PLEASE ,PLEASE continue these interviews.....REMARKABLE..! Important for our younger generations to hear these accounts of brave , courageous men ! Thanks Mike. Old 91Bravo.
My wife is from Kien Giang South Vietnam. I have traveled all over South Vietnam. I have mad respect for our soldiers. I had been eating at a little street vendor in front of a house. I had been seeing a old man sitting inside. About the 3rd time I was there the old man waved me inside. I sat down with him he had a box with his medals and pictures of him when he was a young soldier. He was a friendly old man. I visited him every time I was there. The last time I went sadly he had died. I can say every where I went the people were very nice to me. We're loosing so many of our heroes now.Thanks for telling there stories.
Ghostrider Don here; Mike OUTSTANDING job interviewing Dick. Having read both books, as a SOG brother and friend of Dick's I know his story well. I listened to the whole 1 hour and 55 minutes. The way you were able to draw his experiences out of him was masterful. The way you added just enough of your own experiences and were able to ask intelligent questions to draw Dick's valuable story out and record them made the Podcast irresistible listening. Book 2 is every bit as good as book 1. Thank you for sharing the SOG story
It took multiple armies to rescue a few soldiers who survived two black hawks downed in Somalia in 1993, yet Dick Thompson decided to dropped down 150ft off a flying helo rope by himself and without a parachute to successfully rescue other injured US soldiers from two US helos downed in Viet-Cong controlled jungle terrain back in late 1960's... goes to show how badass Dick Thompson and other US soldiers were during Vietnam War.
To be fair urban warfare is a very different animal to jungle warfare. Defensive positions are everywhere and people are also everywhere. It's incredibly dangerous. In Iraq I always felt safer patrolling palm groves over the city we were in. Having 700k people on top of you makes things so difficult. Even in Vietnam the urban battles were extremely deadly
@@okgroomer1966 You should hear out the whole story behind this one particular mission Dick Thompson did on Jocko Podcast because Dick wasn't suppose to be on the helo, he had left all his gear and CAR-15 at base, had to use another soldier's rifle and took only 5x twenty round mags, he literally let go of rope at 150ft in the air to drop down onto a tree branch 50ft from ground level that he caught onto, with bruised ribs from slamming on tree branch he then climbed down to shoot some enemies and successfully met up with both helo teams, and then helped extracted all surviving US soldiers onto rescue helos while under gunfire from all sides. Then after returning to base Dick and a few soldiers were ordered to go back days later to blow up both helos and somehow extract their way out under heavy gunfire again. These are but two of the stories he told and it's why I said Dick Thompson and other Vietnam era soldiers were more badass cause they used less techy weaponry and still survived extreme gun fights in places that were in the middle of wild jungles entirely controlled by enemy forces. And Vietnam soldiers didn't have as much mud, brick, or concrete cover to hide behind during gun fights, which made surviving a shoot out way lower for them. However the one big thing I give kudos to you Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia war veterans is that you all had to wait for the enemies to fire first before returning fire which US soldiers in Vietnam were allowed to shoot anything that looked or sounded threatening. All wars have their craziness and differences in how they were fought but some wars have such ridiculous battles that it don't make any sense how any soldiers survived.
This legend of a man is a product of his times and so are the missions that he endured. All those men in Somalia would’ve done the same thing, but it was politicians playing soldier who prevented the brass from properly executing the mission. Task Force Ranger was undermanned and underpowered from the start of their mission. They requested a ton of personnel and firepower that wasn’t given to them. Then when the shit it the fan it was already too late. Put the right system in place from the jump and avoid the bs. Look at Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and many others… the US sends in troops only to slowly escalate over a 5-10 year time period. Had they sent over more soldiers sooner you deny the enemy the time to escalate along side you. Simple, but major examples of poor decision making. Why did they not do this? It’s the same reason we dropped a bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The idea of 1 million dead soldiers invading Japan is too much for politicians to be able to rationalize to the voters in their constituencies. The sad truth is people will die in war. Come in with overwhelming numbers and firepower against your enemy and you will most often reduce the total amount of casualties and loss on your side.
@@creaturesofqueens Well said. And I've always found it odd as to why Gen. Garrison gave the go mission so soon after the MEU left the AO? They could have supported in every way, and simply pushed inland from the beach with LAVs, Air assets, and heavy armor. Has anyone ever shed light on that? Beirut, and the bombing of H&S 1/8 was a prime example of catastrophic leadership failure as well. Yes, as usual there were Intel screw ups, but mainly there was 241 KIA because ONE man decided to remove defensive barricades from around the University building, as they were "too much a show of force" - or words to that effect...Insanity.
@@Davej0331 I’m not sure but I know he had requests in for air strike packages and other indirect fire options that were pulled from the table by DoD instantly limiting the effectiveness of the fighting force.
My grandfather was in MAC V SOG and part of Mike Force thru 1965-69, then had almost a 30 year career starting as a drill Sargent made his way up to Sargent Major, later on found out he was supporting special forces teams in Desert Storm during his time deployed. Loved hearing these stories reminds me so much of him, these men were a different breed for sure.
Whenever a ww2 or Vietnam Era vet would shake our hands after deployment and say thank you I always felt that it should've been the other way around. Always. Those men shaped a military still fighting the last war and tolerated a country influenced by communist sympathizers. I love interviews like this.
Awesome interview, 50% mortality rate for the operators, that along with the 100% injury rate, that man has a set of big brass cajones. That is one tough smart soldier. REALLY good guy to have on our side.
Anybody that thinks SOG was the same as the infantry needs to think again. SOG operators were some of the most dangerous warriors the world has ever seen.
Agreed, for 1, they were Special Forces, and 2, they were basically highly trained spys with 158 to 1 kill ratio. These dudes were doing stuff (1-2 man missions) levels above what Seals/Rangers and other SF units did.
Just ordered on Amazon. As a Nam Vet myself, I have seen the work SOG has performed in the Central Highlands/Pleiku/Phu Bai. The highest respect for all Vets, but a double dose to all SOG/Hatchet Force Personnel. They have risked it all, doing what most would not. GOD BLESS!
