American legend and hero Colonel David Hackworth speaks with reporter Barry Roskin Blake in the recently discovered interview. A true American Hero that will be missed.
HACK WAS MY CO IN NAM, A FRIEND AFTERWARD, A MENTOR AND AN HONOURABLE MAN.. HIGHLY REGARDED, HIGHLY RESPECTED, HIGHLY DECORATED... AND FEARED BY THE BRASS. HE WAS AN IMPECCABLY HONEST WARRIOR. HE PASSED AWAY 05-04-05.. I PRESENTED THE FLAG FROM HIS CASKET TO HIS WIFE EIHLYS.. WHAT AN HONOR!! RIP HACK!!!
"About Face" was hands down the best book I've ever read. "Hazardous Duty" was excellent also, as was "Steel My Soldiers Hearts". In fact, when Hack was a roving war correspondent, I gobbled up anything he wrote-- and from About Face-- and anything previous I had seen penned by this American hero. I studied, absorbed and learned so very, very much about military tactics, strategy, the politics of war and the resulting impacts on the troops on the ground-- actually having to endure the vicious battles, and lastly, but certainly not least-- about the viciousness of true combat, what it means to be a leader on the battlefield and the courage and determination and the extreme physical toll it takes on a man-- especially a man like Hack, who had been shot numerous times and lived to tell about it. His book taught me so much-- anout war and about his character to fight for his men and never back down-- and showed the incredible backbone he had, standing up to superiors to tell it like it is....getting in their faces man-to-man on so many occasions, to advocate for the troops on the field and TELL them the truth of their failed strategy and tactical mindets. After reading About Face, this true American hero and man's man became one of my personal heroes. Battlefield commissioned in Korea and the youngest full Bird Colonel in 'Nam. He was intelligent, fearless, tough as all hell and principled. I know it was an honor for you to serve under him and present the Flag at his funeral. He died (for people who don't know or don't know who he is) of complications from exposure to Agent Orange, from his service in Vietnam. I've has his obituary, cut out of the newspaper, tacked on my wall since he passed away. While still on this Earth, to put it in perspective for those that are unfamilar with him, David H. Hackworth was the most decorated living soldier in the U.S. military. Beyond the fact that I'm a military historian, I consider Hack (even though I never met him, but always wished somehow I could-- just so I could shake his hand) one of America's all-time best. God Bless you Hack- for your sacrifices, your Valor, your intellect, your take-charge leadership ability and never- say-die attitude, your tactical-- and Strategic insight on-- and off-- the Battlefield, but most of all for your character. David H. Hackworth was simply the epitome of "a soldier" and what ALL soldiers should aspire to be. God Bless you Hack. It will take an incredible man to ever come close to measuring up to the soldier-- and man-- that you were (and still are). You won't be forgotten-- and certainly not by the men that served under you. A true credit to humanity-- and a man that should always be a measuring stick to other men-- his life story a guiding light about courage, sacrifice, leadership and how a hero conducts his life, from birth to the end of life. I never met ya Hack, but you were one of America's-- and humanity's -- all time bests. You'll always be missed-- of course by those that knew you, but by so many others who you inspired with your incredible life story. One of the all-time greats in my Book. --- Thanks Hack
lockandloadlikehell NOT ONE REP from DoD or any Govt. agency bothered to attend Hacks services at Arlington. Speaking truth to power is a tough thing to pull off, but David never backed down, and those of us who knew him and loved him and served with him will always be proud of our association with him...
+Oliver Mayo His wife Eilhys carries on his activist legacy. Her website is Stand for the Troops ....they still do good things for the youngsters who stand for US. Thanks for the kind words.
+Stack Magic It is a sad situation today...the Pentagon has been purged of all non-idiologs who tend to think for themselves and to speak the truth!! MANY MANY O6-O10 brass have been fired for failing to tow the line of the Obummer administration, to the point where most survivors of the massacre are simply lap dogs who have no balls and have forgone their oaths to protect and defend our nation. It appears, here in Obummer's last year, that some in the Pentagon are actually digging-in to resist the final coup-de-main !! It all brings into question the true content of the character of those who took their beatings without raising a hand or speaking out about the situation. He, Obummer, has severely damaged our military to the point where it is doubtful we could manage a serious conflict and our adversaries ( Russia,China,N.Korea,Iran etc) are acting very belligerently while he continues to enable them. It is so blatant that his efforts seem conspiratorial!!! We desperately need warriors like Hack who place their honor and the future of our country above self-interests...
The year is 2022 and about to be 2023 in one week. Jocko also brought me here to learn about leadership from a hell of a man. Happy New Year on this unbelievable planet!! “Give 200 percent to your men. You have to give them everything you have.” - David Hackworth
Hack was my Battalion Commander when I was in the 4/39th. Inf. in Viet Nam. My only encounter with him was when I saluted him in Dong Tam and I was reprimanded for not returning a hardy "hardcore recondo sir" reply. My overall appearance may have also attributed to spending that evening reinforcing my Battalion Mess Sergeant's Smith's connex bunkers with sandbags. I learned one thing from Hack. You were not a cook, you were a infantry. cook, you were not a medic, you were an infantry medic, you were a soldier first and your assigned MOS came second. The happiest day of my life was when I left Viet Nam and second happiest day may have been when I was discharged from the Army in 1969. Going back home and adjusting to the so called "real world" was impossible. A year a nd a half latter I reenlisted in the Army and also volunteered to go back to Nam. That may sound complex but not to many a Viet Nam Vet. SFC Jerry F. Kamper (Ret.)
I did the same Damn thing. After two deployments to Iraq I was honorably discharged. Then like you, I was lost so I re-upped. Wasn't in two years and an ied in Afghanistan in October 21st 2011 led to a medical discharge.
I read Hack's 1st book, "About Face" years ago and was completely bowled over by it's honesty, grittiness and heroism. If anyone ever deserved the title of "Hero", then it's this guy, Colonel David Hackworth.
