CSM Gary Littrell was my First Sargent in 1977 when serving with C 1/75th Ranger Battalion. He was tough as nails and one of the finest NCO's that I have ever met in my military career.
I had a similar experience “with the best NCO ever” Master Sergeant Everett Finnel. He had fought in WWII, Korea, and VietNam. I was 18 years old been in the military about 6 months when I first met Master Sergeant Finnel. He was a tough no nonsense NCO who cared for his troops. His actions, that I observed as a young troop, gave me the knowledge of how a leader should be. I drew on the knowledge he passed on to us many time while serving as a fire team leader in Vietnam. Now, he served most of his time when black people were not treated well in the military but he was not bitter. He succeeded in spite of racism and never displayed any bitterness. He took me under his wing, a southern hick with a Deep South accent. HIs direction, the training he gave me saved my life many times over. The best thing he did for me was give me a life long desire to be good to everyone and never judge a person by what they look like but by their deeds. Master Sergeant Finnel a true American and hero.
@@codyhendricks6927 my Dad and Uncle are Vietnam Vets, one in the infantry the other the 173rd Airborne and both frequently watch youtube videos and occasionally leave comments. If someone gets on here and tells an “untruth” then that’s on them and not for us to decide
Reacting to enemy incoming and doing a accurate call for fire on specific coordinates speaks volumes of CSM's skill level and ability. Vietnam war era generation didn't use handheld GPS systems either. Map reading, radio communications, and land navigation skills needed to be on point. Respect CSM Littrel. Thanks for your service Sergeant Major from a 11B Veteran hoorah.
"If you can't put it in a rucksack and jump out of an airplane with it, it's too much equipment". These men are tougher than woodpecker lips. Much admiration, it's a privilege to hear this man's story. Much thanks for his service.
@@OVER9000xDxD If you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say it these men have went through hell I don’t think you have the courage to live a day in his shoes
@@michaelwoods2903 You can read or watch many news sources that will tell you just how many Russian soldiers are dead from facing off against Ukrainian troops. So stop lying for Putin; collect your rubles and go buy your potato 🥔. Enjoy your fantastic life…!
Thank you for sharing your great story. I was born in 78 and have always admired Vietnam veterans. When I was a teenager I read "The Protected Will Never Know" by Leigh Wade, this book planted the seed that I would serve however I could. I was never a great soldier, but I've always felt so honored to follow in the foot steps of other great men - even if only in a support role as a Combat Engineer. This may be late - but, THANK YOU VIETNAM VETERANS FOR YOUR SERVICE. GOD BLESS YOU AND THE USA.
@@jasonhale2523 Sir your duty was 1 of the best because your support they advanced on thank you for your service Watch an terrific movie …. An bridge to far” Excellent film an yea Hollywood did blemish the book 📚 Look at John Wayne an his ability to show In character in “True Grit” not fact yea the entertainment value….. 🎹🎼🎺🎷👀👍….
One of the greatest things I have done in my life was escorting Medal of Honor recipients from the airport to their hotel. This was for the Medal of honor association. I escorted 5 recipients and their families. They were some of the most humblest and respectful people I have ever met. I was ashamed they kept thanking me for my service knowing what amazing acts they had done. I had read the citations for each recipient prior to their escorts. Amazing representatives of their military services.
If you have ever been in close combat you know just how real this situation was. Four days of doing this and to survive is just amazing. So much respect for what he did. I was in Viet Nam during this time assigned to 5th Special Forces period and remember when the sister camp fell. He really lived up to the Ranger Creed.
Why wasn’t another friendly force brought over to surround the attackers? Politics? Not enough people to spare? I could understand the delay for a day or 2. But 4 days & nights alone?
@@mattkaustickomments I'm not a veteran, but remember that there are human individuals in charge of these regiments Sometimes they're good, sometimes they're bad. Sometimes they're good but make choices that end up being bad, etc... So often in these horrible scenarios, it's some desk officer who sees it all as chess pieces. That's definitely why the officers who went through the enlisted ranks up to brass ranks invariably make the best choices and have the true love of the men who serve under them, all the way down to thr lowest ranks who never have the pleasure of a 1 on 1 meeting. Chesty Puller and Smedley Butler come to mind. Thst doesn't mean there haven't been great, combat-less generals, I think many respected Eisenhower, for example, but it paled in comparison. I don't think MacArthur saw "genuine" combat on a personal level, and it showed with his sickening "strategy" in the pacific. Just throwing marines at the Japanese. Luckily for those marines the brotherhood and spunk got them 90% of the way, but even with *relatively* low casualties in comparison to the Japanese, they were unacceptable numbers of losses. Schwarzkopf was another, he had SEEN combat. Those men weren't just numbers on a report. They had *lives* . I'd bet good money the vast majority of fumbles like this where men are essentially abandoned and expected to either make it on their own or die, are cases where some career-officer at a desk just deems it logistically unworthy and it's a sad reality. TLDR: "Sir, this is a Wendy's" 😂
I was 10 years old watching the Vietnam war and I cried 1974. As the years Years pass- I became a US marine and served as a state trooper and now I am retired . I cried again listening to his story in 2022 as an adult .
J.E. Blanco M.Ed, In 1974 I was a 19 year old PFC in the Marines. Joined in 1974, served 6 1/2 years of active duty. I re-enlisted in 1977 and got out in 1980. I worked as a Journeyman Carpenter, then I became an Officer of the California Highway Patrol in 1984 and am now honorably retired. Semper Fidelis.
wake up or to say if you don't know what Protects freedom and Justice how you pretend to understand and fight for freedom and Justice exactly your jobs and duty as we the people to protect freedom and Justice from the enemy within America since day one government and the unbaised unopinionated fact checked news we hear truth form a opinion and bios and vote and sheriff's interpret law we interpret justice following no law decide guilt on Injust no injust not guilty and the state can't be the victim or it's B.o.B on your heads schilling on your heads and they couldn't build prisons fast enough and would fall into civil war destroying itself from within without my right this countries foundation and only protection from the Enemy within since day one government and the unbaised unopinionated fact checked news we hear truth form a opinion and bios and fire or rehire if did what we the people put them there to do .. We police government here watching unbiased unopinionated fact checked news we make politicians tell the truth and do there job is exactly we the people's jobs freedom isn't free justice isnt given we trust in God no government to give us freedom no cops to hand out justice sheriff interprets law we interpret justice following no law decide guilt on Injust no injust not guilty and the state can't be the victim or it's schilling on your heads and they couldn't build prisons fast enough and would fall into civil war without my right this countries foundation and only protection from the enemy within since day one government and the unbaised unopinionated fact checked news the truth protects freedom and Injust protects the just . sure as hell can't even fake we the people anymore stand for Injust untrue trust in government to give you freedom and cops to hand out justice and politicians to tell the truth and do there job why vote you north Korean get out
As an Infantryman, Iraq War veteran, I love this man. These are the guys who paved the way for us. They had it tougher and did more with less than we had to.
