Can’t say how much I appreciate these podcasts. Imagine if we had interviews like this from a soldier who was at the Battle of Gettysburg or who was at Lexington. So important to have these for history.
My college professor took us to Gettysburg. I didn’t appreciate how huge that was until maybe 10 years later. I emailed him thanks... he’d been promoted to something like assistant dean... he responded... solid man, much respect
@@leecrotty658 - That was my thoughts on Gettysburg as well. The size of the battlefield surprised me. I'm planning on getting back there someday on doing a history video for my channel.
Mike Bonter - I think about that kind of stuff often. I’ve been interviewing as many WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War vets as I can just for that reason (got a few up on my channel now). Future generations are going to have a gift with the way that history can be documented today.
hooked on SOG since John stryker. Out of 1000s podcasts ive seen --SOG is platinum! Hard to find these guys...keep their story alive!!! This is the best stuff out there
My Grandpa is the Sgt Deck he starts talking about at the 39 min mark. I've been wanting to try and get something like this podcast together of him talking about his experiences. Today Oct 24 I showed him a little bit of this and he smiled big and said yup, that's me he is talking about. So hopefully he'll warm up to the idea after slowly talking to him about it. I'd love to have his story told, and I also think it would help him. He never would talk about any of it to me. Understandably so after listening to this. These guy's are a different breed.
Dude contact Jocko! We need more of these! My Grandfather was in the middle east, doing como for super secret shit. Ive mentioned these podcasts/interviews, and he's started talking more. We MEED to know this history, the true way it happened.
My father Sergeant Mark Louis Pollock was in MACVSOG at CCN April 1971 until Dec 71. He was a One-One and eventually a One Zero on RT Mamba. He recently just passed away Oct. 11. I never heard alot of stories from him as talking about it was very difficult for him. If any sog veteran reads this and remembers him please reply to this. I knew he was a hero before these podcasts existed but these stories are absolutely mind blowing. My father once received a letter John Plaster who wrote a book on SOG asking if he wanted to add any information or stories to his book. For reasons unknown, my father declined. I guess im just looking for closure and hoping to get into contact with someone who may have served with my father. Thank you to all the SOG veterans. You are the hardest of the hard. The most underrated and unappreciated special forces group in history.
Jared Pollock try writing/emailing John Plaster or John Stryker Meyer. Good luck and I hope you find what you’re looking for... I think there are a lot of reasons the men didn’t talk about it afterward. One big reason is how they were treated upon returning. The way they were treated was wrong. They gave everything they had and then were treated like scum by the very people they were there for!
Cmon man you should have gotten him on the podcast before your old man passed. Jocko wold have been able to open him up he just didn't want to talk you about it.
Some talked about it, some didn’t. My swim coach was force recon, toughest man I ever met. He didn’t talk, but he rubbed off on me as I am sure your Father did. Be proud, and god bless.
My dad was ww2 Iwo Jima and Chosen Resovoure ( useless spell check) and later as an advisor in So Vietnam in 64 or 65 anyway he went on to mention a few things during Victory at sea program on Iwo and when a buddy would visit Sgt Major Nelson would come over and visit they would reminisce the old days.
I just binged these 3 episodes with Dick Thompson. Hands down the CRAZIEST stories I've heard. I promise, everyone needs to listen to this mans stories. I'll go my entire life without seeing HALF of the madness this man saw on one single deployment. An absolute legend.
This is the one of the most engaging interviews I’ve ever seen on Jocko’s channel so far. Mr. Thompson has a way of making you feel the intensity of what he experiences in that unforgiving war. He’s the kind of guy you’d love to listen to sitting around a camp fire…
@Ana Vargas one of the best books I have ever read was called "The men with green faces" navy seal machine gunner Gene Wentz. I could not put that book down, they were some of the first original navy seals to be sent to Vietnam, Look into it.
As much as jocko knows/been through etc. Humble badass leader that continues tradition of warriors before him. Alpha male that identifies as such lmfao!!! Beast podcast!!
Part of it for me is Jocko's exasperated reactions to these stories. I have no idea how 99% of ANY of these thinga go, more like 99.99%, but Jocko does and man is he shocked sometimes. Lmao
Dick Thompson is a Patriot and an exemplary human being. I am fortunate to have learned essential lessons about leadership directly from Dick. He was my first boss in organizational development. I was lucky to have cut my teeth at Dick's company, High Performing Systems.
I wouldnt want to be the young hotshot in an Ironman saying "Move over, Grandpa" to Dick Thompson. If he had his feet blown off, he'd chase you down on the stumps, chew your arm off and beat you to death with it.
My thoughts are the same. What a powerful time and place in our history that produced immeasurable men that changed the course of combat grit and tactics as we know them.
I went to the MAC V SOG reunion 2019, was an honor to meet these GREAT MEN! thank you for allowing me to attend and seek info about my Father who did several tours with MAC V SOG!
My Uncle Charles Whitman was in SF in 1961 and think of Him often as well as His 2 brothers who were also in Vietnam John (1968 Chu Li 20 months and Korea Pusan perimeter 1950-1951 now buried in Arlington) and Uncle Claude 1965 all my Mom's brothers and miss them all!
Wow. This guy is for real. When he talks about his tactics he goes back into full SOG operator mode. There’s a ton of stuff I learned from this interview. What a brilliant tactician. This is one of my favorites so far
No college has zip influence...High school bk then better than most SJW degrees on gender study etc worthless crap...These Dudes born Hard as Brazilian nut....
Andreas Brazier it’s indicative of being a dumbass or not. At this guys level there are plenty of guys who can fight, shoot AND are book smart, so they might as well pick those guys over the guys who are not book smart but can fight and shot well. Just saying.
The description of his early childhood years was both wonderful to hear and in some ways difficult…being a city boy myself… A father and 5 uncles in the military….. What a gift
These podcasts are so amazing, I'm a South African and also spend time in the military. When I listen to these great stories and get to learn so much about all these secret missions that took place. It leaves me with a feeling of admiration and respect for these great warriors. Great to listen
When I joined in the early 80s we were lucky to have SOG members from Nam, and many other units who saw the shit still sprinkled through the community as instructors it took seconds to distinguish them from the others they were and remain my hero’s
same with my father 1980 to 2005 Army Ranger and finally retired as a ODA LT COl. all his sgt. and above in Ranger battalion were LARP and SOG guys Robert Howard was one of them
Yep, I was in during the 80’s and we were lucky to have several Vietnam vets still serving. My Airborne School commander was Lt. Col. Leonard B. Scott who wrote “Charlie Mike” which told a fictional account of LRRPs in Vietnam. When I attended Long Range Surveillance Leaders Course at Ft. Benning one of the instructors was a LRRP in Vietnam a wealth of knowledge even for the school’s AOIC who thought he wrote the book on long range patrols. The Vietnam vet showed the officer that the book had already been written long before in blood and sweat of vets like him.
