author of the book, "Marine Sniper" at a Marine Corps League tradeshow in DC in the late 80's. Remington had hired them as celebs to man their tradeshow booth. I was manning the McDonnell Douglas booth across the aisle as a staffer. He seemed like a great guy, friendly, no bravado, very matter of fact. Meeting him gave no clue that he was basically a superhero. I was impressed.
I remember my when my drill instructor told my platoon the story of Carlos Hathcock right before qual day and when she was done telling his story, she gave each person in my platoon a white feather and told us all that we were Carlos Hathcock while shooting down range. His story deeply inspired me and every person in my platoon ended up shooting expert on table 1.
Using a guy who was a victim of propaganda by a government that inserted itself into a place it had no business being, and in an unjust war that it lost, as inspiration isn't something I'd go around telling people.
@@mechanomics2649 Not all of us were born with elitist know all understanding. The point is in a world of survive or perish Hathcock was a survivor not by hiding but facing the force against him head on with courage and "nerves of steel" and that is inspiring to mind and spirit of what man can accomplish. Just curious, what have you done?
@@viscova9460 He managed to clean the cat box out in his Mom's basement.
@@faithismespeaks6848 He was the turd that was left in the box.
@@mechanomics2649 When you're told by your country that the enemy is Hitler all over again, without means of computers to dissent or find all the facts, you are going there to protect your country. Not a man there should be shamed for the cause they believed in.
Legend, hero, warrior . This man is a prime example of all 3 of these words. Gives me chills.
As a former sniper (few in the comments I think), what never seems to do this guy justice, is an explanation of the terrain. Hot and humid, a given (utterly energy sapping) heavy cover (makes it hotter, it's an advantage but also your enemies, makes folks easier to track). What's never mentioned, the jungle is trying its level best to kill you. Toxic plants, disease (infections are easy to get) venomous wildlife, apex predators (Vietnam i believe it was tigers), then there's the enemy. There well educated and trained, it's there back yard (lethal combo) then there's the booby traps, which the Vietnamese were masters in. Combine all this, and be as effective as he was under massive stress, with 60s tech and nutrition? That's impressive.
Yeah the tech, or lack there of, usually doesn't get much mention either. The optics alone back then would be considered unusable by today's standards.
Very true statement. I always think of Charlie Sheen in 'Platoon' when I try to imagine how truly miserable that environment would have been in Vietnam. Sure puts things into perspective when the social justice 'woke' crowd kneels for our National Anthem!
@@joeswinsick8977 I think the woke kneeling bunch are referred to as figure 12 targets are they not 🤫😉
@@joeswinsick8977 American invaders of Vietnam deserved to be miserable. Nationalism is infantile and pathetic. Colin Kaepernick did more for America than anyone who "served" in Vietnam. Stop whining.
@@joeswinsick8977 I never understood why people get so bent out of shape about kneeling. Are we implying that people are disrespecting God when they kneel before him? How would you feel if someone saluted God instead of kneeling? Food for thought
I had the pleasure to meet this remarkable human being in VA Beach sniper training school ...
Where a buddy of mine and then chief of police( CHIEF WALLS) allowed me to attend and watch his skillful teaching .
The experience was and to this day one of the best days ever.
Aw man, I was hoping you'd tell the story about him eliminating the general. Crazy amount patience and stealth was required
This mission took days. He almost got stepped on by a Vietnamese security patrol while laying still in an open field.
And being eaten by fire ants
Yeah they forgot that one
That was probably his toughest mission maybe not the best placed shot, but he wasn't expected to come back.
Because it's bullshit. Almost 50 years since the war ended, and there is still zero proof of this General ever being killed. No name, no date, no area, nothing...just what Hathcock and his biographer said. That doesn't strike you as odd? If this indeed happened, it would have made front page news in Sea Tiger and Stars and Stripes, but nope...nothing. The only NVA General to have died during Hathcock's deployment was Nguyen Chi Tanh, and he died in Hanoi (1967).
I find it incredible that someone couldn't 'lose' the Gunny in the system for the 55 days he needed to finish his service.
