Jocko Podcast 457: Slogging Through Ambushes. GUNS UP! w Vietnam Machine Gunner, Johnnie Clark

[@bonnieclark-enguita6239]

I’m biased because it’s my dad, but this was a FANTASTIC interview. Thank you, Jocko, for welcoming my dad and giving his book the recognition it deserves.

[@roberthubbard5008]

Your dad is a badass

[@john-rambo-1982]

Your Dad is a hero. God bless all of you.

[@DavidDiulio]

You have an awesome dad.

[@TokeyTheBear_AOE]

Bonnie! It's Matt Owen. Your dad is certainly as badass as they come. My Taekwondo grand Master and a dad to me when I didn't have one. So cool to see him on here.

[@jamesheath52]

Iam here cos I've read his books . Brilliant interview .what a man your dad his hero in my world 💪👊

[@MMontana4]

I don't think Jocko understands what he is doing for history and the families of these heroes....capturing these interviews is priceless.

[@Turkeyburgler]

I think he knows exactly what he's doing. 😊

[@fouchpouch7034]

Would love a second episode with Johnny and Chan.

[@joemc7614]

I first read 'Guns Up' almost 40 years ago at the ripe old age of 12. It was the first war account i ever read and i fell in love with it and reread it no less than a dozen times before age 15. I started listening to Jocko when he was on the JRE podcast, before he ever did one of his own. This has been my dream for over a decade for Johnnie and Jocko to hook up for an episode. Thanks Jocko and Johnnie for making my dream come true for nearly 6 hours!

[@IRONLEGIO]

Damn, read this book 14 years ago at the Age of 11, started listening to Jocko in 2018, immediately wanted him to cover this book, dream come true

[@stringbend76]

Hearing Jocko read from Romans 8 is a wonderful thing.

[@NickDiazofNauts]

How can ANYONE not be in tears when Chan replies over the phone “Guns Up” before hanging up. I’m a blubbering mess over here. What a story! Thank you for sharing and for keeping the memories alive of all your fellow heroes, especially the fallen. 5:10:30

[@richardmarkham3540]

Jockos reading of war stories is absolutely amazing. he should have 5 million instead of 2. keep it up JOCKO

[@jeremyt8307]

My Grandpa Was a point man In that book! (Stryker) Lance corporal Bruce Trebil. He unfortunately passed away recently. Thank you for this. He’s mentioned 1 hours and 7 mins in

[@eklypised]

Did he ever come to God?

[@jeremyt8307]

@@eklypised yes! It’s mentioned in the book that after he was in the hospital he’s seen reading a bible. John goes “our striker!?” But in real life. He has/had a picture of Jesus hung up on the wall. He said he went to cross a road. And a voice told him not to. Two of his buddies walked across the road and were shot by a sniper. It was then when he found god. John mentioned that story in the letter he wrote to our family after he passed I will also note. In the book he was depicted as kind of a jerk, but he was a good man/grandpa. I’m looking at a casing from his 21 gun salute as I write this

[@adamsajewicz7337]

😮😮😢😢🎉🎉😮 1:34:28 🎉😢

[@Whitesp44]

I'd like to poll Jocko's listeners: who else loves the 'Nam vets (stories) podcasts the most? I do! Guns Up audiobook is available at Google Play Books but not available at Audible until December 2024. Unbelievable history

[@kemblephotography]

Not sure how this book went under my radar. I'm thankful Jocko brought Johnnie on the podcast. That moment between Johnnie and Chan on the phone in the hospital was beautiful. I ordered the book before the podcast was over. Thank you for your service and for sharing your story with us all!

[@MikeyOMillaMane]

Very emotional episode. I made it through the five hour episode, and I got to say this might be one of the best stories I’ve ever heard. Thank you for your service !

[@mr.lebeau2015]

I hope jocko can track down SWIFT EAGLE hell ya🤞🏾

[@truckandroll989]

Gotta send this to my dad. He joined USMC after graduating HS in ‘69 just two years behind. Also a 0331 machine gunner. He talks fondly of that M60!

[@dr.e3797]

Don't let the long format push you away. Think of it more like a well narrated audiobook with fantastic commentary. This thing was awesome!

[@jpsy357]

I bought this book at the Camp Lejeune PX in 2002 when I was 12 years old, right before my dad’s first deployment to Iraq. The book shocked me, and it introduced me to the horror and reality of war that I would come to learn about first hand in the years to come. It had a huge impact on me as a kid and I can’t believe I’m listening to this interview now 20 years later. God bless Johnnie Clark, a true American legend 🇺🇸

[@TokeyTheBear_AOE]

Johnnie was Sabunim Clark to me. My Taekwondo Grand Master and father figure when I had none. I was 6'4 and young and he whooped my ass. He's as tough as they come but with a heart of gold. P.S. When you're 13 and your first job is mowing his lawn, dont mow over his sewer clean out plug and lie about it. Haha! Love you, Sabunim! I owe who I am today to you and my Mom.

