| BlackKnight | 23 Aug 2013 6:19 a.m. PST |
A fre years ago I ran across a contemporary in-theater interview of an American officer, a colonel I believe, whose unit had defeated an attack by the VNA/VC. I thin it was on youtube. He was asked his opinion of the enemy by the reporter and said something like "They''re the finest soldiers I've ever seen. I'd give anything to have a hundred of them under my command." This was a black and white, contemporary interview. I was really impressed by his frankess and respect for the enemy. I looked him up at the time and he later went on to become a general officer. I cannot now find the quote or the video. Does anyone know who this is or where the video can be found? I know I did not imagine it. Thanks, BK |
| HistoryPhD | 23 Aug 2013 7:37 a.m. PST |
I recall it. It was an attack on an American fire support base. Try searching "fire base Vietnam" on YouTube |
| Pedrobear | 23 Aug 2013 9:06 a.m. PST |
You had the quote close enough for me to google it: tomdispatch.com/post/3475 "Major Charles Beckwith, the chief American adviser to the Special Forces camp at Plei Me, was not atypical in his reported comment after a siege of the camp was broken, "I'd give anything to have two hundred VC [Vietcong] under my command. They're the finest, most dedicated soldiers I've ever seen I'd rather not comment on the performance of my Vietnamese forces." " |
| BlackKnight | 23 Aug 2013 9:18 a.m. PST |
Thank you so much. I thought I was getting delusional in my old age. Now if I can find the video… |
| Pedrobear | 23 Aug 2013 9:23 a.m. PST |
"Beckwith personally lead the counter attack, brandishing a cutlass and riding atop an ARVN Armored Troop Carrier." link
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| Jovian1 | 23 Aug 2013 9:59 a.m. PST |
Beckwith was one tough individual – twice told by medics/doctors that he would not survive – and still made a full recovery! |
| HistoryPhD | 23 Aug 2013 10:28 a.m. PST |
"Chargin' Charlie" Beckwith |
| BlackKnight | 23 Aug 2013 11:12 a.m. PST |
I found it and have linked for anyone interested. Amazing quote given just after the siege of Plei Me in 1965. Thanks Pedro! YouTube link |
Garryowen  | 23 Aug 2013 5:33 p.m. PST |
Beckwith went on to become the first C.O. of the Army's Delta Force. Tom |
| tuscaloosa | 24 Aug 2013 8:53 a.m. PST |
An early practitioner of media spin. Praising the enemy and denigrating one's allies makes one's own accomplishments seem all the more remarkable. |
 Legion 4  | 24 Aug 2013 3:49 p.m. PST |
Yeah, they called the first Delta Operatives "Charlies Angels", IIRC …  And not to come to his defense, but the ARVN in many cases … their performance in the field was less that stellar … But it appears most of the local troops at Plei Me were 'Yards and reinforced by ARVN Rangers … [Same link that Pedrobear posted]link |
| BlackKnight | 25 Aug 2013 1:46 p.m. PST |
If it's media spin Julius Caesar has him beat by millennia. I tend to think he was sincere. |
says these Possessed Zombies would lend themselves well to a zombie game based on the world of the Evil Dead movies.