I agree, after all he gave and sacrificed, that was really shabby treatment to screw him out of the 20 year mark, which makes a BIG difference in your retirement benefits.
@@289wolf When you add this to the theft of the rifle with the shot out scope, which has to be ultimate trophy for any sniper, I think he was the target of weaponised jealousy.
@@289wolf I recognised that there was something significant about 20 years of service but could you please elaborate on how much difference it would have made for Carlos to actually reach 20 years of service?
Mark from Melbourne Australia
@@markfryer9880 aside from a pride thing it has to do with pension. In order to receive full pension one must complete 20 years of service. Anything below 20 years the pension percentage drops. In a roundabout way 20 years means you're eligible for retirement.
@@markfryer9880 I was in Bulgarian Air Force in old times . 20 years of service was max and u reviving full military benefits +pension + 14 paychecks cash pays + tax free + very big apartment and can works as Conttactor to rest if you life + every honorable Achievements . Basically you r Close to God him self
I had the honor of meeting Carlos at a Virginia Beach gun show in the early 90's through a mutual friend who was a Marine sniper in Korea. He would visit shows when his health was up for it. I purchased a "Whitefeather" lithograph and had Carlos sign it for me. The thing that struck me about him was how humble of a man he was.
I met him at the same gun show, sitting in his wheelchair chain smoking Winstons. He was very humble and graciously answered my questions about his service. He autographed Henderson's book for me which I still have. I told him I was in the army and he thanked me for my service! I was flabbergasted because I'm just a 88M (truck driver). Class act. I remember when he died there was a big writeup in the Virginian Pilot about him since he lived off Independence Blvd. over by Little Creek. Sad day. Helluva marine and he saved countless lives during his service.
The good ones are humble. They have to be to be that good.
I had a friend ask me to join him there and I passed. It’s one of the things I’ve regretted in my life.
I think I attended the exact same gun show. It was in '93. I know, because I was on assignment with the US Senate in '93-94 and I attended the gun show in the Summer. So it was definitely '93. And as you rightfully say, he was a HUMBLE, but assertive man.
@@chipmartin7608 Gun show was in '93. I attended the exact same one and met Carlos as well. I had SO MUCH respect for him, I purposely stayed at a distance so as NOT to insult him like others did who were staring at him and making stupid comments. Being in the presence of such a Noble Soul, and listening to his unassuming comments and responses is something that I will never forget.
A Man like that is like truly something. No one real military person enjoys the killing of another, the victor is yes but never the killing. He like others before him and after him help protect others in very special way. Thanks for another great story of history.
As a person who's born and raised in Arkansas, and the majority of my family serving in the armed forces, I can't believe i've never heard anything about this before. I appreciate the history lesson
It's an easy story to miss.
I grew-up in East L.A barrios in the 60s & 70s, and heard vague references to Gunnery Sargent Hathcock as Vietnam was not a popular topic in the mainstream press... but of course, we were not in the mainstream. Vietnam was something many of us ASPIRED to: Multiple neighbor kids signed-up for their service of choice (else get drafted by the Army... the Marines were particularly popular), and I learned even in junior high school, by gaining sufficient rank in the Boy Scouts (Eagle or Life), a fresh recruit could skip rank as Private, & get promoted automatically to Corporal. Wow! I made Eagle!
THEN, I heard of some of Sgt Hathcock's actions in 'Nam. Oh, man... How do you prepare for THAT in L.A.? By spending as much time out in the FIELD (like on monthly camp-outs), and learn outdoor skills on your own, beyond what the Boy Scout Manual & adult leadership taught! OK, so the part with the guns wasn't possible, so we snuck-up on small game, or unsuspecting scouts/leaders as a surrogate. And a lot of us got quite good!
