Medal of Honor | Only Living Iraq MOH | Infantry Squad Ldr | 2-2 Infantry | Author | David Bellavia

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  • Опубліковано 14 жов 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 89

  • @shawnp6653
    @shawnp6653 Рік тому +35

    What a great interview - Univ of Ft Benning graduated with PHD in Global Studies, I haven't laughed so hard in years. Thank you for your service Sgt Bellavia.

    • @barrett2022
      @barrett2022 Рік тому

      I am curious , what was so funny about his story?

    • @greysquirrel268
      @greysquirrel268 Рік тому +4

      H3R3T1C and Ralf Horne -just to clarify for ya- sgt Bellavia made a joke about going to Ft Bennening (not a university) and got his phd in “global studies” .Shawn P- As a graduate of Ft Benning in ‘99 I too haven’t laughed that hard in awhile - cheers

    • @shawnp6653
      @shawnp6653 Рік тому +2

      @@greysquirrel268 Thanks for your service GS. Univ of Ft Jackson, class of '76 here.

    • @ag4832
      @ag4832 Рік тому +1

      ​@@MFKR696 you clearly didn't hear the interview. The guest literally said that.

  • @didgerb72
    @didgerb72 Рік тому +15

    Total respect sir. From a 50 Yr old Disabled British Army Veteran from Southampton U.K.
    When I read the citations of our Victoria Cross, or the US military, & coastguards MOHs. Most are Posthumously awarded to the recipients. Which is clearly understandable, after reading the Citations. However when I read the citaions, of living & breathing recipients. I'm lost for words, and truly humbled, by the way
    living recipients will downplay their role. Saying it was others that deserved it. Such noble humble warriors.
    Salute to the brave.
    LEST We Forget.
    X

    • @kiwi_comanche
      @kiwi_comanche Рік тому +1

      We will remember Them.

    • @didgerb72
      @didgerb72 Рік тому +2

      @@kiwi_comanche Always Sir Always.
      Its painful seeing the WW2 veterans slowly get lower and lower. Oneday my era will fade into memory. We owe everything, from the WW1 and WW2 generations.

    • @kiwi_comanche
      @kiwi_comanche Рік тому +2

      @@didgerb72 No need to call me Sir my brother. Former Royal Marine here. Like you I worked for a living 😉♠️

    • @didgerb72
      @didgerb72 Рік тому +2

      @@kiwi_comanche I served 3 different times.
      1st time: As a Junior Leader in the Royal Artillery. I was 16 years old, and I was supposed to join on the 28th June 1988. I had one last exam on the 28th, So I joined on the 29th of June the next day. Arriving at JLRRA Gamecock Bks Bramcote. Unfortunately I ruptured my Achilles tendon so either backsquad or rejoin at 17.57yrs as a Regular (Adult entry). So left Oct 1988. I enjoyed my short time in the R.A. I'm still in contact with some of the guys from my intake.
      2nd time: As a Regular Driver (Private) in the Royal Corps of Transport which is now the Royal Logistics Corps. I reinlisted in June 1989, by the time I had done lnthe tests and Sutton Coldfield again. I took the Oath for the 2nd time in Dec 89. I joined 3rd Jan 1990 (11 days before my 18th birthday). I arrived at RCT Depot Buller Bks Aldershot. Passing out as Best Recruit in B Waterloo Troop 64 Training Sqn RCT on 9th March 90. Same date as my cousins 18th birthday. So our parents arranged a joint 18th birthday for us, as I was 18 in basics, but also celebrated passing out on 9th also. I served til March 16th 1993, in the RCT Maritime Seaman/Nav trades. I got out one month before the RCT to RLC rebadge in April 93. I left to join the Container Berth with my step dad. I did a few jobs til I turned 22. As minimum age was 22 back then in the docks.
      3rd time: As a Territorial Army Signalman (Private) in the Royal Signals 63 SAS Signals Sqn. I split from my ex in Nov 01, shortly after 911. Knew war was coming, so decided I wanted to try different than the RA and RCT. I enjoyed learning Signals. So tried for the TA Royal Corps of Signals. I joined A Troop 63 SAS Sigs Sqn in Jan 02, but as only split ftom ex a few months prior. They left me alone to follow my own designed training programe to get my fitness and weight to a prepared level. By Jan 03, I joined the unit, I was on the pre Selection build up course getting prepared for Selection in June 03. The SSM.said I showed do the charity parachute I was planning. As raising money for the company gum.at Aerostructures in Hamble Southampton. So in March of 03, I unfortunately broke my back doing a charity parachute jump on a weekend off from SAS Signals pre Selection course. I went on Selection with a broken back that I was unaware that it was broke at the time. So miracle I got as far as I did.
      My health journey is most of the above, but also from 1993 to present. As its been a 29yr ongoing physical and mental health battle. In 2015 I finally got a diagnosis, and got counselling. As although 22yrs of struggle. It was 2006 to present, that was really tough. Being declared homeless bankrupt the lot in 06 was a real low point. Made worse by not getting the right benefits. I only got the right. Benefits sorted since late 2021 to early 2022. All of that is on a different write up journey.