I came close to shooting Hack one night, when I was at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. I was walking guard duty around a warehouse in the middle of know where when him another guy approached our position from out of nowhere like they feel out of the sky, which they may have. I remember they were wearing black BDUs. I said "Halt" they kept going, so I said "HALT"!! and flipped my safety selector switch from Safe to Fire(CLICK). He stopped dead in his tracks and said "O.K. I stopped, don't shoot". I said "who goes there"? He replied "Lt. Colonel Hackworth, David H." My battle buddy had the access sheet on a clipboard, but couldn't find Hacks name on it, so I said "look on the special permission sheet, it's on the very bottom" He couldn't find so I told him to watch them and I asked him name again and found his name on the list, so I said "he's on here. You may pass Sir". They came on in, as I saluted with my weapon Hack stopped and asked me "would you have shot me"? I apologized and said "I'm sorry Sir" Hack said "Don't apologize, you did exactly what you were supposed to do". I would have shot him if he hadn't stopped, no doubt about it, but I had already made up my mind to shoot him the leg. I'm glad I didn't have to.
Truly loved his men as family. One of the greatest leaders ive ever had the privilege of studying. Thank you to all who served in Vietnam and Korea ❤💯👍
I think that Hack’s book, “Steel My Soldiers’ Hearts” is one of the best texts for military leadership in existence, and Hack’s best book. It details his time as an LTC in command of a battalion in the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam.
Hack Im a US Army vet as well but you served with my uncle in the 25 infantry Tropic Lightning, in vietnam and one of his favorite possessions was a Signed copy you gave him the last time you were together, Your an american icon and I hope one day you get The CMH as you rightfully Deserve, thank you for your service, a fellow soldier
Read one his books when I was in the Navy. The guy was very intelligent officer and very forward with the men in his company because he cared for their survival. There was one segment where he wouldn’t allow his men to smoke on patrol even if they were resting because the enemy could smell out their positions. Very well respected commander.
I always found it absolutely stunning that smokers have absolutely NO idea as to how obnoxious that smell is. Even if you like the smell, or at best are a non-smoker that simply don't mind the smoke.....you can smell someone's cigarette from 75+ yards away on a humid still night....never mind a jungle. Why the living F**K would you broadcast that to an enemy that wants to dismember you???
I've only read/listened to a fraction of what David Hackworth put out, and while there was one or two items I may not have been in agreement with him on; I can say in my own military career (that began after Colonel Hackworth retired) his words on leadership, and so much of what he said on behalf of the servicemen fighting the wars, and calling out the leadership (both in uniform, and civilians); in taking the higher ups to task, Colonel Hackworth was invaluable and a leader in the truest sense.
It took me 12 years to write A Henchman's Honor. I just finished reading Hackworth and I'm amazed at the similar tone and even some very similar events. Hack was in Bosnia at the same time I was. He as a Newsweek reporter and I as an intelligence operator. I wish I would've met him. He's been a great thinker his entire life. I will lay a flower for him at Arlington when I can.
Just started reading the book. 58 pages into 875. It's already made me feel very bad and given me a lot of good laughs at the same time. This video was great context.
"Hack" passed on to join the "Warriors in the Sky" in 2005 of bladder cancer. I met Hack in a cold winter evening in the TOC while with 3-5 CAV 1/1AR Division January of 1996. Hack was writing for Newsweek. Remarked to Hack about reading his book, About Face, I reminded him about on of his senior NCO's in RVN..I knew that NCO's son. We spoke for awhile about "things" and kept our association via short notes from time to time. There is no doubt Hack was a "Soldiers Soldier"...and for many of that era..he will and is missed! In the end, hopefully all of the 11A & 11B's end up at the "long bar" in "Warriors Heaven"...Out here!
First Anthony Hurburt, then Hackworth. I had just read his first book back in the day and was bar tending at the Elk's above San Pedro and an old man was sitting by himself. His son had died (been killed) in the Nam. After a while he showed me a photo and that was a sergeant which had been with the Wofverive 327th I believe. I went out to the car and brought the book back in with the exact same photo. The man over joyed by seeing that his son had a history worth noting. For me 17 years in SO/SF was enough. Frankly I never would have been one of those Hack ordered to charge across an open field. Strangely enough I actually met Hack very early on when he was at the Nike base in Hermosa Beach, California. I'm 80 now and truely believe America has wasted itself in all these shit hole wars of liberation..
Hack wrote me back in the late 1980s around the time of this interview and told me that his story was going to 'the silver screen' (as he put it). But i never got the title of it, never saw it, could never trace it; does any one know if he finally got a film made; About Face was a riveting first encounter with his story which i read when it was first released and could not put it down; he describes korea as a lot more straight forward than vietnam, but the injuries he sustained there (laying face down on top of a grenade explosion) speaks for itself; the guy is just an audie murphy on steroids;
God Bless Colonel Hackworth Rest In Peace I will miss his talks and his genuine courage to Tell it Like It Is I came here seeking inspiration and once again hearing his calm demeanor worked out for me again. He also Helped me come to A decision when I was pondering going into the Military just as others in my family before me have done. Very tough call made For A clearer Picture using this mans perspective I will miss him. I hope there are unreleased volumes his family has not put out yet.
His book about the Korean war was fantastic. He would get shot up and scheduled to good home, which was not acceptable to him so he would just go AWOL and go back to his unit...happened multiple times! He turned out to be the most decorated soldier of the Korean war. Great read. I put in a special request for "conquest to nowhere" (Korean war) and it was a fantastic read. Order it from your library. My library got it from a bigger library. Great read.
To have a leader like col. Hackworth in the Nam would have been a plus. Maybe not have made it, but fought effectively and well led by a warrior. RIP well done hack. 11 Bravo ⚔️🇺🇸!
A true American Hero and Patriot, got the shaft by the very country he defended. Should have gotten CMoH himself. I did not read Oddesy of American Warrior, but I did read both About Face and Steel my Soldiers Heart. Any of todays Occupy Movement irresposible entitelment slugs that want everything given to them would benefit greatly from the no nonsense approach of this fine man.