But by the time high school graduation came around, the US had pulled-out and lost the war. We abandoned our allies, and the rest is history. EXCEPT for the few beacons of pride & awe like Sgt. Hathcock's story. I remained inspired, went-on to college, medical school, residency, and practice as a trauma surgeon, eventually left the People's Republic of California for the United States of America, and now live only a few hundred miles from where Sgt. Hathcock grew-up, potentially allowing my kids to gain the same skills he did. Unfortunately, none have. Although I did OK, I have little valor to offer as an example to my growing sons, EXCEPT for testimony like Sgt. Hathcock's story, be it through one of his books, or the video outline provided here, like by Dark Docs.
And for that, I remain very thankful to Dark Docs for publishing this story, and to Sgt. Hatcock for his service, valor, for remaining a beacon of hope, inspiration, and providing a historic example from a time when we needed all of the valor and inspiration we could use. And continue to need. He really deserves the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Hathcocks interview before he died was a great listen. He goes into detail about some of his crazy missions. Going after a high ranking NVA officer all alone, completing the mission, and getting back alive.
You are either a born badass, or you are not. His story is not about a single incident or battle but of a lifetime of dedication to serve showing true resilience and durability. Thank you to all that serve in our military/police/first responders.
Anyone can be a badass sometimes but very few can be even more than that at all times.
He should of won the congressional medal of honor for his service saving so many American lifes.
Its all bullschitt, that's why.
White feather held the record for longest kill. Outstanding. A Canadian sniper from the JTF holds the record for longest kill. Outstanding. We are all in this together.
As a young man I learned of "White Feather".
At 62 I still consider this man the epitome of a
true warrior.
His biography is among the most incredible true stories I have ever read, I highly reccomend it.
The fact that the Marines still hold him in the highest regard says it all
I had the honor to sit next to him at our dining in when I was at TBS. He was modest and low key and happy to be among us. I told him that he set a high bar for current Marines like myself to live up to and I would try my best to do so.
The book about his experiences was riveting and I couldn't put it down. An absolute unit of a Man, Marine, and Sniper.
@@Eventual-Visitor I can tell you're a liberal pu$$y and a horrible person whose heroes are transgender nutcases named Levine and Brinton. You wouldn't last 10 seconds among real men.
@@mohawkdriver4155 You're right, i rather prefere women. But i don't judge, if you want real men and more than one at the time....well, lets just say it's your ass and you do with it what you want. Oh, by the way, you don't have to worry, as you can see the truth already got censored.
@@Eventual-Visitor I'd say anyone who thinks Hathcock and Kyle were psychopaths just isn't in touch with any kind of reality and should put themselves in their boots before making disparaging and untrue comments about them. The truth of the matter is that these men, by their actions, saved lives and that's what they'll be remembered for by their comrades. Maybe go serve in the Armed Forces before you open your mouth about something you know nothing about.
He was medically retired after he developed multiple sclerosis. He came back and talked to all the sniper classes until he passed away. The man is a legend. If you like his story, look up Colonel Wendell W. Fertig. He is the father of modern special forces and was screwed over by the "hero of the Phillipines," Douglas MacArthur.
Hi Ron when I read your account About McArthur all I could do was agree, he was the most disgusting person and the way he slaughtered his men was beyond bad. I agree with what you said.
Why would anyone like his story? He killed a bunch of people in a country he had no business being in, for a government that couldn't care less about him that involved itself in a conflict they had no part in.
What is there to like about any of this?
He isn't a legend. He was a useful tool of the government who is used as propaganda to sucker other people.
All Vietnam vets deserve a thank you they were putting the bad situation by a government that didn't give a s*** about their lives I know a lot of veterans from Vietnam bust them are gone now but those guys deserve a big thank you from the country that they served for
They served nobody really. Vietnam was just a battlefield America should have never been on… bigger countries using smaller counties in a larger political game… it’s sad that so many on both sides fought and died for nothing.
A "Thank you" for what? How did some Vietnamese rice farmer pose a threat to the constitution or the bill of rights? Or the average American?
Stop regurgitating the propaganda BS. It's gross.
A huge thank you from me for the service they gave so our freedom isn't
compromised.
@@isthisfake1519 How the hell is some poor Iraqi dirt farmer gonna "compromise" our freedom?