Stories like these are finally getting the attention they deserve, so that men like your father can be honored and remembered. Back in the day the only stories that were allowed to be publicized were about white American soldiers. The heroism and sacrifice of the Vietnamese soldiers, African American soldiers , Hmong, And many others who were forgotten for 50-60 years needs to be recognized. I feel this gentleman does recognize this and makes a point to give credit to his Vietnamese troops and their bravery.
Sorry to hear about your father I’m sure your father fought his butt off trying to free the people of Vietnam I wish I didn’t have to come to that your father didn’t deserve to die my dad passed away as well so I know exactly how it feels man god bless your father
@@keithgunn-glanville7829 That is a virtue signaling BS story straight from your imagination Keith. What you just stated is a lie. All American soldiers in that war were treated shabbily by the leftest in the country who are running the country RIGHT NOW. The stories of the heroism of the South Vietnamese were wide spread. As were the heroics of the Hmong tribesmen who along with the South Vietnamese soldiers were massacred by the CCP backed North Vietnamese. Since i have mentioned the CCP in a negative light yt will delete or ghost this comment but i hope they keep it up because it is the truth. Go peddle your crap somewhere else. This is a sight for American heroes.
I was a good friend of an Army Ranger named James Shepherd who grew up in Williamstown Kentucky. We worked in an integrated steel mill in SW Ohio. Jimmy was one of the hardest workers on the crew and took him months before he mentioned being a Ranger. As I sit here and listen to Gary's stories, I can imagine Jim being in those hills and fighting for hours. When Jim was born, little did he know that God assigned him longevity. I was proud to work with him for over 35 years.
This man is proof that nature triumphs nurture. Father abandoned him and mother died shortly after. Lived a very dysfunctional life jumping around from family member to family member. He knew he was a nobody and was determined to become a somebody no matter the cost. Thank you for your character and your service!
@@notaQuackhead369 agreed, the nurturing of his life may have taught him that no one is here for you therefore you have to fight everyday for your right to life. Joining the Army he found a home for his mindset and in way he found a stage to display.
He was a sad kid that found a purpose.... When you are dragged up, you become very resilient and multiskilled... And thrive on caring for others... A lot of special forces have had tough backgrounds... Part of what makes them so damn stubborn and determined to achieve...
When Gary was in the 101st G-3 Training, he and I were the training inspectors for the division. We were pretty care free, called the inspections as we saw them and avoided the politics of division level officers. The G-3 Training staff was a fun, happy go lucky group but the hours were long and often we did not leave until after 6PM. On the day he was notified to report to the CG Office as we were preparing to go home, we were both afraid that someone somewhere had a beef with something he had done or said to another. We never seemed to mince for words. SO I told him that I would wait until he returned to the office after his CG appearance. It was a pretty long wait for me expecting that the worse had happened. Yet when he returned, he was sort of in shock, winded and then sat down across from me as I asked him, "Well how bad is it?" A long pause and he responded, "You won't believe me!" I pushed again and he stated that he had just been notified he was to be presented with the CMH. I responded that this was not a time to be joking, were we both in trouble? But it was a fact, as the video confirmed. But he just went back to work the next day after a long story about what had happened in RVN. Later, he attended a parade in his home town of Henderson KY, which was near by. There the mayor presented Gary with a Kentucky Long Rifle of the mid 1800's era. That is an even better story. He was one of the best NCO's I ever worked with.
I know Im randomly asking but does someone know a way to log back into an instagram account? I was dumb forgot my password. I would love any help you can give me.
This Man hit the nail on the head. When SHTF you don’t rise to the occasion, instead you fall to your level of training. If you do something enough it becomes muscle memory and even in the most stressful situations when everything’s going crazy it’s your training that will keep you alive.
I served with Gary in 1976, another great example of our Era united states army, I sent a note but it was deleted, im former special forces living outside the us, good to see you again.
Thank you, sir, for your gallantry. I read a story from a F105 pilot where he had to drop is load danger close to a team of lurps who were in contact and about to be overrun. He explained that a half a degree off and his load would drop on the team instead of the enemy. A young lump had to stand in plain visibility, under heavy fire, holding a strobe so the pilot could see exactly where the team was. The lurp was my father. He made it out and 50 years later they met in a 101st reunion. He was 17 or 18 at the time. As old as my son is today. The selflessness of these young men (and kids) is hard to believe and awe-inspiring.
I am amazed that there was no apparent effort to send troop reinforcements in to try to get those guys out during a four day battle with 2000 NVA troops surrounding them.
These humble men are an inspiration. Above and beyond the call of duty. He speaks of the love he had for his fellow Rangers . Thank you sir for the country you served and the lives you saved.
He gave great respect to his adversaries by saying it was an equal fight due to him having the high ground, artillery and air support to counter their shear numbers of 10 to one advantage. That in itself was admirable.
This man mentioned ‘being fortunate’ many times. There may have been some fortune involved but it seems to me his success was because of his bravery, heroism and loyalty to his troops. Top man.
Gary Littrell's story is amazing, and he is an amazing story teller. By no stretch of the imagination can I picture being in the situation he and his troops were in. Of approximately 473 personnel that were there at the beginning of the battle, only 41 survived. In these modern times maybe the word "hero" is overused, but he is a hero in every sense. Total respect.
At they time they were in this situation each was fighting for their brothers to keep others alive. That is an insight which I have learned from many combat veterans. That is why they say that the heroes were the ones who didn’t get home
America got involved in Vietnam in order (1) to get France to join NATO. Then (2) JFK was afraid of losing the 1968 election if our involvement did not increase. Rethuglicans, after Bay of Pigs, were calling him weak on national defense and not a good anti-communist. Most people don't know (1) Ho Chi Minh, during WW2 asked America to stop France from retaking its Indochina colonies. (2) In an attempt to look democratic, Eisenhower proposed a vote in South Vietnam expecting the South to win. When polling showed Ho was the overwhelming choice, Eisenhower cancelled the vote. Finally (3) the war in Vietnam was a civil war, not America versus communism. Of course, "anti-communism" doesn't extend to American business which happily traded with "communist" regimes. Nor to our NATO allies who also trade with "communist" regimes...Well until russia invaded Ukraine.
Nobody was threatening our country during the Vietnam War so no, people like him are not the reason our country is still here. WW2 veterans are the reason our country is still here. Vietnam was a pointless war we had no business being in, and we invaded them. And lost to Rice farmers lol. Nobody was threatening our country, France just wanted their territory back and thought we were the best chance at taking it for them and we called it "stopping the spread of communism"
As a young man, I loved to sit and listen to stories from older folks, especially veterans. They are our living history and we are their legacy. Thanks for making these stories available to us.
Telling a warrior they can’t fight because they fought too well is like telling your best player on a basketball team they can’t play because they score too many points rest is definitely earned at a point but a warrior doesn’t rest until the battle is won or they are dead- these videos are amazing I’m grateful to live in a time I can hear and watch these men speak on their own heroic acts!
