CIA Operators INTENSE Gunfight: Taking on 26 Enemies with a Light Machine Gun, Pistol, and Grenades

This is among the most intense single-man gunfights ever recounted on the Shawn Ryan Show, and quite literally on any podcast. Tony Cowden shares the raw details of a prolonged engagement after being compromised. He found himself all alone, his partner having been killed at the outset of the fight. In the end, he had (9) 9mm rounds and (14) 5.56 rounds remaining.
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[@ShawnRyanClips]

Thanks for watching everyone. You can watch the full episode with Tony Cowden here kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX20poGBhs57gKcsi=jXzj331BpYDf7P1H Additionally if you want to support the Shawn Ryan Show you can join the community. www.patreon.com/VigilanceElite

[@bodyboardingchronicles602]

We all been issued " Brown Underwear " Anybody have " CODE BROWN " story?🙊🙉🙈

[@dorjedriftwood2731]

Serious doubts that “most guys don’t want to admit” this sort of stuff. This seems to be the stuff all these guys love to tell. Most all of you guys seem to have phenomenal sense of humor.

[@shroompicn-shrooman]

That is 100% an American Badass.. glad he was on our side WOW .. 👏 GREAT WORK 💪🇺🇸👍.. Awesome video.

[@Jay-O_Carlow]

LMFAO🤣0:38 Lol ,, Its so common when you are hauling the mail in full kit to trip , and then you become that Guy! Lol ,, It sucks gear is heavy and it happens more than you think if you are running full speed But to breach a door with your face is a first for me LOL, This was Awesome Shawn . Huge fan buddy you know that been with you years and years .. Your content just get's better and better and the people you bring on are A listers Tier 1 Top Shelf guy you get onto the show Thanks so much for the quality work,, I'd love if you brought Marcus on and i know you too are good mates So be really cool to see , Loved the vid of you back in teh day with the wizard and Rut Marcus And that story you tell , That you were getting QRF from GRS and thinking a platoon of guy's & M60's & Javelins and You heard him before you saw him .. Loving life like a puppy dog RUT LOL But that all went away once you told him what the story was and he got quiet real quick lol , This was the guy in the Bath / Tub story shitting bricks I'd just love to see you and Marcus catch up and get more people to hear about Axe Mikey and Danny and Turbine 44.. Hopefully you can get him on, Thanks for this episode amazing job as always buddy

[@usafret4709]

Man, dude is telling the story like describing a fishing trip. I cannot imagine the stuff he deals with. All respect!

[@bumblebee623]

You apparently never hung out with real men. Doesn't suprise me now a days with all the gender confused

[@Samantha-xy4ed]

That's why he got picked for that👍

[@thomasdeebel6695]

@@egbertmcfliesterheimer7133really? He sounds impressed by someone who is definitely much more capable at this than him. Think about it? How many regular people could be trained up to that level? Obviously, it’s a narrow group that could even compete for it the spots and a smaller group that can do it. Cut the regular guy a break. He’s only showing respect.

[@BlueMoonday19]

Despite some of the lame replies to your comment, I get what you're saying dude. This guy is even more low key than most of the other SF guests on the show. It is both fascinating and impressive for many reasons, including those you mentioned.

[@usafret4709]

@@egbertmcfliesterheimer7133 Read comment below. I was there and served with these folks. I have met folks who have seen and described what he has been through in the same way.

[@DinoPwn]

this is the kind of CIA operator we want to see; not that weird ass big poof hair dude that rats on his fellow dudes for drinking

[@mrwayne5158]

Not all officials have the same duties

[@johnwinner8511]

Lol cocaine import agency

[@bobandywiththebrandy1990]

that goofy dude would destroy your life lmao

[@johnwinner8511]

Why would he do that, he doesnt even know us. People shouldn't take the comments to hard . Besides I'm sure he has better things to do in life then seek revenge against commentors .

[@johnwinner8511]

I just find it funny that the CIA use to import cocaine.

[@ncaley1]

The smile on his face when he said “they won’t kill more Americans” warms my soul.

[@superbarnie]

Too bad this guy is a known bullshitter.

