Marine Corps Silver Star Recipient | Operation Utah | Vietnam Veteran | Danny Hernandez

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Today we hear the Combat Story of Danny Hernandez, a Vietnam Veteran who served as a Marine rifleman in Operation Utah in March 1966. Danny would later be awarded the Silver Star and there is currently a push to have that upgraded to a Medal of Honor.
Danny came from the rough streets of East LA and after Vietnam would return to be a committed community activist and mentor for many of the kids who were not as fortunate as he was.
The Silver Star was certainly earned as Danny was shot twice while providing medical aid to a stranded and wounded Marine on the battlefield; refusing to be evacuated, and killing several enemy soldiers as they flanked the casualty collection point that Danny had just been sitting in.
Danny’s work on mentoring and building the community in his hometown is inspiring and you can’t help but laugh as you hear some of the stories of the Marine Corps back in the Vietnam era.
His story is documented in his book, titled “Silver Star: An American Story” in much greater detail for those who are left wanting more.
I hope you enjoy this Combat Story as much as I did.
Find Danny Online:
-Book: Silver Star: An American Story www.amazon.com/Silver-Star-Am...
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- Merch www.bonfire.com/store/combats...
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Show Notes:
0:00 - Intro
0:58 - Guest Introduction (Danny Hernandez)
2:12 - Interview begins
2:58 - Growing up on the streets and early interest in joining the Marines
12:04 - What Marine Corps boot camp was like in 1965
25:46 - Combat Story - Vietnam War - Movement into country and the amphibious landing
30:05 - First time in battle the first night they were there
33:35 - The brutal environment of Vietnam
35:48 - First 45 days of battles and the brotherhood fighting for each other
38:48 - How the streets made him sharper in battle
40:44 - Combat Story - Operation Utah - the 2nd largest battle in Vietnam history by Marines
1:02:00 - Wounded and tagged to get out but went back into battle anyway
1:09:31 - Getting shot again, flown out for medical care, and adjusting to not being in combat
1:23:20 - Receiving a Silver Star 43 years later
1:30:33 - How influential was Vietnam in your work later in the community?
1:32:28 - About Danny's books "Silver Star: An American Story" and the new one "Chaos to Community"
1:33:09 - Listener comments and shout outs
This video covers the following subjects:
- Marine Corps Silver Star Recipient
- Operation Utah
- Vietnam Veteran
- Danny Hernandez
By the time Danny graduates high school in 1965, he must choose between the two futures represented by his two uncles: Street Warrior or Military Man. Danny chooses the Marine Corps. Danny graduates from boot camp the same year President Lyndon B. Johnson commits ground troops to Vietnam. While his cousins back home express interest in the civil rights movement, Danny loses good friends in jungle raids and skirmishes with the Viet Cong. This is a gripping, true-life story, told in Danny's own words. From his training at Camp Pendleton to his heroic actions saving the lives of his fellow marines during Operation Utah, through his honorable discharge during one of the most tumultuous years of the Civil Rights Movement, Danny's endearing, honest, and sometimes heart-wrenching story honors the lives of those who risked everything for their country and their fellow marines.
If you would like to learn more about Marine Corps Silver Star Recipient, Danny Hernandez I suggest you look into our various other video clips: / @combatstory
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[@manuelmateo3601]

I was a machine gun squad leader attached to the Third platoon Fco -2/7 on March 4, 1966. I was never wounded during my 13 months in Vietnam. I left the Marines as an E 5 and 21 years of age. It was a hell of a day. I joined the Marines in April of 63 at seventeen years of age. I still stand 5'6" at 78. Semper Fi .

[@shudgins48]

Thank you for your service and Semper Fi.

[@janu6002]

I have nothing but 100% respect and out of all veterans you Vietnam veteran are the best God bless you all.I am Canadian born 3 months after you left for Vietnam. I can remember crying to my mom thinking I would by sent there when I got older.I had the privilege of meeting the daughter of Colonel W E Campbell of the 90th replacement Battalion Commander. Love you guys.

[@ChadGrimes]

My great uncle James French was a Navy Corpsman and was at Operation Utah. He also earned a Silver Star during this same battle. I was so glad to find this interview because my Uncle rarely talked about his time in Vietnam.

[@garyrood3466]

Great interview I was on Utah with F/2/7 also received Silver Star on Utah

[@roberttimby]

In 88 when I step on those yellow foot prints it was all the same. Just love the boot camp stories. Great story, thanks for sharing your experiences. Sempi Fi Marine.

[@williamstokely9589]

He's a true warrior and a great story teller also.

[@1969tss]

I love the Vietnam war stories. Try to get more before they are all gone. For that we thank you

[@rustybaldwin4851]

I have been going to the Memphis VA for 25 years or so, when I first started going the old guys were still WW2 vets and now they are the Korean/Vietnam guys now the Vietnam guys look like the WW2 guys of my early years .

[@FlukeTog]

What an honor to preserve these stories. What a warrior. Respect. Thank you for sharing.

[@GunWebsites]

I look forward to your interviews each week, episodes like this one are why. Thank you for preserving these stories in the words of the men (and women) who lived them @Combat Story

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

I am a civilian. I'm always blown away at the stories of these brave super-men full of awesome sauce. Great interview. Danny is an amazing human. He really tells an awesome story!

[@noddirdam5381]

Great interview! My dad, Donald Madrid, was a LCpl in 3/1 H&S as an infantry radioman, went to Vietnam on board troop carrier, USS Paul Revere, they landed with the old "Mike boats" D-Day style, during Double Eagle 1 and 2... he was reassigned to 2/4 after Utah as 3/1 was disbanded due to the losses sustained in that battle. 3/1 was reformed back in the US.