Hello there, and greetings from Scotland. As an observer from across the Atlantic, recent event in the USA have saddened me; there is so much polarisation in your great country. However, men like this show another side- bravery, humility and a recognition of the contribution of others. This is the US that I’ve grown up admiring. Thank you for all your military has done for the western World. Despite what others have said, you’ve pulled us Europeans out of the fire on many occasions.
Many Americans are saddened by the polarization as well. These men’s stories are such a blessing. I pray for my country to turn back to God and truth. Thank you!
Agreed. I love this channel. All these stories are incredible. And what’s more is they are told so well, each vet is extremely articulate. Impressive considering they are probably recounting some of the most painful and traumatic instances in their lives.
Not even an armed service member but tears came to my eyes listening to this man's story.thank you for your service sir you men were absolute warriors made it possible to live the way we do today.alot of people in this world need to recognize that fact
I was fortunate enough after doing 2 tours Afghanistan and while living in Central Oregon to meet at the time 2016 the oldest living Medal Of Honor recipient alive again in Oregon Bob Maxwell and also got the opportunity to travel to the coast and dedicate a highway in honor of all gulf War, OEF and OIF vets and I am so honored to this day to have even shaken his hand!
I'm hooked on these stories from veterans. These should be compulsory viewing not just for students of history, but all Americans, including everyone hoping to become an American.
We are full, no more room for anyone who wants to be an American, sorry. Anyone that comes here at this point should do so knowing that they are taking resources from an American who was born here and will be dealt with with violence eventually.
@@olplainface1299that's ridiculous, you know how many talented doctors, engineers, scientist come here from over seas and do nothing but make our country better and become legal tax paying citizens the right way?! There are plenty of resources for those that go through the process the correct way, and we are better off for having those determined and intelligent people here, that statement was nothing but ignorance.
Interviewer: "You were outnumbered like 10 to 1". Sfc. Gary Litrell: "Outnumbered but the odds were about the same. It was an even fight in my opinion".
My younger brother spent 20 years and retired out of the hundred and first airborne. It wasn't that he wanted to but he had a physical problem that required it into this day he wishes he was still in. God bless our troops including my older brother who just passed. In memory Captain James B Irvin, US Army retired.
Chills ran through my body as I heard him say 44 men out of 475 made it off that hill.....they went 4 days with no food, & annihilated 5000 enemies....barely any water......wow.....the losses were astronomical....
Why is it that true warriors, true heroes, are so humble and soft spoken? Just overcoming the adversity of his childhood is rather heroic. The respect he has for his brothers in arms makes it easy to understand was something reciprocated. This guy is amazing! The way he talks about heavy combat in a tone of voice like I talk about making a sandwich. Thank you, sir!
I know exactly what to mean my friend, I used to make coffee for a ww2 veteran in Australia and would geet into trouble for sitting with him for too long,but I didn’t care. He had a story worth telling and I was honoured to hear it
Gary Littrell refused to capitulate under conditions that the biggest and strongest of any professional sport would have ran for their lives under. Though 85% of the fighting force he was with were killed, his guts and military mindset saved the rest. He began the battle a non-com and left the battle a battalion commander with the rank of sergeant. With all the officers killed or unable to lead, he held the field!
Really shows how much all that training matters more than your rank. The unit commanders trusted him because they saw over months that he knew what he was doing.
This is a true American. This is a man of great sacrifice and duty. Imagine if we all took just a bit of his character and using it day to day. Humble and strong, suck it up and move on! Godbless you!
Through my years of living on this earth, I wish I could've met this humble gentleman. I was so young at the time he served, and I barely remember what went on in the 60s because I wasn't born until 1964. My father served and thankfully he returned home after his tour in Vietnam, and I was given my father until he passed in 2017. I talked with him about his time in the Army, and when we talked about his own passing, I told him, "Dad, I want to send you off with military credits". His response was, "why they didn't care about me then, what makes you think they care about me now"? I wasn't sure how to respond to that. But then I said, "Dad, this is a very different time than what went on long ago". But, when he passed, we laid him to rest and we told his story, and that gave me peace. I miss dad so very much, and I wish I could sit down with him, and hear more of his stories. I know dad passed knowing full well, that he was going to be met with my mother standing at the gates of heaven and to never be apart again. I miss them both! But I thank God, for allowing me to be their son... God bless and thank you to all that have served.
I remember reading the story of the mission for which he won the MOH. Incredible and inspiring presentation, every fighting man should pray for such leadership when thrust into combat.
"I didn't earn this medal, I don't feel that I deserve this medal, I was a non-commissioned officer doing a job, I didn't do anything heroic, I'd done my job" spoken like an absolutely legendary hero, living as a higher standard of human than all of us
I know where Henderson KY is. I grew up in Indiana. Gary is a humble man. I to served on Okinawa in the MARINE CORPS. Great episode. Thank you gentlemen. God bless
I met Drew Dix (Medal of Honor winner from Pueblo, Colorado) and he has the same attitude. "I was just doing my job and doing what had to be done." As a US Navy Veteran, I understand this completely. These men are humble and as down to earth as you can possibly imagine.
Drew is a friend of mine and he exemplifies what a true hero is all about. I had the privilege of meeting 45 MOH recipients at the MOH Convention in Pueblo, Colorado in 2017. It was an awesome 4 days that I'll never forget.
This Man is what makes our Country the best on the planet earth !!..........MUCH RESPECT SIR !!.........Thank You for your incredible service to USA.........God Bless and WELCOME HOME !!
Yeah good luck with your issues with gluttony ,diabetes of your citizens getting so fat and on top of that ,try sorting out your ridiculously old law about guns that results in alot of sad devastation also on top of that good luck fixing your health care system that is immoral and does not care if you are broke,apart from that then yeah i guess your right America is the best place in the world, right?.
THANK YOU EVERY VETERAN for YOUR SERVICE!!! I can never say this enough. I'm a Army Brat, my dad was drafted in 1942, and stayed in until 1968. He was stationed in Germany twice then Kadena, Okinawa! I was a little girl then...but I remember the typhoon and earthquake we were in, in Okinawa! I remember seeing my dad leave the island for the Philippines on a Chinook helicopter. We had a lady help my mom, with 8 kids in Okinawa, I wish I could find her, her name sounds like "Sea Echo" I still have the dresses and jackets she sewed for my mom❤
Maybe you can find her through Facebook. Post pictures of yourself as a child with the clothing she sowed on. There’s probably some kind of database of people who are trying to find each other from that era.
Very humble man. And as common for almost all MOH recipients, they were not chasing after a medal, they were just doing their jobs, doing the best they could. They had fear, but overcame the fear to do what had to be done. He is a true hero!
This man represents the warrior class of our society that has fought and allowed us to keep our freedom. God bless him and all the men and women who unselfishly sacrificed for us.
When this man walks barefoot, the sound of iron hitting the floor is all you hear.. incredible story. Thank you for sharing this and keeping history alive!
Watching these videos one thing always rings true…remember your training…your training gets you through…and makes you understand why the military does the things it does…obviously having guts and balls of steel deff helps..but all these videos I watch these guys always say “my training got time through it”
he's a great man. I hope he is still giving interviews because we need to have his excellent service record as part of the historical record for people to admire.
