Ep 406: MSgt John Chapman - Medal of Honor Drama and the Politics of Honor

[@AzsHatGrifter]

The issue is less that he was left behind and more about a navy seal getting a MH for what chapmen actually did.

[@ldreese33]

And the Navy blocking the Medal for years until drone footage was made public.

[@KarmaFlight]

The cover up is worse than the lie.

[@Doesntcompute2k]

THIS 100%. A SEAL Team leader taking credit for what John did is atrocious. I can't even think of what I would have done had John been my brother. AND then the same SEAL gets a MOH as part of a "deal" to get John his. FFS people.

[@Justopenminded67]

​@@Doesntcompute2kit was not slabinski's choice to get the MOH , it was the Navy that appointed it and the one that blocked chapman's was also the big navy not the seal teams, there's a difference and slabinski could not say his own words as he was ordered to say only from the script by the higher ups, it's always the beurocrates it's always has been, not the seal teams

[@vettevegas]

​​​​​@@Justopenminded67 The whole thing is just so damn strange. Like a group or institutional narcissistic gaslighting type thing. Not honor. Like a bad Hollywood rewrite.

[@rintin_ten88]

Problem is someone taking credit for another man's heroic actions. Chapman was the real hero who saved lives. The film makes that real clear

[@mrsta8541]

"Problem is someone taking credit for another man's heroic actions." This. Veterans call it stolen valor, & it seems to get their boxers wadded faster than just about anything else.

[@mattkosakowski7582]

Nailed it. Adm Symanski is a dishonorable jerk.

[@malcolmgilliam7022]

@@mrsta8541definitely will not hear the end of this 🤣🤣

[@vettevegas]

I believe a PJ also lost his life that day. RIP Jason Cunningham. And Rangers. 7 people, Heros all.

[@seanmcpart832]

I believe it’s what has happened since the actual event, that has Lori and so many other people chafed. For example… A portion of Slabinski’s MOH citation. “During reinsertion the team came under fire from three directions, and one teammate started moving uphill toward an enemy strongpoint. Without regard for his own safety, Senior Chief Slabinski charged directly toward enemy fire to join his teammate. Together, they fearlessly assaulted and cleared the first bunker they encountered.” The ISR appears to show something different than what that last sentence says.

[@vettevegas]

This.

[@mikeglynn5824]

It was not the fact that the seals retreated after their 240 guy got hit w shrapnel it was the fact that John was a hands down MOH from the pred feed. It was covered up by NSW and they had to give Slab - seal a MOH and opened the door for John’s MOH posthumously I’m an AF vet just pissed the AF didn’t fight for John’s medal harder I get it it’s a firefight w a lot of confusion but the pred feed tells the story

[@vettevegas]

This, exactly.

[@Mr_Mojo_Risin]

Amen

[@tabordizon]

I hope Alone At Dawn becomes one of the best movies of all time.

[@aaronnichols736]

John Chapman is a name that lives in my household. AFSOC symbol. Congratulations on your retirement and I will continue to subscribe and listen!!!

[@barrygunning4424]

MSgt John Chapman is a hero and from all I've read about that day he is well deserving of the MOH. I"m a retired USAF air traffic controller and I trained several CCT members at the control tower at Dover AFB back in the late 1990's. I first learned about then TSgt Chapman's story when I saw the video of the battle a few years ago. I was shocked when I found out he had initially been awarded the Air Force Cross for his actions that day. After getting further into the story I was 100% convinced he should have been awarded the MOH for his actions. Thankfully his AFC was upgraded to the MOH thanks to the hard work and persistence of his sister and many others. As too the SEALS who "left him behind" I personally do not believe it was their choice to abandon Chapman, but it was the circumstances surrounding the engagement that lead the remaining team members to make the choices they felt they had to make. Anyone who is critical of the SEALS decisions that day need to STFU. They weren't there, and it's all to easy to second guess after the fact as to what should or shouldn't have been done. Every time I hear the story of MSgt John Chapman it brings tears to my eyes knowing the unwavering bravery this man displayed that fateful day. If you're interested and want to know more I high recommend reading "Alone at Dawn" by Dan Schilling and Lori Longfritz.

[@vettevegas]

The drone footage is clear, after the identifier overlay was released.