[@shudgins48]

I especially enjoyed his story of his basic training at MCRD San Diego. I joined the Marine Corps in March 1968 and to Vietnam in April 1969. I really enjoyed hearing his story. I was lucky to not be in a rifle company and saw very little action. I have so much respect for these guys. Semper Fi

[@Jam-vj8ig]

Outstanding Warrior & True American Patriot ! Salute to you sir. Thank you Ryan for such a great show. I'm never disappointed.

[@daveaver2804]

Great American. Hope medal comes to fruition.

[@davidcowley]

What a very humble gentleman

[@hipus0311]

Wow!! As a simple Marine infantryman myself I loved this interview. I loved his boot camp stories. Albeit a different era, I can definitely relate. This is the type story drill instructors pound on us to instill our warrior legacy. The actions of regular Marines rival those of any special forces warrior. Mad props to you sir. Thanks for your service, and WELCOME HOME!!

[@lorenstevens8693]

I remember this operation well. I was a 2533 USMC, assigned to 3/1

[@garyluck8502]

Thanks for your service! Everyone please remember the ones that didn’t make it back home! Thanks 67

[@lonpearson2134]

His sincerity is so genuine, it’s a privilege to hear his story.

[@Johnson11c]

The DS and DI are so creative and most are hilarious but amazing men and women!

[@rustybaldwin4851]

It makes me smile that most folks can remember their Drill Sgts. name from basic/boot camp. As for me it was SFC. Saddler 1979 !

[@stevenstrother7129]

Thank you for your service. And what a story. And loved your story telling. I bet that book is a good one

[@richardannaken]

As a retired Marine I am so PROUD of our heroes

[@borisyelp5195]

Best interview from a marine Vietnam vet i've ever seen nice job

[@jonness8927]

Are you trying to tell me that operation Utah was larger than Khe Sahn or Hue! A lot of Marine battles in Vietnam were much larger than operation Utah. Prairie, Hastings just to name a few. Operation Utah only lasted a few weeks. There were Marine operations that lasted over a year!

[@mrs8171]

Ryan - Another OUTSTANDING guest and podcast. A suggestion for a guest, who wrote a PHENOMENAL "Fiction" book about a 1st Lt who leads his platoon in Vietnam. His book is loosely based upon his own Navy Cross winning tour in Vietnam. His name -- Karl Marlantes and his award-winning book is "Matterhorn" (New York Times best seller). I have heard one interview with him and it held my interest every second. The book was just as good. The damn thing is THICK....and I burned through it in 3-4 days. It's THAT GOOD.

[@to8860]

Thanks Ryan!! This is one of your best!!! Amazing story!!!

[@rodvikvr]

Semper Fidelis! ELA Marines are chingones!

[@dannycalder1638]

Love listening to this guy talk. All around good guy

[@davidwatson2399]

Thanks Danny ,👍

[@jessejames7757]

Thank you

[@spencerlucas3065]

Good Man! Great Story!

[@l.m.iniowa3983]

Welcome home! Semper Fi.

[@dericspencer5728]

This is on par with the best of your episodes. Great job. Great content.

[@odan7564]

Thank you! 🫡🇺🇸

[@jamesgunnyreed]

Semper FI Danny!

[@jeremypavlica1005]

My uncle sam orlando died on march 4th 66 as a navy medic he received his purple heart and navy cross for it

[@edmerrell4576]

Good job Marine. USMC 64 68

[@codysden1]

SEMPER FI Brother.... MCRD San Diego, 1st BTTN, Charlie Company Platoon 1066 June-Sept 1985 Hqtrs Battery 5th Battalion 10th Marine Regiment Camp Lejeune, NC

[@user-sc2gj3dv3m]

Semper Fi Marine Hernandez..

[@rudyramirez2654]

Hernandez is for real

[@prestonnoel6944]

Fuck i love that accent lol ... need me to find a mexicain mama ... hes a good story teller thank you for your service sir 🎉❤

[@dougstitt1652]

Good interview ! Home Home Home....

[@elizabethspear9551]

Wonderful

[@richardhall5221]

Awesome interview! My only questions are: Was there anything that he always carried with him, and would he do it all over again?

[@Partdevil]

I think he answered the question of what he carried when he talked about his St. Christipher.

[@janu6002]

I would love to meet some Vietnam Veteran.

[@JuanRodriguez-my8mm]

Semper Fi Danny

[@eancurtis9333]

Amazing stuff that area hes from is rough!!! the maravilla projects are legendary In gang culture

[@josepharsenault1050]

Top guy top marine

[@pakohler]

Danny sounds a little like Cheech from Cheech & Chong

[@divinedamon921]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@codysden1]

SEMPER FI BROTHER

[@to8860]

Get Huber...or Hubert on the podcast. I couldn't really understand the name when Danny said it....

[@iceisgood1]

Ryan , please get with clint smith at thunder ranch

[@jimhunter8870]

Semper fi Danny. Hotel 2/5 67-68Viet Nam

[@giuseppinavolpe2873]

Ciao Ryan and everybody 🐱🐕

[@gordonhaire9206]

He should be ashamed of himself for taking part in the atrocity we call the Vietnam war. The Vietnamese were the heroes, the freedom fighters. We were the invaders, the occupiers, the murderers and torturers. We need to hear the war stories from the Vietnamese perspective.