    • @didgerb72
      @didgerb72 Рік тому +1

      @@kiwi_comanche my 2nd time was attached to 3rd Commando Brigade RM as RCT Maritime. Top guys you bootnecks. During Op Granby I was doing the Sea Survival and Fire fighting and Damage control with NBCD in Pompey in 90. I was only guy from My Army unit. So I wore No 8s as Army Maritime, plus worse the full Army issue 1157 kit. I got saluted by a load of young Naval ratings. Just behind in the usual boot neck gaggle were about 12 Royals. All Para trained, 2 level 1 and level 2 MLeaders. I think a few from Poole (if you know you know bro). I thought here we go I've got a fight sometime in the week lol. In basics in Aldershot we Army. So the Para and Cmndo rivalry still there in 90 since Falklands etc. So when becoming Army Maritime we worked with you guys all the time. Mexeflote, off the old round table RFA vessels etc. Think Tristram in Portland for Poole and Other units to practice ship Bourne ops etc.
      So they walked passed me and just went 'alright you pongo bluejob how are you mucker followed by Asceet deet deet' lmao. The young Naval ratings thought my god how are they getting away with that. As you know we wore the RCT now RLC shoulder titles. They bronze/gold like your RM ones. But they do look like sub lt from a distance. I was only a Driver (Private they call it in RLC rebadge in Apr 93. I got out a month before as RCT). So old school SLR. LMG, GPMG (G.M.G.P - I'm the feckin General with a machine gun with flecking Purpose. If you remember thst saying lol).
      These bootnecks took me under their wing. Their was a few Sncos, Jncos and Marines (pte). So they were staying in Hms Nelson. I lived out in Southampton. But there was a spare pit in the keeper block room they had. So instayed there with them for a week. What a bunch of loons. I fitted right in. My 2nd time was only 3yrs but 3 grt years. I made loc act lcpl but never wore the tape. I always regret not doing what I planned. Which was by Lcpl (if stayed in) All Arms Cmndo, Army Akai Pti course, RE Divers Course SW etc. We had a few guys that did this. But all 3 optional courses. We virtually did the same role. But we Logistics Remfers. The RCT did have Commano Logistics Units, but they were land loving Lorry drivers.

  • @patricknoveski6409
    @patricknoveski6409 Рік тому +2

    Wow wow wow. This guy is cut from a different cloth. I would Have never expected that answer. He really wants the focus on his Soldiers.
    Brother, you are a wonderful human.

  • @jaredchandler4491
    @jaredchandler4491 Рік тому +10

    David Bellavia is a national treasure and clearly the funniest MOH recipient, we all know dark humor is part of the job if you want to get through it 🇺🇸 I highly recommend reading his book “House to House”, he is a GREAT writer--in that book he scribes one of the funniest, saltiest things I’ve EVER read- when referring to the foreign AQ fighters in Fallujah shaving their heads to cleanse themselves for Jihad and the looming fight --he writes “If I wanted to hang out with a bunch of bald pussys, I would have coached my daughter’s soccer team”! 🤣True Troop humor!!!

    • @sqike001ton
      @sqike001ton Рік тому +1

      Funny I just finished house to house probably a month ago and I actually didn't realize that this was the same guy until they brought up his other books

  • @Johnson11c
    @Johnson11c Рік тому +5

    Thats crazy I was 2-3 inf regt we went to fob normandy 2009-2010. Never thought I would hear about it again. Your a great man a hero and patriot!