Completely humbled by the bravery, gallantry and patriotism of these great American warriors. Praise God for the blessing of having them in our country fighting for freedom all over the world. God Bless America.
I was just going to comment that it would be awesome to see a podcast with General Bargewell, unfortunately he passed away about six months ago. These SOG men are a real treasure. I am very grateful to be able to hear their stories and learn from them. Thank you Lt Commander Willink for taking the time and effort to make sure the knowledge and stories of these heros can live on and benefit future generations.
Around 2 hours in it is great to hear Dick talking more in depth about Eldon Bargewell. His name was mentioned by Tilt and others but Eldon was a living legend. Nick Brokhausen writes about him a lot in his first book. RIP MG Bargewell. I was shocked when I heard of his passing and the circumstances. To survive what he went thru in SOG and to die due to a riding lawn mower accident is just crazy.
‘Life expectancy of a LT. in Vietnam was about a day and a half at that time’ Wow. And this guy still moves in for it. Thank You for Your service, Sir. Greetings from Norway
@@hulkangry5546 either that or nobody will watch it because a critic will say the movie is completely over the top, not realizing the story was down played to keep it r-rated
Before that I read of four wacky stress level stories: 1. Two police officers put 120 rounds in somebody after entering the suspect's home. After running out of ammo, they went back into the car, reloaded and continued shooting at the corpse. 2. During the first Gulf War, an Apache crew was sent on a nearby scouting operation with do not fire orders. The Apache has a "you are hear map" and the crew got lost. They see a British APC next to U.S. tanks and think it's Iraqi. They try to launch a Hellfire and the safety system shut it down. The safety system was activated when the targeting laser hit the APC and the APC pinged back to the Apache that it was a friendly. The Apache crew then destroyed the safety system in order to launch the missile. The Apache crew went to prison for that. 3. New York uniformed subway cops would routinely point guns at and even shoot their undercover partners that went to the same briefings just minutes before. 4. Some police in California gassed and then attacked peaceful protesters they were monitoring at a park. It turns out that the police heard imaginary commands to tell them to disperse the crowd. Imagine what would have happened if those voices said those protesters were armed and dangerous.
I like that Jocko brings up the AW aspect. They should have mentioned the difference in physical training between the branches. The Army avoided weight lifting for the longest time, where SEALs and Marines adopted that training pretty early. After kicking in doors and climbing stairs with all that weight on, in Ramadi 05-06, we learned how valuable strength training is to prepare for war.
I’m from the low country of South Carolina born and raised in Georgetown and it’s nice to finally see someone from my home state on here for a change this guy is awesome 👏🏻 💯
Thank you Jocko for providing this platform for veteran heroes to share their stories. Our country didn't give these guys the respect they deserved when they first returned, and this podcast is part of the redemption. If the podcast takes 3 plus hours, you give them 3 plus hours. You also "listen," which is a rare trait in humans. Most people are engaged in "bialogue," where each person is just waiting to talk, not really listening, absorbing. True dialogue is hard to come by.
These stories make my life so much better. The conversations saved my perspective, and you and your guests' service made it possible to live it out. There is no way to thank you all enough, other than making good use of the time we have gained from those sacrifices.
Dick Thompson and John Stryker Meyer have contributed to me reading everything I can find on SOG. Incredible stories and displays of bravery by these heroes.
Legend - loved the banter after Interview... Reminded me of banter in the Mess in my short lived Navy days. Salute to all the Warriors. I can only wish to have been half as useful as you Wardawgs ;)
One of the things that impressed me each time is the humble attitude of Jocko. He is able to effectively keep the veteran talking. He asks good questions, he knows his audience and the knowledge of the people listening to the podcast. Each man interviewed is amazing in their own right. Jocko has the ability to pull the information that folks want to know. Each is a legendary man! To say thank you is the understatement of the decade. Yet I DO SAY THANK YOU, from a grateful man. 😮
I was a city kid, when I turned 8, my whole family moved out to the middle of no where mountains of north east Oregon. Having never been in dark like that of pine forests and undergrowth, I was afraid of the dark. My uncle was a NAM Force Recon Marine, taught me that the darkness was my friend, how to move at night, how to hide, how to use it against others. He also taught me to shoot pistol and rifle and how to shoot both without lining up the sights first. I didn't even know the value of what he had taught me until I went into the military myself. His shadow box is on my mantle next to my grandfathers and my dads.
The first thing I noticed was Jocko’s immediate respect for this great American hero. I have always respected you Jocko, but this act of humility and respect made me admire you more. Good on you Sir!
thank you so much for shining the light back on sog..there is obviously a well pool of heroic and harrowing stories to be told and i personally want to know about everyone...plz bring back tilt..and thank u so much jocko and echo
I worked SPS perimeter defense at TSN in 1971 and I never heard anything about SOG.Granted I was a nothing USAF E3 but I knew a lot of things I would not admit even 50 years later. I am so grateful to hear these podcasts before I am gone.... Thank you. Robert PS I retired to Thailand 8 years ago.
Thank you. So many good life lessons here. Plus I get to know more about my Dad's life and about the experiences of a couple of my mentors. You and your guests flesh out so many details for me. Dad flew F-100s out of Danang in the summer of 1964 (duty officer for the first official combat mission for the USAF F-100 fighter, classified at the time). On his second tour, he helped set up AF combat operations at Cam Rahn in the fall of 1965 and flew the F4C Phantom through the summer of 1966. Most of his missions were on the Ho Chi Min trail on the Laotian border. He earned a DFC that tour defending an outpost faced with enemy air support. I am so grateful he always came back. A college faculty mentor was an Army Special Forces guy who lived with the Hmong people in Laos and roamed the jungle and mountains, calling in air support. I owe my doctorate to his advice and support. (My actual dissertation chair was a submariner and later an expert on Soviet databases. I seem to always have managed to have a quality military mentor in my life.) Later in my career, a colleague mentor had been Army Special Forces and had boots on the ground on the Plain of Jars when my Dad flew air support in the area (this gentleman retired as a Major General). I had the great honor of his inviting me to team-teach a leadership course for several semesters. Boy, did I learn a lot. (Another colleague was a tunnel rat. He has said precious little about that.) I greatly admire you guys and appreciate the blank check you wrote. Regardless of the popularity of any particular war. Or 'conflict' or mission. Excellence in motion.
Growing up I remember hearing rumors about what these brave warriors did. Was just a kid when the men from Vietnam were returning. Now to hear the actual accounts. Even more respect for this fading generation. Keep up the great work.