[@ldreese33]

The SEAL took credit for his actions, and complained about the drone footage being released

[@mrsta8541]

My dad was a USAF air traffic controller back in the early 50s; did a deployment on the East German border keeping an eye on the Communists. "Alone At Dawn" was an incredible book, I recommend it to everyone. Thank you for your service.

[@athuddriver]

The daughter's message is well worth the time you spent reading it. My heartburn is with the Navy's NSW's after action activities to elevate a false narrative. If the MOH Museum does, in fact, elevate the SEAL team member over Chapman...SHAME ON THEM. We will see what is real after it opens.

[@mrsta8541]

Congratulations on your retirement, Chief, & thank you for your service & this post.

[@vettevegas]

This too.

[@johnshelley7173]

“…..who is able to stand before envy?” ‬ ‭Prov 27‬ vs 4 That’s the real reason for this NSW political PR BS …. It’s not about what everyone did on that ridge - but afterwards - for years trying to cover it up. What Chapman did was truly mind-bogglingly AMAZING and heartbreakingly heroic !

[@seanmcpart832]

Exactly

[@vettevegas]

This. It's pretty clear in the video. They left Chapman and Roberts (dead) behind.

[@Doesntcompute2k]

We've seen this--what?--maybe 10 or 15 times in our history, the story of someone who does what John did, who drives and drives to not only try to accomplish his given mission, but above and beyond to save his fellow comrades KNOWING he's dying. And then to have the SEAL Team leader AND the Dept of the Navy dump on him is atrocious, vile, and criminal. Admirals should pay for this one with their stars.

[@johnshelley7173]

@@Doesntcompute2k their decision to insert suddenly via helicopter instead of acclimating and working their way safely into position - like all the SF and AFSW operators that had made their way there over days was unbelievable. The leadership responsible for that should be brought to account. Hegseth said yesterday before Congress that it’s going to take a few years to fix Air Force and Army and at least 10 years to fix Navy. Interesting to hear. They have been in a PR nightmare lately and rightly so.

[@wango556]

Hey bud. I was an AFSOC loadmaster and we did many resupply drops/infil/exfils/farps all over there during anaconda. During this exact time. 2002. I have sent a notification email to Dan Schilling and former Secretary of the Airforce (who approved his MOH) Deborah Lee James. These two people were pretty much the driving force behind the upgrade to Chapmans MOH.

[@deuteriuscawl]

please keep us updated if possible

[@P.AlexanderAlex]

I find it unfortunate that the first MOH recipient in many years action is inappropriately overshadowed by the Navy. I respect all the men who fought on the ridge but question how the story doesn’t match up with the video.

[@txtifosi]

I’ll be there for the museum opening. I’ll be looking for Chapman to get the respect he’s due.

[@RustyBlumpkins]

First of all congratulations on your coming retirement. I have subscribed and liked for the algorithm so you can live a happy life in your retirement. Best of luck, thank you for your service Sir.

[@dweatherpsychic]

Thank u for covering this my fav CCT Peaches

[@GreenEyedRogue]

John Chapman's story stands as an embarrassment to the SEALS, which is why they have fought so hard to suppress it.

[@TheIceSpice]

RIP MSgt. Chapman

[@Nutmeg142]

I remember when you all were at the unit in the UK and how angry everyone was. 😢 He story still pops into my head every so often and his AF family will never forget him. Congratulations on your retirement and good luck with your channel. I just discovered it.

[@andrewh2u]

The actual drone video has been made available and does not align with what the Navy pushed out. Respect to Britt Slabinski and all the heroes that day who were sent by command on a mission they did push back on. Subsequently, the Navy were blocking John Chapman's 1st MoH unless the Team Lead Slabinski got awarded first and Chapman should have been awarded the 2nd MoH too but the Navy blocked it to cover their ash and the story. Sometimes - too often - the military command are fools and think that everyone else is too.

[@brianpowell601]

Congratulations Chief! Thanks for your service. Thanks for doing this.

[@caseyriggs2633]

John Chapman was 5’9 240lbs wished he would have worn his body armor March 4th 2002. You’ll never be forgotten John! “Hey Man! Nice shot!” ~ Filter

[@briansimonetti8632]

Alone at Dawn🙏RIP Chappy!