Men aren't made like this anymore. Knew a vet from 5th group Vietnam. RET CSM George Moore. Died about 10 years ago. Great man and wonderful mentor to have during the 1st 2 years of my career. He worked at my unit as a civilian. Again, an honor to have been given so much of his attention and advice. 3 Silver Stars. RIP CSM.
Interesting. I served as a Nuclear Power Plant technician in the U.S. Navy and frankly, that is about as much stress as watching grass grow that is, unless the plant "scrammed." Then, it was just following written procedures to start the plant back up from a partial or a full scam.
@@kentwilliams3326 never the less and regardless of the stress factor, you served in an extremely vital position within OUR ranks... Semper Fi, and God Bless 🇺🇸🙏
The stories of American courage and Bravery never gets old!!!! I'm so proud to be an American!!!! Thanks to all past and present that allow me to live free!!!!! Love You all!!!!!
My first Cousin was MACV-SOG and did seven Tours. Never said a word about it afterwards, and he's gone now. I really appreciate this Interview to just get a little insight on what my first Cousin might have went through.
Seven tours?! You should really request his service records. There was a 100% casualty rate for macv so he definitely earned at least one Purple Heart during his service. What a bad ass.
My father was Green Beret and was part of Mike Force Hatchet Force and was killed in action in Laos ,I still have a Mike Force banner I was only 8yrs old at the time.
I binged watched this interview when it came out. I was honored to service one decorated Vietnam vet pilot today who was attached to SOG during his 3 tours. As a Marine vet, I’m honored to hear his stories after I completed a job for him. He happened to be a retired federal judge out of las cruces, NM putting cartel members, r@pist, and murderers behind bars. What an experience.
These men were absolute warriors and patriots. Thank you sir for all you and your brothers did for us all. I read "Across the fence" and it was a white knuckle read.
Coming from a long line of military family from WW I all the way to Afghanistan in every branch of the services, all I can say is may God bless them all richly!!! Nothing but respect!!
My uncles both served in Vietnam, they were both professional soldiers. Highly motivated guys, always loved to sit with them and hear the crazy stuff they did. So much respect!
I had a couple former MACV-SOG veterans as high-school ROTC instructors. Their leadership and mentoring gave me the guidance and motivation to do some high-speed things in the Army. I think about them often. Some very special folks.
My Dad ran missions with CCS circa late 1969 through the spring of 1970. Team Trowel. After CCS shutdown He went to CCC and ran with Rt. Vermont and Rt Maine. Godspeed Dr. Thompson. Thank you so much for your service
My paw paw was in Vietnam. He later became a drill Instructor for the military. My paw paw has been through a lot. And he's done alot for me. More than i deserve. Thank you for everything.
I am a Vietnam veteran I am now a Vietnam resident because I am married to a Vietnam citizen, hope you get to go see the country it is very different when I was there in the service.
Thank you men. Mike, Jocko, Tilt, the Frenchman, Mr Tompson and all the other Vietnam vets and the gwot vets bringing these legends' stories to light. My father was a vietnam vet, he would've loved to see his generation finally get the respect and admiration they earned. We lost him to cancer just a couple years prior to Jocko bringing Tilt to my attention. How many of these hero's stories will we never know? Thank God these men EVER lived. Please keep these interviews coming b4 these heroes are gone from us. God bless and keep you all.
Thanks Mike Edit, I am fortunate that I get to listen to podcasts at work. I have heard this guest story at least 50 times. The man is an incredible person with an incredible heart.
My father was in Vietnam (rest his soul) and as a kid I would save money to buy the VIETNAM magazines at our grocery store. Thanks Mike for covering these men's stories! Long live MACVSOG🇺🇸
Mike the look on your face in this interview is priceless. I could see the respect, appreciation and the joy of doing this interview. Hats off to the both you guys. That you for your service 🇺🇸💯
Especially when compared to most GWOT guys. They were just handing out MOH like they were finding them in a crackjack box at that point. Craziest one I've ever heard is still Roy Benavidez though. *Edit*: Have to give Audey Murphy credit too. He, like many other brave service members, could've earned multiple MOH's and was an outstanding soldier; Bob Howard may have been better than both. I'm just honored to know when things were at the absolute worst, one can still count on the bravery of our brothers-in-arms.
@@pragmaticparadox5981agreed. There’s a few medal of honors from the GWOT that I honestly question, while others were just bronze stars or silver stars.
Mike, you are such an incredible leader and man. It’s truly an honor to have men like you and Dr. Thompson as Americans and men that have fought and gave so much for all of US Americans and this Country. I have so much respect for you and look forward to every new video you and your team put out. Thank You
Awesome interview! I'll have to say though, one of the greatest times in my military career was being able to be COL Robert Howard's driver/escort not once but twice when he visited Ft. Bragg. The stories he told!!! Oh my gosh! Greatest honor I ever had, just being in his company. Thank you to all who came before me!
👍after 53 years I FINALLY heard a vet speak many OBVIOUS point!!!! earplugs, get down , shoot fast , instinctively...."shoot Dodge City style", but I'm sure guys now learn the lessons and adapt, Great Show n GOD bless your guest. I've just ordered his book. Great Channel ....ONE OF TH 👌
@@mikeglovershow NO Australia SASR missions are the craziest i have heard and unlike your fake captions of these were the deadliest soldiers SASR taught these guys. Rodger Hayden navy seal even said it also in his interviews and he spent 10 days on misson with SASR
@@nedkelly9688 much respect to SASR, they defo kicked and kick ass but you don't want to get into a dick measuring contest with SOG when they had 100% casualty rate bro common
Holy shit balls. Fifty magazines. This man is hardcore. Where do you even put your mre or your water. Let alone other equipment. Complete My covers off to this man!!!!!. I wish we had more men like that !! in America right now.!! Thank you sir for your time!❤
These SOG stories are absolutely insane. Makes me wonder what kind of legends the French Foreign Legion carry with them that the world will never hear.