I’ve been going watch all the older episodes because I watched all the newer ones. Wow so many great ones I hadn’t seen! I go to sleep at night watching and usually wake up to a new episode and watch it with my coffee. I couldn’t imagine going through what he did in Vietnam! Amazing!
I have 2 tours in Afghanistan but these are so invaluable to even motivate me today with what I have going on in the business world. Such a powerful guest.
Having to wait for the follow-on episodes is a true exercise in patience... Big thanks to the folks you're able to bring onto the show for sharing their incredible stories.
I grew up with NAM vets and my first book was Chicken Hawk. I read books and swim trained for a recon marine. When my time came I chose Wall Street. I have alot achievements to be proud of, and although I regret not giving it a go, now I am older, I question wether I would have survived mentally. These guys are best of breed.
Set the culture of excellence yourself when you get to your MOS. Don't get lulled into following guys with slack ways and slack discipline. Always study, prepare, and lead.
if you need a rlly nice knife hit me up, my buissness I work at that my uncle owns has been making handmade knives, for 40+ years I can make you a survival, hunting, or pocket knife. :) I'd be happy to make you a awesome knife for bootcamp idk if u could bring one or not but I'll still make u one! :)
Love these old SOG war horses Hardest if the hardcore. Keep’em coming How about having John Plaster on,I do believe he’s one of the SOG unit historians with 2 tours on the ground and one flying covey for SOG
I’ve been bingeing these sog episodes. This was the first time I got full body chills when I heard the words “prairie fire” 🤣🤣 I couldn’t imagine the stories that will never be told.
Can't get enough of these Vietnam vet interviews, great men. Shame Col. Robert L. Howard is no longer among us. He'd have made a great guest. Keep up the great work, Jocko. Thank you.
57:00 crazy how he talks about gun fighter technics back than and it took all the way until the last 15 years for it to be implemented at the lowest level.
I think these legends coming onto your podcast also says a lot about YOU, Jocko. You’re a legend, and clearly these incredible guys have just as much respect for you as you do for them.
When my father became a ranger in 1980 everyone above E4 was a Vietnam Vet lot of them were LARP or MACVSOG and they were some of the crazies soldiers he ever met most really liked Knife fighting
A legend reflecting on meeting a legend. Thank you Mr. Thompson. Took the jocko podcast to a new level of clarity.... Thanks for the efforts jocko and echo... Could not stop or pause this one... Cheers
@@AMG-316 Burn, DUDE!!! Don has no control over Military engagement during his time of service. In-between Vietnam and 2001 - the average SEAL didn't see any combat.
@@AMG-316 its not like Don was controlling Foreign Policy during his tenure in the Navy. Guys served at SMUs and never saw real combat during that period.
@@sauljahboi5965 u know Don is a combat veteran right? He fought in Bosnia and liberia. That shits no joke. While serving with SEAL Team Two, Shipley conducted dozens of operations in Bosnia and Liberia. He became the first non-corpsman SEAL to graduate paramedic school. He served in eight SEAL Platoons, was Platoon Chief in five, and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for Heroism and a Bronze star with Valor, during a Search and Rescue Mission.
Its hunting season and i know iv missed some nice deers but love listening to this POD CAST while im in the blind to JOKCO AND ECHO AND THE REST OF THE. MEN AND WOMEN IN MILITARY THANKS FOR MY FREEDOM .
Amazing, just amazing. Listened to the whole thing over a few days and didn’t want to stop to pause. Thank you for putting these podcasts up, inspirational
SOG are the most decorated soldiers from Vietnam. All Valor. Super humble. Every mission someone gave their seat up to save their vietnamese, or Monty companions. Most died immediately after. Then they would have a bright light mission immediately after to retrieve their brothers body. Pure love. Highly recommend "Uncommon Valor" on audible. Amazing piece of work. And a great glimpse in2 the bravery, nd love these men had 4 eachother. I love Jocko for giving us perspective no matter how minutely it may be, in2 what these men sacrificed for us. Without asking for anything in return. Humbling. Thank you for my freedom.
Couldn't resist so I already listened to the audio version and this one is definitely up there with the Tilt episodes. Podcasts with SOG guys might be the most interesting ones on this channel.
@Jay Bee he would have been a very old man at that time and extremely young during the war. Maybe a drummer boy. If what you say actually exists and is therefore true
The Banana Tree Story reminds me of my first or second raid in Iraq. I had just taken command of my company like a week before. We were stacked on an outside courtyard wall, silently getting ready to breach. A cat jumped up behind me on the wall. Because we were facing the gate with rifles at the low ready, I spun around quick drawing my M9 from the drop leg holster and blew the cat away alla Boondock Saints. Little embarrassing indeed. Stress effect indeed. Love these stories of MACVSOG!!! Incredible warriors! Thank you for bringing their stories to the web, sir!
Jocko is lucky to be able to sit with these warriors. I'd love to spend time listening to them tell their story's. Thanks for the videos jocko and company!
I wonder if Jocko would interview a decorated soldier who fought against the US. Maybe like someone that fought on the other side in 'Nam. That would be weird and interesting.
Jehanzeb14 I’d say 99.9% of the Viet Cong leaders are dead by now due to their short lifespans in the jungle. As for the Korean War, it is technically still going on and I couldn’t see that happening unless it was a NK immigrant. I would love a Jocko Podcast featuring a high ranking Soviet though.