This man was a true legend.in 1978 promotion board in Wildflicken Germany. 32 ADCOM ADA primary MOS of 16E10 To 16E20 SP/4 to SGT E/5 Hawk Missel Tac Site. You'll eat your own guts just to get promoted 39 months the day finally comes to go before the board. You knock on the door.Enter 2 steps forward,Left face,3 steps foward,Right face.report as rendering the salute. Special Slover fourth-class reports as directed..... Command Sergeant Major..States... Sit down. 2 half steps back wards. Hands on your knees, your back 90° faceing the CSM. You lock on to the CIB above 5 rows of ribions. right shoulder patch Screaming Eagles, Left shoulder patch 32 ADA. CSM ask you about your primary MOS..you answer back..Then ask you if you ever read.the book... About Face, by Col David Hackworth.? You answer honestly No! I haven't Command Sergeant Major! Command Sergeant Meajor stated that'll be all!! We'll see you in another 6 months!. Fu......Me !!!
I served two tours in Vietnam, and I assure you that I endured more disrespect when I came home not from war protesters, who welcomed veterans to their movement, but from old guys in the American Legion and VFW, who hated our long hair and thought we were a bunch of losers and druggies. They would tell me that if Vietnam had some REAL soldiers, like their buddies in WW2, the war would be over in six months. Many Vietnam veterans went on to leadership positions in the antiwar movement. Also, the whole thing about spitting on veterans is largely a myth, see the book called "The Spitting Image" by James Lembke.
***** Thank you, Grey Seal! Love you Australians, who are friends to the the Americans when friends are few. I served the last eighteen months of my service at Naval Station Harold Holt, at Northwest Cape! Hope you are well and prospering.
Steve HAIR Excellent response, Steve! Your experience when returning was much like my own. The only questions I got about my service was "Did you ever kill anybody?". Indifference, absolutely. No girl would date me until I grew my hair and moustache, blended in, and shut up. Everyone already knew everything about the war, they'd seen it on TV. If you read the previous replies to my post you know I spent the last year of my four at Northwest Cape, Australia. Drinking in a pub in Perth before going on to what would be eighteen months of isolation and exile I couldn't buy my own drinks, everyone was incredibly friendly, and said that Aussies would never forget what we Yanks did for them at the Battle of Coral Sea. Believe me, in 2015, this Yank believes your debt has been paid tenfold.
Wasn't Hack a battalion commander in the 9th infantry division during Speedy Express, an operation that killed 5,000 to 7,000 Vietnamese civilians over a six month period by the Army's own estimates? How could he have said "I never saw that" with respect to the killing of unarmed Vietnamese which is depicted in Platoon? I think there's even a quote out there where he acknowledges the drive for body count lead to the unnecessary death of unarmed Vietnamese civilians.
I guess he justifies it by saying he had probable cause, like a civilian walking out after a curfew or something, but I'm not sure if he disagrees with the whole film or just parts
Col. Hackworth left in April and I arrived in May of 1969 with Company C 2/39, but I believe he helped far more than just the 4/39 brothers. He knew my first XO 1st LT Stockdale aka “The Red Baron” who was KIA 10 June 69 with 9 others in my platoon. RIP Hack!
right up there with the bull , herbert , and dick meadows , hackworth was a toltal professional and much respected and loved by those who knew and served with him , his book = about face is on my bookshelf with= tony herbert's book
I’ve read about face, I liked it. I’ve seen his interviews and I believe the late LTC. However, I think he’s wrong in saying we didn’t win the battles, we did. I say this using the metrics those generals put forward, we killed many more of them then we lost and we held the ground we wanted to hold when we wanted to. Conversely, he’s totally correct in saying those a generals didn’t have a strategy to win, there was no strategy to reach an end goal. But where I disagree with the LTC is I think the politicians are the most at fault, but I agree it wasn’t the soldier.
+Jimmy SantAngelo Steve Hair replying. Oliver Stone's 'Platoon' film was a disgraceful portrayal of truth, made for and to the ends of Oliver Stone, who made millions of dollars from the 58,000 brave US Soldiers he left behind. USMC Capt. Dale Dye (Retired) was the military advisor on that film and warned Stone that the 'story' was untruthful and portrayed a distorted view of the US Army in SVN. Dale Dyes' commentary is a part of the DVD and should be listened to when watching this piece of fiction. To people who weren't there, this film confirmed their prejudice one way or the other. GIs raping villagers, murder and inter unit revenge fantasies. Was Stone really there, or did he just pose in a picture of real American Grunts. I was there in 1967 with 1st Australian Army Task Force, Vietnam. (Brigade). We were considered brothers by our American allies, and we fought as brothers and allies in the true spirit of courage, comradeship and fidelity that the US and Australia has fought in every war since WW1. WW2, Korea, Vietnam, 2 Gulf wars, Iraq and Afghanistan. I'll quit now. I can talk at; Steve Hair. shair10@bigpond.com I just get so tired of fucking bullshit. (Platoon best picture, etc) Steve Hair replying. Oliver Stone's 'Platoon' film was a disgraceful portrayal of truth, made for and to the ends of Oliver Stone, who made millions of dollars from the 58,000 brave US Soldiers he left behind. USMC Capt. Dale Dye (Retired) was the military advisor on that film and warned Stone that the 'story' was untruthful and portrayed a distorted view of the US Army in SVN. Dale Dyes' commentary is a part of the DVD and should be listened to when watching this piece of fiction. To people who weren't there, this film confirmed their prejudice one way or the other. GIs raping villagers, murder and inter unit revenge fantasies. Was Stone really there, or did he just pose in a picture of real American Grunts. I was there in 1967 with 1st Australian Army Task Force, Vietnam. (Brigade). We were considered brothers by our American allies, and we fought as brothers and allies in the true spirit of courage, comradeship and fidelity that the US and Australia has fought in every war since WW1. WW2, Korea, Vietnam, 2 Gulf wars, Iraq and Afghanistan. I'll quit now. I can talk at; Steve Hair. shair10@bigpond.com I just get so tired of fucking bullshit. (Platoon best picture, etc) Read more Show less Reply · 1
+Jerry Sullivan. From Steve Hair. shair10@bigpomd.com Yeah, Jerry, we all go and will go. It is easy to forget that Hack started his military career as a kid at the arse end of WW2. In SVN when we were 21, he would have been in his mid to late '40's. I suppose it is all a matter of relativity. I just turned 70 and I'm still wondering what the fuck that was all about. I still feel the same, although I'm wiser, and now have all the answers to the problems of where I and the fucking world went wrong. GOD'S fucking great joke. He reveals all when we are too old to do anything about it. So it goes. Thanks for the correspondence, a pleasure, Steve Hair
Oliver stone put that village scene in to represent the actual massacre. Hundreds of vets have said they saw those things. Every vet has a different view and experience in that war.