  • @RLB1833
    @RLB1833 Рік тому +5

    I Love listening to David Bellavia!! True Warrior!! I cant imagine the weight of the Award has on you but I am Proud its you to put out the message of our Generation!!

  • @hammstah9578
    @hammstah9578 Рік тому +3

    Ryan, you've had the sheriff of Baghdad on and now you've had the quarterback of fallujah. Fascinating to hear how much he loved his team and just how intricate the details of movement of every play for every mission are. Absolutely fascinating stuff. I think his perspective on the MOH is very understandable. This was another interview with another humble American hero. Thank you, Ryan.

  • @devinjames9915
    @devinjames9915 Рік тому +2

    I read his book on my last deployment to Baghdad. His book helped zero in my leadership outlook and truly look up to this man. Finally received the medal he deserved.

  • @dioncrown5966
    @dioncrown5966 Рік тому +7

    This was an awsome interview. Especially the last part. (In so many words), our service is to live the American dream.

  • @VeeinBerkeley
    @VeeinBerkeley Місяць тому

    Amazing stories well told- Heroes making ultimate sacrifice on behalf of a grateful population- thank you so much

  • @williamstokely9589
    @williamstokely9589 Рік тому +12

    Damn. I've honestly never heard anyone explain why we fought better. He gets it 1000%

  • @srsmedic8285
    @srsmedic8285 Рік тому +2

    I liked how he said new soldiers are just as good or better than he was when he was in. It’s always the “back in my day” vets that say the Soldiers nowadays are “soft” or “weak” compared to them. I heard it when I was in and I hear vets saying it now about today’s soldiers. I was in from 94-98 then 02-10. I heard it both times.

  • @louiswolff3251
    @louiswolff3251 Рік тому +3

    A fellow BRO, Big Red One, 13F HHB 2/5 FA 1st ID, great interview of a great soldier!!

  • @StatesideHeathen
    @StatesideHeathen Рік тому +1

    What the hell was that Orb coming out of that plant to the left of his head at 50:24🧐??? Outstanding story. This man Is an infantry LEGEND!

  • @EchoSigma6
    @EchoSigma6 Рік тому +1

    Makes me appreciate the warrior code in our military. You fight for the buddies next to you.

  • @richardbowles7690
    @richardbowles7690 Рік тому +9

    I hope more and more see these videos. So many have negative impression of those in military; those who served. They are people with a passion. Passion is so undervalued. Thank you, Ryan. Thank you both for military service and continuing to serve in new roles.

  • @thecalculator1000
    @thecalculator1000 Рік тому +5

    Hey Ryan, great work once again. As an Australian, I feel like an interview with Michael Ware would be a great addition. I'm aware that he isn't a combat soldier but they (journalists) were well and truly embedded. It'd be an interesting take. Perhaps even as an addendum to this piece.

  • @5777Whatup
    @5777Whatup Рік тому +4

    Man, I love the small hour TV show of his story. Your MOH speech 👌🏻

  • @nickwancho
    @nickwancho Рік тому +1

    16:44 I'm fucking dead. I've never heard someone say that shit before but the laugh he held back made it even more funny

  • @IAmThurston69
    @IAmThurston69 Рік тому +1

    Man I'm glad I watched this, I'm from Buffalo NY what a small world.

  • @marcwallmark9227
    @marcwallmark9227 Рік тому +2

    I'm Air Force. 72-76. Crewed F-111 and A7 Corsair, 31 months in Asia. Thank you for what you're doing here. I'd like to see interviews of all living CMOH recipients. Love our guys who serve and these Tier One guys are incredible. But the CMOH guys, a cut above, and that's really something. A question. As a result of listening to your interviews, I've been buying books written by these gentlemen. Really enjoyed reading Gary O'Neal's American Warrior. Next book to read was by Dale Comstock. I'm in a quandary and not able to finish it. Both of these men tell a story almost identical to each other. Both were in Germany, playing on the kids baseball team, parents watching. Both in left field, both SUCKED, both get moved up to catcher when the team's catcher gets injured. Both, once told they're playing catcher right before the most important game against a big rival, decide they have to do something to save the day. They go home, go to bed, listening to their favorite music and play out the game in their head, imagining exactly how to catch, throw the ball, all possible plays. Next day. They come in, it's like they had been playing catcher since they could get their hand in a glove. The only difference in the dialog is that Gary was put at 3rd base before the catcher's position. The wording in the book is otherwise almost identical. Can you explain this for me? Contact these guys? Something? Having read O'Neal's book first, it's hard now to continue reading Comstock's American Badass. Thanks for any help on this.