As an individual who's interested in the air war in 'Nam, there's a great book called "Da Nang Diary" the author talks who was an FAC that often flew top cover for the guys in the SOG. Man these guys jobs were dangerous af
Veterans Day always makes me think about my Dad who I always had and always will have great respect for. I know some of you knew my dad too, and can attest to his character. This is a story I’d always like to share around this time of year to honor him, and all veterans living and diseased, including Purple Heart recipients. My father really never spoke about it, But this is a story that was told to me by some of his army buddies about 40 years ago while sitting around the pool in Florida. I think some of you who take the time to read this, may find it interesting. Although my pops lived to be 90, when he was on his death bed in the hospital, pumped up with morphine, he did clarify what happened in some amazing detail. Not sure if this constitutes him being a POW since he was only captured and held by the Nazi’s for a week, but this the story about my pops! He did tell me about boot camp where he had to chase away coyotes every night on training maneuvers out in the deserts in Arizona, and how he was trained on mules and horses. They actually taught the mules to lay down, and they would mount a 50 caliber on their side. This is what he also told me. He was in the 17th Cavalry, Recon. They managed to get through the D Day invasion. A couple of months later they were going into a seaport town called Brest. It was a very important stronghold where the Nazi’s had U-boats hidden. My father had done several reconnaissance missions before. On this particular day, the higher ups sent him on a surveillance mission. When he got back, he reported that there were over 400 Nazis stationed down this road. The officer I charge told my father to take him in the Jeep to where they were. My dad said, that if they went down there, they weren’t going to come back. But, the officer insisted, and my dad followed orders. They headed down the road when a 88 mortar came in and flipped the Jeep over. His commanding officer literally got his head blown off, and my father got a good piece of his calf blown off. While he was trying to crawl away from the Jeep that was burning, he got shot with machine gun fire. At this point he told me that he was trying to get his belt off to apply a tourniquet on his own leg. Another 88 came in and blew a hole out of his lower back that you could put your fist in. Growing up, looking at my father, his body looked like a road map which I often wondered why. Anyway, after the second mortar came in, all he said he remembered was laying there in a daze, watching a bunch of German soldiers running up the cobblestone street with them big black boots on which he described the noise they made. He remembers them going into his holster and taking a German Luger out that my father was carrying. He told me that he heard them cock it. He said he shrugged his shoulders expecting the back of his head to be blown out. Instead, the dragged him into a barn, where they had an old French woman patch him up before they interrogated him. Although he was aware of what was going on, every time they asked him questions, his response was, d-o-c-t-o-r! He told me that he winded up living in this barn for over a week with a handful of the Germans, but he had already called in the coordinates of where they were. About a week later the Americans came in captured over 400 nazis, and got is busted up ass out of there. My father did over a year in the hospital, where they told him, (and this was just the first time) that he would probably never walk again. But with his strong will and faith, he told them different and he did walk again. Not great, but he did. My father met General Patton, and received a Purple Heart and bronze star for his roll in capturing the 400 Nazis. Shortly after my father was captured, the 17th Cavalry was disbanded due to the fact that there were so many lost. The rest that were left were put in with the 15th. My father’s friends told me they all dubbed him with the nic-name “Lionheart”. My father’s strong will and determination stayed with him throughout the rest of his life with all the complications from his wounds, from seeing his youngest son, my brother pass away along with a host of other different things. My father was well loved by everyone! Was generous, help all he could. He is my greatest inspiration and the hero that I could never be. Through it all, I am thankful that he lived a pretty tough life in and out of hospitals, but he made it to be 90 years old, and did get to see his two grandchildren that he loved. I salute you and all veterans today, and every day. Ok time to get out of bed and get moving. Off to another nursing home to do what I love, and play music for the disabled vets, residents and seniors. Have a good day!
Can’t say how much I appreciate these podcasts. Imagine if we had interviews like this from a soldier who was at the Battle of Gettysburg or who was at Lexington. So important to have these for history.
@The Recruit truly a conversation that very few would be privy to.
My college professor took us to Gettysburg. I didn’t appreciate how huge that was until maybe 10 years later.
I emailed him thanks... he’d been promoted to something like assistant dean... he responded... solid man, much respect
@@leecrotty658 - That was my thoughts on Gettysburg as well. The size of the battlefield surprised me. I'm planning on getting back there someday on doing a history video for my channel.
💯 man.. ide love to be able to hear what people from way back had to say about many things
Mike Bonter - I think about that kind of stuff often. I’ve been interviewing as many WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War vets as I can just for that reason (got a few up on my channel now). Future generations are going to have a gift with the way that history can be documented today.
hooked on SOG since John stryker. Out of 1000s podcasts ive seen --SOG is platinum! Hard to find these guys...keep their story alive!!! This is the best stuff out there
Yes Sir. Amazing
Amen ✊
♠️
11+11
Also check out Nick Brokhausen’s books. 👍🇺🇸
My Grandpa is the Sgt Deck he starts talking about at the 39 min mark. I've been wanting to try and get something like this podcast together of him talking about his experiences. Today Oct 24 I showed him a little bit of this and he smiled big and said yup, that's me he is talking about. So hopefully he'll warm up to the idea after slowly talking to him about it. I'd love to have his story told, and I also think it would help him. He never would talk about any of it to me. Understandably so after listening to this. These guy's are a different breed.
Put him in contact with Jocko!
That is absolutely amazing get him contact with jocko. If we are lucky we would get this gentleman and your grandfather that would excellent
Dude contact Jocko!
We need more of these!
My Grandfather was in the middle east, doing como for super secret shit. Ive mentioned these podcasts/interviews, and he's started talking more.
We MEED to know this history, the true way it happened.
Please sir, do everything in your power to contact Jocko and get your Grandfather on this. Many people would be eternally grateful.
That's awesome brother
My father Sergeant Mark Louis Pollock was in MACVSOG at CCN April 1971 until Dec 71. He was a One-One and eventually a One Zero on RT Mamba. He recently just passed away Oct. 11. I never heard alot of stories from him as talking about it was very difficult for him. If any sog veteran reads this and remembers him please reply to this. I knew he was a hero before these podcasts existed but these stories are absolutely mind blowing. My father once received a letter John Plaster who wrote a book on SOG asking if he wanted to add any information or stories to his book. For reasons unknown, my father declined. I guess im just looking for closure and hoping to get into contact with someone who may have served with my father. Thank you to all the SOG veterans. You are the hardest of the hard. The most underrated and unappreciated special forces group in history.
Jared Pollock try writing/emailing John Plaster or John Stryker Meyer. Good luck and I hope you find what you’re looking for... I think there are a lot of reasons the men didn’t talk about it afterward. One big reason is how they were treated upon returning. The way they were treated was wrong. They gave everything they had and then were treated like scum by the very people they were there for!
Cmon man you should have gotten him on the podcast before your old man passed. Jocko wold have been able to open him up he just didn't want to talk you about it.
Some talked about it, some didn’t. My swim coach was force recon, toughest man I ever met. He didn’t talk, but he rubbed off on me as I am sure your Father did. Be proud, and god bless.
My dad was ww2 Iwo Jima and Chosen Resovoure ( useless spell check) and later as an advisor in So Vietnam in 64 or 65 anyway he went on to mention a few things during Victory at sea program on Iwo and when a buddy would visit Sgt Major Nelson would come over and visit they would reminisce the old days.
ROBERT BLAKE He was in the pacific AND Korea! Respect!
I just binged these 3 episodes with Dick Thompson. Hands down the CRAZIEST stories I've heard. I promise, everyone needs to listen to this mans stories. I'll go my entire life without seeing HALF of the madness this man saw on one single deployment. An absolute legend.
This is the one of the most engaging interviews I’ve ever seen on Jocko’s channel so far. Mr. Thompson has a way of making you feel the intensity of what he experiences in that unforgiving war. He’s the kind of guy you’d love to listen to sitting around a camp fire…
Black ops 1 unironically for me hooked on Vietnam and military history. The Vietnam War is stranger than fiction.