The United States Government, was in bed with Noriega for 25 years.And paid him well to the tune of 15 million dollars. Poppy Bush signed off on it. The entire about face. To then hunt him down. Was hypocracy in action.Something our Government excells at. A very sad period in our history .Most assuredly...!!
"About Face" alright read...I had a neighbor Jeffrey (forgot his last name) who for several years when I lived with my brother in mid-late 90's who had served on The DMZ (tight squeeze) not much room to maneuver. Character that Brando portrayed in Apocalypse-Now as Colonel was fashioned from Hackworth...He did not despise power/white-house...just those who abused it and never learned anything from it! Or as he put it the worst ideology/recipe for defeat. He also had same birthday as another commanding officer from WWII...Guess who?
Jerry Sullivan ThankYou Jerry. Man I agree with You, Sad to not Him, a True American Patriot like Hack, not around antmore, what a Loss for America, yet he 75 years of age, I believe, when He Passed On. I sure Pray that He is In Heaven now. And GOD Bless "Hack", and His Memory in all of Us. ThankYou again Jerry.
Hackworth may have been awarded 10 Silver Stars but, he was a piece of dung. Senior Army leaders investigated Hackworth, who avoided them for several weeks. He was nearly court-martialed for various allegations during his Vietnam service, such as running a brothel, running gambling houses, and exploiting his position for personal profit by manipulating the scrip in which soldiers were paid and the limited U.S. currency available in the war zone. Ultimately, Secretary of the Army Robert Froehlke opted not to press charges, deciding that Hackworth's career accomplishments outweighed his supposed misdeeds and that prosecuting an outspoken war hero would result in unneeded bad publicity for the Army. He also claimed 2 DFC, when he had only one. Plus he wore a Ranger tab when he was not entitled to.
This is not a lifer..Col hackworth RIP..was a .mustang and spoke the truth. Afganistan...Iraq... When will we have a warrior president..that will not squander our children? Send us overseas for a cause not yours...
There are always those who "run toward the cameras" in every war. Hackworth was the poster boy. He made sure everyone saw him and he was rewarded for EVERY shot fired over his head. He was evert generals "boy" UNTIL he was passed over for brigadier general and then he turned on them.
He never wanted to be general. He turned down the War College three times. You have to go to the Army War College to get the rank of General. Maybe you should read his book. He didn't get 8 purple hearts running towards the cameras.
Hogwash...I am reading his book Steel My Soldiers Hearts and there are amazing concerns and extreme acts of courage by him to help his troopers in dire situations. His troopers hated him at first, but then truly loved him for his tough love. He fired any leader who screwed up and caused people to die due to really bad combat decisions.
HACK WAS MY CO IN NAM, A FRIEND AFTERWARD, A MENTOR AND AN HONOURABLE MAN.. HIGHLY REGARDED, HIGHLY RESPECTED, HIGHLY DECORATED... AND FEARED BY THE BRASS. HE WAS AN IMPECCABLY HONEST WARRIOR. HE PASSED AWAY 05-04-05.. I PRESENTED THE FLAG FROM HIS CASKET TO HIS WIFE EIHLYS.. WHAT AN HONOR!! RIP HACK!!!
NOW WE LOOK FOR A PLACE TO ACCEPT HIS DOCUMENTS... WHAT A GUY!!
"About Face" was hands down the best book I've ever read.
"Hazardous Duty" was excellent also, as was "Steel My Soldiers Hearts".
In fact, when Hack was a roving war correspondent, I gobbled up anything he wrote-- and from About Face-- and anything previous I had seen penned by this American hero. I studied, absorbed and learned so very, very much about military tactics, strategy, the politics of war and the resulting impacts on the troops on the ground-- actually having to endure the vicious battles, and lastly, but certainly not least-- about the viciousness of true combat, what it means to be a leader on the battlefield and the courage and determination and the extreme physical toll it takes on a man-- especially a man like Hack, who had been shot numerous times and lived to tell about it.
His book taught me so much-- anout war and about his character to fight for his men and never back down-- and showed the incredible backbone he had, standing up to superiors to tell it like it is....getting in their faces man-to-man on so many occasions, to advocate for the troops on the field and TELL them the truth of their failed strategy and tactical mindets.
After reading About Face, this true American hero and man's man became one of my personal heroes.
Battlefield commissioned in Korea and the youngest full Bird Colonel in 'Nam.
He was intelligent, fearless, tough as all hell and principled.
I know it was an honor for you to serve under him and present the Flag at his funeral.
He died (for people who don't know or don't know who he is) of complications from exposure to Agent Orange, from his service in Vietnam.
I've has his obituary, cut out of the newspaper, tacked on my wall since he passed away.
While still on this Earth, to put it in perspective for those that are unfamilar with him, David H. Hackworth was the most decorated living soldier in the U.S. military.
Beyond the fact that I'm a military historian, I consider Hack (even though I never met him, but always wished somehow I could-- just so I could shake his hand) one of America's all-time best.
God Bless you Hack- for your sacrifices, your Valor, your intellect, your take-charge leadership ability and never- say-die attitude, your tactical-- and Strategic insight on-- and off-- the Battlefield, but most of all for your character.
David H. Hackworth was simply the epitome of "a soldier" and what ALL soldiers should aspire to be.
God Bless you Hack.
It will take an incredible man to ever come close to measuring up to the soldier-- and man-- that you were (and still are).
You won't be forgotten-- and certainly not by the men that served under you.
A true credit to humanity-- and a man that should always be a measuring stick to other men-- his life story a guiding light about courage, sacrifice, leadership and how a hero conducts his life, from birth to the end of life.
I never met ya Hack, but you were one of America's-- and humanity's -- all time bests.
You'll always be missed-- of course by those that knew you, but by so many others who you inspired with your incredible life story.
One of the all-time greats in my Book.