[@kemacal]

That's why he's there...

[@HerrLoeblich]

what about germans? french? spanish? english? polish or bulgarian? greek? chinese? korean? maybe the word 'people' would be nicer?

[@Leonlldas]

Me to bro. Fucking got to respect guy like this 🙏🏽✊🏽

[@jordan2735]

@@HerrLoeblichshut up

[@duggervaughan8768]

To be in the boots of some of these guys .. we just don't even remotely have a clue what they did, what they went through or have seen. My absolute gratitude for you. Always.

[@MrRolloBaggins]

Boots.... Or Solomon's?? Lol

[@Insideman666]

Go to chicago and join whatever local gang you can find within the 2 block radius you reside in and you’ll get much more action than any Veteran has had in any war since Vietnam, seriously 😬.

[@OCHOCINCO98]

​@@Insideman666youre conparing apples to oranges

[@Insideman666]

@@OCHOCINCO98 you’re right, gang members in Chicago are much more accurate than illiterate Talibans, and due to their vast experience they’re also much more capable of urban warfare + city ambushes so it is actually more dangerous to be there than the height of the war in Iraq 🤷‍♂️. Shii just go look at the stats 🥲

[@Insideman666]

@@OCHOCINCO98 fkn Detroit a warzone tf 😂😂

[@Danny0dbert]

Jeez this story is fricking nuts. You guys have literal balls of steel. Glad your on our side. Keep it up Shawn.

[@jamariobrown-tolliver8163]

​​@@rd24lifeexactly, they forget SF rely on air assets like they did in Syria with Wagner which everyone forgets that it was a Air Force AC 130 that smoked them not the SF

[@richr108]

Flat out KILLING it Shawn! Keep doing the good work brother appreciate all you do to bring so many great humans onto your show to tell their stories.

[@superbarnie]

unfortunately, Tony Cowden is a cheat and a liar

[@clemtutt7967]

To me, Tony’s wisdom and insightful messages from the full interview is the most compelling aspect of this episode. I’m an old grunt myself, so I can appreciate his stories, but I can see so much of myself in him that it’s uncanny. I had to do a few classified ops, and holding onto those secrets until death is no fun. I truly appreciate this channel so much. It has changed my life.

[@Hi_idk-x9j]

This is some of the best combat stories yet. Most of your guests share one, or maybe two that stick out to them. This man let's us see so much, through his words. Yet even with so many, hes still a great guy.

[@Hi_idk-x9j]

@@Dillydilly956 🤣🤣 yeah, ok. I'm sure you have the proof, to even suggest such a claim. Let's see your combat experience....

[@simpleman3674]

Dude the description of his bro jumping and his reaction and the lead up to the muzzle in his face was hilarious, this dude is a great story teller lol

[@deepg7084]

I think his sense of humor and gregarious nature are what allowed him to go through these experiences and retell the stories in such a calm way. This sounds like an intense battle and yet he made it sound like he was dealing with a couple karens at the park lol. "Now he had a couple less friends with him", "dropped that dude" 😂

[@jw19119]

Heard some crazy stories during and after my Army time from Vietnam vets I know and have met, and was fortunate enough to meet a few WWII vets and listen to their stories. This is up there with the craziest stories I’ve heard from anyone that served. Glad he shared this cuz most of those guys won’t share these stories. They feel the average person won’t understand.

[@Jas_Flash92]

Of course they wouldn’t understand especially back then. I couldn’t imagine either you guys had nothing to work with to survive compared to the soldiers today. y’all went through hell and a lot of you didn’t come back home.

[@a.m.phaneuf6164]

His honesty and humor kept him alive, in my view

[@Krash_fpv]

These types of guys give the best war stories because they try to find humor to lighten the vibe and doesn't focus on the graphic part....because war isn't nice or pretty so it takes a special type

[@mehhhzy3786]

Dudes like damn man I'm such a goofball for flinching with an AK-47 dropping a mag next to my head

[@marcalexander6450]

Hahahah right

[@byronfretz8201]

The fact he went from goofy scared to terminator in less then 20 seconds probably is nuts. I wouldn't be able to walk with the amount of shit running down my legs :😂 yet he calmly walks over and expedites their 72 virgins 😂

[@LK-bz9sk]

Great story teller and so humble.