Hearing your story is truly a privilege sir. I've never served, however I am infinitely greatful for the sacrifices you and your brother in arms have made to preserve our freedoms. Our veterans are precious, and we need to hear their stories. Much love & respect from Canada.
Outstanding! He says he still serves some at the Tampa FL VA after being retired. I hope I have a chance to shake this mans hand one day while I'm at one of my appts there...Semper Fidelis Sgt Maj Littrell.
I've never been in any branch of the military but my dad was in the US . ARMY, he's gone now but I respected him and All the others that served regardless of the branch, Thank You to All of you whoever and wherever you are. Salute 👏
One of the most inspiring stories I've listened to from our Nation's history. God Bless you Gary Littrell. Thank you so much so training our young warriors.
Sir, I had the pleasure of meeting 1 of your brave troopers in my home in 2015. He spoke about you, but at the time I didn't know about this video, but he loved you still. He was doing maintenance work and me being a Marine, we some how opened up a conversation about Obama and from there we got into his duty in Vietnam. He said that he barely made it off a hill defending Saigon and onto the one of the last American aircraft waiting for VIPs at an airport and that was how he got here. He asked that I never reveal his name whenever I spoke about his story, so I will respect his wishes. I wonder how much time had passed from your battle with the NVA and the fall of Saigon? Mr. Soldier, if you ever read this comment and remember the short, fat discharged Marine, please come and pay a welcomed visit to my home.
This guy is the polar opposite of me mindset wise. I've spent 22 years in a job I don't particularly feel and passion for, I walk and talk like a half-penny politician just to keep it. I suppose I will just roll on until retirement if I am lucky enough to keep it. I don't wanna serve in a war or the military ever. I will never be interviewed about it and if I am, I will never be able to speak my mind because one just has to keep spinning the spin to stay employed and employable.
HISTORY LOVERS - before you comment, be sure to subscribe to this UA-cam channel and ring the notification bell so you never miss a future upload!
"I'm the custodian of the medal, they earned it, I get to wear it for them" that's the words of a hero right there
Love it
Damn straight.
WOW!!! Now, that's A Righteous Man!!! Most Heroes say the same! COMRADES
💪💪💪💪
So many of them say exactly the same thing. Not going to psycho-analyze it but makes one even more proud of them that they are humble.
CSM Gary Littrell was my First Sargent in 1977 when serving with C 1/75th Ranger Battalion. He was tough as nails and one of the finest NCO's that I have ever met in my military career.
C 1/75 81-83, God bless you!
The man is a legend
God bless you for sharing
God Bless you sir.. Thank you for your service so we can continue living the American dream..
Awesome story! Thank you for your service! 🇺🇸
I had a similar experience “with the best NCO ever” Master Sergeant Everett Finnel. He had fought in WWII, Korea, and VietNam. I was 18 years old been in the military about 6 months when I first met Master Sergeant Finnel. He was a tough no nonsense NCO who cared for his troops. His actions, that I observed as a young troop, gave me the knowledge of how a leader should be. I drew on the knowledge he passed on to us many time while serving as a fire team leader in Vietnam. Now, he served most of his time when black people were not treated well in the military but he was not bitter. He succeeded in spite of racism and never displayed any bitterness. He took me under his wing, a southern hick with a Deep South accent. HIs direction, the training he gave me saved my life many times over. The best thing he did for me was give me a life long desire to be good to everyone and never judge a person by what they look like but by their deeds. Master Sergeant Finnel a true American and hero.
Incredible .. Dude awesome story . Thanks brother !
How old are you? I'm guessing at least in your 80s and your on UA-cam leaving comments???
Comment is so underrated. Incredible story sir.
@@codyhendricks6927 my Dad and Uncle are Vietnam Vets, one in the infantry the other the 173rd Airborne and both frequently watch youtube videos and occasionally leave comments. If someone gets on here and tells an “untruth” then that’s on them and not for us to decide
So glad you were able to have such a positive experience in such a high stress time. 🙌🏼🇺🇸❤️ god bless. Thank you for your service!
Reacting to enemy incoming and doing a accurate call for fire on specific coordinates speaks volumes of CSM's skill level and ability. Vietnam war era generation didn't use handheld GPS systems either. Map reading, radio communications, and land navigation skills needed to be on point. Respect CSM Littrel. Thanks for your service Sergeant Major from a 11B Veteran hoorah.
"If you can't put it in a rucksack and jump out of an airplane with it, it's too much equipment".
These men are tougher than woodpecker lips.
Much admiration, it's a privilege to hear this man's story.
Much thanks for his service.
Csm Littrel, “5,000 enemy against my 500 rangers, I regard this as a fair fight.” Hard af.
LJ L Ice in his fkn veins..
@@OVER9000xDxD If you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say it these men have went through hell I don’t think you have the courage to live a day in his shoes
False equivalence; try fighting a peer enemy in Russia and see how far your 500 rangers would last! Jingoistic bravado.
@@michaelwoods2903 You can read or watch many news sources that will tell you just how many Russian soldiers are dead from facing off against Ukrainian troops. So stop lying for Putin; collect your rubles and go buy your potato 🥔. Enjoy your fantastic life…!
Thank you for sharing your great story. I was born in 78 and have always admired Vietnam veterans. When I was a teenager I read "The Protected Will Never Know" by Leigh Wade, this book planted the seed that I would serve however I could. I was never a great soldier, but I've always felt so honored to follow in the foot steps of other great men - even if only in a support role as a Combat Engineer. This may be late - but, THANK YOU VIETNAM VETERANS FOR YOUR SERVICE. GOD BLESS YOU AND THE USA.
Bless you too. Jason Hale
@@jasonhale2523 Sir your duty was 1 of the best because your support they advanced on thank you for your service
Watch an terrific movie ….
An bridge to far” Excellent film an yea Hollywood did blemish the book 📚
Look at John Wayne an his ability to show In character in “True Grit” not fact yea the entertainment value…..
🎹🎼🎺🎷👀👍….
Airborne!😊
Thank you veterans for your courageous and honorable service to our country.❤
One of the greatest things I have done in my life was escorting Medal of Honor recipients from the airport to their hotel. This was for the Medal of honor association. I escorted 5 recipients and their families. They were some of the most humblest and respectful people I have ever met. I was ashamed they kept thanking me for my service knowing what amazing acts they had done. I had read the citations for each recipient prior to their escorts. Amazing representatives of their military services.
They were grateful for your interest and respect....
The vietnam vets all seem so humble...
Freaking strong, yet humble..
💞✌️🙏
Usually really tough folks are the ones who are humble.
@@HiGlowiefacts
@@HiGlowieEXACTLY...
They are heroes, to be sure.
But, as a grateful civilian, please allow me to thank you for your service.
If you have ever been in close combat you know just how real this situation was. Four days of doing this and to survive is just amazing. So much respect for what he did. I was in Viet Nam during this time assigned to 5th Special Forces period and remember when the sister camp fell. He really lived up to the Ranger Creed.