--- Thanks Hack
lockandloadlikehell NOT ONE REP from DoD or any Govt. agency bothered to attend Hacks services at Arlington. Speaking truth to power is a tough thing to pull off, but David never backed down, and those of us who knew him and loved him and served with him will always be proud of our association with him...
+Oliver Mayo His wife Eilhys carries on his activist legacy. Her website is Stand for the Troops ....they still do good things for the youngsters who stand for US. Thanks for the kind words.
+Stack Magic It is a sad situation today...the Pentagon has been purged of all non-idiologs who tend to think for themselves and to speak the truth!! MANY MANY O6-O10 brass have been fired for failing to tow the line of the Obummer administration, to the point where most survivors of the massacre are simply lap dogs who have no balls and have forgone their oaths to protect and defend our nation. It appears, here in Obummer's last year, that some in the Pentagon are actually digging-in to resist the final coup-de-main !! It all brings into question the true content of the character of those who took their beatings without raising a hand or speaking out about the situation. He, Obummer, has severely damaged our military to the point where it is doubtful we could manage a serious conflict and our adversaries ( Russia,China,N.Korea,Iran etc) are acting very belligerently while he continues to enable them. It is so blatant that his efforts seem conspiratorial!!! We desperately need warriors like Hack who place their honor and the future of our country above self-interests...
Rip hack . Jocko bought me here and can't believe how much I'm learning,Thank you so much for ur braveness
The year is 2022 and about to be 2023 in one week. Jocko also brought me here to learn about leadership from a hell of a man. Happy New Year on this unbelievable planet!!
“Give 200 percent to your men. You have to give them everything you have.” - David Hackworth
Hack was my Battalion Commander when I was in the 4/39th. Inf. in Viet Nam. My only encounter with him was when I saluted him in Dong Tam and I was reprimanded for not returning a hardy "hardcore recondo sir" reply. My overall appearance may have also attributed to spending that evening reinforcing my Battalion Mess Sergeant's Smith's connex bunkers with sandbags. I learned one thing from Hack. You were not a cook, you were a infantry. cook, you were not a medic, you were an infantry medic, you were a soldier first and your assigned MOS came second. The happiest day of my life was when I left Viet Nam and second happiest day may have been when I was discharged from the Army in 1969. Going back home and adjusting to the so called "real world" was impossible. A year a
nd a half latter I reenlisted in the Army and also volunteered to go back to Nam. That may sound complex but not to many a Viet Nam Vet.
SFC Jerry F. Kamper (Ret.)
I did the same Damn thing. After two deployments to Iraq I was honorably discharged. Then like you, I was lost so I re-upped. Wasn't in two years and an ied in Afghanistan in October 21st 2011 led to a medical discharge.
Welcome home Sir and thank you for your service.
SGM (R) Lindsay. USMC 94-98, USA 99-2018
O311/11B
I just red doc platoon medic
Thank You!
You sniper checked him?
Jocko is responsible for leading me to Hackworth. Thank you, Jocko and a HUGE thank you to Hack!
I read Hack's 1st book, "About Face" years ago and was completely bowled over by it's honesty, grittiness and heroism. If anyone ever deserved the title of "Hero", then it's this guy, Colonel David Hackworth.
I came close to shooting Hack one night, when I was at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. I was walking guard duty around a warehouse in the middle of know where when him another guy approached our position from out of nowhere like they feel out of the sky, which they may have. I remember they were wearing black BDUs. I said "Halt" they kept going, so I said "HALT"!! and flipped my safety selector switch from Safe to Fire(CLICK). He stopped dead in his tracks and said "O.K. I stopped, don't shoot". I said "who goes there"? He replied "Lt. Colonel Hackworth, David H." My battle buddy had the access sheet on a clipboard, but couldn't find Hacks name on it, so I said "look on the special permission sheet, it's on the very bottom" He couldn't find so I told him to watch them and I asked him name again and found his name on the list, so I said "he's on here. You may pass Sir".
They came on in, as I saluted with my weapon Hack stopped and asked me "would you have shot me"? I apologized and said "I'm sorry Sir" Hack said "Don't apologize, you did exactly what you were supposed to do". I would have shot him if he hadn't stopped, no doubt about it, but I had already made up my mind to shoot him the leg. I'm glad I didn't have to.
Why hasn't a movie been made of Hack? A true legend WHILE he was alive!
He didn't want to. Apocalypse Nows Kurz is somewhat oriented on him...
@@maximiliankindshofer643 Not really. _Apocalypse Now_ is based on _Heart of Darkness_ by Joseph Conrad.
The Generals didn't feel the same way, they wanted him to either shut up or die.
what is great about youtube is this:
a true American warrior can still be heard and set an example of what can be.
I certainly wish that Col. Hackworth was still alive today. One hell of a Soldier/Mustang to the Nth degree.
Truly loved his men as family. One of the greatest leaders ive ever had the privilege of studying. Thank you to all who served in Vietnam and Korea ❤💯👍
I think that Hack’s book, “Steel My Soldiers’ Hearts” is one of the best texts for military leadership in existence, and Hack’s best book. It details his time as an LTC in command of a battalion in the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam.
Hack Im a US Army vet as well but you served with my uncle in the 25 infantry Tropic Lightning, in vietnam and one of his favorite possessions was a Signed copy you gave him the last time you were together, Your an american icon and I hope one day you get The CMH as you rightfully Deserve, thank you for your service, a fellow soldier
Read his book while sitting behind an M2 during Desert Storm, and it scared the hell out of me. Retiring soon. Can't wait. But... I have hope.
Read one his books when I was in the Navy. The guy was very intelligent officer and very forward with the men in his company because he cared for their survival. There was one segment where he wouldn’t allow his men to smoke on patrol even if they were resting because the enemy could smell out their positions. Very well respected commander.
I always found it absolutely stunning that smokers have absolutely NO idea as to how obnoxious that smell is. Even if you like the smell, or at best are a non-smoker that simply don't mind the smoke.....you can smell someone's cigarette from 75+ yards away on a humid still night....never mind a jungle. Why the living F**K would you broadcast that to an enemy that wants to dismember you???