Since the invasion of Afghanistan 20 years ago over 4 million middle easterners in 4 different countries have been murdered by American bombs and bullets.
That's 4,000,000 men, women and children who had fuck all to do with 911. They never attacked us or even so much as threatened us. Their only misfortune was being born on top of resources wanted by western corporations and their shareholders.
@@isthisfake1519 Our freedom never would have been compromised had the US not inserted itself into a situation it had no business being in. The US's involvement did compromise the freedom of others though, not that you actually care about compromised freedom.
I remember when I was in high school reading a book about him I had bought at my local bookstore and I especially like the part when he had to hunt down that sadistic female Vietcong commander.
I liked the duel that everyone has to put in a movie nowadays. Shooter through the scope
I enjoyed that he hunted down that French (or maybe Canadian) that was advising the VietCong and interrogating captives. Also that he killed that sadistic female commander. That part of his book shook me. She was pure evil.
What was the name of the book
" Marine Sniper 93 confimed kills" ,by Charles Henderson.
@@markcox4922 Marine Sniper 93 confirmed kills, author's name is Charles Henderson.
this is a great representation of the pain and suffering the people who fought for our freedom went through, and i think all should be aware of these stories
our freedom? This was in Vietnam
Would your freedom have been lost if nobody died on a foreign land? Viet Nam was nothing more than a testing ground for new weapons and a lot of humans died for nothing
i did not mean nam spesificly, i mean as an example. i didn't say nam spesificly
I read the book Marine Sniper 2 X while I was in the Marines!!In 2nd phase of boot camp is rifle range @ Camp Pendleton California & this is where we were introduced to the knowledge of Mr.Carlos Hathcock.Carlos Hathcock is a LEGEND in the Sniper community always has been & always will be.
I'm a marine, as was my daddy. He told me the story of Carlos. I was very impressed & was saddened by his death. A very brave man , one of my heroes of the Marine Corps. Chesty was a heck of a good one too. Read their books. My daddy was in Korea, a bad place for any man. Especially my dad. Proud Marine & proud to be the daughter of a Marine.
Korea was nothing compared to Vietnam. The US never should have been in either place.
Thank You and God Bless.
I admire your father. Yes, they say Korea was bad.
It was terribly cold, and they were up against six Chinese Divisions, maybe even more. Not very good soldiers the Chinese, but there were many of them.
One against 10.
From the Netherlands, where I live, went something around 650 men I believe.
Not much, I know, but we have a small country, and we have had a war in the East Indies, between 1945 and 1949.
I used to think of this guy when I was hitting silhouette targets on a range with an M2. I forget the distance but I’d guess around 1,000 yds. Seeing that target drop is an amazing feeling.
Hi, the distance was greater than 1000 yards. 2300 yards if I recall from reading the book inn 1996.
@@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710 2500
The greatest ever, in history. Forget the numbers. What he did and accomplished in the conditions he operated in were absolutely superhuman. The book Marine Sniper was absolutely unbelievable.
It is unbelievable because it is BS!
@@alsever7732 Hi , I never heard of this guy untill today. Why do you think its BS. Just politly asking, thanx.
@@cabbage681 Spent 31 months in country and it is pure BS that an Arty unit fired Illum so he could get personal kills. If you told Arty , you had people in the open, they would put HE on them , not Illum. Want to learn how it was? Read my book--Xin Loi, viet Nam
@@alsever7732 proof that it's BS?
@@drm2364 Read the part about using artillery to fire illum rounds ALL night. Ever been in COMBAT? I spent 31 months fighting--not serving--in Viet Nam and Artillery would have put rounds with VT fuses on those NVA immediately! Pure BS. By the way just returned from Vi
et Nam--was nice to learn that the BIG Marine installations at Da Nang were surrendered to two battalions of female NVA infantry!
I worked with this guy from time to time in I-corps. Long shots were hard because heat thermals distorted the air. A lot of shots were taken inside 150 meters. This meant that a sniper team would likely have to leave the area immediately after taking a shot. This added considerable complexity to the situation. Patrolling, tracking and map orienteering became extremely important as a result.