[@WeThePissedOffPeople]

With John being the 1st ever recipient who's actions were recorded, he should absolutely have his own exhibit within the museum.. just my opinion

[@allstarbusboy]

Thank you for your service and your amazing information regarding the PJ pipeline and other things like that. You have made it easier to strive for greatness. God bless you, Peaches.

[@Newbobdole]

Good video, sharing a different perspective. I’m going to pass on the MoH museum until I hear otherwise - there are just a few things I cannot tolerate being mishandled, and the MoH is one of them.

[@ldreese33]

The SEAL that blocked Chapman’s medal is president of the museum board and he continues to screw Chapman’s honor.

[@Cgopat]

It's sad to see a family feuding over something like this. However, John Chapman's daughters were 3 and 5 when John was killed. He was probably gone for much of the time in the short time that his daughters had lived then and they probably barely knew him. I know that was the case with my father (career Navy) and how I felt about him when I was 5, and don't ask me anything about him when I was 3. His sister, Lori, on the other hand is about the same age as John. She conceivably knew him for the 36 years he was alive, and they would have spent their childhood's growing up with each other. She was probably there for his AF graduation, a very proud sister. I can see where her feelings about his death, the slow walk of his MOH, and now the perceived slight of John's incredible heroism by the MOH museum, while boosting the exploits of the man who may have stolen her brother's valor, has her so riled up. I'm sure while she was writing congressmen and fighting to get her brother's MOH recognized, his daughter's were caught up in the young girl dramas and crises that young schoolgirls go through, not giving second thought to what was happening behind the scenes to get their father properly recognized. Lori, has every right to continue the battle to set the record straight in honor of her brother, and I wish her success in her endeavors.

[@mikehaytack5120]

Appreciate your insight.

[@davemiller4852]

During that operation the bottom line was that Chapman was left to fend for himself on that mountain. Another operator in that fight seems to have inherited all the valor once the fight was over. Fast track to present, Chapman’s honor is about to be left not on a mountain but far out in a pasture and once again another operator is receiving the credit. Damned if it’s not the same operator. In the first operation the U.S. Navy supported the lie, in the second operation the Medal of Honor Museum Board of Directors supported the lie.

[@CrisisNCO1971]

Peaches!

[@OVN]

I think this is more about what John did and the fact the first visual confirmation of his actions and bravery of an award of this level should itself be warranted a specific exhibit. Seems like everything to recognize John has been a challenge, that I feel has been hard for the family. All in all very glad he did finally get his well deserved MoH - but just think he had to have video proof to get it, something no other recipient did (to my knowledge)....with out it where would his story and legacy be today? No one ever told the story before that

[@LeatherLaceStudios]

John was a hardcore American warrior who fought like a Father saving his children and he thank God had the skills and experience and intestinal fortitude to put boot in enemy ass in the most epic of ways and I served 22 years in both the Air Force and Army and in top tier units and what he did is to this day the Hardest shit I’ve ever seen or heard of. As far as what they went through, I say they were trained specifically to go through that kind of shit, and the standard is the fact that John certainly put it on the enemies ass in the most epic of ways and we can all see the heroic and warrior like behavior that John exhibited so I ask why those SEALS didnt match it, and in my humble opinion, they didn’t

[@AaronLoveHateClub]

Disclaimer being this is the only video I’ve actually watched on the topic, but not including one of the most famous MoH is a very weird choice. Especially the first one ever caught on film, if it is because of a navy guy blocking it that deserves some attention regardless of the other controversies around Chapmans struggles to get the MoH. Placing blame on the team involved for leaving him etc his daughter is probably right that isn’t what we should be doing, but I would be very interested in hearing what the official reason as to why not to include such an influential MoH would be.

[@martinbowman1993]

Anyone can watch the ISR footage of his last stand. The Navy SEALs did abandon him and they did try to cover it up for years.

[@davidhelfrich2511]

Congratulations on your retirement. Aaron said he was going to roast you. Keep doing what you are doing.

[@MarvelTheDefenders]

This has to be done ✅

[@ethanluttrell]

Congrats on retirement Chief!!