I've only read/listened to a fraction of what David Hackworth put out, and while there was one or two items I may not have been in agreement with him on; I can say in my own military career (that began after Colonel Hackworth retired) his words on leadership, and so much of what he said on behalf of the servicemen fighting the wars, and calling out the leadership (both in uniform, and civilians); in taking the higher ups to task, Colonel Hackworth was invaluable and a leader in the truest sense.
This man is so smart, interesting and tough all at the same time.
Imagine if he could've been on Jocko's podcast
It took me 12 years to write A Henchman's Honor. I just finished reading Hackworth and I'm amazed at the similar tone and even some very similar events. Hack was in Bosnia at the same time I was. He as a Newsweek reporter and I as an intelligence operator. I wish I would've met him. He's been a great thinker his entire life. I will lay a flower for him at Arlington when I can.
An American Hero in my opinion
A welshman in Thailand !
Loved About Face, Col Hackworth is a true legend.
Just started reading the book. 58 pages into 875. It's already made me feel very bad and given me a lot of good laughs at the same time. This video was great context.
So sad, that "Hack" is now gone. Sadly Missed.
Thank you for your book and all the lessons laid out in it. RIP
"Hack" passed on to join the "Warriors in the Sky" in 2005 of bladder cancer. I met Hack in a cold winter evening in the TOC while with 3-5 CAV 1/1AR Division January of 1996. Hack was writing for Newsweek. Remarked to Hack about reading his book, About Face, I reminded him about on of his senior NCO's in RVN..I knew that NCO's son. We spoke for awhile about "things" and kept our association via short notes from time to time.
There is no doubt Hack was a "Soldiers Soldier"...and for many of that era..he will and is missed! In the end, hopefully all of the 11A & 11B's end up at the "long bar" in "Warriors Heaven"...Out here!
First Anthony Hurburt, then Hackworth. I had just read his first book back in the day and was bar tending at the Elk's above San Pedro and an old man was sitting by himself. His son had died (been killed) in the Nam. After a while he showed me a photo and that was a sergeant which had been with the Wofverive 327th I believe. I went out to the car and brought the book back in with the exact same photo. The man over joyed by seeing that his son had a history worth noting. For me 17 years in SO/SF was enough. Frankly I never would have been one of those Hack ordered to charge across an open field. Strangely enough I actually met Hack very early on when he was at the Nike base in Hermosa Beach, California. I'm 80 now and truely believe America has wasted itself in all these shit hole wars of liberation..
One Hell of a Man, One Hell of a Soldier! Thank You Sir!
Great interview with Hack and Barry Roskin Blake. Every serving Army officer should read "About Face" by this great soldier and influencer. RM
A real hero. I hope they do make a movie about Hack the way he wanted it made.
What a guy. My idea of a real hero & his book was brilliant !!!
Hack wrote me back in the late 1980s around the time of this interview and told me that his story was going to 'the silver screen' (as he put it). But i never got the title of it, never saw it, could never trace it; does any one know if he finally got a film made; About Face was a riveting first encounter with his story which i read when it was first released and could not put it down; he describes korea as a lot more straight forward than vietnam, but the injuries he sustained there (laying face down on top of a grenade explosion) speaks for itself; the guy is just an audie murphy on steroids;
God Bless Colonel Hackworth Rest In Peace I will miss his talks and his genuine courage to Tell it Like It Is I came here seeking inspiration and once again hearing his calm demeanor worked out for me again. He also Helped me come to A decision when I was pondering going into the Military just as others in my family before me have done. Very tough call made For A clearer Picture using this mans perspective I will miss him.
I hope there are unreleased volumes his family has not put out yet.
Powerful voice, easy to imagine him as a commanding presence.
He is right, we don't learn from our own history. Sad when a good leader passes away.
About Face was a terrific read. Rip Hack.
Guy was a legend man
Clint Eastwood needs to direct this story in a 4 season Netflix special
I’m readying about face right now, I couldn’t agree more. This man’s story needs to be up there with Ike, Patton, Powell, Patraeus, et all.
Out "G" the "G".
great soldier, loved his book and his column--we need soldiers like him today
His book about the Korean war was fantastic. He would get shot up and scheduled to good home, which was not acceptable to him so he would just go AWOL and go back to his unit...happened multiple times! He turned out to be the most decorated soldier of the Korean war. Great read. I put in a special request for "conquest to nowhere" (Korean war) and it was a fantastic read. Order it from your library. My library got it from a bigger library. Great read.
Class of March 68 NCO School, "shake 'n' bake" Ft. Benning. . . the brainchild of Col. H. A salute to you Colonel !!!!!
To have a leader like col. Hackworth in the Nam would have been a plus. Maybe not have made it, but fought effectively and well led by a warrior. RIP well done hack. 11 Bravo ⚔️🇺🇸!
Hack was the best. He had a rack like few others. 8 Purple Hearts?!!
The name hackworth will be a household name for me and mine! This man should have been president!
YES, DO NOT FORGET MY FRIEND....MY COLONEL!!
A true American Hero and Patriot, got the shaft by the very country he defended. Should have gotten CMoH himself. I did not read Oddesy of American Warrior, but I did read both About Face and Steel my Soldiers Heart. Any of todays Occupy Movement irresposible entitelment slugs that want everything given to them would benefit greatly from the no nonsense approach of this fine man.
RIP, Brother
Geronimo
Reading his book now... awesome stuff. ^--- American Badass
I was fortunate enough to have a few email exchanges with him just before he passed.
I knew about him when I was with B 2/502 101st
'68-'69
A soldier’s soldier and then some….
Stand at, Ease
RIP
OK....maybe I missed something, but what book are they talking about here? Doesn't he have several?
Video should have been entitled "What Greatness Looks Like".
Great man.
BAD ASS. 🇺🇸🇺🇸GOD REST HIS SOUL. PRAY FOR PEACE.🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Enlightening, indeed.
This man was a true legend.in 1978 promotion board in Wildflicken Germany. 32 ADCOM ADA primary MOS of 16E10 To 16E20 SP/4 to SGT E/5 Hawk Missel Tac Site. You'll eat your own guts just to get promoted 39 months the day finally comes to go before the board. You knock on the door.Enter 2 steps forward,Left face,3 steps foward,Right face.report as rendering the salute. Special Slover fourth-class reports as directed..... Command Sergeant Major..States... Sit down. 2 half steps back wards. Hands on your knees, your back 90° faceing the CSM. You lock on to the CIB above 5 rows of ribions. right shoulder patch Screaming Eagles, Left shoulder patch 32 ADA. CSM ask you about your primary MOS..you answer back..Then ask you if you ever read.the book... About Face, by Col David Hackworth.? You answer honestly No! I haven't Command Sergeant Major! Command Sergeant Meajor stated that'll be all!! We'll see you in another 6 months!. Fu......Me !!!
