Vietnam War Episodes

On March 16, 1968, during the Vietnam War, U.S. Army helicopter pilot Hugh Thompson Jr. witnessed something unthinkable — American soldiers slaughtering unarmed civilians in the village of My Lai. What he did next would go down as one of the most courageous acts of moral bravery in U.S. military history. In this episode, we share the powerful story of how Major Thompson risked everything — his career, his reputation, even his life — to stop the massacre, confront those responsible, and sav...

Lt. Lance Sijan's story is one of unparalleled courage, resilience, and sacrifice. After ejecting from his disabled F-4 Phantom over enemy territory, he endured unimaginable injuries, starvation, and relentless hardships for 46 days in the jungle, refusing to surrender. Captured by the North Vietnamese, he continued to resist, uphold the military code of conduct, and inspire those around him, even in his final days. His unwavering determination and bravery in the face of overwhelming odds earned...

Send us a text In this episode of Duty & Valor, we honor the incredible life and legacy of Sergeant Major John L. Canley, a Marine Corps legend and Medal of Honor recipient. Join us as we delve into his heroic actions during the Battle of Hue in 1968, where he displayed unparalleled courage and leadership under fire, saving countless lives and ensuring mission success. Discover how his selflessness and devotion to his fellow Marines left an indelible mark on military history and why his story co...

Send us a text In this episode of the Duty & Valor Podcast, we honor the incredible story of US Navy Lieutenant Vincent Capodanno Jr., a Catholic chaplain who sacrificed everything to support his fellow Marines during the Vietnam War. Known as "the Grunt Padre," LT Capodanno's unwavering courage and selflessness on the battlefield saw him being posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. We’ll explore his extraordinary acts of valor, the impact he had on those he served alongside, and his enduring ...

Send us a text In this episode, we explore the extraordinary life of Colonel Leo Thorsness, a decorated USAF pilot, Medal of Honor recipient, and Vietnam War hero. From his daring combat missions to the unimaginable challenges he endured as a POW in North Vietnam, Col Thorsness exemplified courage, resilience, and sacrifice. Discover the story of his heroic mission to protect downed airmen against overwhelming odds, his six grueling years as a prisoner in the notorious "Hanoi Hilton," and his un...

Send us a text In this episode of Duty & Valor, we honor the life and legacy of 1LT Pascal Poolaw, Sr., the most decorated Native American soldiers in U.S. Army history. A member of the Kiowa Tribe, Poolaw served with distinction in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, earning four Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, and three Purple Hearts for his extraordinary bravery. But his story goes far beyond medals—it’s a tale of duty, sacrifice, and love for family. Please visit our website...

Send us a text In this episode of Duty & Valor, we spotlight the incredible story of Command Sergeant Major Franklin D. Miller, a Green Beret who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. Over six tours in Vietnam, Miller faced the unimaginable, serving with MACV-SOG, a secretive Special Forces unit tasked with some of the most dangerous missions of the war. On January 5, 1970, leading a seven-man team deep in enemy territory, Miller faced overwhelming odds wh...

Send us a text In this episode of Duty & Valor, we honor the extraordinary bravery of Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael Thornton, whose heroic actions during a dangerous mission in Vietnam saw him being awarded the Medal of Honor. When his team came under heavy fire behind enemy lines, Thornton risked his life to save his commanding officer, Lt. Thomas Norris, dragging him to safety while under relentless enemy attack. Discover how Thornton’s selfless courage, unwavering loyalty, and sheer determinat...

Send us a text Visit Amazon to purchase The Cappy (12 Pack): https://a.co/d/0jh0HP0r In this episode of Duty & Valor, we delve into the remarkable story of U.S. Air Force Colonel Joe M. Jackson, a Vietnam War hero whose quick thinking and fearless actions during a daring rescue mission earned him the Medal of Honor. On May 12, 1968, with North Vietnamese forces closing in, Col. Jackson risked his life to save a stranded combat control team, landing his C-123 Provider under intense enemy fire. J...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Duty & Valor, we delve into the remarkable story of U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Second Class Donald E. Ballard, a true American hero. During the Vietnam War, Ballard's selfless act of bravery saved the lives of Marines around him during an intense moment of combat. Join us as we explore the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of this extraordinary man, whose story is a powerful reminder of the bravery exhibited by so many during the Vietnam War. Don’t miss t...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of Duty & Valor, we honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Kurt Chew-Een Lee, the first Asian American officer in the United States Marine Corps. Lee's journey is one of breaking barriers, defying odds, and exemplifying true courage and leadership in the face of overwhelming adversity. His unwavering determination to serve his country despite the racial prejudices of the time, and his heroic actions during the Korean War that earned him the Navy Cross,...

Send us a Text Message. In this episode of the Duty & Valor Podcast, we delve into the extraordinary life of Colonel David Hackworth, one of the most decorated soldiers in U.S. history. From his daring enlistment at the age of 15 to his heroic service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Hackworth's career was marked by bravery, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to his fellow soldiers. Please visit our website to learn more about other American Heroes. www.dutyandvalor.com Sources: military...