Very very few like these Legion is entirely different force with different primary focus and abilities and used in totally different ways Typically used pretty fucked up ways by the French and European partners as cannon fodder or sacrificial lions inguess would be better term they get sent to places to do stuff regular French line units won't or don't want to In joint ops they get the slaughterhouse AOs and roles
They have some highly skilled and trained units within and average line unjt is about as good as well trained marine unit but they aren't close to being and weren't meant to be or tried to be what recon and hatchet force teams in macvsog were Entire rest of American SF is much different than these guys much different a traditional ODA Is much different than a recon team Just like traditional seal team now is much diff than a sog seal team on making delta assisting vc tax collectors in brutal ways for body to be found and shit Just apples and organes And while some French units had success and adapted and had stories moments heros during time as colonial power of Vietnam for most part they were behind times not adaptable It was a red coats and minutemen type scenario
@@blakeandrews3673 I'm not comparing them to SOG in any sense other than that they get sent into very hairy situations and get no credit. They just do the work.
should research Australian SASR in Vietnam they were most feared by VC and named them Phantoms of the jungles and SASR taught these SOG guys and navy seals Rodger Hayden seal team 1 even said SASR were the most elite in jungle warfare he ever came across in all his carreer up until 1980's. Some of the SAS missions are crazy.
To say I’m honored to hear this man’s story is an understatement. Not only amazing but DEF a MOH candidate. Although if you ask him, it was just another day… THANK YOU
My Uncle Fred Thomas served with SOG MACV, starting in the early 60s I believe. He was a special forces (Green Beret) 'advisor' at first; I think he ended up a Master Sgt. Sorry I don't know all the details of his unit or rank... He retired in the mid 80s while he was based in the Philippines, married a Philippina nurse, and moved back to the States, where he lived in Florida until passing a couple years ago in his late 80s. He would never talk about his experiences with SOG, even though he knew that I was working at the time with a WWII combat vet who had fought the Japanese in New Guinea. (US 41st Inf Div; the 'Jungleers') I made a 3 hour documentary (filmed in 2003) about the WWII vet which is here on UA-cam, you can see it on my channel if you're interested. Uncle Fred really wanted to do a similar project with me, but whenever we sat down to talk, he would 'seize up' and wouldn't be able to talk, even if he'd had had a few drinks.. It was always the same, and a several hours later he'd be swinging a revolver around and hollering. I felt bad for Fred... Joel, the WWII combat Vet, on the other hand found talking to be a big relief. I took Joel out every Sunday for about six years to Krispy Kreme on W72st and after we had been talking every week for about a year or so he told me that his 'Combat Dreams' (PTSD) had subsided from 6 nights a week down to just 2 or 3 a month ... (At least up until 9/11/01 happened; we lived in Manhattan.) Looking forward to watching this vid about MACV-SOG, I've read a few books but good info is hard to find...
Thanks Mike for having Dr. Thompson on you channel. What an outstanding individual he is and a true warrior! Thank you both for your service to our country!
Mike has an impressive humility. Good to see his curiosity accross from mr. Thompson and he ask great questions. Also, injecting some of his own knowledge. Great job. Best interview ever.
I found out while in combat the realization of immediate action drill in AIT I’m still amazed at how well they kept many of us from freezing under fire
Dick’s pods on Jockos channel are my fav. My grandfather was an F4 pilot who died in Laos whilst bombing truck convoy in Laos. RIP Lt. Stowers. I’ll see you one day. I love you.
I was in the USMC on the DMZ and inserted into many LZs. I read Dick Thompsons 2 volumes and realized I was in the Boy Scouts vs. Dick and his SOG Teams. Humbling and so impressive. The one thing Marines taught well in Boot Camp was expert marksmanship from all the way up to 500 yards. The basic Marine is comparatively a well trained soldier, unlike other branches but after that there are many levels of Special Forces, Tier I, II and III. SOG is a Tier 1 group of the best.
When he started talking about “closing the distance” on folks calling him baby killer, the hair on my arm stood up. His inner killer peeked out and was freakin frightening! He looks very gentle and nice, but there’s something dark under the surface, but in a good way!
And think about it the Left wants a Civil War with the Right and the Right are very tolerant but dangerous people if you push them beyond their limits !
I was trained to shoot from the hip first in the Australian Infantry in the 90s. Everything was still Vietnam Jungle era training with Jungle sneaker ranges .
that's how you know it's not. The guys that were actually there are super nonchalant. Anytime a dude starts getting all hype about his story he's almost certainly bullshitting.
That Bob Howard Ranger School story is a trip. Arguably the best soldier in US history and still humble. I've read A LOT of MACV-SOG books and even amongst those elite few, they all still seemed to look at Howard as almost a mythical figure; he was that good.
I love these vietnam war stories Mike. Grandpa used to share his stories during bed time. Lost his finger when AK round bounce off a stump and hit him. He said the vietcongs snuck up on them using cow bells. You think its a cow coming towards you, but these cows shot at ya. When on patrol he said memorize every tree and bushes, if there a bush or tree that wasnt there yesterday shoot the shit out of it. His ghost stories though was some crazy stuff.
Pictures of the guest at or around Phu Bai? (looked more like Palm Springs) It revealed his age appearance to be at least 50 y.o.! That would put Dick around 100. Did the host check his DD-214 or cross reference his awards with the DAV? His record seems to be created with no proof of service. Please have him provide documents and check their validity next time out. Thanks. TGS 3rd MMB. Dong Ha, Quang Tri Provice 69-70.
Never was a Green Beret but that WAS my end game when I joined. But I served 6 years in the 2/75 from 2009-2015. After 5, 110 day deployments each having roughly 100 combat missions sometimes multiple targets a night I was burnt out mentally and physically. The Ranger life can break you, it’s all the hardest, loudest, nonstop most Ranger way. I loved my time in the regiment and would do it over and over but after that last trip to Afghanistan I was done. Each time I went over there I left a little piece of me over there and I didn’t have much more to leave behind. I had to jump off the train and look out for me. That’s what people sometimes don’t realize. The military especially special operations is a giant train and it don’t stop for anyone either your on it or your not.
The weird thing is how humble these guys are in person. I’ve had a chance just to shoot the shit with some of Dick’s Cohorts, and also messaged Dick before online, and they are some of the nicest and down to earth guys I’ve ever met. You’d never guess what they’ve been through or known they were apart of frankly the craziest military unit and missions in US history if you saw them on the street.