Hack. Nothing more needs be said.😎
This mans words are more correct than most. Should be required reading for all
What a unique character.
Hack seems to be a heroic guy. I realize soldiers under him may have been apprehensive of his actions. He obviously knew the value of discipline.
I served two tours in Vietnam, and I assure you that I endured more disrespect when I came home not from war protesters, who welcomed veterans to their movement, but from old guys in the American Legion and VFW, who hated our long hair and thought we were a bunch of losers and druggies. They would tell me that if Vietnam had some REAL soldiers, like their buddies in WW2, the war would be over in six months. Many
Vietnam veterans went on to leadership positions in the antiwar movement. Also, the whole thing about spitting on veterans is largely a myth, see the book called "The Spitting Image" by James Lembke.
***** Thank you, Grey Seal! Love you Australians, who are friends to the the Americans when friends are few. I served the last eighteen months of my service at Naval Station Harold Holt, at Northwest Cape! Hope you are well and prospering.
Sounds familiar bro... welcome home!
Jerry Sullivan hanks, Jerry! Never too late.
Steve HAIR Excellent response, Steve! Your experience when returning was much like my own. The only questions I got about my service was "Did you ever kill anybody?". Indifference, absolutely. No girl would date me until I grew my hair and moustache, blended in, and shut up. Everyone already knew everything about the war, they'd seen it on TV.
If you read the previous replies to my post you know I spent the last year of my four at Northwest Cape, Australia. Drinking in a pub in Perth before going on to what would be eighteen months of isolation and exile I couldn't buy my own drinks, everyone was incredibly friendly, and said that Aussies would never forget what we Yanks did for them at the Battle of Coral Sea. Believe me, in 2015, this Yank believes your debt has been paid tenfold.
Thank you "Hack"!
Wasn't Hack a battalion commander in the 9th infantry division during Speedy Express, an operation that killed 5,000 to 7,000 Vietnamese civilians over a six month period by the Army's own estimates? How could he have said "I never saw that" with respect to the killing of unarmed Vietnamese which is depicted in Platoon? I think there's even a quote out there where he acknowledges the drive for body count lead to the unnecessary death of unarmed Vietnamese civilians.
I guess he justifies it by saying he had probable cause, like a civilian walking out after a curfew or something, but I'm not sure if he disagrees with the whole film or just parts
Sundown became OPEN SEASON
Col. Hackworth left in April and I arrived in May of 1969 with Company C 2/39, but I believe he helped far more than just the 4/39 brothers.
He knew my first XO 1st LT Stockdale aka “The Red Baron” who was KIA 10 June 69 with 9 others in my platoon. RIP Hack!
right up there with
the bull , herbert , and dick meadows , hackworth was a toltal professional and much respected and loved by those who knew and served with him , his book = about face is on my bookshelf with= tony herbert's book
A Real American Badass.
Love the belch to start the video
About Face, Birthed the way for men with Honor that held Hackworths tradition, respect, honesty, and Integrity… men like Jocko…
I was in the house when hack came on.
I think Hackworth missed the point of Stones' movie Platoon.
I’ve read about face, I liked it. I’ve seen his interviews and I believe the late LTC. However, I think he’s wrong in saying we didn’t win the battles, we did. I say this using the metrics those generals put forward, we killed many more of them then we lost and we held the ground we wanted to hold when we wanted to. Conversely, he’s totally correct in saying those a generals didn’t have a strategy to win, there was no strategy to reach an end goal. But where I disagree with the LTC is I think the politicians are the most at fault, but I agree it wasn’t the soldier.
I believe that the Col. passed on.
He will be missed.
MY FRIEND IS MISSED... HE PASSED AWAY 05-04-05... WE BURIED HIM AT ARLINGTON
Jerry Sullivan Wow Jerry, so You Knew Him. Wow, God Bless You Brother.
It was a great honor and privilege to know Hack as a friend.. he was a fine fella!! Thank you for your comments..
+Jimmy SantAngelo
Steve Hair replying. Oliver Stone's 'Platoon' film was a disgraceful portrayal of truth, made for and to the ends of Oliver Stone, who made millions of dollars from the 58,000 brave US Soldiers he left behind. USMC Capt. Dale Dye (Retired) was the military advisor on that film and warned Stone that the 'story' was untruthful and portrayed a distorted view of the US Army in SVN. Dale Dyes' commentary is a part of the DVD and should be listened to when watching this piece of fiction. To people who weren't there, this film confirmed their prejudice one way or the other. GIs raping villagers, murder and inter unit revenge fantasies. Was Stone really there, or did he just pose in a picture of real American Grunts. I was there in 1967 with 1st Australian Army Task Force, Vietnam. (Brigade). We were considered brothers by our American allies, and we fought as brothers and allies in the true spirit of courage, comradeship and fidelity that the US and Australia has fought in every war since WW1. WW2, Korea, Vietnam, 2 Gulf wars, Iraq and Afghanistan. I'll quit now. I can talk at; Steve Hair. shair10@bigpond.com I just get so tired of fucking bullshit. (Platoon best picture, etc)
Steve Hair replying. Oliver Stone's 'Platoon' film was a disgraceful portrayal of truth, made for and to the ends of Oliver Stone, who made millions of dollars from the 58,000 brave US Soldiers he left behind. USMC Capt. Dale Dye (Retired) was the military advisor on that film and warned Stone that the 'story' was untruthful and portrayed a distorted view of the US Army in SVN. Dale Dyes' commentary is a part of the DVD and should be listened to when watching this piece of fiction. To people who weren't there, this film confirmed their prejudice one way or the other. GIs raping villagers, murder and inter unit revenge fantasies. Was Stone really there, or did he just pose in a picture of real American Grunts. I was there in 1967 with 1st Australian Army Task Force, Vietnam. (Brigade). We were considered brothers by our American allies, and we fought as brothers and allies in the true spirit of courage, comradeship and fidelity that the US and Australia has fought in every war since WW1. WW2, Korea, Vietnam, 2 Gulf wars, Iraq and Afghanistan. I'll quit now. I can talk at; Steve Hair. shair10@bigpond.com I just get so tired of fucking bullshit. (Platoon best picture, etc)
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+Jerry Sullivan. From Steve Hair. shair10@bigpomd.com Yeah, Jerry, we all go and will go. It is easy to forget that Hack started his military career as a kid at the arse end of WW2. In SVN when we were 21, he would have been in his mid to late '40's. I suppose it is all a matter of relativity. I just turned 70 and I'm still wondering what the fuck that was all about. I still feel the same, although I'm wiser, and now have all the answers to the problems of where I and the fucking world went wrong. GOD'S fucking great joke. He reveals all when we are too old to do anything about it. So it goes. Thanks for the correspondence, a pleasure, Steve Hair
Oliver stone put that village scene in to represent the actual massacre. Hundreds of vets have said they saw those things. Every vet has a different view and experience in that war.