Send us a Text Message. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary story of Lt. Col. Gerald Young, a true American hero who displayed unparalleled courage during the Vietnam War. On November 9, 1967, as a rescue helicopter pilot, Young flew through intense enemy fire to save a pinned-down Special Forces team. Despite his helicopter being hit and crashing, Young evaded enemy capture for over 17 hours before being rescued, earning him the Medal of Honor. Please visit our website to learn more abo...

This episode of Duty & Honor dives into the bravery of Vietnam War hero, PFC Raymond Clausen. We explore the harrowing events of January 1970, where Clausen displayed unwavering courage in the face of a deadly minefield, where he made six trips through the minefield under enemy fire, carrying a fallen comrade and eleven wounded Marines to safety. Join us as we honor PFC Raymond Clausen and reflect on the true meaning of duty and sacrifice. Please visit our website to learn more about other Amer...

This episode honors Navy Commander Clyde Lassen, a Vietnam War hero who risked everything to save the lives of two downed aviators. We'll delve into his journey, from enlisting in the Navy to becoming a skilled pilot. Witness the bravery that earned him the Medal of Honor, as he piloted a helicopter on a daring night rescue mission under heavy enemy fire. CDR Lassen's heroism not only saved lives but also made him a symbol of courage and selflessness. Please visit our website to learn more abou...

Uncover the incredible true story of Chief Master Sgt. Richard Etchberger, the Air Force's long forgotten enlisted hero. Witness his unwavering courage and selfless sacrifice during the Vietnam War's secret mission at Lima Site 85. In this shoe, you'll discover: Etchberger's journey from ordinary Airman to legendary leader The harrowing events of the Battle of Lima Site 85 His acts of heroism that saved countless lives The long road to recognition and the awarding of the Medal of...

Colonel Jay R. Vargas dedicated his life to the United States Marine Corps. His defining moment came during the Vietnam War's Battle of Dai Do in 1968, where he served as a company commander. Vargas displayed exceptional leadership and courage, earning him the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration in the U.S. After Vietnam, he continued his military service, holding various command and staff positions until his retirement in 1992. Colonel Vargas's illustrious career is marked by a lega...

USAF Sgt. John Levitow displayed uncommon valor while serving aboard Spooky 71, as a loadmaster during the Vietnam War. Badly wounded and facing certain death, John heroically pushed away his fears and saved the nine men aboard the aircraft. For his actions that day, John earned the Medal of Honor and I am honored to tell you his story. Please visit our website to learn more about other American Heroes. www.dutyandvalor.com Sources: wikipedia.org af.mil nationalmuseum.af.mil malmstrom.af.mil ...

Lewis Millett was a true American hero. He was the last American soldier to lead a bayonet charge in combat, and his actions on that day were nothing short of heroic. He showed incredible bravery and determination in the face of overwhelming odds, and he inspired his men to follow him into battle. In this show, we will learn about Millett's life and his heroic actions in the Korean War. We will also discuss his legacy as a true American hero. Please visit our website to learn more about other ...

In this episode of Duty & Valor, we delve into the true heroic exploits of U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Louis Rocco, a true military hero. Amidst the danger and chaos of the Vietnam War, SFC Rocco, a combat medic, displayed incredible courage to save his comrades, leading to his Medal of Honor recognition. Discover how this brave soldier risked everything to uphold his duty, displaying an unparalleled valor in the face of imminent peril. Please visit our website to learn more about other Amer...

In this riveting episode of Duty & Valor you'll hear the remarkable story of Captain Joe Hooper, a distinguished US Army soldier from the Vietnam War. Then Sgt. Hooper was a paragon of bravery, leading his unit with tenacity and demonstrating an unyielding spirit that earned him the nation's highest military honor - the Medal of Honor. Explore the captivating moments of his service, his undeterred courage under fire, and his unwavering dedication to his brothers-in-arms. This is an unforgettable...

Listen to the remarkable story of Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez, a United States Army Green Beret who displayed exceptional bravery during the Vietnam War. Despite being grievously injured, Benavidez orchestrated and executed a daring rescue mission, saving the lives of several of his fellow soldiers. His courage and dedication to duty earned him the Medal of Honor, and I'm honored to tell you his story. Please visit our website to learn more about him, and other American Heroes. www.dutyandval...

US Air Force Col. Bernard Fisher was an accomplished pilot during the Vietnam War. He landed on a damaged isolated runway, surrounded by the enemy, to save a downed pilot. For his actions he was awarded the Medal of Honor and I'm honored to tell you his story. Please visit our website to learn more about other American Heroes. www.dutyandvalor.com Sources: Wikipedia CMOHS.org af.mil UCSB.edu militaryhallofhonor.com latimes.com msn.com sofrep.com theaviationgeekclub.com Support the show Thank ...

USMC Col. Archie Van Winkle started his military career as an enlisted man, and after three wars, he would earn the Medal of Honor during the Korean War before retiring as Colonel in the US Marine Corps. I am honored to tell you his story. Please visit our website to learn more about other American Heroes. www.dutyandvalor.com Sources: Wikipedia VA.gov - Veteran of the Day Military Times LA Times HistoryLink.org SiteNews.us Support the show Thank you for listening to Duty & Valor! Music by Am...