Dude, thank you for interviewing these legends. Some of the hardest men in the world, and it is my first time hearing of them. Thank you for your services.
MG that was fantastic interview. Thank you for remembering the VN guys. I am an old guy and I have seen the passing of so many generations. Believe it or not as a very young kid the last of Civil War vets, Spanish American war then WWI vets. Now we see the WWII guys disappearing. Please preserve the memories of those who preceded the GWOT gen.
I found out about MACVSOG from listening to the Jocko podcast. The stories are incredible, courageous, and hard to comprehend these men actually did what they did. I have tried to read, listen, or watch everything I can find about SOG. Thank you for sharing your story. Thanks for getting these stories out. Amazing.
What an amazing "Man". I hadn't heard a story like his about "Nam" before. I've listened to many. Amazing that he's even here to tell about his life experience. I am amazed indeed. Thank you for telling your story. Be blessed.
Great story! Thank you for your service and sharing this. My uncle served with the 101st in 1970 Vietnam. He told me about training with bb guns too. I smiled when I listened to this recollecting my uncle's story.
Thank you so much for sharing this story with us my grandfather was in ww2 in battle of the bulge and he was a pow I wish I could of known what happened to him but he never ever talked about it but he had been awarded a purple heart and other citation s but it's so important to learn and never forget the people who fought for us ❤️
I was standing waste deep in the Gulf of Mexico fishing the surf while listening to this Awsome Podcast. Great way to spend an evening. These Vietnam guys are true heroes
These guys were all slim, almost skinny. Nowadays we are used to seeing these muscled up special operators. The way they looked in Vietnam resembles more how French foreign legion soldiers look. Or maybe SAS. Just an observation. Great podcast and a lot of common sense survival and improvement tips. Lighthearted and amusing often.
Today I cry because of what they said to us and I still feel it from this country. We were told to shut up or disappear the rewards were quiet and unknown, we were ghosts
Welcome home!! Thank you! It's a travesty and I'm truly sorry for the way they treated you guys. I'm 38 and am embarrassed for the way yall weren't received appropriately. My dad was 2nd SF and did 2 tours in Nam.
My grandfather was an F4 pilot out of Da Nang. He was working the trails in Laos every other night. He was KIA in Laos during a bombing run on a truck convoy 03/21/1968. My family was initially told he went down in South Vietnam.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
PLEASE ,PLEASE continue these interviews.....REMARKABLE..! Important for our younger generations to hear these accounts of brave , courageous men ! Thanks Mike. Old 91Bravo.
My wife is from Kien Giang South Vietnam. I have traveled all over South Vietnam. I have mad respect for our soldiers. I had been eating at a little street vendor in front of a house. I had been seeing a old man sitting inside. About the 3rd time I was there the old man waved me inside. I sat down with him he had a box with his medals and pictures of him when he was a young soldier. He was a friendly old man. I visited him every time I was there. The last time I went sadly he had died. I can say every where I went the people were very nice to me. We're loosing so many of our heroes now.Thanks for telling there stories.
Ghostrider Don here; Mike OUTSTANDING job interviewing Dick. Having read both books, as a SOG brother and friend of Dick's I know his story well. I listened to the whole 1 hour and 55 minutes. The way you were able to draw his experiences out of him was masterful. The way you added just enough of your own experiences and were able to ask intelligent questions to draw Dick's valuable story out and record them made the Podcast irresistible listening. Book 2 is every bit as good as book 1. Thank you for sharing the SOG story
Ur gay
It took multiple armies to rescue a few soldiers who survived two black hawks downed in Somalia in 1993, yet Dick Thompson decided to dropped down 150ft off a flying helo rope by himself and without a parachute to successfully rescue other injured US soldiers from two US helos downed in Viet-Cong controlled jungle terrain back in late 1960's... goes to show how badass Dick Thompson and other US soldiers were during Vietnam War.
To be fair urban warfare is a very different animal to jungle warfare. Defensive positions are everywhere and people are also everywhere. It's incredibly dangerous. In Iraq I always felt safer patrolling palm groves over the city we were in. Having 700k people on top of you makes things so difficult. Even in Vietnam the urban battles were extremely deadly
@@okgroomer1966 You should hear out the whole story behind this one particular mission Dick Thompson did on Jocko Podcast because Dick wasn't suppose to be on the helo, he had left all his gear and CAR-15 at base, had to use another soldier's rifle and took only 5x twenty round mags, he literally let go of rope at 150ft in the air to drop down onto a tree branch 50ft from ground level that he caught onto, with bruised ribs from slamming on tree branch he then climbed down to shoot some enemies and successfully met up with both helo teams, and then helped extracted all surviving US soldiers onto rescue helos while under gunfire from all sides. Then after returning to base Dick and a few soldiers were ordered to go back days later to blow up both helos and somehow extract their way out under heavy gunfire again.
These are but two of the stories he told and it's why I said Dick Thompson and other Vietnam era soldiers were more badass cause they used less techy weaponry and still survived extreme gun fights in places that were in the middle of wild jungles entirely controlled by enemy forces. And Vietnam soldiers didn't have as much mud, brick, or concrete cover to hide behind during gun fights, which made surviving a shoot out way lower for them.
However the one big thing I give kudos to you Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia war veterans is that you all had to wait for the enemies to fire first before returning fire which US soldiers in Vietnam were allowed to shoot anything that looked or sounded threatening. All wars have their craziness and differences in how they were fought but some wars have such ridiculous battles that it don't make any sense how any soldiers survived.
This legend of a man is a product of his times and so are the missions that he endured. All those men in Somalia would’ve done the same thing, but it was politicians playing soldier who prevented the brass from properly executing the mission.
Task Force Ranger was undermanned and underpowered from the start of their mission. They requested a ton of personnel and firepower that wasn’t given to them. Then when the shit it the fan it was already too late. Put the right system in place from the jump and avoid the bs.