Why wasn’t another friendly force brought over to surround the attackers? Politics? Not enough people to spare? I could understand the delay for a day or 2. But 4 days & nights alone?
@@mattkaustickomments I'm not a veteran, but remember that there are human individuals in charge of these regiments
Sometimes they're good, sometimes they're bad. Sometimes they're good but make choices that end up being bad, etc...
So often in these horrible scenarios, it's some desk officer who sees it all as chess pieces. That's definitely why the officers who went through the enlisted ranks up to brass ranks invariably make the best choices and have the true love of the men who serve under them, all the way down to thr lowest ranks who never have the pleasure of a 1 on 1 meeting.
Chesty Puller and Smedley Butler come to mind. Thst doesn't mean there haven't been great, combat-less generals, I think many respected Eisenhower, for example, but it paled in comparison.
I don't think MacArthur saw "genuine" combat on a personal level, and it showed with his sickening "strategy" in the pacific. Just throwing marines at the Japanese. Luckily for those marines the brotherhood and spunk got them 90% of the way, but even with *relatively* low casualties in comparison to the Japanese, they were unacceptable numbers of losses.
Schwarzkopf was another, he had SEEN combat. Those men weren't just numbers on a report. They had *lives* .
I'd bet good money the vast majority of fumbles like this where men are essentially abandoned and expected to either make it on their own or die, are cases where some career-officer at a desk just deems it logistically unworthy and it's a sad reality.
TLDR: "Sir, this is a Wendy's" 😂
O
What a great American Hero,father and the finist example of a Ranger is.I salute you sir.
I was 10 years old watching the Vietnam war and I cried 1974. As the years Years pass- I became a US marine and served as a state trooper and now I am retired . I cried again listening to his story in 2022 as an adult .
Stop your crying jar head, ooorah!,, platoon 2070,, Graduated Halloween 1980,, this was an omen,,, lol!
Always Faithful 'Semper Fidelis' Marine
It's amazing how much the US down played our losses in Vietnam. But you can't put out those numbers in losses. It would discourage any new soldiers.
J.E. Blanco M.Ed, In 1974 I was a 19 year old PFC in the Marines. Joined in 1974, served 6 1/2 years of active duty. I re-enlisted in 1977 and got out in 1980. I worked as a Journeyman Carpenter, then I became an Officer of the California Highway Patrol in 1984 and am now honorably retired. Semper Fidelis.
wake up or to say if you don't know what Protects freedom and Justice how you pretend to understand and fight for freedom and Justice exactly your jobs and duty as we the people to protect freedom and Justice from the enemy within America since day one government and the unbaised unopinionated fact checked news we hear truth form a opinion and bios and vote and sheriff's interpret law we interpret justice following no law decide guilt on Injust no injust not guilty and the state can't be the victim or it's B.o.B on your heads schilling on your heads and they couldn't build prisons fast enough and would fall into civil war destroying itself from within without my right this countries foundation and only protection from the Enemy within since day one government and the unbaised unopinionated fact checked news we hear truth form a opinion and bios and fire or rehire if did what we the people put them there to do .. We police government here watching unbiased unopinionated fact checked news we make politicians tell the truth and do there job is exactly we the people's jobs freedom isn't free justice isnt given we trust in God no government to give us freedom no cops to hand out justice sheriff interprets law we interpret justice following no law decide guilt on Injust no injust not guilty and the state can't be the victim or it's schilling on your heads and they couldn't build prisons fast enough and would fall into civil war without my right this countries foundation and only protection from the enemy within since day one government and the unbaised unopinionated fact checked news the truth protects freedom and Injust protects the just . sure as hell can't even fake we the people anymore stand for Injust untrue trust in government to give you freedom and cops to hand out justice and politicians to tell the truth and do there job why vote you north Korean get out
As an Infantryman, Iraq War veteran, I love this man. These are the guys who paved the way for us. They had it tougher and did more with less than we had to.
Iraq was never a "war" !
It takes TWO armies to make a war
@@adambane1719tell that to all the guys who died or had limbs blown off via IEDs.
It was Vietnam not Iraq.
@@adambane1719your mom should have swallowed you
iraq army is an army
@@adambane1719
Thank you sir, from a Vietnamese American whose father died fighting along Americans in one of those battles
Rest in Peace
FatGuyInLitlCoat, That you Sir from another Vet Nam Vet.
Stories like these are finally getting the attention they deserve, so that men like your father can be honored and remembered. Back in the day the only stories that were allowed to be publicized were about white American soldiers. The heroism and sacrifice of the Vietnamese soldiers, African American soldiers , Hmong, And many others who were forgotten for 50-60 years needs to be recognized. I feel this gentleman does recognize this and makes a point to give credit to his Vietnamese troops and their bravery.
Sorry to hear about your father I’m sure your father fought his butt off trying to free the people of Vietnam I wish I didn’t have to come to that your father didn’t deserve to die my dad passed away as well so I know exactly how it feels man god bless your father
@@keithgunn-glanville7829 That is a virtue signaling BS story straight from your imagination Keith. What you just stated is a lie. All American soldiers in that war were treated shabbily by the leftest in the country who are running the country RIGHT NOW. The stories of the heroism of the South Vietnamese were wide spread. As were the heroics of the Hmong tribesmen who along with the South Vietnamese soldiers were massacred by the CCP backed North Vietnamese. Since i have mentioned the CCP in a negative light yt will delete or ghost this comment but i hope they keep it up because it is the truth. Go peddle your crap somewhere else. This is a sight for American heroes.
I was a good friend of an Army Ranger named James Shepherd who grew up in Williamstown Kentucky. We worked in an integrated steel mill in SW Ohio. Jimmy was one of the hardest workers on the crew and took him months before he mentioned being a Ranger. As I sit here and listen to Gary's stories, I can imagine Jim being in those hills and fighting for hours. When Jim was born, little did he know that God assigned him longevity. I was proud to work with him for over 35 years.
This man is proof that nature triumphs nurture. Father abandoned him and mother died shortly after. Lived a very dysfunctional life jumping around from family member to family member. He knew he was a nobody and was determined to become a somebody no matter the cost. Thank you for your character and your service!
Lol that doesnt apply. It was still nurture just negatively. Ya boy didnt grow up in the street or woods 😂
@@notaQuackhead369 agreed, the nurturing of his life may have taught him that no one is here for you therefore you have to fight everyday for your right to life. Joining the Army he found a home for his mindset and in way he found a stage to display.
He was a sad kid that found a purpose....
When you are dragged up, you become very resilient and multiskilled...
And thrive on caring for others...
A lot of special forces have had tough backgrounds...
Part of what makes them so damn stubborn and determined to achieve...
