Dale Dye Interview | Echoes of the Vietnam War: Episode 33

Echoes of the Vietnam War Podcast | Full Interviews from Episode 33: "Vietnam Goes to Hollywood"
Listen to the full episode: www.vvmf.org/echoes/EP33/
Captain Dale Dye served 20 years in the Marine Corps including three tours and 31 major combat operations in Vietnam. In 1985 he founded Warriors, Inc. to help Hollywood do a better job of depicting American fighting men and women. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the business - Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, and Oliver Stone, among others - and has appeared as an actor in dozens of films, including "Platoon", "Saving Private Ryan", and "Mission: Impossible."
About Echoes of the Vietnam War Podcast
Even after 50 years, the impact of the Vietnam War echoes across generations. Hear stories of service and sacrifice from people who are affected - veterans, their families, and others who add perspective to those experiences. Brought to you by the nonprofit that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, “The Wall,” in Washington, D.C.
Listen and Subscribe to the Echoes Podcast: www.vvmf.org/echoes​
Learn more about VVMF at: www.vvmf.org

[@chasvox2]

Nice to see Dale. I worked with him on a couple projects when I was still active as an actor in film and TV....fine man....

[@danmurphy4472]

OUR COUNTRY SHOULD LISTEN TO HIM very CAREFULLY. !!

[@Telluwide]

Dale Dye has to be the best soldier character actor of the past 100 years! His military one liners and jargon are top notch!

[@YoshiYosheda]

Guess you never heard of audie Murphy who won the medal of Honor.

[@josephwalder8868]

@@YoshiYoshedaYou obviously are too dopey to understand. My family is full of veterans. Dale Dye Did a tremendous service. He helps create a realistic portrayal to the American audience. War is not as Hollywood portrayed it until Dale Dye came along to make it more accurate. Dale has done an amazing job at portraying war accurately. There were many MOH’s awarded. This guy is teaching history and the way to portray history. He’s an incredible asset for accuracy in history.

[@YoshiYosheda]

@@josephwalder8868 😆😆😆 he was a newspaper guy who got 2 purple hearts one for paper cuts and the other for writers cramp. My brother was in the Marines as a grunt during tet so what's your.point again?

[@hesedken]

Thanks for your service, Dale.

[@jonhenson5450]

As a 1st MarDiv journalist/ photographer , at Hue City he chipped in like any other grunt. He's been the real thing for decades

[@grantlilly4224]

I love when he asks Lt Wolfe if he is having compass trouble again 😅

[@OGFC]

Captain Dye thank you so much for your service during and after your military career. When I saw your scene inPlatoon I said to myself, “that’s the real deal”. Again thank you.

[@johntaylor1952]

9th p

[@charlieryan6550]

You were running FE Armed Forces TV in Okinawa. I was a young Marine Capt or Major at MSA and I really enjoyed when you came on to explain whatever the issue was at the time. Thanks for being with us and making the day better.

[@erasmoflores5604]

Capt. Dye I was with 2/5 F CO. ‘67-‘68. Semper Fi!

[@markbackus1449]

Met CPT Dye after working 3 days on Rough Riders as a specialized background artist in 1996. (I was a CW reenacter). I asked him for his autograph before I left (had to go back to my day job) and he was very respectful. I am a veteran of Army Security Agency trained to work in Far East and served in Germany. Best wishes.

[@RobertLing-sd1mz]

My cousin was in Vietnam 3 tours he went back after a year. He married had a son. Last letter we got was April 2o17. He was very sick but he loved the Vietnam people

[@alvinuselton912]

You were there at Hue during TeT when my uncle was Kia Alvin L Raper he was a navy corpsmen. Thank you for your service and contribution to our nation and for all she a stands for. Uncle Sonny was KIA on February 15 1968

[@jt.8144]

Such an ICONIC actor and military consultant to the movies and documentaries. Thank you for EVERYTHING Dale!

[@eddieraffs5909]

Listening to Captain Dye telling of his experiences as a combat corespondent encouraged me dust off an old book titled "Brave men" that's been sitting on my book shelf for decades and reread the words of another great war correspondent Ernie Pyle. Thank you for your service Captain Dye and Semper Fi!