[@joefried6604]

This guys wants to be a Politician ? Perfect personality for that

[@JJones-cl4dm]

What a badass! Telling his war "I almost got smoked" stories like it was nothing but stuff he did while playing call of duty. Much respect to those guys

[@Anonymouspops]

It’s so crazy how he can just tell this and be so nonchalant. But that’s how you can tell he’s been through way more than that, before that moment. War is HELL

[@philreadjr]

He's a vibe, just telling a story like it's normal life... Love his attitude, giggling about super gnarly stuff..

[@lordoffaiyum9727]

He scares me. Reminds me of myself. No bs. He has similar humor and logic. Weird.

[@tylertapp131]

This dude needs a movie.

[@oksanaglazkova1820]

I never tired of this Man stories, such a badass and charismatic at the same time. God Bless❤

[@AndrewGrey22]

I would have loved to see their faces as he calmly strolls up to their car. I bet that was priceless making them faceless.

[@jamesmiller8591]

I could listen to this guy 4:34 all day, honest down to earth thank you for your service, and thank you for my freedom. God bless.

[@ShawnRyanClips]

Uncle Tony!

[@kemacal]

This is so true.... 💯 my friend

[@geoffap0]

Sean I listened to the Podcast and a day later wanted to hear Tony’s Lone CGB story again and found it here. Your interviews are AWESOME!

[@echoscope4278]

Somebody that can take the ugliest clusterf¿ck of problems you could possibly dream up, and still do the damn thing. I have nothing but respect and gratitude for anyone who has ever answered that call to duty.

[@thomasgumersell9607]

Incredible the way he recounts his individual AAR. As if he was describing a sorting event he was in. Yet they played for keeps over there. Truly a very hard operator. Really enjoy each of your interviews Shawn. You of course have been through similiar situations yourself. Thank you both for your service. 💪🏻🙏🏻✨

[@DilanHamawandy]

As a Kurdish-American thank you for your service!

[@J-PLeigh8409]

That pursuit alone thru a foreign city mostly hostile, is insane, talk about fight or flight & training kicking in...you gotta be on point & a bit lucky to survive, good on him & rip to his bro

[@isthatajet4615]

The way laughs about stuff you know he has been through it god bless this man and his fam

[@GhostStylez]

If it wasn't for "The Shawn Ryan Show" these amazing stories would never be told, nor heard!!! 🔱SALUTE 🔱👻

[@claudecashbigcashmoney]

man o man you are one brave s.o.b. I glad you're on our side.

[@lh1678]

3:37 Guy was like "My bad bro..I thought you were someone else"

[@NinjaChokeOutside]

“They didn’t shoot anymore Americans”. Dude is a cold blooded hero.

[@ryt2carry]

I can't thank you and all your brothers, in service, enough for all you do. I know these stories bother you, but I'm so glad you can deal with them. I can't imagine what you went through.

[@anthony_sasquatch8056]

I appreciate his vulnerability here…it took time for him to be able to talk about this…thank you both Shawn and Tony for this clip.

[@firearmshunter101]

Absolute stud

[@jasonhamilton6098]

This guy strikes fear in Chuck Norris

[@davidsnyder2000]

Damn!! What a series of events! Holy crap crap. This guy explains these things so well 👍 The best part is he breaks down what the abbreviations mean for the military weapons and devices used. On most interviews, the soldiers will say they used an EDM and I have no clue what they’re referring to. This guy breaks it down for the average person who hasn’t served in the military. Explaining these things paints a much fuller picture of things he was dealing with 👍 Thankyou

[@noobchickensupper6471]

Ok bot

[@davidbanik3488]

Mosul 04-05 vet! Crazy place to be at the time.

[@wiggles7172]

One of the best story tellers you've had I reckon Shawn. Riveting.

[@zackcrotty4111]

If Spicolli from Fast Times went into SF, this would be him! Lol! Thank you for your service!