Look at Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and many others… the US sends in troops only to slowly escalate over a 5-10 year time period. Had they sent over more soldiers sooner you deny the enemy the time to escalate along side you. Simple, but major examples of poor decision making. Why did they not do this? It’s the same reason we dropped a bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The idea of 1 million dead soldiers invading Japan is too much for politicians to be able to rationalize to the voters in their constituencies. The sad truth is people will die in war. Come in with overwhelming numbers and firepower against your enemy and you will most often reduce the total amount of casualties and loss on your side.
@@creaturesofqueens Well said. And I've always found it odd as to why Gen. Garrison gave the go mission so soon after the MEU left the AO? They could have supported in every way, and simply pushed inland from the beach with LAVs, Air assets, and heavy armor.
Has anyone ever shed light on that?
Beirut, and the bombing of H&S 1/8 was a prime example of catastrophic leadership failure as well. Yes, as usual there were Intel screw ups, but mainly there was 241 KIA because ONE man decided to remove defensive barricades from around the University building, as they were "too much a show of force" - or words to that effect...Insanity.
@@Davej0331 I’m not sure but I know he had requests in for air strike packages and other indirect fire options that were pulled from the table by DoD instantly limiting the effectiveness of the fighting force.
Dick Thompson is a legend. This was an excellent watch.
My grandfather was in MAC V SOG and part of Mike Force thru 1965-69, then had almost a 30 year career starting as a drill Sargent made his way up to Sargent Major, later on found out he was supporting special forces teams in Desert Storm during his time deployed. Loved hearing these stories reminds me so much of him, these men were a different breed for sure.
You are so right. Different breed no doubt...
who the fuck are you? @user-cc6mm3lm9c
give us some proof
@user-cc6mm3lm9cany adult that says capping doesn’t need to shown proof of anything
@@martinkunes5359who are you to prove shit too? You wouldn’t make a pimple on a snake eaters ass……..
This is one of the baddest dudes I’ve ever heard about or read about. An absolute SOG legend. This is going to be a great one.
Whenever a ww2 or Vietnam Era vet would shake our hands after deployment and say thank you I always felt that it should've been the other way around. Always. Those men shaped a military still fighting the last war and tolerated a country influenced by communist sympathizers. I love interviews like this.
Exactly how I feel. I’m currently active Navy, and my first response to something like that is, “No sir, I’m the one who should be thanking you.”
Awesome interview, 50% mortality rate for the operators, that along with the 100% injury rate, that man has a set of big brass cajones. That is one tough smart soldier. REALLY good guy to have on our side.
A smart articulate warrior, thank you.
MAC V SOG were a different breed and so is Drz Dick Thompson God bless our troops 🫡🇺🇸
Anybody that thinks SOG was the same as the infantry needs to think again. SOG operators were some of the most dangerous warriors the world has ever seen.
Yep
Agreed, for 1, they were Special Forces, and 2, they were basically highly trained spys with 158 to 1 kill ratio. These dudes were doing stuff (1-2 man missions) levels above what Seals/Rangers and other SF units did.
"Needs to think again" that’s just weird and childish to say if ppl have 0 knowledge about a special forces unit.
Just ordered on Amazon. As a Nam Vet myself, I have seen the work SOG has performed in the Central Highlands/Pleiku/Phu Bai. The highest respect for all Vets, but a double dose to all SOG/Hatchet Force Personnel. They have risked it all, doing what most would not.
GOD BLESS!
Was there also was a sea bee attached to the 5th sfg. A 104. These guys are great. Best of times----- worst of times
Dr. Thompson is by far one of the most interesting people I’ve ever heard be interviewed.
Men aren't made like this anymore. Knew a vet from 5th group Vietnam. RET CSM George Moore. Died about 10 years ago. Great man and wonderful mentor to have during the 1st 2 years of my career. He worked at my unit as a civilian. Again, an honor to have been given so much of his attention and advice. 3 Silver Stars. RIP CSM.
Interesting. I served as a Nuclear Power Plant technician in the U.S. Navy and frankly, that is about as much stress as watching grass grow that is, unless the plant "scrammed." Then, it was just following written procedures to start the plant back up from a partial or a full scam.
@@kentwilliams3326 never the less and regardless of the stress factor, you served in an extremely vital position within OUR ranks... Semper Fi, and God Bless 🇺🇸🙏
My wife’s step father is a retired O6, fmr MAC V SOG, age 86 and still going strong. His war stories are insane, just emailed him this interview.
People have no clue what they really did. Ive seen some crazy shit that they brought back from Vietnam. Like parts of the vc head and all. 🤷
The stories of American courage and Bravery never gets old!!!! I'm so proud to be an American!!!! Thanks to all past and present that allow me to live free!!!!! Love You all!!!!!
My first Cousin was MACV-SOG and did seven Tours. Never said a word about it afterwards, and he's gone now. I really appreciate this Interview to just get a little insight on what my first Cousin might have went through.
Seven tours?! You should really request his service records. There was a 100% casualty rate for macv so he definitely earned at least one Purple Heart during his service. What a bad ass.
Respect him
@@remedy-1879 yes 7 tours in that unit is crazy as
Hats off to his memory ❤
Bad ass brother. Major respect to your cousin
My father was Green Beret and was part of Mike Force Hatchet Force and was killed in action in Laos ,I still have a Mike Force banner I was only 8yrs old at the time.
Different breed of individual that ran from 1500 to 1975. Thank y'all for your service. Thank you for your service anyone after also.
I binged watched this interview when it came out. I was honored to service one decorated Vietnam vet pilot today who was attached to SOG during his 3 tours. As a Marine vet, I’m honored to hear his stories after I completed a job for him. He happened to be a retired federal judge out of las cruces, NM putting cartel members, r@pist, and murderers behind bars. What an experience.
Welcome Home!!!
My grandfather was SFC Green Beret. SOG Detachment B-56 (sigma). Awarded silver star and has 2 Purple Hearts.
Thank you Dr Thompson for your service. Thank you Mike for your service. God bless both of you always 🙏 ❤
These men were absolute warriors and patriots. Thank you sir for all you and your brothers did for us all. I read "Across the fence" and it was a white knuckle read.
Coming from a long line of military family from WW I all the way to Afghanistan in every branch of the services, all I can say is may God bless them all richly!!! Nothing but respect!!