[@blakebufford6239]

Capt. Dye is a very intelligent, honest, articulate, thoughtful, and perceptive man as well as a patriot in the true sense of the word. Thank you for your dedication on as well as off the battlefield. 🇺🇸

[@jt.8144]

As how society should be.

[@DaleKallio-jk9wo]

I had the wonderful benefit of having a cadre at my basic training with Vietnam experience. They knew what was needed to build skill, credence and loyalty. I suspect the battalion commander selected everyone. He was a 7th SFG officer. His CSM, a 173rd Airborne Brigade Vietnam veteran, my first sergeant, a 4th ID veteran and my platoon sergeant a 9th ID vet. They clearly had an agenda to do things right. 34:04 Thank you gentlemen.

[@danmurphy4472]

Thank YOU SIR.......for everything.

[@dbohler8640]

Fantastic actor. Always figured but never knew for sure that he was a Vietnam vet.

[@momoney11b]

Incredible interview! Welcome home Capt. Dye! SFMF!

[@Whitesp44]

Captain Dye and Oliver Stone did so much for Vietnam Vets its indescribable. They brought awareness to the Nation. A movie did that. Incredible. Band of Brothers, the Pacific and Saving Private Ryan did a similar thing. Outstanding.

[@danmurphy4472]

This Man is an American.......HERO !!

[@borisyelp5195]

Everyone who served in Vietnam were heros this guy was just a piece of it.

[@lewiswood812]

Outstanding interview and Dale Dye is the real article. Like him, I attended boot camp in San Diego in 1964, Camp Pendleton for infantry training and Twentynine Palms for artillery training. Upon completion I went straight to Vietnam and landed with the 9th Marine Expeditionary Brigade on March 8, 1965. I spent 19 months in country and than went to Marine Barracks, Concord Naval Weapons Station. I spent 18 months battling protesters that would throw bags of urine and feces at the Marines, all Vietnam Veterans. It definitely changed my views on the war. Had to return to Vietnam for one final 13 month tour from May 69-June.70. Exhausted by combat, 128 lbs soaking wet, I was honorably discharged on June 18, 1970. The war for me was over. Sgt Lewis E Wood, USMC repaired.

[@lewiswood812]

Retired

[@tiffsaver]

EXCELLENT interview!! I always wanted to know more about Captain Dye. He changed war movies, forever.

[@DougPoulton]

I was at a Soldier of Fortune convention back in the 1980's in Las Vegas when Dale ran the pugil stick event at the swimming pool and thought 'this guy is really good with spontaneity, he won't be wasting much time working for a magazine". He has a gift for entertaining and holding your attention.

[@manhalen7046]

Yeah the dude is sharp as a razor, there is no doubt about that.

[@lydiarosalieanndamiano7206]

Thank you for your service !🙏🇺🇸🎉

[@utubyutuby1]

Mr. Dye is a national treasure

[@Operation40]

Dale, Platoon was awesome! Thanks for your service to our Corps. You have lived an interesting life. Semper Fidelis.

[@woodscw50]

A BROTHER RESPECT OF MY FAMILYS

[@stephenmcgraw8871]

Tom Cruise`s best role,heads and shoulders above EVERYTHING else he has done,was in "Born On the Fourth...."Remains,because of his portrayal of Kovic,as Top 3 of my favorite movies ever.......Believe me,I cannot stand the anti-Vietnam protests,or the protestors themselves,but this film has got to be seen by everyone......and the music,the score,is absolutely amazing......A definite "must-see" for anyone with any opinion on the Nam......

[@gilwhitmore9682]

Audio is dog piss Jones, but if I could only hear one half of the conversation I would choose the half we got, with Captain Dye. Still appreciate you providing Captain Dye.

[@Bud-Ski]

Thanks for a job well done!

[@wes11bravo]

I first became aware of CPT Dye after seeing the Oliver Stone film Platoon. For his unwavering commitment to accuracy as a tech advisor, the fact that he shaped the performances of many actors by holding pre-production "boot camps" to give them at least some idea of what military life is like, I'll always admire the guy. I've never heard the story of his life in the Marines. This makes me respect the guy even more. I'm going to have to pick up his book about his experience during Tet. Great interview.