“Kill anything that Moves” by Nick turse covers a whole laundry list of that stuff
@@johnkevill470 yup. I read it.
if you think that was the experiences of most vietnam grunts, marines. SF.. seals.. you're fucking crazy that wasn't and isn't...
This audio is through a bullhorn?
Hack and Demo Dick Marcinco were real ones, tbh.
Incredibly interesting person. Read about face. Incredible energy as a human. Great American. Far from perfect, but same goes for everyone.
True fighting man if i had him patten and franks with some overall support such as a young ike i could win any war any time any where. true genious!
Hey there, Anyone know which Hack book he is talking about. Is it 'About Face'?
Thanks.
It wasn't Hanoi Jane who lost the war people.😮
when was this interview? ty
Sounds like when we were in Panama
I don't get his criticism of platoon, his whole book is about taking over a badly lead battalion, he saw how low morale was first hand
I hear what he's saying, but to say 25,000 cowboys? A great posse? How about 25,000 soldiers doing their job?
"I'm all about posse. I mean, I'm a posse magnet."
The United States Government, was in bed with Noriega for 25 years.And paid him well to the tune of 15 million dollars. Poppy Bush signed off on it. The entire about face. To then hunt him down. Was hypocracy in action.Something our Government excells at. A very sad period in our history .Most assuredly...!!
@@stevetessier6568 Many people do not fully grasp the corruption within our gov, and the drug trade and WORSE. Namely by the Bush family and friends.
Is hack's DSC to CMH still under consideration?
Anyone know the date of this recording?
They never mentioned the book title?
about face, well worth the read
When was this interview?
Hack and I shot this together back in 1989. I hope this helps and that you enjoyed the interview.
Rolling over in his grave right now
"About Face" alright read...I had a neighbor Jeffrey (forgot his last name) who for several years when I lived with my brother in mid-late 90's who had served on The DMZ (tight squeeze) not much room to maneuver.
Character that Brando portrayed in Apocalypse-Now as Colonel was fashioned from Hackworth...He did not despise power/white-house...just those who abused it and never learned anything from it! Or as he put it the worst ideology/recipe for defeat. He also had same birthday as another commanding officer from WWII...Guess who?
colonel kurtz was not and never based on hackworth.... that is nonsense
This guy would be disgusted in 21st century american foreign policy
The man embedded himself with SAS commandos and created his version of it... Delta Force... he survived a 50 cal shot in the abdomen.... jesus....
You're thinking of Col. Charlie Beckwith.
When was this Interview? Thanks
The book "About Face" was released in '89, so this interview was likely '89-'90. He was a human dynamo..what a waste to loose so soon. RIP BROTHER!
Jerry Sullivan ThankYou Jerry. Man I agree with You, Sad to not Him, a True American Patriot like Hack, not around antmore, what a Loss for America, yet he 75 years of age, I believe, when He Passed On. I sure Pray that He is In Heaven now. And GOD Bless "Hack", and His Memory in all of Us. ThankYou again Jerry.
Hackworth may have been awarded 10 Silver Stars but, he was a piece of dung. Senior Army leaders investigated Hackworth, who avoided them for several weeks. He was nearly court-martialed for various allegations during his Vietnam service, such as running a brothel, running gambling houses, and exploiting his position for personal profit by manipulating the scrip in which soldiers were paid and the limited U.S. currency available in the war zone. Ultimately, Secretary of the Army Robert Froehlke opted not to press charges, deciding that Hackworth's career accomplishments outweighed his supposed misdeeds and that prosecuting an outspoken war hero would result in unneeded bad publicity for the Army.
He also claimed 2 DFC, when he had only one. Plus he wore a Ranger tab when he was not entitled to.
They killed him too.
I'm working on Barry's house lol
This is not a lifer..Col hackworth RIP..was a .mustang and spoke the truth. Afganistan...Iraq...
When will we have a warrior president..that will not squander our children?
Send us overseas for a cause not yours...
Didn’t he lead Delta fiasco in Iran?
this good friends Sargent back in vitnam
What?
There are always those who "run toward the cameras" in every war. Hackworth was the poster boy. He made sure everyone saw him and he was rewarded for EVERY shot fired over his head. He was evert generals "boy" UNTIL he was passed over for brigadier general and then he turned on them.
He never wanted to be general. He turned down the War College three times. You have to go to the Army War College to get the rank of General. Maybe you should read his book. He didn't get 8 purple hearts running towards the cameras.
Hogwash...I am reading his book Steel My Soldiers Hearts and there are amazing concerns and extreme acts of courage by him to help his troopers in dire situations. His troopers hated him at first, but then truly loved him for his tough love. He fired any leader who screwed up and caused people to die due to really bad combat decisions.
sorry hack
i can't write
heart dead
about face
k book
big book
election day
your welcome
Wasn’t Oliver Stone a vietnam combat veteran himself?
Brendan Carolan yes with the 25th ID
Brendan, No, Stone was a Marine.
@@brianboisguilbert6985 Stone was Army. A cursory check on the internet confirms it.