  • @jetobey5656
    @jetobey5656 Рік тому +1

    76 now. Grew up in Chicago, married an Iowa farmgirl (a genuine looker) and been in Iowa since 1969. I try to explain to people that fighting, getting hurt, recovering made me and those with that experience, much more dangerous ; it fully changes one's fear level, and willingness to take that risk. We know, unless injured to death, we will heal and ready ourselves for the next mess.

  • @curtlacrimosa2754
    @curtlacrimosa2754 Рік тому +1

    Just listened to the podcast and turned on UA-cam and low and behold there was the award ceremony

  • @jessackley4337
    @jessackley4337 Рік тому +1

    This was a great interview! Thank you Ryan for having David Bellavia on your podcast. Mr. Bellavia, your book House to House was one of the first books I read on the war in Iraq. Your style of writing makes the reader feel like they are right there. I look forward to reading your next book, Remember the Ramrods. Thanks to both of you.

  • @ryanainlay224
    @ryanainlay224 Рік тому +1

    Absolutely love his book "House to House". Highly recommend!

  • @jetobey5656
    @jetobey5656 Рік тому +1

    I am 76, but I still have this feeling inside that I should have been with him and so many others.

  • @doubletap1961
    @doubletap1961 Рік тому +3

    David is an awesome dude... read all his books 🙏♥️👍🇺🇸🎯😁💯...
    I appreciate you both

  • @kiwi_comanche
    @kiwi_comanche Рік тому +2

    Mick Ware captured it on camera. Nuff respect, Sgt Bell. Certified fucking badass. Respect from one of Basra's part time residents. 🤙🏻🍻

    • @pzkpfw2310
      @pzkpfw2310 Рік тому +1

      Definitely crazy footage.

  • @wildbill60
    @wildbill60 Рік тому +1

    Awesome interview

  • @j-wil1964
    @j-wil1964 Рік тому +2

    Another great one!!

  • @to8860
    @to8860 Рік тому +1

    Thanks Ryan!!!!!!!!!

  • @livelucky74
    @livelucky74 Рік тому +3

    I think it is pretty understandable to not like being forced into a lifetime of responsibility that you did not ask for. Interesting to hear about it from that perspective.

  • @kirbylanchbury8974
    @kirbylanchbury8974 5 місяців тому

    Bellavia is a straight up boss and Gangster.

  • @natehall2741
    @natehall2741 Рік тому +1

    Bro said “had me feeling like Michael Jackson getting that milkshake in his arm”🤣🤣🤣

  • @dennisbarker7515
    @dennisbarker7515 Рік тому +1

    Awesome story heard him on another podcast!

  • @777repentnow
    @777repentnow Рік тому +1

    Out of all the special operations interviews I’ve listened to.. it seems like when someone hits a door with an rpk or pkm it’s all men are created equal… he has me laughing when he said i don’t care if you’re seal team 6 or the marvel avengers, you’re going to get shot 😂

  • @jasonrogers8754
    @jasonrogers8754 Рік тому +1

    I hoped they collected that magazine but they didn't. 😆 Thank you for you service and I'm definitely getting your book.

  • @jetobey5656
    @jetobey5656 Рік тому +1

    When in my very late 60's, I tried to enlist as a no-extraction sniper. A retired colonel, an Iraq veteran doing breaches told the recruiter I was dead serious and capable to serve as a sniper; with a rig like Hathcock. No mile and a half shots; just my tuned Remington 700 in 7.62 with a Leupold scope with conventional crosshairs Good all day at 400 yards, and with no wind and a good rest, 800yards .Apparently.age discrimination screwed that.

  • @proudmasculine
    @proudmasculine Рік тому +1

    Love this guy

  • @jameswatson5380
    @jameswatson5380 Рік тому +3

    Bellavia's book is one of the greatest memoires i have ever read.. go read it.