[@dave3156]

Excellent interview. CPT Dye is enjoyable to listen to, and I admire all of the works that he has been associated with. Thank you for your service. Semper Fi!

[@woodscw50]

54 YEARS A RESPECT TO MY BROTHERS A CODE 1967 BOOT CAMP TO WALK A BRORTHER

[@barryallender8694]

I listened to Dale last night. He is a great speaker and proud marine. I enjoyed hearing of his experiences in Vietnam and his mission to improve the realism of war movies including Platoon and 51 others. He is a legend.

[@topgeardel]

Newsflash....anyone clueless enough to go to Vietnam...let alone for 3 tours...is anything but a "legend".

[@Festyblurter]

@@topgeardel interesting comment, why would you say that I wonder?

[@topgeardel]

@@Festyblurter I wonder why you are "wondering" why I said that.

[@Festyblurter]

@@topgeardel 😀 ok Django!

[@topgeardel]

@@Festyblurter Lol ! Don't surrender that easily.

[@woodscw50]

my letter to my brother thank you brothers 9th marines

[@Baltimoreborn]

Mr Dye, I had a very similar experience minus the nasty weather! The next day I walked into that Marine Corps recruiting office and was told I can’t join because they’re not accept a GED Ugh! The very nice Marine Corps recruiter walked me over to the army side of the building and the rest is history. Lol

[@Rocks_Dad]

One of the dudes who really freaked my young John Wayne loving self out in 1986 with Platoon.

[@markpaul-ym5wg]

I had just arrived at bootcamp when this happened.Oct 15,1983.Thank you for your service,and thank you for this video.

[@clausm2203]

Great interview

[@Yarrb53]

Mr. Dale Dye, A True Hero ! after his heroic service, he was an advisor to Col. Robert Brown and to Oliver Stone. Who btought admiration to us Vietnam Vets. Mr. Dye, is a true HERO ! A humble and dedicated Patriot ! As Vietnam vets Love you Dale ! Thank you for your service, brother and your b humility, and portraying Vietnam Vets, as real people ! Thank you Brother !

[@jonmeek3879]

The first decent interview with this man , thank you !

[@IntheBlood67]

A GREAT Character Actor and Splendid Author! Thankyou for briging REALISM and GRIT to the forefront!

[@teresalundy532]

A good interview GoD bless you

[@carlpresley9097]

Thanks capt dye. I served two tours in Nam 69 70 71. I've watched many videos of vietnam but yours makes more since than all the others

[@jaredavery6569]

Love this guy! Has some of the greatest insights from & for military everything!

[@bryanj9295]

Dale, I've followed you since "Platoon." Thanks for bringing your gifts forward.

[@JoeB-cp8lr]

Brother was drafted into the Army they wouldn't take him since he had a heart murmur from Rhumatic fever earlier in life so he joined the Marines

[@harryschnepp5907]

Love this man he is a hero, Salute

[@isbastardbunny]

All the work I have seen which Dale Dye has been involved with is top notch as yet nothing has surpassed "Band of Brothers" its got the lot . The continuity in the Band of Brothers I think is what makes it outstand as a body of work. Thanks you both for doing this interview.

[@woodscw50]

brothers our letter my marine thank you 54 Marine the team brothers

[@longjohnsilver5179]

I wish Dale Dye would have mentioned his time with the Armed Forces Network. I used to watch him when I was stationed in Okinawa in 1979. He was on TV each day in uniform, and did a show called Feedback where he took questions from soldiers and would answer their questions. Memorable man!

[@anthonytesta344]

God bless sir

[@user-tn1vc1xz5d]

Legend. Respect.

[@kikupub71]

Respect to you Mister Dye

[@JoeB-cp8lr]

Brother was 3rd Marines was there during Tet was also at Danang when the Ammo dump blew.