Same. MACVSOG has gotta be some of the most badass/crazy military history
@@hungersquid they fr some hokages
@Callan Hassan if your girlfriend is all about Instagram; chances are she isn't your girlfriend, shes OUR girlfriend
Every war is, especially MACV-SOG. Movies don’t have plots like this.
@Ana Vargas one of the best books I have ever read was called "The men with green faces" navy seal machine gunner Gene Wentz. I could not put that book down, they were some of the first original navy seals to be sent to Vietnam, Look into it.
Can never get enough of these SOG legends
B B Intelligent, amazing, men who were out of their minds. Is a better way to put it. But, yeah.
7
@@dylynblue9864 well usually the baddest mfs in the world are out of their minds
As much as jocko knows/been through etc. Humble badass leader that continues tradition of warriors before him. Alpha male that identifies as such lmfao!!! Beast podcast!!
Part of it for me is Jocko's exasperated reactions to these stories.
I have no idea how 99% of ANY of these thinga go, more like 99.99%, but Jocko does and man is he shocked sometimes. Lmao
Dick Thompson is my favorite podcast series. By far. Tilt is amazing to. These SOG stories are beyond legendary !
Dick Thompson is a Patriot and an exemplary human being. I am fortunate to have learned essential lessons about leadership directly from Dick. He was my first boss in organizational development. I was lucky to have cut my teeth at Dick's company, High Performing Systems.
Dick Thompson strikes me as a serious man, and not to fooled with. Much respect, sir.
Chico Peebles ya think?
I wouldnt want to be the young hotshot in an Ironman saying "Move over, Grandpa" to Dick Thompson. If he had his feet blown off, he'd chase you down on the stumps, chew your arm off and beat you to death with it.
SOG volunteers and Vietnam Seals are by far my favorite guest on this podcast. I don’t think we can even comprehend how bad-asses those guys were.
My thoughts are the same. What a powerful time and place in our history that produced immeasurable men that changed the course of combat grit and tactics as we know them.
The sea wolves pilot was a bad ass aswell.
What other guys from the era have been on here???? Love their stories!
@@SUPREMEx93 just a few Nam era seals 3 SOG guys a couple regular army 1 marine and a sea wolves pilot and a cobra pilot.
SEALs*
These SOG warriors are some of the greatest in history
@Jim King did your zip father get torched?
Jim King they have tanks and full auto weapons not pitchforks and tractors, fuck off
@Jim King Go to sleep douchebag
@@molonlabe420 What's a zip?
@@Justin_GFM ^^^
I went to the MAC V SOG reunion 2019, was an honor to meet these GREAT MEN! thank you for allowing me to attend and seek info about my Father who did several tours with MAC V SOG!
My Uncle Charles Whitman was in SF in 1961 and think of Him often as well as His 2 brothers who were also in Vietnam John (1968 Chu Li 20 months and Korea Pusan perimeter 1950-1951 now buried in Arlington) and Uncle Claude 1965 all my Mom's brothers and miss them all!
Wow. This guy is for real. When he talks about his tactics he goes back into full SOG operator mode. There’s a ton of stuff I learned from this interview. What a brilliant tactician. This is one of my favorites so far
Dude was 19-20 and already was an officer in SOG. Clearly demonstrates that a college degree isn't necessary to be successful officer.
my father did the same thing but he went for a 2 year degree went to OCS
Not during wartime anyways
gPa Is InDiCaTiVe Of lEaDeRsHiP
No college has zip influence...High school bk then better than most SJW degrees on gender study etc worthless crap...These Dudes born Hard as Brazilian nut....
Andreas Brazier it’s indicative of being a dumbass or not. At this guys level there are plenty of guys who can fight, shoot AND are book smart, so they might as well pick those guys over the guys who are not book smart but can fight and shot well. Just saying.
The description of his early childhood years was both wonderful to hear and in some ways difficult…being a city boy myself…
A father and 5 uncles in the military…..
What a gift
I am in Walhalla, South Carolina right now. Grown up here most of my life. To hear this on Jocko podcast is truly amazing. It really is a small world.
U must be kidding , thats not supposed to be a place for living people , I feel the need to come and see it for myself
I live in walhalla to. Never herd of this great hero
My uncle lives in Seneca. Small world
These podcasts are so amazing, I'm a South African and also spend time in the military. When I listen to these great stories and get to learn so much about all these secret missions that took place. It leaves me with a feeling of admiration and respect for these great warriors. Great to listen
When I joined in the early 80s we were lucky to have SOG members from Nam, and many other units who saw the shit still sprinkled through the community as instructors it took seconds to distinguish them from the others they were and remain my hero’s
same with my father 1980 to 2005 Army Ranger and finally retired as a ODA LT COl. all his sgt. and above in Ranger battalion were LARP and SOG guys Robert Howard was one of them
Yep, I was in during the 80’s and we were lucky to have several Vietnam vets still serving. My Airborne School commander was Lt. Col. Leonard B. Scott who wrote “Charlie Mike” which told a fictional account of LRRPs in Vietnam. When I attended Long Range Surveillance Leaders Course at Ft. Benning one of the instructors was a LRRP in Vietnam a wealth of knowledge even for the school’s AOIC who thought he wrote the book on long range patrols. The Vietnam vet showed the officer that the book had already been written long before in blood and sweat of vets like him.
Nice
@@garysams8615
@@garysams8615moo bybut
Mmm😊
Completely humbled by the bravery, gallantry and patriotism of these great American warriors. Praise God for the blessing of having them in our country fighting for freedom all over the world. God Bless America.
I was just going to comment that it would be awesome to see a podcast with General Bargewell, unfortunately he passed away about six months ago. These SOG men are a real treasure. I am very grateful to be able to hear their stories and learn from them. Thank you Lt Commander Willink for taking the time and effort to make sure the knowledge and stories of these heros can live on and benefit future generations.
Around 2 hours in it is great to hear Dick talking more in depth about Eldon Bargewell. His name was mentioned by Tilt and others but Eldon was a living legend. Nick Brokhausen writes about him a lot in his first book. RIP MG Bargewell. I was shocked when I heard of his passing and the circumstances. To survive what he went thru in SOG and to die due to a riding lawn mower accident is just crazy.
‘Life expectancy of a LT. in Vietnam was about a day and a half at that time’ Wow. And this guy still
moves in for it.
Thank You for Your service, Sir. Greetings from Norway
We need more of them SOG heros while they are still around. More interviews of SOG members are needed.
There has to be a movie made about these men. The lessons they have passed and continue to pass to the younger generation of warriors are priceless.
I back your point up.
Macv- Sog existence is a treasure trove of valor, loyalty and leadership stories in the hardest of circumstau imaginable.