[@caseyherald5088]

Bless you Mr. Clark, I did my time in the Corps during GWOT, and my uncle was a pointman in 68, we all are just trying to live up to our history and the "Old Breed" who served before us. One thing the Corps does well is hammer into you our history and challenge you to live up to the men before you. It's always hard to listen to the stories from Vietnam but know we appreciate you and look up to your bravery.

[@Vettejocke]

Vietnam themed podcasts are beyond interesting, you guys are documenting history.

[@ericearhart]

I read it decades ago and it was powerful. I was a M60 gunner in the national guard, and toted the pig for 27 months. That book inspired me.

[@leaf5008]

As a blue-collar guy who never joined the military, I find myself reflecting a lot while working, especially when listening to this podcast. Doing a roof in the summer can be tough and sometimes miserable, but when I think about the service members enduring literal hellstorms, it really puts things into perspective. It makes me thankful for what I have, and learning the history behind their sacrifices deepens that sense of gratitude.

[@benjaminboyden4739]

I think the same thing. When my day sucks I know it's gravy compared to any day in nam.

[@BetaBuxDelux]

My dad had a pretty rough childhood. He said being a Marine in Vietnam was like camping. He loved it. It was USMC boot camp that was difficult/harsh. 😂

[@Anti-NAFO]

Well said Sir

[@riftraft2015]

Thank you Jocko for ALL these interviews. Documenting these soldiers experiences and service is REALLY important for our history. 🇺🇸SALUTE🇺🇸 Thanks again.

[@BryanNickel_Hydroplate]

Guns Up was one of the first Vietnam accounts I ever read.... back in the early 90's. Read many other military accounts since then. Few were as well written as Johnnie's. Mr Clark proves that a detailed, gritty, book about the brutality of combat can be written without cursing.

[@duglasherrera5283]

Mr Clarke kept it real and gave us a raw version of what happened with no filter, much respect for sharing your story sir, thankyou

[@jdawg8157]

This book means so much to me to even write in a KZbin comment thank you for having him on Jocko. Welcome home and thank you Mr Clark for everything. GUNSUP

[@Templar50401]

My uncle was mentioned in Guns Up and was one of the Marines wounded in the cemetary fight.

[@Joe-f8h2n]

Jocko. It’s taken me a long time to get up with the internet but I just wanted to personally thank you for all you have done for all of us veterans. My uncle Reid Rex Ross was in Vietnam. We fianally just had his bridge dedication ceremony this past fall. He was a 6’7” Marine who died saving his brothers. If you get a chance I recommend reading his commendation. He’s the reason I joined the Corps in 1998. Thank you for all you do for all of us veterans and our stories

[@Aaronfitz5]

The Clark-Chan phone call is epic 😢 🇺🇸

[@daveblaine-q3y]

met johnnie on the first day of 7th grade,,friends since then,roommates for a time,he would never have been able to write a grocery list,let alone a series of books,but for the fact he cheated off me in english class ! I'm still waiting for my royalty checks... Johnnie is a stand-up patriot,,honored to call him a friend..

[@billybobb8850]

Phaha you seem a bit mad still.

[@chrisirsch1804]

Hahahaaa hell yeah

[@CanineRevolution]

This book needs to be a movie or tv series! Amazing story, thank you Vietnam vets!

[@bruhdude8076]

Night owls & early morning folks, what's up

[@R.Tafolla]

Night Shift checking in!

[@brisoler]

Overnight shift here I am

[@lucidtickle8347]

2:56PM Whilst at work gang

[@grego0331]

Was part of the essential reading list when I was in SOI!! 0331 1/5 Marine here! Guns up!!! Raaaaaah!

[@Nbarri051]

Acquiring a gun barrel by Force from an door gunner 🤣 THAT is Beyond Gangster 😎

[@kigstudios1604]

This book was my favorite book as a young boy going through school. Must have read it cover to cover a dozen times! Thank you Jocko and Johnnie for your service!!

[@SGUSOMUSA]

Unbelievable stories from this man. People think war is an act of rage, but really it’s an act of love. Man’s love for one another, for his country, and for his family. God bless the warriors of this country, we love you and thank you all

[@donkeyshins]

This has got to be the best podcast I have ever listened to, and I will be rewatching.