[@xxxxxx-tq4mw]

I remember a book from the late 1970s. Dispatches, by the late Michael Herr, who wrote a compilation of his travels around Vietnam, visiting the different units as an Esquire correspondent, one of the vignettes was about Dale Dye, as a character mentioning how "Charlie had his sh*t together."

[@guymelton1094]

Enjoyed the conversation very much 🙏👍✌️🇺🇸

[@TigerxrayLIB]

Outstanding

[@edwardlanders7505]

Capt. Dye, Great interview giving general public an accurate view of VN War they can understand & trust. Mekong Delta '64/'65. Semper Fi!

[@andymckane7271]

Great interview of the man I consider the best military advisor ever involved with American motion pictures. (I may have met Dale Dye one time in San Diego; I think he came into my former business on India Street with a Marine friend of mine, the late Harry Florence.) I, too, am a military history buff. My particular area of concentration is on Pearl Harbor and U.S. entry into World War II. Let's get back to Dale Dye: He's the real thing. He knows how military people speak; he knows how they socialize; he knows how they look (haircuts, the way they wear their uniforms, the way they polish their boots). Once a Marine always a Marine. Semper Fidelis to you both for producing this video interview of a Marine's United States Marine. Thank you, Captain Dye for your service to our armed forces both in and out of uniform. One's service to our country never has to end---even after we take our last breaths. Andy McKane, former HN, U.S. Navy, 24 August 1970 to 10 November 1971; former owner of McKane's Rover Imports, San Diego, CA.)

[@MrFilmguy1]

Amazing Marine and Trainer! Semper Fi!

[@seller559]

All the movies ….what a great job he did. Love this guy 👍👍👍👍🇺🇸

[@canweshoot]

Dale is a great guy. Although also a veteran, I know him from work in the movie biz in the 90s. We met when I worked as a cinematographer with him when he was directing 2nd unit on a feature shooting in Arizona. I was still an air guard pilot at the time, and once he knew this, a fun connection was made. I was comfortable with the stunts and weapons and his style, so we hit it off. He would refer to me as "Air Force," (get this on this shot, etc.)! He was a commanding yet fun leader. I wish our paths had crossed more.

[@britgerus4503]

Excellent video from both parties…

[@jgee4073]

Watching the movies Incorrect insignia and rank used to drive me crazy. Dale Dye is a superb representative of the Vietnam Veteran. My friend George Head, from Catonsville, Maryland, served on Peleliu. It was one of the most savage and underreported battles of the Pacific in WWII. George was always deferential to me, as a young Lieutenant who happened to be his neighbor 40 years later, when in fact, He deserved my deference! He self published his memoirs. May God rest his soul.

[@johankindberg7967]

Dale Dye is a real hero.

[@oliverrust8993]

You are right. The new top gun sucks. Great interview!

[@24Mossberg]

A true patriot. Makes me feel good about my twenty years on active duty. Bless you Dale!

[@patwxdaddy]

I have to disagree about the media effect on Vietnam. I have had many vets confirm what Green Beret author Capt. Jim Morris said; the Tet Offensive was a win yet Walter Cronkite told the public the war was unwinnable, single handily lost the war.

[@tritonjackmam5.681]

this man must hav the most commanding voice in movies ever his voice just seemed to command authority a true american 🇺🇸 🇦🇺

[@radaniel8923]

What a HONOR im like #96

[@Clarkecars]

I don't know if I should call you Top, Gunner or Skipper. I had no idea you were a Mustanger let alone a W.O. as well. You carried this interview by yourself because the interviewer is clueless about our culture. I was also surprised to learn you were with 81s and that you were on active duty during my time of service. General Wilson was indeed a huge improvement over Cushman. You have done some truly great work in Hollywood, including acting, especially Band of Brothers. I was not a fan of Platoon however, as I believed it confirmed and justified every negative stereotype of Vietnam veterans. Maybe that really was the story in the Army which had a very high percentage of conscripts, but not the Marine Corps I knew. Yes, there were shit birds that smoked weed and even those guilty of sexual assaults, but the average Jar Head was proud to wear those damn starched utilities and was not a miscreant. i wasn't in country as I joined at 18 in 1974. Anyway, I greatly enjoyed the interview, you have an interesting story. S/F

[@angloaust1575]

Rise thru the ranks best way!