I agree, but no matter how good intenteded or accurate they'll claim the movie to be hollyweird will fuck it up.
@@hulkangry5546 either that or nobody will watch it because a critic will say the movie is completely over the top, not realizing the story was down played to keep it r-rated
Rip Frenchman, the fuel depot op he did was legendary better than Rambo
it cracks me up how fired up jocko gets for these SOG episodes, its like listening to an excited kid
At twenty years old. I was saying "would you like ketchup with that".
frostyboo2 🤣🤣
I was saying “woooo I got a kill streak it’s t-bagging time”
"I am since told banana trees still tremble in that part of the world at the mere mention my name" LOL. Stress levels off the Planet.
Before that I read of four wacky stress level stories:
1. Two police officers put 120 rounds in somebody after entering the suspect's home. After running out of ammo, they went back into the car, reloaded and continued shooting at the corpse.
2. During the first Gulf War, an Apache crew was sent on a nearby scouting operation with do not fire orders. The Apache has a "you are hear map" and the crew got lost. They see a British APC next to U.S. tanks and think it's Iraqi. They try to launch a Hellfire and the safety system shut it down. The safety system was activated when the targeting laser hit the APC and the APC pinged back to the Apache that it was a friendly. The Apache crew then destroyed the safety system in order to launch the missile. The Apache crew went to prison for that.
3. New York uniformed subway cops would routinely point guns at and even shoot their undercover partners that went to the same briefings just minutes before.
4. Some police in California gassed and then attacked peaceful protesters they were monitoring at a park. It turns out that the police heard imaginary commands to tell them to disperse the crowd. Imagine what would have happened if those voices said those protesters were armed and dangerous.
@@orlock20 damn bro.... that's some heavy dope right there!!!
That was funny wasnt it? I died laughing when he said that.
@@orlock20 PS
Lol foreal man.. damn !!
These SOG guys have the best stories
I like that Jocko brings up the AW aspect. They should have mentioned the difference in physical training between the branches. The Army avoided weight lifting for the longest time, where SEALs and Marines adopted that training pretty early. After kicking in doors and climbing stairs with all that weight on, in Ramadi 05-06, we learned how valuable strength training is to prepare for war.
Wish there was a weekly SOG chronicles episodes. I've listened to all of them many times..
I’m from the low country of South Carolina born and raised in Georgetown and it’s nice to finally see someone from my home state on here for a change this guy is awesome 👏🏻 💯
These MAC V SOG podcasts are my favorite, I have to listen to these atleast once a week, the podcasts w John Stryker Meyer are awesome like this one.
I can see Echos biceps from the next podcast from here
How about his skinny knees?
LOL, Echo was born w/nothing but biceps:)
😂😂🤣🤣
2019 best comment of this channel
Bathal hood one
Out of all the killers that hsve been on the show, he is the most laid back about schwacking dudes AND the most ruthless. Hard ass dude. Much respect.
Thank you Jocko for providing this platform for veteran heroes to share their stories. Our country didn't give these guys the respect they deserved when they first returned, and this podcast is part of the redemption.
If the podcast takes 3 plus hours, you give them 3 plus hours. You also "listen," which is a rare trait in humans. Most people are engaged in "bialogue," where each person is just waiting to talk, not really listening, absorbing. True dialogue is hard to come by.
These stories make my life so much better. The conversations saved my perspective, and you and your guests' service made it possible to live it out. There is no way to thank you all enough, other than making good use of the time we have gained from those sacrifices.
Dick Thompson and John Stryker Meyer have contributed to me reading everything I can find on SOG. Incredible stories and displays of bravery by these heroes.
@@tedfio1tedfio1, not yet...but The Quiet Professional is on my short liat
What an incredible life this man has lived. Ultimate respect for him and anyone else that went down this path
Hearing about SOG teams seems to be my favourite podcast. Crazy what they did and they were all volunteers!
Dick Thompson is the personification of “speak softly and carry a big stick”
In his case, the big stick is just a diversion. He's probably rolling grenades at your feet and loading a magazine one handed at the same time.
Legend - loved the banter after Interview... Reminded me of banter in the Mess in my short lived Navy days.
Salute to all the Warriors.
I can only wish to have been half as useful as you Wardawgs ;)
The more stories I hear about SOG the more my stress levels go up ... this is insanity 😨these guys are the baddest of the bad ... nothing compares
One of the things that impressed me each time is the humble attitude of Jocko. He is able to effectively keep the veteran talking. He asks good questions, he knows his audience and the knowledge of the people listening to the podcast. Each man interviewed is amazing in their own right. Jocko has the ability to pull the information that folks want to know. Each is a legendary man! To say thank you is the understatement of the decade. Yet I DO SAY THANK YOU, from a grateful man. 😮
The way he recalled the events of his first time in combat and what it meant to him personally and as a soldier was great.
JOCKO YOUR PODCASTS ARE THE ONLY PODCASTS WORTH LISTENING TO. GOD BLESS TO YOU AND YOURS. AND GOD BLESS ALL VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES. AMEN.
I was a city kid, when I turned 8, my whole family moved out to the middle of no where mountains of north east Oregon. Having never been in dark like that of pine forests and undergrowth, I was afraid of the dark. My uncle was a NAM Force Recon Marine, taught me that the darkness was my friend, how to move at night, how to hide, how to use it against others. He also taught me to shoot pistol and rifle and how to shoot both without lining up the sights first. I didn't even know the value of what he had taught me until I went into the military myself. His shadow box is on my mantle next to my grandfathers and my dads.
The first thing I noticed was Jocko’s immediate respect for this great American hero. I have always respected you Jocko, but this act of humility and respect made me admire you more. Good on you Sir!
This man was drop shoting before video games existed
SeaTato for real and for keeps.
thank you so much for shining the light back on sog..there is obviously a well pool of heroic and harrowing stories to be told and i personally want to know about everyone...plz bring back tilt..and thank u so much jocko and echo
I worked SPS perimeter defense at TSN in 1971 and I never heard anything about SOG.Granted I was a nothing USAF E3 but I knew a lot of things I would not admit even 50 years later. I am so grateful to hear these podcasts before I am gone.... Thank you. Robert PS I retired to Thailand 8 years ago.