The possibility of Communism being spread by a maniacal government is threat enough but the lives lost were horrific. Let the politicians fight it out .!!!!
I believe he also used a .50Cal Machine Gun for several famous shots including the one with the guy on the bicycle.
A lot of planned distance shots are taken in cooler parts of the day for just that reason of heat haze. Better definition of a target is more likely early and late because of shadow and sun angles too.
Then you would know that this is not a picture of Carlos Hathcock. It is guy named Lance corporal gunderson. 😅
@@dog3y3they used a 50 cal spotter that was used to target the 105 recoiless rifle
I met Carlos Hathcock a few times while shooting matches at Quantico.
One year at the National Matches at Camp Perry, I got recruited to shoot on a team, and when we went to sign up, we were asked if we wanted to have a coach, and I said yes.
We got Sgt. Carlos Hathcock, Jr.
Were you on the pistol team with Randy McCreight? I think it would have been 1989 he told me the same story
@@johngibson2884 That name doesn't sound familiar, but it was a while ago and I was new on the Maryland State Rifle Team, and it was my first year there. Since I didn't get picked for the team match, a group of us formed our own team. Pretty sure it was 1989.
@@davemagnani5166 oh I'm sorry, Randy was a member of the Marine pistol and rifle team ... he rode seat on an F-14 for 10 years... he was also an accomplished gunsmith& friend of mine when I was at yavapai College and Gun Site from 91 to 94
@@johngibson2884 Then I probably met him. My coach on the state team knew everyone there.
We need a real hero sniper to neutralize Xi JinPing and so save the entire World.
Best to get him when he leaves the country on diplomatic missions.
We need operatives to inform us of Xi’s location and to smuggle the rifle and laser range finder into the host country.
This mission will prevent World War III and save billions of lives.
Who is in?
Let’s become the greatest heroes of all time and let’s do it!
Carlos Hathcock is an absolute legend. The book written about his Marine Corps career in Vietnam should be mandatory ready in every school.
You did miss arguably one of his most infamous exploits, against a high ranking NVA officer well behind enemy lines.
Yep, wish he would have really covered what it took for hathcock to kill the NVA officer.
You mean the high-ranking NVA General that still hasn't been identified almost 50 years after the end of the war? No name, no date, no area of operation? The killing of a general that has no proof or evidence other than from Hathcock and his biographer's own mouth? Don't you think that kind of operation would have made front page news of Sea Tiger or Stars and Stripes as a morale boost? Carrying out that kind of mission would certainly be worthy of some sort of medal or commendation, yet such award never happened. The only NVA General to have died during Hathcock's deployment was General Nguyen Chi Tanh, and he died in Hanoi, 1967. There is absolutely zero evidence or proof of Hathcock EVER killing a general in both US and Vietnamese records. Hathcock and his biographer (Charles Henderson) got carried away with their stories and fabricated a lot of it.
@@radishfox308 what if it was some kind of black op?
@@canobenitez if you want to believe that, I'm not gonna stop you. However, there is good reason the book about Hathcock is sold in the fiction section. 🤷🏼♂️
We need a real hero sniper to neutralize Xi JinPing and so save the entire World.
Best to get him when he leaves China on diplomatic missions.
We need operatives to inform us of Xi’s location and to smuggle the rifle and laser range finder into the host country.
This mission will prevent World War III and save billions of lives.
Who is in?
Let’s become the greatest heroes of all time and let’s do it!
Thank you for this video. At 0:31 you refer to Gunny as "The brave soldier." If he was alive, he wouldn't be fond of that comment, soldiers are in the Army and Gunny Hathcock is a Marine. Though MS slowed him quite a bit in his later years, he still refused to show discomfort and carried on to the end with his head held high. He was the guest of honor multiple times at the Lou Diamond Detachment, Marine Corps League charity rifle match at Camp Perry in Ohio. A true Marine.
Carlos Norman Hathcock Jr. was one of the most incredible people to ever walk the face of this earth.