[@yourmothercalledshesaid]

You know, for a CIA operative that is supposed to be synonymous with discretion, he sure tells his stories like a practiced raconteur. Odd.

[@catalystactual6491]

Everyone in the comment section just gobbling it up 😂.

[@Quxrk]

Incredible. What a warrior.

[@joken7449]

If you question what he says, he'll challenge you to a fist fight. But he'll pay for your flight, what a nice guy.

[@davidpignatore6532]

"At this point, I pulled up the SAW"! Yea, I guess that would help in that kinda situation lol.

[@golddeagle7]

thats a great story that really sells his personality. Class A student of the CIA. disarms you effectively.

[@G17-k6f]

This guy is an awesome story teller. I could listen to him all day.

[@tripptoomuch]

Tony looks like he would be Luke Rockhold's older brother!

[@clippzone1445]

I knew it wasn't just me seeing that shit 😂

[@Ravishrex1]

Sound like him too, you know he is legit but...

[@vnkaha]

i watched this yesterday . I see this video again today and i see i havn't pressed thumb up buttom. i instant pressed it and watching again this video. 100% worth . This guy is amazing story teller.

[@Ks48778]

Thank you

[@DirtDigglerDetecting]

WOW . Just crazy. Thank God an Bless You ALL.

[@bigblade9518]

I would love to drink some beer with them, and hear some Real Crazy stories... This is definitely getting to be my favorite podcast.

[@bernardmoore8877]

Much respect. This man is amazing

[@unbrandedindustriesincorpo1701]

These dudes are badass.

[@frankie4230]

This podcast is saving these soldiers, giving them a platform to let it all out, at the same time, humbling humanity. Love it

[@travismiller4614]

Badass interview Shawn

[@pitt6766]

Great stories, awesome show

[@ShawnRyanClips]

Thank you!

[@bashbrothers9433]

Hands down best PODCAST out there. Hands down

[@lacedjunglejuice]

This man played the call of duty black ops campaign in real life 💀

[@austinharding1255]

Bro he just casually is like yeah I killed these guys and I drove this other dude over. These guys walk among in American society and have God knows how many bodies. Insane dude.

[@gululujalaja1656]

Word is desensitization

[@RSAXXX6969]

Good story teller 😉

[@McCorkleMinute]

That dude has a very, very vivid imagination, and has watched way too many movies. I cannot believe the people on here who will just believe stories that obviously are made up.

[@noobchickensupper6471]

Exactly. 😂😂 He sounds unauthentic. He is a doofus.

[@mojojojo6400]

These guys are vetted real

[@samuelandrade6646]

i love these stories!!

[@jdmbacon]

Idk why but my bullshit metres going off a little bit. I could be very wrong just seems weird how's he talking about this stuff. Crazy stories if I'm completely wrong.

[@CSAcrazy]

Yeah me too. But I also know some guys are slightly crazy and get a kick out of being able to tell a crazy story that happened to them. But it seems like a extraordinary story and he’s just casually relaying it, smiling all the time. Weird

[@AustinHowd]

You gotta have somebody who was there to vouch for you or it is prob bullshit

[@ether23-23]

@@CSAcrazy it's probably how he copes with living in full gear for all those years

[@kemacal]

Warrior mentality... he said God bless his heart, as this dude was being killed still trying to take them out while being dragged by a car to death.... damn bro. Also shows, never give up even if you're about to die...

[@jaycarmichael]

Amazing interviewing skills and amazing storytelling skills ❤

[@buzzardwhittle4336]

Damn good stuff. Great story...

[@namesecondname4548]

Thats a GREAT interview

[@michaelblack1925]

See this man's stroy are the main reason why I come to this channel

[@velocitypromo3177]

Imagine being the father of the kid who pulls the ole “my dad could beat up your dad” thing.

[@justme-ud2vk]

wow. its not often you can hear the real info. this guys amazing. hes a real badass. no doubts.