Thank you. So many good life lessons here. Plus I get to know more about my Dad's life and about the experiences of a couple of my mentors. You and your guests flesh out so many details for me. Dad flew F-100s out of Danang in the summer of 1964 (duty officer for the first official combat mission for the USAF F-100 fighter, classified at the time). On his second tour, he helped set up AF combat operations at Cam Rahn in the fall of 1965 and flew the F4C Phantom through the summer of 1966. Most of his missions were on the Ho Chi Min trail on the Laotian border. He earned a DFC that tour defending an outpost faced with enemy air support. I am so grateful he always came back. A college faculty mentor was an Army Special Forces guy who lived with the Hmong people in Laos and roamed the jungle and mountains, calling in air support. I owe my doctorate to his advice and support. (My actual dissertation chair was a submariner and later an expert on Soviet databases. I seem to always have managed to have a quality military mentor in my life.) Later in my career, a colleague mentor had been Army Special Forces and had boots on the ground on the Plain of Jars when my Dad flew air support in the area (this gentleman retired as a Major General). I had the great honor of his inviting me to team-teach a leadership course for several semesters. Boy, did I learn a lot. (Another colleague was a tunnel rat. He has said precious little about that.) I greatly admire you guys and appreciate the blank check you wrote. Regardless of the popularity of any particular war. Or 'conflict' or mission. Excellence in motion.
These SOG guys are something special. They just have a chip on their shoulder that puts them head and shoulders above the rest. Love it
Can we get another episode please!!! These legends must be remembered, It’s time for more SOG🇺🇸
This is the 6th Jocko SOGcast Ive listened to! There are quite a few more didja find em yet?! 😃💯
Growing up I remember hearing rumors about what these brave warriors did. Was just a kid when the men from Vietnam were returning. Now to hear the actual accounts. Even more respect for this fading generation. Keep up the great work.
I’ve been going watch all the older episodes because I watched all the newer ones. Wow so many great ones I hadn’t seen! I go to sleep at night watching and usually wake up to a new episode and watch it with my coffee. I couldn’t imagine going through what he did in Vietnam! Amazing!
I have 2 tours in Afghanistan but these are so invaluable to even motivate me today with what I have going on in the business world. Such a powerful guest.
Having to wait for the follow-on episodes is a true exercise in patience... Big thanks to the folks you're able to bring onto the show for sharing their incredible stories.
I grew up with NAM vets and my first book was Chicken Hawk. I read books and swim trained for a recon marine. When my time came I chose Wall Street. I have alot achievements to be proud of, and although I regret not giving it a go, now I am older, I question wether I would have survived mentally. These guys are best of breed.
Thanks Jocko for the motivation! I got bootcamp in January for the United States Marine Corps And this is hyping me up
Godspeed out there!
Get some
kick F%^kin ASS!!!! Lance Cooly!!!:)
Set the culture of excellence yourself when you get to your MOS. Don't get lulled into following guys with slack ways and slack discipline. Always study, prepare, and lead.
if you need a rlly nice knife hit me up, my buissness I work at that my uncle owns has been making handmade knives, for 40+ years I can make you a survival, hunting, or pocket knife. :) I'd be happy to make you a awesome knife for bootcamp idk if u could bring one or not but I'll still make u one! :)
Love these old SOG war horses
Hardest if the hardcore.
Keep’em coming
How about having John Plaster
on,I do believe he’s one of the SOG unit historians with 2 tours on the ground and one flying covey for SOG
I’ve been bingeing these sog episodes. This was the first time I got full body chills when I heard the words “prairie fire” 🤣🤣 I couldn’t imagine the stories that will never be told.
Can't get enough of these Vietnam vet interviews, great men. Shame Col. Robert L. Howard is no longer among us. He'd have made a great guest. Keep up the great work, Jocko. Thank you.
these guys are still the ultimate soldier the world has produced hands down
You can tell there's no stopping this man. Thank you for the podcast,sir.
57:00 crazy how he talks about gun fighter technics back than and it took all the way until the last 15 years for it to be implemented at the lowest level.
Thank you for doing these interviews the men are finally getting there due . The history is being saved !
True that
I think these legends coming onto your podcast also says a lot about YOU, Jocko. You’re a legend, and clearly these incredible guys have just as much respect for you as you do for them.
When my father became a ranger in 1980 everyone above E4 was a Vietnam Vet lot of them were LARP or MACVSOG and they were some of the crazies soldiers he ever met most really liked Knife fighting
i like how the shadows cover his eyes and once and awhile the light hits em and you see that mile long stare hes got
It probably gets worse when, he starts reliving all of these stories
like a real life rambo. it’s so cool to listen to and know that it’s real
A legend reflecting on meeting a legend.
Thank you Mr. Thompson.
Took the jocko podcast to a new level of clarity....
Thanks for the efforts jocko and echo...
Could not stop or pause this one...
Cheers
Love the work you are doing!! Never let people forget The sacrifices that have been made for their freedom God bless you!! 82AA🇺🇸
"ya know sometimes if they didn't wanna cooperate,they could get terminated" 😂😂😂😂
Dammit, wasn't aware the Doug had passed away. Glad he was able to be on the podcast with Tilt
Id love to see a sit down with Don Shipley.
I'm sure they know each other
Why, I thought Jocko only had combat veterans on?
@@AMG-316
Burn, DUDE!!!
Don has no control over Military engagement during his time of service. In-between Vietnam and 2001 - the average SEAL didn't see any combat.
@@AMG-316 its not like Don was controlling Foreign Policy during his tenure in the Navy.
Guys served at SMUs and never saw real combat during that period.
@@sauljahboi5965 u know Don is a combat veteran right? He fought in Bosnia and liberia. That shits no joke.
While serving with SEAL Team Two, Shipley conducted dozens of operations in Bosnia and Liberia. He became the first non-corpsman SEAL to graduate paramedic school. He served in eight SEAL Platoons, was Platoon Chief in five, and was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for Heroism and a Bronze star with Valor, during a Search and Rescue Mission.
Its hunting season and i know iv missed some nice deers but love listening to this POD CAST while im in the blind to JOKCO AND ECHO AND THE REST OF THE. MEN AND WOMEN IN MILITARY THANKS FOR MY FREEDOM .
Thank you Mr. Thompson for your courage and thank the lord you came back
John Plaster's book literally reads just like this gent's story. Such an awesome brotherhood.
Hearing the job description for these men made me sit down for a moment. Grateful, that's the word I feel.
Amazing, just amazing. Listened to the whole thing over a few days and didn’t want to stop to pause.
Thank you for putting these podcasts up, inspirational
SOG are the most decorated soldiers from Vietnam. All Valor. Super humble. Every mission someone gave their seat up to save their vietnamese, or Monty companions. Most died immediately after. Then they would have a bright light mission immediately after to retrieve their brothers body. Pure love. Highly recommend "Uncommon Valor" on audible. Amazing piece of work. And a great glimpse in2 the bravery, nd love these men had 4 eachother. I love Jocko for giving us perspective no matter how minutely it may be, in2 what these men sacrificed for us. Without asking for anything in return. Humbling. Thank you for my freedom.