  • @peggybrown9694
    @peggybrown9694 Рік тому +3

    If John Basilone would have survived he would be saying the same thing.

  • @mfcriz2561
    @mfcriz2561 Рік тому +1

    This has been out for a month & only has 11k views. What a crime!
    Honestly I think it’s because he looks like an admin or supply puke on the cover page.
    Great job as always Ryan.

  • @LtActionCam
    @LtActionCam Рік тому +1

    His book is amazing

  • @Jam-vj8ig
    @Jam-vj8ig Рік тому

    I'm glad he was on our side !

  • @ranger51262
    @ranger51262 Рік тому +2

    This looks like the guy at The Happy Rock Disco outside Amberg I used to drink with..C Co 2-2 In

  • @dalekallio902
    @dalekallio902 Рік тому +1

    I still love E/2/13. Senior leaders: all combat Vietnam vets. Black Sheep!

  • @bestjobieverhad9584
    @bestjobieverhad9584 Рік тому +2

    Dude your book gave me so much drive at OSUT at Sandhill in 06. When we we're aloud to get a book. I got house to house

  • @nytovaok516
    @nytovaok516 Рік тому +1

    duty first!!!

  • @mvubu6823
    @mvubu6823 Рік тому +1

    Another amazing interview Ryan. You certainly have a gift for attracting the most interesting guys and making them feel very relaxed.
    Appreciate your work and the lessons handed out by David in this chat.
    For those who haven't seen the Michael Ware footage - here it is ua-cam.com/video/6J3rNkrHFFo/v-deo.html

  • @destro5311
    @destro5311 Рік тому +1

    Class is in session every Saturday

  • @emmanuelawosusi2365
    @emmanuelawosusi2365 Рік тому +2

    Nice

  • @sqike001ton
    @sqike001ton Рік тому +1

    Wait there's footage of this and it hasn't been released to the public that's kind of crazy so that means we possibly have two metal honors on tape

  • @sqike001ton
    @sqike001ton Рік тому +1

    Funny I just finished house to house a few months back I never put 2 and 2 together that this bellavia was the same guy

  • @bbb2881
    @bbb2881 Рік тому

    Respect from 2-63

  • @seantbr2019
    @seantbr2019 Рік тому +1

    I would like to see that video

  • @markskorich9193
    @markskorich9193 Рік тому

    💪🏻❤️🙏🏻🇺🇸

  • @matthewadams2979
    @matthewadams2979 Рік тому +2

    This man is incredible. But he is not the only living MOH recipient.

  • @keatone6201
    @keatone6201 Рік тому

    someone else did in fact raise their sons

  • @american76
    @american76 Рік тому

    family

  • @peterprovenzano9039
    @peterprovenzano9039 Рік тому

    2-2 INF 2011-2014

  • @oldpain7625
    @oldpain7625 Рік тому

    Bellavia. I eat his crackers sometimes.

  • @bradalan7188
    @bradalan7188 Рік тому

  • @Gken22
    @Gken22 Рік тому +1

    This guy looks like Ted Cruz 😂

  • @jesse8600
    @jesse8600 Рік тому

    Iraqis do not want what americans want, jobs, safety for their kids, these are not correct for the people that served there.

  • @johnbooth5297
    @johnbooth5297 Рік тому +1

    Always makes me wonder how these MOH soldiers who think they're the baddest thing since vikings would do in a real np war like Ukraine ...

    • @GATOR_MCLUSKY
      @GATOR_MCLUSKY 5 місяців тому

      Ukraine haahahhaa , Ukraine aint got jack shit on fallujah and ramadi. . that old ww2 trench fight using tanks. Original gwot guys run over either side that fight

  • @dickyhertz2539
    @dickyhertz2539 Рік тому +1

    Without a doubt the best interview you have done!!!!! Such a humble man.

  • @kilakr13
    @kilakr13 Рік тому +2

    Shout out Buffalo Bills...716 for life !!

  • @dutchvanderlin5556
    @dutchvanderlin5556 Рік тому +2

    Yessssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @happinesshotel5375
    @happinesshotel5375 Рік тому +2

    Can someone try to get sal.guinta