[@followingtheword9640]

I remember seeing a dude with a tricked out bicycle. He had at least 4 sets of mirrors, tassles, the works. 😂

[@homeroquinonez1142]

Its crazy my mind cant even comprehend it

[@FirstSecondHandle]

"Just what we were doing" , reality just hit me hard

[@jarhead3864]

“Ya know, tryna give them a lil love”. What a legend

[@TheKrblum]

Guys an awesome story teller

[@mechaman7818]

"Now this is operating!" - Manakin Slaywalker.

[@ZackShepard00]

13:21 he just described the cod suppression mine!

[@Johnnysocks]

I really appreciate his goofy story’s. That they also react like anyone else who has had a gun stuck in their face.

[@j.sargent9172]

I lived the street life for awhile, and also a good friend's dad was a drunk who used to shoot over our head for a laugh when we would come home. At the time it's never funny but after a few times telling the story you try to find a lil humor and be thankful you're alive. I think some of these guys humor us the only way of dealing with reliving/telling the story. Some of those foreigners suck at aiming too, can be comical how far off they're shooting 😂

[@justme-ud2vk]

when you look into his eyes you can see the ghosts haunting him. i worry for him. Thank you for your service!!! letting it out seems to help him.

[@ked1013]

I worked psychiatry since 89 nearing the end of my career Assessed big white dude who served Nigeria SAS He told me how life had been difficult. PTSD by the book I salute the army who sacrifice their lives to make things good

[@jabsubabahavh4243]

This guy is our ideal warrior we need more like him.

[@carpe_poon5761]

I also appreciate the humbleness and realness. The honesty of his reaction to the AK in full auto. Putting your hands up to block bullets😂 Natural reaction. Thank you guys for going through hell so the rest of us can live the dream.

[@omsounc4s-official504]

Wish I Had This Guy For Show & Tell When I Was 4

[@onthepath501]

I love how when you say brothers you mean that n n I have zero friends I have 2 beothers

[@jasonzbell]

These guys are a rare breed! For those of you who served in the SOF community and/or went onto CIA/GRS/etc., did all these engagements take a heavy toll on your psyche or as you got more experience/training, are you able to share your experiences as easy as Tony described some of his here?

[@jimschlat]

man i thought i was salty this guy makes me feel like a boot

[@jamesjefferson6670]

This needs to be made into a movie 🍿

[@christiankeen1644]

A real life cartoon with a penchant for violence.

[@GettingMilkSon]

He’s got the trigger pinned EVEN… while under our suburban… I lost it 😂😂😂

[@Generichjm]

Another excellent interview! Thanks again! I appreciate it

[@CatsFerDays]

This dude is just a modern day con 💀 every con flusters you with words, riddles, stories, etc. I know he has service history but he also has a lengthy arrest report.

[@BLACKCAWKDOWN]

😂 SURE BUD LOL. JUST KEEP PLAYING WITH YOUR CATS IN YOUR 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT. INFRONT OF A COMPUTER YOURE GLUED TO 24/7

[@ether23-23]

Hey, you didn't show up for your shift at KFC yesterday. What's up man? Still work here?

[@ethanlewellen6341]

Yeah, Kenzie was asking for you earlier. The drive thru has been backed up all day without you

[@SADefense]

Thank you more please

[@trevorhottinger6219]

Man I could listen to this patriot talk for hours, what a cool guy🇺🇸

[@TeutobergForestryService]

Dude true story. In Mosul, my brothers first week in country. Getting ready to go out on a convoy and stopped outside the gate. Some dude runs up next to my brothers hmmwv, engages a grenade while failing to realize the hmmwv is combat locked. It detonated as my brother stared at the guy holding it. He laughs about it. Pretty morbid.

[@IM2BASED4THISPLACE]

LOL fun times

[@tedheath2326]

wow ............ pretty crazy ........ good interview

[@djsauce4498]

Its the funny memories you hold on too. I didnt have a combat job I got stuck with a paper pushing rate in the navy cause im colored blind and I remember I caught a paper cut and my petty officer was like "yea man things get pretty serious around here gotta be careful" with a straight face lmao

[@niksshorts85]

Love this guy 😅😅😅 great story teller.

[@nightfury6836]

This guy is an OG 😎🔥