My uncles both served in Vietnam, they were both professional soldiers. Highly motivated guys, always loved to sit with them and hear the crazy stuff they did. So much respect!
I had a couple former MACV-SOG veterans as high-school ROTC instructors. Their leadership and mentoring gave me the guidance and motivation to do some high-speed things in the Army. I think about them often. Some very special folks.
My Dad ran missions with CCS circa late 1969 through the spring of 1970. Team Trowel. After CCS shutdown He went to CCC and ran with Rt. Vermont and Rt Maine. Godspeed Dr. Thompson. Thank you so much for your service
My paw paw was in Vietnam. He later became a drill Instructor for the military. My paw paw has been through a lot. And he's done alot for me. More than i deserve. Thank you for everything.
What is paw paw Grandfather?
@@Yourmomanddadrbrotherandsisteryes
I am a Vietnam veteran I am now a Vietnam resident because I am married to a Vietnam citizen, hope you get to go see the country it is very different when I was there in the service.
Just WOW. This man has lived more lives than normal people can dream about. God Bless You.
Thank you men. Mike, Jocko, Tilt, the Frenchman, Mr Tompson and all the other Vietnam vets and the gwot vets bringing these legends' stories to light. My father was a vietnam vet, he would've loved to see his generation finally get the respect and admiration they earned. We lost him to cancer just a couple years prior to Jocko bringing Tilt to my attention. How many of these hero's stories will we never know? Thank God these men EVER lived. Please keep these interviews coming b4 these heroes are gone from us. God bless and keep you all.
Thanks Mike
Edit, I am fortunate that I get to listen to podcasts at work. I have heard this guest story at least 50 times. The man is an incredible person with an incredible heart.
My father was in Vietnam (rest his soul) and as a kid I would save money to buy the VIETNAM magazines at our grocery store. Thanks Mike for covering these men's stories! Long live MACVSOG🇺🇸
God bless him and I appreciate it though he did
That didn't come out the way I wanted to do it God bless him rest in peace ✌️ and if he was here today I would tell him that I welcome home
@@ChrisYoung-nf2fr Thank you for the kind words. Godspeed to you and yours. 🇺🇸
Mike the look on your face in this interview is priceless. I could see the respect, appreciation and the joy of doing this interview. Hats off to the both you guys. That you for your service 🇺🇸💯
Mike in a candy store haha
The story that accompanies his bronze star is one the craziest survived combat stories of the last 100 years. Should absolutely be a MOH.
Also.... think about the payload of six B52s loaded with one hundred and ten, 500pounders. Six-Hundred and sixty 500 pound bombs. Sweet Jesus.
Especially when compared to most GWOT guys. They were just handing out MOH like they were finding them in a crackjack box at that point. Craziest one I've ever heard is still Roy Benavidez though.
*Edit*: Have to give Audey Murphy credit too. He, like many other brave service members, could've earned multiple MOH's and was an outstanding soldier; Bob Howard may have been better than both. I'm just honored to know when things were at the absolute worst, one can still count on the bravery of our brothers-in-arms.
@@pragmaticparadox5981agreed. There’s a few medal of honors from the GWOT that I honestly question, while others were just bronze stars or silver stars.
The one man bright light team, Dick Thompson.
Thanks apc. 🍿 Roy benevidas moment incoming 👍
Mike, you are such an incredible leader and man. It’s truly an honor to have men like you and Dr. Thompson as Americans and men that have fought and gave so much for all of US Americans and this Country. I have so much respect for you and look forward to every new video you and your team put out. Thank You
Awesome interview! I'll have to say though, one of the greatest times in my military career was being able to be COL Robert Howard's driver/escort not once but twice when he visited Ft. Bragg. The stories he told!!! Oh my gosh! Greatest honor I ever had, just being in his company. Thank you to all who came before me!
👍after 53 years I FINALLY heard a vet speak many OBVIOUS point!!!!
earplugs, get down , shoot fast , instinctively...."shoot Dodge City style",
but I'm sure guys now learn the lessons and adapt,
Great Show n GOD bless your guest.
I've just ordered his book. Great Channel ....ONE OF TH 👌
This soft spoken man is an absolutely warrior. Definitely don't judge this book by its cover
Really hyped over this one. Vietnam stories are some of the craziest.
then you’re going to enjoy Dr. Dick Thompson’s stories - some of the craziest I’ve heard
@@mikeglovershow NO Australia SASR missions are the craziest i have heard and unlike your fake captions of these were the deadliest soldiers SASR taught these guys.
Rodger Hayden navy seal even said it also in his interviews and he spent 10 days on misson with SASR
@@nedkelly9688 don't be a fucking tool. Have respect or STFU.
@@nedkelly9688 much respect to SASR, they defo kicked and kick ass but you don't want to get into a dick measuring contest with SOG when they had 100% casualty rate bro common
100% casualty rate lol saids it all as were not that good then.
Very important historical stories to capture and will help to ensure these veterans experiences are there for future generations. Thank you Mike.
Good Listen, My old man was A1 "Sandy" pilot supported many ops for these guys.
Do it for me Sandy. I'd do it for you
I love these guys. This jungle shit was the theme of all childhood "battles" in the woods
💯👍
For me and my friends, it was WW2 Nazis vs USA.
Yep.... Woods were some cool jungle... We even made up our own hand and arm signals ... 🤣
Holy shit balls. Fifty magazines. This man is hardcore. Where do you even put your mre or your water. Let alone other equipment. Complete My covers off to this man!!!!!. I wish we had more men like that !! in America right now.!! Thank you sir for your time!❤
These SOG stories are absolutely insane. Makes me wonder what kind of legends the French Foreign Legion carry with them that the world will never hear.