Yes, little boy thinking he’s a nobody🥲
What a crazy thing to say. Lol
When Gary was in the 101st G-3 Training, he and I were the training inspectors for the division. We were pretty care free, called the inspections as we saw them and avoided the politics of division level officers. The G-3 Training staff was a fun, happy go lucky group but the hours were long and often we did not leave until after 6PM. On the day he was notified to report to the CG Office as we were preparing to go home, we were both afraid that someone somewhere had a beef with something he had done or said to another. We never seemed to mince for words. SO I told him that I would wait until he returned to the office after his CG appearance. It was a pretty long wait for me expecting that the worse had happened. Yet when he returned, he was sort of in shock, winded and then sat down across from me as I asked him, "Well how bad is it?" A long pause and he responded, "You won't believe me!" I pushed again and he stated that he had just been notified he was to be presented with the CMH. I responded that this was not a time to be joking, were we both in trouble? But it was a fact, as the video confirmed. But he just went back to work the next day after a long story about what had happened in RVN. Later, he attended a parade in his home town of Henderson KY, which was near by. There the mayor presented Gary with a Kentucky Long Rifle of the mid 1800's era. That is an even better story. He was one of the best NCO's I ever worked with.
Lol! Great story Sir! Thank You for your Service!
Welcome home, Sir. Thank you for your service.
Proud to be a fellow Hendersonian. He is a legend here.
Hooah!
I know Im randomly asking but does someone know a way to log back into an instagram account?
I was dumb forgot my password. I would love any help you can give me.
I'll shed a silent tear for every single one of the 400+ that served, fought and died that day alongside this brave man.
I had to rewind it 3 times to make sure I heard right that over 400 were lost RIP
This Man hit the nail on the head. When SHTF you don’t rise to the occasion, instead you fall to your level of training. If you do something enough it becomes muscle memory and even in the most stressful situations when everything’s going crazy it’s your training that will keep you alive.
Men like this are a dying breed in America today.
Soft spoken
Relaxed.
When he says something he means it.
Thank you for your service.
I served with Gary in 1976, another great example of our Era united states army, I sent a note but it was deleted, im former special forces living outside the us, good to see you again.
Thank you, sir, for your gallantry.
I read a story from a F105 pilot where he had to drop is load danger close to a team of lurps who were in contact and about to be overrun. He explained that a half a degree off and his load would drop on the team instead of the enemy.
A young lump had to stand in plain visibility, under heavy fire, holding a strobe so the pilot could see exactly where the team was.
The lurp was my father. He made it out and 50 years later they met in a 101st reunion.
He was 17 or 18 at the time. As old as my son is today.
The selflessness of these young men (and kids) is hard to believe and awe-inspiring.
Only 40 something survived out of 450, that is disastrous. What a courageous story, can’t even imagine it.
Yea I heard that too…I was like what?!?!?!? That’s a platoon leaving a battalion engagement…
I am amazed that there was no apparent effort to send troop reinforcements in to try to get those guys out during a four day battle with 2000 NVA troops surrounding them.
42 out of 473?!
39 walking wounded, probably other survivors who could not evacuate on their own
@@jj-nh8lz wasnt it 5000
These humble men are an inspiration. Above and beyond the call of duty. He speaks of the love he had for his fellow Rangers . Thank you sir for the country you served and the lives you saved.
I have never watched one the Metal of Honor people without thinking, “ I wish I was like him”.
He gave great respect to his adversaries by saying it was an equal fight due to him having the high ground, artillery and air support to counter their shear numbers of 10 to one advantage. That in itself was admirable.
This man mentioned ‘being fortunate’ many times. There may have been some fortune involved but it seems to me his success was because of his bravery, heroism and loyalty to his troops. Top man.
Seems to be too lucky....
Yes sir....
Training is ever t hing ..and the love for your home boys on your left & rigght
Gary Littrell's story is amazing, and he is an amazing story teller. By no stretch of the imagination can I picture being in the situation he and his troops were in. Of approximately 473 personnel that were there at the beginning of the battle, only 41 survived. In these modern times maybe the word "hero" is overused, but he is a hero in every sense. Total respect.
,
At they time they were in this situation each was fighting for their brothers to keep others alive.
That is an insight which I have learned from many combat veterans. That is why they say that the heroes were the ones who didn’t get home
I know. I just listened and love this man
"They earned it, I get to wear it for them". Never better words spoken. Thank you for your service.
Soldier to the bone. Our country is still here because of men like this. Time for the world to grow up.
Well said John
The vietnamees farmers kickt out the soldiers to the bones out of vietnam 🤣
America got involved in Vietnam in order (1) to get France to join NATO. Then (2) JFK was afraid of losing the 1968 election if our involvement did not increase. Rethuglicans, after Bay of Pigs, were calling him weak on national defense and not a good anti-communist. Most people don't know (1) Ho Chi Minh, during WW2 asked America to stop France from retaking its Indochina colonies. (2) In an attempt to look democratic, Eisenhower proposed a vote in South Vietnam expecting the South to win. When polling showed Ho was the overwhelming choice, Eisenhower cancelled the vote. Finally (3) the war in Vietnam was a civil war, not America versus communism.
Of course, "anti-communism" doesn't extend to American business which happily traded with "communist" regimes. Nor to our NATO allies who also trade with "communist" regimes...Well until russia invaded Ukraine.
Nobody was threatening our country during the Vietnam War so no, people like him are not the reason our country is still here. WW2 veterans are the reason our country is still here. Vietnam was a pointless war we had no business being in, and we invaded them. And lost to Rice farmers lol. Nobody was threatening our country, France just wanted their territory back and thought we were the best chance at taking it for them and we called it "stopping the spread of communism"
@@pirsensor1186 thats not a fair assessment They stood no chance vs the U.S. soldier, the US never lost a battle during the vietnam war
A True. Living America Hero Here!!! God Blessed You for Your Service for our Freedom.
Your freedom? In Vietnam?
Gary Littrell is a warrior in every sense of the word, and a shining example to all generations of what that looks like in person.
I could listen to this man tell a story everyday... Incredible.
That is exactly what I am about to do.
9~2
9
As a young man, I loved to sit and listen to stories from older folks, especially veterans. They are our living history and we are their legacy. Thanks for making these stories available to us.
The term old man in my family is a sign of respect, because you lived this long on your wisdom. Strength and courage and have much to give.
I am friends with Gary’s nephew. Every time I see this interview pop up. I will listen to it again.
Telling a warrior they can’t fight because they fought too well is like telling your best player on a basketball team they can’t play because they score too many points rest is definitely earned at a point but a warrior doesn’t rest until the battle is won or they are dead- these videos are amazing I’m grateful to live in a time I can hear and watch these men speak on their own heroic acts!
I never served, but I have lived a great life because of men like this, and all of you who have served. Thank you.
Hello there, and greetings from Scotland. As an observer from across the Atlantic, recent event in the USA have saddened me; there is so much polarisation in your great country.
However, men like this show another side- bravery, humility and a recognition of the contribution of others. This is the US that I’ve grown up admiring.
Thank you for all your military has done for the western World. Despite what others have said, you’ve pulled us Europeans out of the fire on many occasions.
Many Americans are saddened by the polarization as well. These men’s stories are such a blessing. I pray for my country to turn back to God and truth. Thank you!
we're a secular nation, Karen.