[@treelectronica7868]

You’re way off the mark with this video. Maybe you accidentally left out important and essential details, but you haven’t at all covered the entire story. The fog of war is a real thing, and we can all probably agree that there was no malicious intent for them to leave Chap behind, that’s just the way it happened. To suggest that nobody can judge because we weren’t there is ridiculous. People within the community are sharing their judgments with us for us to draw our conclusions. Also, Gary Gordon and Randy Shughart did not hesitate to give their lives for someone in a perilous situation. What’s most important about this story is that Britt Slabinski and the SEALs lied about it after it was all said and done. Britt claimed that he himself purported the actions Chapman and based his entire story, and ultimate awarding of the Medal of Honor, on Chapman’s actions that day, not his own. This museum is now to display the heroic actions of Britt, who IS NOT THE ONE WHO TOOK SAID ACTIONS, with an honorable mention of Chapman. How you could upload this video with barely an accurate telling of the events is shameful to man who fought and died like nobody else did that day. It may speak volumes about your intentions posting this half hearted video.

[@OnesReady]

Maybe you’re right, but the intent of the video wasn’t to tell Chappy’s story and the events that happen. The intent was to try and pass a calmer and alternate view all while everyone was spinning up spitting venom at people. To say that it speaks volumes about my intentions posting this half hearted video, you can get f**ked and take your sh*t somewhere else. I hope you end up having a better day. 🍑

[@treelectronica7868]

@ I said it may, not that it does. As you state, your intentions were to offer an alternative view, so that shouldn’t apply as an assessment about you. Nonetheless, regardless of anyone’s opinion on the matter, the facts are the facts. One man lied about his own actions. The other died doing said actions. That should be enough to put an end to draw a conclusion on this for anyone.

[@OnesReady]

@@treelectronica7868 You should make your own video- I’ll bet it would be great. - A

[@jeffg3975]

This comment is on point, and you’re justified in calling out Ones Ready on their weak position on the matter. Typical limp dick response from the Air Force. This is the time to make a stand for one our own, not to “pass an alternative calmer view.” Pathetic

[@OnesReady]

Unfortunately this is the first time I’ve been called limp dick. 😔🍑

[@yankbat8481]

I had 2 Army Ranger buddies when I was at Bragg. The Seal that fell out the helicopter refused to Tie in like everyone else. He thought he was cooler than the Rangers. That's why Chapman was there to get him. Then. The Seals said they checked his pulse and said he was dead. He was alive. They left him. It's because they mess up from 89 Panama and Grenada and on and on. It because it's entry level. Not like Army SF or Army Delta. They mostly recruit from seasoned Army Paratroopers or Army Rangers not from the Navy fleet who have fit guys but have never worked a crew served or a compass or spent in a night in a hole much less jumped a plane. Navy Seal candidates have none of that experience. They can't catch up to Army or even Marine SF.

[@trungtran5028]

Congrats on retirement you should do like day in the life vlog

[@mikemelina7395]

John Chapman deserved two Medals, the guy who followed him "almost" as far up the mountain, then abandoned him there to fight the battle alone, didn't deserve even one. The navy fought Chapman's medal, the guy who abandoned him there stole his story and his valor and Seal Team 6 covered it up. Shame on NSW and anyone who tried to steal an ounce of John Chapman's valor..

[@jackdbur]

😅 Seals hate to share the glory.

[@yankbat8481]

Good things

[@hornetgags]

It's not about the fog of war or the actions under fire...it's the lying from Slabinsky - he stated in his AAR he checked Chapman for a pulse. ISR footage showed he never went anywhere near Chapman then changed his story stating his aiming laser wasn't moving so assumed he was dead. You're seem to be an apologist for NSW.

[@ssvd91]

I'm betting Aaron has a bit of a different take

[@ano1962]

Wow way to completely change the narrative, don’t bring up the fact the seals lied and took credit for what someone else did and then still stand in the way of correcting the story

[@Hunter-wk2id]

🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Justopenminded67]

People should also know that it was not the choice of slabinski to get the MOH, it was appointed to him by the " HIGHER UPS", he could not refuse it and was forced to accept it, theres a big difference, i don't know why people are ignorant of that fact🤷‍♂️

[@OnesReady]

@@Justopenminded67 he’s also on the board of the MOH museum, which has a bunch of SEALs… to include the president of the board! Those are some other facts. - A

[@vettevegas]

He accepted it. And gave interviews.