Very very few like these
Legion is entirely different force with different primary focus and abilities and used in totally different ways
Typically used pretty fucked up ways by the French and European partners as cannon fodder or sacrificial lions inguess would be better term they get sent to places to do stuff regular French line units won't or don't want to
In joint ops they get the slaughterhouse AOs and roles
They have some highly skilled and trained units within and average line unjt is about as good as well trained marine unit but they aren't close to being and weren't meant to be or tried to be what recon and hatchet force teams in macvsog were
Entire rest of American SF is much different than these guys much different a traditional ODA Is much different than a recon team
Just like traditional seal team now is much diff than a sog seal team on making delta assisting vc tax collectors in brutal ways for body to be found and shit
Just apples and organes
And while some French units had success and adapted and had stories moments heros during time as colonial power of Vietnam for most part they were behind times not adaptable
It was a red coats and minutemen type scenario
@@blakeandrews3673 I'm not comparing them to SOG in any sense other than that they get sent into very hairy situations and get no credit. They just do the work.
A lot of Waffen SS joined the legion. Once you completed your enlistment you get a clean record and new papers.
should research Australian SASR in Vietnam they were most feared by VC and named them Phantoms of the jungles and SASR taught these SOG guys and navy seals Rodger Hayden seal team 1 even said SASR were the most elite in jungle warfare he ever came across in all his carreer up until 1980's.
Some of the SAS missions are crazy.
hitting dropshots in real life is wild. especially emptying a mag before you hit the ground while landing shots on target. Much respect Dr. Thompson
I can listen to this heroes war stories all day. Thank you for your service sir
To say I’m honored to hear this man’s story is an understatement. Not only amazing but DEF a MOH candidate. Although if you ask him, it was just another day… THANK YOU
The men that served in MAC V SOG are without a doubt, the most gangster men to ever live 💯💯💯💯💯
The absolute best Vietnam veteran talk I have ever heard. Watched the entire 2 hours
My Uncle Fred Thomas served with SOG MACV, starting in the early 60s I believe. He was a special forces (Green Beret) 'advisor' at first; I think he ended up a Master Sgt. Sorry I don't know all the details of his unit or rank... He retired in the mid 80s while he was based in the Philippines, married a Philippina nurse, and moved back to the States, where he lived in Florida until passing a couple years ago in his late 80s. He would never talk about his experiences with SOG, even though he knew that I was working at the time with a WWII combat vet who had fought the Japanese in New Guinea. (US 41st Inf Div; the 'Jungleers')
I made a 3 hour documentary (filmed in 2003) about the WWII vet which is here on UA-cam, you can see it on my channel if you're interested.
Uncle Fred really wanted to do a similar project with me, but whenever we sat down to talk, he would 'seize up' and wouldn't be able to talk, even if he'd had had a few drinks.. It was always the same, and a several hours later he'd be swinging a revolver around and hollering. I felt bad for Fred... Joel, the WWII combat Vet, on the other hand found talking to be a big relief. I took Joel out every Sunday for about six years to Krispy Kreme on W72st and after we had been talking every week for about a year or so he told me that his 'Combat Dreams' (PTSD) had subsided from 6 nights a week down to just 2 or 3 a month ... (At least up until 9/11/01 happened; we lived in Manhattan.)
Looking forward to watching this vid about MACV-SOG, I've read a few books but good info is hard to find...
Thanks Mike for having Dr. Thompson on you channel. What an outstanding individual he is and a true warrior! Thank you both for your service to our country!
Mike has an impressive humility. Good to see his curiosity accross from mr. Thompson and he ask great questions. Also, injecting some of his own knowledge.
Great job. Best interview ever.
The pod name is great. Can’t thank you enough for your service and continued humanity.
I found out while in combat the realization of immediate action drill in AIT I’m still amazed at how well they kept many of us from freezing under fire
Dick’s pods on Jockos channel are my fav. My grandfather was an F4 pilot who died in Laos whilst bombing truck convoy in Laos. RIP Lt. Stowers. I’ll see you one day. I love you.
My dad was a F4 crew chief at DaNang AFB.
18:57 in platoon before Elias bought it from Barnes, he was racing through the jungle shooting from the hip. I always remembered that as a kid.
I was in the USMC on the DMZ and inserted into many LZs. I read Dick Thompsons 2 volumes and realized I was in the Boy Scouts vs. Dick and his SOG Teams. Humbling and so impressive. The one thing Marines taught well in Boot Camp was expert marksmanship from all the way up to 500 yards. The basic Marine is comparatively a well trained soldier, unlike other branches but after that there are many levels of Special Forces, Tier I, II and III. SOG is a Tier 1 group of the best.
Truly an amazing interview! Thank you, MACV-SOG Veteran Dr. Dick Thompson ! God Bless you and your brethren!
Incredible man. Incredible story.
Thank you, Mike (and others) for giving people like this a voice.
When he started talking about “closing the distance” on folks calling him baby killer, the hair on my arm stood up. His inner killer peeked out and was freakin frightening! He looks very gentle and nice, but there’s something dark under the surface, but in a good way!
And think about it the Left wants a Civil War with the Right and the Right are very tolerant but dangerous people if you push them beyond their limits !
“On folks” “freaking” “Jeff”
This rates as the best interview on SOG in Vietnam I've seen. I served during that time but did not go to Vietnam. These were great Warriors!
This man is a legend. Prob one of my favourite veterans stories. Him and Richard winters. Ironically. They both go by Dick. And have nuts of steel.
They should make a movie bout both of em but combined as one with the main character named Dick Steel
I was trained to shoot from the hip first in the Australian Infantry in the 90s. Everything was still Vietnam Jungle era training with Jungle sneaker ranges .
This badass talks about this so nonchalantly that it feels almost fake. What a fucken legend! 🇺🇸
That’s how you would expect someone doing their “job” to act. They take personal emotion out of the equation.
Absolute savages. Thank God for each and everyone of em.
that's how you know it's not. The guys that were actually there are super nonchalant. Anytime a dude starts getting all hype about his story he's almost certainly bullshitting.
Truly one-of-a-kind combat situations with these guys. Absolute legends.
Welcome home sir. Thank you!
🧨 Dynamite! 🧨 Welcome home sir. Amazing stories as always. What a patriot and legend. Could listen to Dr. Thompson & his SOG buddies all day.
That Bob Howard Ranger School story is a trip. Arguably the best soldier in US history and still humble. I've read A LOT of MACV-SOG books and even amongst those elite few, they all still seemed to look at Howard as almost a mythical figure; he was that good.