@@jonasdowner The laws established at the beginning were founded on Christian principles, but yes, it doesn't mean the US is a Christian theocracy
@@jonasdowner Don't ruin a good man and a good story
@@urwrstntmre Don't ruin a good man and a good story
If you think you might pass on this interview, DON'T. It is riveting, and he is one of a kind.
This man is one of the most selfless, bravest and coolheaded soldiers I've ever had the honor of listening to.
Agreed. I love this channel. All these stories are incredible. And what’s more is they are told so well, each vet is extremely articulate. Impressive considering they are probably recounting some of the most painful and traumatic instances in their lives.
This man is why we are the greatest country on earth. You sir are an example of what we should strive for
By what metric do you measure "the greatest country on earth"? This guy is a true hero you ain't wrong there.
@@nunyabiznis3595 f you live you’d understand…if you don’t, it’s pure envy…
@@francopasta3704America is a hellhole for anybody under 30.
Not even an armed service member but tears came to my eyes listening to this man's story.thank you for your service sir you men were absolute warriors made it possible to live the way we do today.alot of people in this world need to recognize that fact
the way this man presents himself is something we need more of these days
Too many w(oke snowflakes nowadays who don't know which bathroom to use)
@@dotdashdotdash You shouldn't comment on the heroics of a man that you have no clue as to what it takes to achieve.
*_"When you have the high ground, and you have the support; you have the advantage."_*
I was fortunate enough after doing 2 tours Afghanistan and while living in Central Oregon to meet at the time 2016 the oldest living Medal Of Honor recipient alive again in Oregon Bob Maxwell and also got the opportunity to travel to the coast and dedicate a highway in honor of all gulf War, OEF and OIF vets and I am so honored to this day to have even shaken his hand!
I'm hooked on these stories from veterans. These should be compulsory viewing not just for students of history, but all Americans, including everyone hoping to become an American.
We are full, no more room for anyone who wants to be an American, sorry. Anyone that comes here at this point should do so knowing that they are taking resources from an American who was born here and will be dealt with with violence eventually.
@@olplainface1299that's ridiculous, you know how many talented doctors, engineers, scientist come here from over seas and do nothing but make our country better and become legal tax paying citizens the right way?! There are plenty of resources for those that go through the process the correct way, and we are better off for having those determined and intelligent people here, that statement was nothing but ignorance.
lmfao imagine being a nationalistic american and also xenophobic god you guys are so cringe@@olplainface1299
Interviewer: "You were outnumbered like 10 to 1".
Sfc. Gary Litrell: "Outnumbered but the odds were about the same. It was an even fight in my opinion".
‘Force multipliers’ are a great thing!🇺🇸🍺
@@rangerjones5531 Damn right
@@crispindry2815 I bet you're real fun at parties. Get a life loser.
@@crispindry2815 sheesh. Fuckin’ joke.
So fuckin badass 😂
My younger brother spent 20 years and retired out of the hundred and first airborne. It wasn't that he wanted to but he had a physical problem that required it into this day he wishes he was still in. God bless our troops including my older brother who just passed. In memory Captain James B Irvin, US Army retired.
Chills ran through my body as I heard him say 44 men out of 475 made it off that hill.....they went 4 days with no food, & annihilated 5000 enemies....barely any water......wow.....the losses were astronomical....
Same as Gloucester Hill - Imjin River in Korea - Long Tan as well - although 4 days is beyond ridiculous.
Why is it that true warriors, true heroes, are so humble and soft spoken?
Just overcoming the adversity of his childhood is rather heroic. The respect he has for his brothers in arms makes it easy to understand was something reciprocated.
This guy is amazing! The way he talks about heavy combat in a tone of voice like I talk about making a sandwich.
Thank you, sir!
I could listen to this great hero tell his stories all day, such a humble guy!!!
I know exactly what to mean my friend, I used to make coffee for a ww2 veteran in Australia and would geet into trouble for sitting with him for too long,but I didn’t care. He had a story worth telling and I was honoured to hear it
I met one Army Medic MOH recipient when I was a medic. He was the nicest, most humble man I ever met in the service.
That noncombatant medic MOH recipient??
"I didn't earn this, the men I served with earned it" this is a humble man!
What an amazing man. No wonder he had everyone’s respect. Thank you for your service
HE IS SO GIFTED AT SPEAKING AND STORYTELLING, BEST IVE EVER HEARD
He was a man of honor starting at a young age....natural born leader...thanks for your service
Gary Littrell refused to capitulate under conditions that the biggest and strongest of any professional sport would have ran for their lives under. Though 85% of the fighting force he was with were killed, his guts and military mindset saved the rest. He began the battle a non-com and left the battle a battalion commander with the rank of sergeant. With all the officers killed or unable to lead, he held the field!
Really shows how much all that training matters more than your rank. The unit commanders trusted him because they saw over months that he knew what he was doing.
Has Gary got twin sons
The voice.....The attitude......This guy created the phrase “Go ahead, make my day”
I believe that was Dirty Harry.
What a peaceful voice that man has. God bless him for his service and thoughtfulness for others !🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
This is a true American. This is a man of great sacrifice and duty. Imagine if we all took just a bit of his character and using it day to day. Humble and strong, suck it up and move on!
Godbless you!
Thank you sir. I enjoy my freedom as an American because of you.
Through my years of living on this earth, I wish I could've met this humble gentleman. I was so young at the time he served, and I barely remember what went on in the 60s because I wasn't born until 1964. My father served and thankfully he returned home after his tour in Vietnam, and I was given my father until he passed in 2017. I talked with him about his time in the Army, and when we talked about his own passing, I told him, "Dad, I want to send you off with military credits". His response was, "why they didn't care about me then, what makes you think they care about me now"?
I wasn't sure how to respond to that. But then I said, "Dad, this is a very different time than what went on long ago". But, when he passed, we laid him to rest and we told his story, and that gave me peace. I miss dad so very much, and I wish I could sit down with him, and hear more of his stories. I know dad passed knowing full well, that he was going to be met with my mother standing at the gates of heaven and to never be apart again. I miss them both! But I thank God, for allowing me to be their son... God bless and thank you to all that have served.
he is still alive
Amazing how he fought thru all of that at 24 years old.I Thank God for people like your Rangers and you for your Sevice to this Great Country of ours.
Just listening to this hero tell his story had me scared shitless...
Amazing bravery and courage!
Thank you for your service and welcome home, CSM Littrell!
Yes, I am a veteran. 77-80 yr. Army. What an amazing man with an amazing story. Loved every minute of it.
These men are the best we got.My father was one and was and still to this day is my Hero.
I remember reading the story of the mission for which he won the MOH. Incredible and inspiring presentation, every fighting man should pray for such leadership when thrust into combat.
He received not won the MOH.
"I didn't earn this medal, I don't feel that I deserve this medal, I was a non-commissioned officer doing a job, I didn't do anything heroic, I'd done my job"
spoken like an absolutely legendary hero, living as a higher standard of human than all of us
this guy is unbelievably strong 💪 along with all his men his story is remarkable.