[@andersfant4997]

Truley inspiering👍.

[@jonhenson5450]

BTW. Cape Girardeau is R. Limbaugh's hometown also

[@woodscw50]

Semperi fi a father Marine the walk home brothers teams of tours

[@BenHoltenFilms]

Dale Dye- American Hero But how do you not like Top Gun? Amazing movie. Sure it’s no Platoon or saving Ryan but excellent movie.

[@TheVatonaught]

I was drafted and served 2 years stateside...when we got out 1969 the public did not like us. Our generation was being blamed because of drugs, music, free love (say what?) and we were not solving the government's fantasy in SE Asia...which was troubling for those of us from college back gaound...these guys in expensive suits from rich backgrounds were just as silly and stupid as anyone else from any other level of society...and today we're still listening to these idiots.

[@ericbuckley6636]

Need to ask him about the movie, the last full measure

[@dannygunsix]

I don't even care what your opinion is. Danny went to the NAM in 1969 as a MARINE VETERAN... We did our job and more...

[@vincentberkhout3713]

The best technical adviser,were ever to see,god bless you .

[@nancysmith-baker1813]

As a USA a child growing up with this tragic war and what it did to all of use . I don't blame the GIs . The news never told us why we were there .and the more I learn about it we had no reason to be there . Cho en Lie , excuse my spelling wrote us government they did not want war but democracy . He wrote he seid he wanted support from communist chins but wanted colonial French out . We never answered . And the corruption from this war the music , The poor Vietnamese civilians loosing their whole villages . And a lot of are arm forces treatment of there women . Ya they sold imperialism as democracy . But we were to be neither . We were suppose to be a republic . Marx warned about capitalism . So sad all these wars for commodities really and mony . Eisenhower warned us . Thank you for explaining more of this tragic war . My heart goes out to poor vets and Vietnam people .

[@jt.8144]

GO NAVY! Annapolis.

[@woodscw50]

my father brother a team our letter to my team

[@twoshadows2665]

Amen Brother. I was in Beirut for a limited amount of time. I still have my idiotic rules of engagement card. Left station prior to BLT bombing. SEMPER FI

[@tedzed4185]

Great interview subject . However, your sound quality on your interview mic made me leave. Sort it out on the next one.

[@woodscw50]

Veitnam a letter of brothers Sempie fi

[@moss8448]

Great interview too bad the interviewer's sound had issues.

[@maxeisert7466]

Great interview 👍. Band of Brothers and Saving Private Ryan were great although The Thin Red Line was boring as hell.

[@steveswell1]

An infantryman's life is boring, then hell.

[@jbrown3547]

Love Dale Dye and loved what he had to say here. Interviewer very weak and brought it down a bit. Do better!

[@nancysmith-baker1813]

Band of brothers showed me war . The Pacific showed me the real horrors . Both very good . But the Pacific seemed more disturbing harder to watch as Vietnam .

[@larry1824]

Hero patriot actor

[@woodscw50]

copy a shiper to my brother

[@woodscw50]

Marine my wars ( a son walk to my brother )

[@woodscw50]

Marine time to my brother a sniper a walk my house

[@woodscw50]

a brother 73 my respect our history my brother

[@woodscw50]

my boots a Marine 54 y

[@woodscw50]

a life brother my song a team

[@DougPoulton]

I have to give Dale a lot of credit for bringing military technical accuracy to the movie industry but as good as he is he couldn't save the film "Sniper: Special Ops". Even IMDB could only manage 3 stars. Proof that even a good cast can't save a bad screenplay.

[@richardbowers3647]

Bingo!!! The Korean War should be recognized, & not as the forgotten war. Many of the American people had been forced to give everything without some recognition of their service. Just commenting.

[@theprofiler8531]

Love dale dye. Can’t stand the interviewer.

[@jploeg8862]

The problem with "The Pacific" is the pacific war was so brutal and grotesque due to the attitudes of the enemy and bushido culture, to depict it accurately is traumatic for the audience. The Pacific wins because when it's over the audience is traumatised.