Not just by his sniping skills,
but his love of this country, his dedication to the Corps,
and his fellow comrades, extremely rare, if not almost completely nonexistent today, makes him the best there ever will be at what he did and who he was.
Just amazing!!!
It's sad that you think a guy that killed people he had no business killing in a country he had no business being in and in a war that the US had no business inserting itself into is one of the most incredible people to walk the Earth.
Really, really sad.
Dude had balls of steel
I served in the Marine Corps, and throughout Boot camp (knowledge portion) and especially during crucible, we were taught about various Marines that were exemplary and carried the three pillars of Honor, Courage and Commitment. While I do not think Mr. Halfcock was one exemplified, from what I went through I can say that he is on top of the chain of exemplified Marine. Now after 20 years out, this story motivated the hell out of me. At least to continue these virtues in my civilian life and with whatever I am doing. To do better. Semper Fidelis!
There is nothing honorable i what he did. There's no honor in killing people you have no business killing in a war you have no business being in. Being committed to a government willing to put you in that position is not a virtue, it's a tragedy.
Holding these people up on a pedestal only makes it easier for the government to use you up and spit you out.
Despite what we read in popular culture about snipers, being one is one of the toughest, most sapping, harrowing roles. For example, snipers are often tasked with collecting intel on enemy positions and have to stay in cramped conditions for extended periods of time while performing all their bio functions in that location. They need excellent memory, recall, attention-to-detail mindsets. Very, very tough people.
They also have to be mentally tough. Unlike most soldiers, snipers see the faces of the men they kill. Sniper schools do not want psychopaths, and they do not want cowboys looking for revenge. They want people motivated by a desire to save their fellow soldiers by eliminating enemy threats.
I had the privilege of meeting Carlos Hatchcock about a year before he died. I am an Army Sniper was in total awe of his accomplishments. All of my duty was in the Middle East. I never had to belly crawl through the jungle or leech infested streams to stalk my target and pretty much all of my kills were a 1000m with an M107. He was a slight and very humble and genuine person, which ran counter to his larger than life reputation. He was already suffering badly from Parkinsons but was a true gentlemen and someone I am so glad I had the privilege to meet and talk with.
A point of correction, his longest kill was NOT shot with his Win Mod 70, it was with a M2 with a mounted Inertl scope. A 2500 yd shot with a .30-06 is a nearly impossible shot. The bullet drop at 1000 yds alone is over 375 inches.
Marine sniper..93 confirmed kills.....absolutely loved this book.......I'm a Navy vet and saw this book, picked it up and started reading it, it absolutely drew me into it so bad I couldn't put it down no matter how hard I tried.......Semper Fi Marine!!!!!!!
It is argued if Carlos is the best sniper or not. I can only look at it this way. He took what tools he had at the time. And made some incredible shots. He did not have all this new and modern computer calculated equipment. Not any of the new and improved ammo's of today. No he had 1940's and 50's technology and equipment. And sat records that held over what, 30 plus years.
So let's take these guys that are breaking his records and let them use the same equipment as Carlos used and see how they do. Hands down, Carlos is the best sniper to ever have lived or walk this earth. Nothing against the ones breaking his records. They are also great people. I look at it this way. I broke speed records from the 1930's with a 1990 Camaro. is that equal in saying I broke records? No it is not. It is the same job per say. Yet, it is still comparing apples to oranges to me.
That's the same way I see it.
While the Winchester model 70 that Carlos used is widely regarded as one of the finest rifles ever made, it was still manufactured with old fashioned machining equipment decades before our far more precise and controllable CNC equipment today.
Much the same can be said for the ammo that he used, yet he still accomplished shots that Marines still speak of with admiration and heads shaking in disbelief.
The weapon he used eventually evolved into the m40
Ya, very old school good. Maybe he'd picked up a Native American spirit guide or something while hunting in the Arkansas hills (under circumstances where, if you miss, you go hungry - that will tend to significantly improve one's aim, put an edge on the matter) who taught him some skills people don't commonly have these days. Inventive, creative, responsive, improvising on the fly... you just don't get those skills running a computer program. While the equipment is important, it matters less than the skill.