I love these vietnam war stories Mike. Grandpa used to share his stories during bed time. Lost his finger when AK round bounce off a stump and hit him. He said the vietcongs snuck up on them using cow bells. You think its a cow coming towards you, but these cows shot at ya. When on patrol he said memorize every tree and bushes, if there a bush or tree that wasnt there yesterday shoot the shit out of it. His ghost stories though was some crazy stuff.
Absolutely phenomenal human being. Thank you sir for your service and dedication to our country. GOD bless you and your family.
Kids, this guy is your crazy AF uncle.
Let’s have a round of applause for them👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Pictures of the guest at or around Phu Bai? (looked more like Palm Springs) It revealed his age appearance to be at least 50 y.o.! That would put Dick around 100. Did the host check his DD-214 or cross reference his awards with the DAV? His record seems to be created with no proof of service. Please have him provide documents and check their validity next time out.
Thanks. TGS 3rd MMB. Dong Ha, Quang Tri Provice 69-70.
Crazy uncles aren't typically doctors
@@GranPuba
You might be surprised.
Never was a Green Beret but that WAS my end game when I joined. But I served 6 years in the 2/75 from 2009-2015. After 5, 110 day deployments each having roughly 100 combat missions sometimes multiple targets a night I was burnt out mentally and physically. The Ranger life can break you, it’s all the hardest, loudest, nonstop most Ranger way. I loved my time in the regiment and would do it over and over but after that last trip to Afghanistan I was done. Each time I went over there I left a little piece of me over there and I didn’t have much more to leave behind. I had to jump off the train and look out for me. That’s what people sometimes don’t realize. The military especially special operations is a giant train and it don’t stop for anyone either your on it or your not.
American treasure… thanks Mike
What an amazing hero. So important to continue to give back to our hero’s
The weird thing is how humble these guys are in person. I’ve had a chance just to shoot the shit with some of Dick’s Cohorts, and also messaged Dick before online, and they are some of the nicest and down to earth guys I’ve ever met. You’d never guess what they’ve been through or known they were apart of frankly the craziest military unit and missions in US history if you saw them on the street.
They are stone cold killers and you'd never know it
Dude, thank you for interviewing these legends. Some of the hardest men in the world, and it is my first time hearing of them. Thank you for your services.
Love these types of interviews Mike. Hope you can do more with Vets like Dr Thompson. love hearing the stories of combat and experiences. Take care 🇺🇸
MG that was fantastic interview. Thank you for remembering the VN guys. I am an old guy and I have seen the passing of so many generations. Believe it or not as a very young kid the last of Civil War vets, Spanish American war then WWI vets. Now we see the WWII guys disappearing. Please preserve the memories of those who preceded the GWOT gen.
Love hearing the experiences of MACV-SOG guys. Another legend.
This is an amazing interview, not only for his knowledge, but. The way u listened and lead the conversations.
Great interview.
Haven’t even finished this yet and one of the best podcast I’ve ever watched, Mike. Special thanks to the both of you, Gentleman.
I found out about MACVSOG from listening to the Jocko podcast. The stories are incredible, courageous, and hard to comprehend these men actually did what they did. I have tried to read, listen, or watch everything I can find about SOG. Thank you for sharing your story. Thanks for getting these stories out. Amazing.
The first 25 minutes is gold for what our troops will face in the Pacific...The remainder of the podcast is priceless.
Humbling to see Mike in awe of Mr . Thompson
This is one of the most fascinating talks I’ve ever had the privilege to listen to.
Thank you for your service, both of you.
What an amazing "Man". I hadn't heard a story like his about "Nam" before. I've listened to many. Amazing that he's even here to tell about his life experience. I am amazed indeed. Thank you for telling your story. Be blessed.
I watched Dr Thompson’s podcast with Jocko and it was the craziest thing I had ever heard. Absolutely insane
Same there’s nothing crazier than him jumping out of the helicopter to save the downed crew with absolutely no plan or backup
@@larrymcjones Right?! If it had been a movie I would have told people not to watch it because it was too unbelievable
Great story! Thank you for your service and sharing this. My uncle served with the 101st in 1970 Vietnam. He told me about training with bb guns too. I smiled when I listened to this recollecting my uncle's story.
Thank you so much for sharing this story with us my grandfather was in ww2 in battle of the bulge and he was a pow I wish I could of known what happened to him but he never ever talked about it but he had been awarded a purple heart and other citation s but it's so important to learn and never forget the people who fought for us ❤️
I was standing waste deep in the Gulf of Mexico fishing the surf while listening to this Awsome Podcast. Great way to spend an evening. These Vietnam guys are true heroes
Not during this one but I’ve listened to jocko a lot surf fishing Ft Morgan
The man that introduced me to MACV-SOG. Hell yes, Mike, this is going to be epic!
Every single one of those Sogcast pods could be their own individual movie. Those men had to face the odds.
These guys were all slim, almost skinny. Nowadays we are used to seeing these muscled up special operators. The way they looked in Vietnam resembles more how French foreign legion soldiers look. Or maybe SAS. Just an observation. Great podcast and a lot of common sense survival and improvement tips. Lighthearted and amusing often.
I was thinking the same thing I seen another SOG soldier in Nam 5'10 175 lb.
First mistake is thinking size of muscle is strength, or endurance.
I'm 55 now was glad to enlist in November 87' and served in Desert Storm and Shield spent 10 months there as a 88M
That was a great interview Mike. Well done sir. Cheers from Canada
True hero’s and this man is a legend….🇺🇸
Today I cry because of what they said to us and I still feel it from this country. We were told to shut up or disappear the rewards were quiet and unknown, we were ghosts
Welcome home!! Thank you! It's a travesty and I'm truly sorry for the way they treated you guys. I'm 38 and am embarrassed for the way yall weren't received appropriately. My dad was 2nd SF and did 2 tours in Nam.
Big thanks mike hope you get all the vietnam SOG vets in this podcast their stories need to be heard.
My grandfather was an F4 pilot out of Da Nang. He was working the trails in Laos every other night. He was KIA in Laos during a bombing run on a truck convoy 03/21/1968. My family was initially told he went down in South Vietnam.