I know where Henderson KY is. I grew up in Indiana. Gary is a humble man. I to served on Okinawa in the MARINE CORPS. Great episode. Thank you gentlemen. God bless
What an amazing interview. Too bad more NCO's and officers don't possess this fellows demeanor. Thank you SGM Littrell. How humble he is.
I met Drew Dix (Medal of Honor winner from Pueblo, Colorado) and he has the same attitude. "I was just doing my job and doing what had to be done." As a US Navy Veteran, I understand this completely. These men are humble and as down to earth as you can possibly imagine.
No medal is “won” as in a raffle. A medal must be earned.
Drew is a friend of mine and he exemplifies what a true hero is all about. I had the privilege of meeting 45 MOH recipients at the MOH Convention in Pueblo, Colorado in 2017. It was an awesome 4 days that I'll never forget.
What a wonderful soldier and human being! Thank you for your service, sir.
Total respect from Warsaw, Poland. Salute You Sir. TOUGH LIFE. tough human.
On top of all the great things about this man his voice and the way he speaks is mesmerizing.
Damm, this man commands respect on so many levels. Seems like a really good man and hard as nails!
Thanks for saying what I was thinking. Total respect for this heavy weight.
This Man is what makes our Country the best on the planet earth !!..........MUCH RESPECT SIR !!.........Thank You for your incredible service to USA.........God Bless and WELCOME HOME !!
Yeah good luck with your issues with gluttony ,diabetes of your citizens getting so fat and on top of that ,try sorting out your ridiculously old law about guns that results in alot of sad devastation also on top of that good luck fixing your health care system that is immoral and does not care if you are broke,apart from that then yeah i guess your right America is the best place in the world, right?.
THANK YOU EVERY VETERAN for YOUR SERVICE!!! I can never say this enough. I'm a Army Brat, my dad was drafted in 1942, and stayed in until 1968. He was stationed in Germany twice then Kadena, Okinawa! I was a little girl then...but I remember the typhoon and earthquake we were in, in Okinawa! I remember seeing my dad leave the island for the Philippines on a Chinook helicopter. We had a lady help my mom, with 8 kids in Okinawa, I wish I could find her, her name sounds like "Sea Echo" I still have the dresses and jackets she sewed for my mom❤
Maybe you can find her through Facebook. Post pictures of yourself as a child with the clothing she sowed on. There’s probably some kind of database of people who are trying to find each other from that era.
Perhaps her name was Chieko (‘chee-eh-ko’)...about the closest Japanese female name that I can think of that might sound like “sea-echo”.
Very humble man. And as common for almost all MOH recipients, they were not chasing after a medal, they were just doing their jobs, doing the best they could. They had fear, but overcame the fear to do what had to be done. He is a true hero!
This man represents the warrior class of our society that has fought and allowed us to keep our freedom. God bless him and all the men and women who unselfishly sacrificed for us.
Sheer will to keep his men alive. Absolute undaunted selflessness. This man is awe inspiring.
This man is part of the foundation that the Military is built on. Thank you for sharing his remarkable story. Semper Fidelis🇺🇸1983-1989
what a brave humble human being, full respect to you Sir...
So am I but I ain’t trying to upstage this man’s story what I did was nothing compared to this man and I fought everyday in Afghanistan
As a US Marine I consider this gentleman one badass soldier
When this man walks barefoot, the sound of iron hitting the floor is all you hear.. incredible story. Thank you for sharing this and keeping history alive!
Is that the sound of his giant metal balls clanking on his boots?
Well I, for one, laughed at your dumb comment😉
Watching these videos one thing always rings true…remember your training…your training gets you through…and makes you understand why the military does the things it does…obviously having guts and balls of steel deff helps..but all these videos I watch these guys always say “my training got time through it”
he's a great man. I hope he is still giving interviews because we need to have his excellent service record as part of the historical record for people to admire.
Hearing your story is truly a privilege sir. I've never served, however I am infinitely greatful for the sacrifices you and your brother in arms have made to preserve our freedoms.
Our veterans are precious, and we need to hear their stories.
Much love & respect from Canada.
Anyone in these comments who served, God bless you and thank you.
I was an ordinary grunt in a Light Infantry Brigade. The longest fire fight I was in was 2 1/2 hours. Seemed like forever. Glad you made it home.
that kinda sucks
@@BroccoliHead7 You should have seen it in color.
It doesn't matter if the firefight is 2 1/2 hours, 2 1/2 days, or 2 1/2 months, war is hell my friend and I'm glad you made it home
@@1murder99 I really don’t care
Outstanding! He says he still serves some at the Tampa FL VA after being retired. I hope I have a chance to shake this mans hand one day while I'm at one of my appts there...Semper Fidelis Sgt Maj Littrell.
Semper Fi Brother
I've never been in any branch of the military but my dad was in the US . ARMY, he's gone now but I respected him and All the others that served regardless of the branch, Thank You to All of you whoever and wherever you are. Salute 👏
SEMPER FI BROTHER . I WAS IN NAM 66-67 NEVER SAW ANYTHING LIKE YOU SIR!! OPERATION HASTINGS WAS THE WORST FOR ME.
He's so humble, I would have never guessed he Won anything. Had to read the Honor Citation to get the Story.
One of the most inspiring stories I've listened to from our Nation's history. God Bless you Gary Littrell. Thank you so much so training our young warriors.
Sir, I had the pleasure of meeting 1 of your brave troopers in my home in 2015. He spoke about you, but at the time I didn't know about this video, but he loved you still. He was doing maintenance work and me being a Marine, we some how opened up a conversation about Obama and from there we got into his duty in Vietnam. He said that he barely made it off a hill defending Saigon and onto the one of the last American aircraft waiting for VIPs at an airport and that was how he got here. He asked that I never reveal his name whenever I spoke about his story, so I will respect his wishes. I wonder how much time had passed from your battle with the NVA and the fall of Saigon? Mr. Soldier, if you ever read this comment and remember the short, fat discharged Marine, please come and pay a welcomed visit to my home.
Wow. This guy is one cool customer, which means he is (or, at least, was) a major bad ass in his day.
Scott, CSM Littrell is a very quiet hero! He always expected 100 per cent from his soldiers and gave them 200 percent in return!!
Wrong ... he is a Sergeant Major badass.
Scott Adkins I would say probably _is...._
This guy is the polar opposite of me mindset wise. I've spent 22 years in a job I don't particularly feel and passion for, I walk and talk like a half-penny politician just to keep it. I suppose I will just roll on until retirement if I am lucky enough to keep it. I don't wanna serve in a war or the military ever. I will never be interviewed about it and if I am, I will never be able to speak my mind because one just has to keep spinning the spin to stay employed and employable.
Gary at 74 is still a badass. Our hometown loves him.
My brother in law served in Nam. U.S. Navy, patrol boat crewman in "The Delta" Good men every one of you....
Ranger Littrell is the man I want by my side when the going gets tough.