I agree buddy
You forget simo hayha - the sniper from Finland nicknamed ‘White death’ An Absolute animal. Although Carlos is incredible too. Never knew about this hero. Thank you dark docs!
This hero used to fish nearly everyday at the VirginiaBeach pier. Saw him several times fishing with my father. May he rest in peace.
I read his book when I was young and in the Air Force. I shot expert every time I had to qualify with any weapon the Air force would hand me. I was also stationed in Arkansas, in Missiles, and used to roam the woods there because of Caroos. It helped me understand where he learned his craft. He was a fine man, and a Great Marine.
I was at Little Rock AFB from 1972-1974. 308th SPS. Worked missles
@@jamescarver3495 C-130 Crew Chief until 1980,Titan II's until 1987.
Ive listen to some interviews with Hathcock and it seems each time I have more appreciation for his military duty.
I remember hanging out with some friends as we walked by a bookstore in my early 20’s. I went in and took a quick look around. I found the book “Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills” sitting in a book bin for 99 cents. This was a long time before snipers were “Popular” in the movies or even well known. I bought the book on a whim. One of the few books I read straight through. Years later “sniper” movies or movies with snipers in the group started to pop up. They all stoled the scene of Carlos’ famous shot of shooting the opposing sniper though the the enemy’s scope. I looked up what this book costs now and get pissed-off. Mr. Hathcock’s estate doesn’t get a penny of these inflated prices. I loaned/gave my copy to a friend to read (a non-reader) and he couldn’t put the book down either. I’m tired of hearing about today’s snipers getting more confirmed kills or longest kill shot. Gunny was in a league of his own. No one else comes close. To the snipers that write books today, the only ones I give credence to our those who acknowledge Hathcock as the best.
Everything you said is absolutely true
He did most of his work with a 30.06 and 8 power scope… when men were men…
You should see Chris Kyle's interview with Letterman. He showed deep respect for Gunny Hathcock in that interview.
Finish sniper Simo Häyhä the White Death, and Australian Billy the Assassin arent too far off. They come pretty close dude.
@@b.a.lineman7582 And women were women, Lyudmila Pavlichenko AKA Lady Death, 309 confirmed kills in WWII,
A relentless dedication to his craft, 4D situational awareness,, honor, with patriotism. Hopefully, today's youth "new recruits" might have a chance to learn about this man, and to what he achieved as a soldier. What an excellent summary of this Tier 1 marksman. Obviously, Tier 1 classification was not yet in practice, but he built and opened the door for excellence in his craft as The Sniper!
Sure, honor and patriotism by killing a bunch of people he had no business killing, in a country he had no business in, sent there by a government who inserted itself into a situation it had no business inserting itself into, a government who couldn't care less about the guy.
With any hope, new recruits see what the problem is with these kinds of stories and with the Vietnam War, and Iraq War in general.
Read the book “Marine Sniper”. It’s a great book.
@@mechanomics2649 did u just learn the definition of war ? Welcome to life little kid
I believe the record was with his M2. There is a documentary (the only one he agreed to do) where he explains how he had to sight in and walk the round out to the 2500 yards.
Was this the shot against the bicycle rider?
@@kcgunesq I can't remember if it was the kid on the bike or the VC commander stretching first thing in the morning. Then again, VC commander may have been when he crawled for several days. I get them mixed up. Any insight is appreciated.
@@royregards9861 I think the VC Commander was when he was on the ground for several days with the fire ants. The bike may been the M2.
It was the bicycle. He spoke of it in his book. He smoked the commandered because he like to point. That's how he confirmed who VC officers were, they really like to point.
@@kcgunesq it was with the m2 but not the record kill.
I was in Vietnam with White Fellow in 1969. And when I got home I went to visit him at his home in Virginia Beach, VA. After he was discharged. He was a wonderful person.
Hathcock will always be a completely different breed of soldier for the time. (EX British army guy hear (Basic soldier at best) It takes balls to continually take on what must have looked like an impossible suicide missions. And continually want to serve your nation even when he could have easily retired from service proud of his achivments.