[@BruceWorful]

Another great podcast. These stories of sacrifice, Valor, and unbelievable physical stamina power me through the toughest workouts. When my brain starts trying to tell me I'm exhausted I just focus on what these heros demonstrate what's possible . God bless and thanks to all our veterans.

[@leooneill1693]

Amazing book, I remember reading it about 20 years ago. Chickenhawk (Robert Mason) was another great book I read about the same time.

[@hankwilliams3616]

+1 for Chickenhawk, great book. Would love to see it covered.

[@evalex71]

Another amazing episode. Thank you for your service Mr. Clark, God Bless you and your family

[@vildmod4661]

Thanks Johnnie for sharing your story. My words are not enough to express how your book touched, and inspired me. God bless you.

[@ledfarmer100]

These are my favorite kind of interviews

[@kilcar]

My dad was with CB 20 IN JUNE 1944 and sharing a chow line with Marines on Pavuvu, Russel Islands, Pacific. The Marines had just returned from combat somewhere. They lined up for chow and an Officer severely chided a Marine for throwing food away, saying it was shite. Ordering the Marine to retrieve the food from the garage can and eat it. The Marine unslung his Thompson subgun and fired, cutting the Officer in half. My dad was an engineer CPO in the SEABEES, and never told tales or exaggerated. Thanks for interviewing this great old Salty Marine. Hes a gallant poet warrior.

[@RivalToa]

I remember after reading the book and thinking this guy should be on a podcast. And now here we are, he’s on the best podcast out here. Semper Fi.

[@OfficialJaWare]

God bless OUR TROOPS. It’s incredibly humbling listening stories like this.

[@firehorse_44alpha-omega]

Thank you Mr. Clark. Thank you gentlemen. Jocko drop on brand new day. Gonna be a relfective morning. Cheers

[@Bujasim15]

Man I love the vietnam veteran stories please do more ! And we need this book on audio pleaseee

[@angelageisler9637]

Is it me or do I just know that these long episodes are going to be a commitment, but the absolute best interviews?

[@NoahJamesHittner]

Favorite Jocko interview of all time.

[@duglasherrera5283]

May I add that your story is inspirational, it hits in a profound way that is hard to explain

[@MK7779-]

Excellent interview, thank you for posting.

[@TheFordtough25]

This was a great episode! God bless our veterans and Vietnam to boot!

[@R.Tafolla]

9:59 no neck guys 😂

[@mrglemrgle10]

All day this kept me going, what an awesome account

[@frankdibona5669]

On my way into work listening to this podcast I found myself saying my God tremendous podcast. Thank you both for your service.

[@timwendling5766]

Excellent! This podcast illustrates you are only as good as your content, you have done an outstanding job of selecting your legendary interviewees! They bring out the best in both of you! Way to still,"get after it"!

[@IsraelGonzalezMunoz-l8q]

graeat podcast, the way Jocko reads the book gives me goosebumps

[@adrianr909]

Jocko is going off!!!!!!!!!

[@brizzel424]

THANK YOU!!

[@jasonpeters9390]

I don't listen too things over 5 hours long but if it went on for 10 hours I still listen too this amazing pod cast one off the best pod casts I have listen too thanks Jacko for making this one I think you would off kept reading it.

[@MaxwellGroh]

I've been waiting decades for this. Wow

[@edithstacy5385]

This is my cousin, one whom I barely remember, but have read all his books. I loved my Aunt Opal.

[@eklypised]

Great great podcast...Jocko always rocks these book reads

[@darrylhearne4387]

I read this book years ago. Found it wondering around in a truckstop one night. Awesome read.

[@DG-ss1gc]

Just pre-ordered the audiobook , let’s get it done !

[@adriancowell6850]

Good stuff. I would love it if you could produce these interviews in a long format rather than these KZbin Shorts.😊 Six hours?...I could've listened for six months! God bless Mr Clark and all his comrades.

[@CodeRed1991]

Good morning Gentlemen

[@StephenChauncey]

Read this when it first came out. Jocko is right, this is one of the best

[@Jon-wt4rx]

Amazing podcast. Johnnys laugh sounds exactly like Shawn Ryan’s 😂

[@chrisirsch1804]

Jocko in his own little heaven. Never before has he ripped through a guests childhood but this one TWELVE MINUTES into the interview.....COMBAT! Just amazing. Jocko for PRESIDENT. He doesn't want it - and that is why it must be him. Lets fuckin go, Jocko....we need you

[@keithstapleton2087]

I dedicatetonights beer to Big Red

[@s.k.mcduffie6475]

Here here!

[@s.k.mcduffie6475]

5:10.07 got me. True brothers

[@keithschreiner2819]

Thanks to all who helped with this interview… awesome

[@s.k.mcduffie6475]

Thanks Jocko , we as a a society need these stories of our heroes to remind us of the cost . No matter how long ago these men and womens stories are forever relevant and necessary! Godspeed and God bless our heroes and vets! And finally please milk SOGCAST for every drop .