These SOG warriors and patriots are the best of the best American legends of special ops
This man invented the drop shot
This is a great resource for actiuve duty soldiers. I wish I had access to this interview and the other SOG interviews before I deployed in 2011.
When I hear one of these guys say they are from SC, my heart swells with pride. My state has produced some amazing warriors.
Francis Marion, The Swamp Fox...
Couldn't resist so I already listened to the audio version and this one is definitely up there with the Tilt episodes. Podcasts with SOG guys might be the most interesting ones on this channel.
onlycasual1 R and R is going to be even better! It’s crazy.
I wish we could go back in time and hear the experiences of guys that fought in the American Civil War and The American Revolutionary War
@Jay Bee he would have been a very old man at that time and extremely young during the war. Maybe a drummer boy. If what you say actually exists and is therefore true
There are tons of diaries from soldiers from both wars. You should definitely read them if interested.
This guys are the ninjas and spartans of today
The Banana Tree Story reminds me of my first or second raid in Iraq. I had just taken command of my company like a week before. We were stacked on an outside courtyard wall, silently getting ready to breach. A cat jumped up behind me on the wall. Because we were facing the gate with rifles at the low ready, I spun around quick drawing my M9 from the drop leg holster and blew the cat away alla Boondock Saints. Little embarrassing indeed. Stress effect indeed. Love these stories of MACVSOG!!! Incredible warriors! Thank you for bringing their stories to the web, sir!
Ever since, the handle " pussy killer" has been hard to shake.
All in jest my man, take care.
The men featured in these podcasts as well as Jocko and Echo are all Superheroes in my opinion my hats off to you Gentlemen ♥️
Jocko is lucky to be able to sit with these warriors. I'd love to spend time listening to them tell their story's. Thanks for the videos jocko and company!
I absolutely love the SOG guys! I emailed tilt and he replied to me. Very good men. Amazing men!
I wonder if Jocko would interview a decorated soldier who fought against the US. Maybe like someone that fought on the other side in 'Nam. That would be weird and interesting.
Jehanzeb14 I’d say 99.9% of the Viet Cong leaders are dead by now due to their short lifespans in the jungle. As for the Korean War, it is technically still going on and I couldn’t see that happening unless it was a NK immigrant. I would love a Jocko Podcast featuring a high ranking Soviet though.
I would have a hard time with that one due to the way the NVA treated our soldiers .. very brutal and sadistic; however , an interesting premise 🤔
Take that wishy washy shit somewhere else.
@@anthonyluisi7096 not all of them were like that though. Some of then were just regular soldiers trying to survive.
@@griffinfitzpatrick alot of them are alive. Asians live a longer lives than americans
Holy shit. This has to be one of the best and intense podcasts I have listened to. Immediately went out and bought his book.
As an individual who's interested in the air war in 'Nam, there's a great book called "Da Nang Diary" the author talks who was an FAC that often flew top cover for the guys in the SOG. Man these guys jobs were dangerous af
Veterans Day always makes me think about my Dad who I always had and always will have great respect for. I know some of you knew my dad too, and can attest to his character. This is a story I’d always like to share around this time of year to honor him, and all veterans living and diseased, including Purple Heart recipients.
My father really never spoke about it, But this is a story that was told to me by some of his army buddies about 40 years ago while sitting around the pool in Florida. I think some of you who take the time to read this, may find it interesting.
Although my pops lived to be 90, when he was on his death bed in the hospital, pumped up with morphine, he did clarify what happened in some amazing detail.
Not sure if this constitutes him being a POW since he was only captured and held by the Nazi’s for a week, but this the story about my pops!
He did tell me about boot camp where he had to chase away coyotes every night on training maneuvers out in the deserts in Arizona, and how he was trained on mules and horses. They actually taught the mules to lay down, and they would mount a 50 caliber on their side.
This is what he also told me.
He was in the 17th Cavalry, Recon. They managed to get through the D Day invasion. A couple of months later they were going into a seaport town called Brest. It was a very important stronghold where the Nazi’s had U-boats hidden. My father had done several reconnaissance missions before. On this particular day, the higher ups sent him on a surveillance mission. When he got back, he reported that there were over 400 Nazis stationed down this road. The officer I charge told my father to take him in the Jeep to where they were. My dad said, that if they went down there, they weren’t going to come back. But, the officer insisted, and my dad followed orders. They headed down the road when a 88 mortar came in and flipped the Jeep over. His commanding officer literally got his head blown off, and my father got a good piece of his calf blown off. While he was trying to crawl away from the Jeep that was burning, he got shot with machine gun fire. At this point he told me that he was trying to get his belt off to apply a tourniquet on his own leg. Another 88 came in and blew a hole out of his lower back that you could put your fist in.
Growing up, looking at my father, his body looked like a road map which I often wondered why.
Anyway, after the second mortar came in, all he said he remembered was laying there in a daze, watching a bunch of German soldiers running up the cobblestone street with them big black boots on which he described the noise they made. He remembers them going into his holster and taking a German Luger out that my father was carrying. He told me that he heard them cock it. He said he shrugged his shoulders expecting the back of his head to be blown out. Instead, the dragged him into a barn, where they had an old French woman patch him up before they interrogated him. Although he was aware of what was going on, every time they asked him questions,
his response was, d-o-c-t-o-r!
He told me that he winded up living in this barn for over a week with a handful of the Germans, but he had already called in the coordinates of where they were. About a week later the Americans came in captured over 400 nazis, and got is busted up ass out of there. My father did over a year in the hospital, where they told him, (and this was just the first time) that he would probably never walk again. But with his strong will and faith, he told them different and he did walk again. Not great, but he did. My father met General Patton, and received a Purple Heart and bronze star for his roll in capturing the 400 Nazis. Shortly after my father was captured, the 17th Cavalry was disbanded due to the fact that there were so many lost. The rest that were left were put in with the 15th. My father’s friends told me they all dubbed him with the nic-name “Lionheart”.
My father’s strong will and determination stayed with him throughout the rest of his life with all the complications from his wounds, from seeing his youngest son, my brother pass away along with a host of other different things.
My father was well loved by everyone! Was generous, help all he could. He is my greatest inspiration and the hero that I could never be. Through it all, I am thankful that he lived a pretty tough life in and out of hospitals, but he made it to be 90 years old, and did get to see his two grandchildren that he loved. I salute you and all veterans today, and every day. Ok time to get out of bed and get moving. Off to another nursing home to do what I love, and play music for the disabled vets, residents and seniors. Have a good day!
❤️🇬🇧❤️
I knew Brit WW2 Commando who told me that if an officer was being stupid and putting his men in danger they made sure he never lasted long 🥷🏻🥷🏻
My dad was MACV also - you’re a wonderful human!