Granted in my time in the british army i only ever came across 1 sniper trained brit, and whilst i respected him massively (He was my basic training corporal) he was no Hathcock...
Whenever I hear stories about this incredible, American soul, I’ve got no shame in admitting that my eyes sweat. Just imagine how many sons, fathers, brothers came home because of this avenging angel. It’s my fear that there are very few people in the world nowadays that could measure up to this man in any endeavor, the world is poorer for the lack of this warrior.
As a Marine I can't remember how many times this man was mentioned, and after reading books and watching documentaries I realized how important and amazing this man is. A true American and Marine.
Read his book when I was in the 5th grade. It was the first time I read a real book and it was an eye opener. That was the moment that I wanted to be a marine.
Fields of fire was another amazing Vietnam war book. I read that right after I read marine sniper.
This is the first time I saw this video. Years ago I read the book about Carlos and am still amazed by him. He was truly an amazing human being!
Was introduced to Hathcock’s “story” way back as a teenager. Never then, or today, have I been swayed from he being the best ever. Not demeaning the Kyle’s, and other decorated hero’s, it’s just Carlos’s story, in his book 93 Confirmed Kills, have I come close to viscerally feeling his dedication and brilliance.
Kyle was a fraud. See his lawsuit vs. Jesse Ventura. Kyle was a legend in his own mind.
Always been one of my heroes. I read his story in high school. I wasn't able join marines but have always wished I could. His story should be told more often. A true American hero.
Carlos Hathcock became my greatest hero after reading the actuarial accounts of his life. The double referenced accounts of his history was in the form of two books written for him & about him. Carlos never talked about himself. It took a close friend to write the 2 books separated by 20 years. The first book told Carlos's story viewed from the US Marine view. 20 years later the same author went to N. Vietnam and got the view from the enemy's view point. There is no question about his accomplishments. He was hated/feared by the N.VC as much as he was loved by the Marines. When asked, he would only say he was doing his job just the same as the man driving supply trucks. I study history, so it is easy for me to say - there never was a soldier like Carlos and there will never be another. That is why Carlos Hathcock is my all time greatest hero.
I was on the Marine Corp Base Camp Lejeune rifle team 1972. Carlos was there still shooting even though he was seriously burned. His arm was always bent from scar tissue received taking a shell in the back of the trunk when he saved lose lives. Amazing man.
@@JohnDoe-oj5it // Thank you John, for confirming what I read. Thank you vary much !
Carlos Hathcock was killing people in a country he had no business being in after being sent there by a government that involved themselves in something they had no business involving themselves in. If you actually study history, this should be apparent to you, as should the fact that there are always soldiers like him and there will always be soldiers like him.
Find better heroes, or better yet, stop idolizing people and be your own person.
@@mechanomics2649 // When someone dictates what I should do, I get real defensive and hold onto my beliefs harder than before. I understand history, you are not in a position to judge that. So, I reject your total argument totally. It is obvious you have never learned how to debate people or you would have used data to change my mind, rather than putting me down. So sad... Peace to you, my brother.
Charles Henderson book about Hathcock is a timeless one. They used the 8x Unertl scope which mounte on a braquet fixed and zeroed it . After use take scope off and put it back on the M70 of their and rezero that one.
He followed it up with "Silent Warrior ". Equally good read.
Major James Land played a major role in that book ...not to mention he played an import role in GySgt Hathcock's development. Not to mention his role in creating the United States Marine Corps Sniper School. GySgt Hathcock would have wanted everyone to know about Major Land's efforts. Semper Fi, Devil Dawgs ...
and a 50x unertyl on the 50 cal . Hathcock was a genius
@@EmperorNerox The same 8x Unertl as,on the 06 they used, when the .50 were scoped the 06 had its scope fitted to the 06 .
@@jeremyfisher8782 And HW McBride book from ww1 ,and Hesket Pritchard who set up the allied sniper school in France was much of the knowledge Land used to write the startup for his courses.