[@trevpritchard2940]

Sir , My Son is Joseph Szatmary. He knows I'm his Dad but we never met. Please don't discuss this with him. I. 50 yes old now and just watched his video. I'm so so proud you sponsor him there is a God !!!!!! Thank you thank you thank you I saw the pic of you Two .Blessed God Is Great And You KickAss Hardcore. I WORK for Marine Lumber And Piling NJ Barnegat. I Pray I will meet Joe Someday. YOUR POSITIVE AND OTHERS GOGINS ECT IS ALL IM GONAA LISTEN TO. THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU SIR .LOVE YA TREVDOG

[@thechadillac1211]

Fantastic memoir, such humanity…... 0331 7th marines 66-67. Also đid a CAP late 68-69…..the most wonderful and terrible things I ever did or saw. I felt drawn to vietnam in every way. Completely un explainable, MAKE PEACE OR DIE..that.S 1/5. 1/7 was Prepare to march. This guys shows the real day to day and write so well ❤

[@pakers2128]

I was drafted into the Army 1968, did not participate in SE ASIA WARGAMES. I ignored the Vietnam War until about 1990, GUNSUP was the first autobiography I read. Really enjoyed the experience. Read many, many more autobiographies on the experience of fighting in Vietnam. glad to hear he has other books.

[@SymbolicLogic24]

Makes sense, you lived it. Like me reading/learning about Afghanistan when I lived it. Reading about Vietnam was good learning for me, very rough war. My uncle was in it and my grandfather in WW2 then me in Afghanistan. Going to read this Marines books when they get delivered.

[@chillymoe0331]

Good book...I read it when I was in the USMC.

[@Millennial87]

Amazing interview

[@shanebaxter3500]

Get Some !

[@karlcostigan7633]

Mr Clark, Welcome home! I just bought your book, Semper Fi

[@richiemack82]

This episode was amazing.

[@WestVirginiaRocker]

Johnnie....WEST VIRGINIA BOY....!!!! I loved GUNS UP..!!!

[@BetaBuxDelux]

I’ll add that when my dad was in Vietnam they switched from the M14 to the M16. They didn’t receive any training on the new platform and were just told to keep it clean. It’s one of the reasons I’m pro 2A. Don’t expect the military to make you proficient in arms. He didn’t have any problems because he grew up in the woods/hunting but he said other Marines had their rifles fail to feed and fail to fire. :(

[@BetaBuxDelux]

My dad and his brother volunteered for the Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. He was 3rd Division 9th Marines. I always wish I was tough enough to be a Marine but never did follow-through.

[@OldSchoolParatrooper]

I read this book shortly after I got out. I was a machine gunner also. It is a really good book. This gent did a great interview on here

[@mattmilcarek4354]

Really good account of Vietnam

[@Keenafy]

Night owls 🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@-Alien_Residents-]

One of the books I read before joining the Marines, 25 years ago while still in highschool. Didn't know this guy was still moving around.

[@petrmalecek8317]

I buy as many books as I can from those that Jocko reads; I am not too proud to admit that many of the pages of those books are stained with tears.

[@philipwhitwill226]

I may be mistaken, but I believe this is the longest Jocko Podcast episode to date.

[@legionarulsquad6676]

You might be right

[@ctlane27]

General Sean MacFarland one is longer. By almost another hour.

[@philipwhitwill226]

Oh gotchya. That was a great one too!

[@raynorman4315]

Tremendous interview!! Really good!!..

[@susanmajor508]

Frank Sloup mentioned you in one of his Fridays with Frank episodes/ I don't have 5 hours today to listen but will find time soon.

[@ChristiansonGeneral]

Hey if Jocko does the audiobook i'm 100% buying it

[@gnobel]

Shoutout to 'Sam the Blooper Man' 🪖💥💨😎

[@Steelersbvtch]

Gunner’s life proves different than anyone else’s like he’s been saying. I’ve watched this twice

[@ameilabrewster9532]

My brother was killed in Nam. It was very interesting to hear his story. Thank you.

[@eklypised]

U should have Clint Majors on....he was in X-Ray Platoon in Vietnam

[@PlomoorPlata]

Outstanding.

[@mervdove5901]

Read this when I was a kid. Used to imitate it when I played war. He dedicated it to Christ. Still use his quote, “no danger of being a rocket scientist “.

[@martinbruce6651]

Army here got promoted to A gunner on the 50 cal. If I would have known 😂.

[@blakemeredith1532]

Great story