SOGCast 024: Pat Watkins, Part 2: Earns DSC During Sapper Attack

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[@matbuchanan9765]

Thank you Jocko and John for helping to share these heroic stories. I'm pretty sure that we've read all the books, but hearing these true American heroes speak them is incredible. These are real American heroes.

[@BlueWaterSTAX]

Thanks Jocko, John and Pat. God Bless Y'all and God Bless America🇺🇸

[@xprettylightsx3781]

May God bless you as well, sir. You have no idea how rare it is to read another American actually comment and say the words God bless America. Our country is on the brink of annihilation. Please understand this.

[@jerryriggi1700]

Nothing but respect for these men. SOGCasts are A+++++

[@j-wil1964]

No combat stories even come close to comparing to these SOG stories! Amazing hero’s!

[@heytombanjo6195]

These guys’ courage, loyalty to each other and intelligence is second to none.

[@stevearmstrong6240]

Great interview tilt👍 I could listen to Pats stories for hours. When are we going to hear from Lynn Black I’ve read his book definitely want to hear his story. Who blows themselves up with C4 to see how much u need to knock someone out with out killing them all in the name of grabbing a POW and a free R&R anywhere you want. 😂

[@dameanvil]

00:14 📅 Discussing August 23rd, 1968, a tragic day in Special Forces history where 16 Green Berets were killed in one night battle at FOB4 in Da Nang. 01:07 🌙 Night attack planned by NVA sappers, infiltrating the base and launching an assault after midnight, catching the Special Forces off guard. 03:13 💥 Pat Watkins recalls the intense moments during the attack, facing a grenade threat, engaging an NVA soldier, and surviving a near-death experience. 04:19 🏅 Acknowledging the significant loss of life with 66 Purple Hearts awarded that night, including support troops and indigenous units. 09:29 🎯 Describing the strategic planning by the NVA and Viet Cong for over a year,coordinating the attack on FOB4 with extra personnel present during a monthly meeting. 19:44 🔫 Pat Watkins recounts engaging an NVA sapper, discovering he had no firearm, and reflecting on the surreal nature of combat situations. 23:42 🔫 Pat Watkins recalls a combat situation where Scully is wounded, and Watkins acquires an AK-47. 26:09 🚑 In a critical moment, Watkins decides to end the suffering of an enemy fighter with a serious injury. 27:02 🇺🇸 Pat Watkins encounters Colonel Smith and Sergeant Major Stratton, preventing a potential friendly-fire incident. 29:23 🚁 Larry Tremblay's actions during the battle save lives, and the Marines express gratitude by inviting the SOG team to their club. 30:34 🎖 Pat Watkins receives the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions during the intense battle on August 1968. 37:11 ✈ Pat Watkins observes an F4 nearly colliding with a fellow OH-23 Raven, and the turbulence causes damage to their rocket pods. 38:34 🚁 Pat Watkins faces challenges, including losing an engine during a refuel, emphasizing the perils of close air support. 43:58 🚁 Jolly Green Giants, operated by Coast Guard pilots in an exchange program, play a crucial role in rescuing the SOG team during the battle. 46:15 🚁 Pat Watkins recalls a harrowing helicopter rescue mission in Vietnam, where a Jolly Green helicopter crashed, and the team faced the risk of losing everyone. 47:22 🤝 SOG (Studies and Observations Group) played a crucial role in promoting inter-service collaboration among the military branches, fostering a sense of unity in achieving common goals. 49:14 🏈 Pat Watkins shares a humorous encounter with Roger Staubach, a Navy officer and Heisman Trophy winner, during their service in Vietnam. 51:48 🎖 In a heartwarming moment, Roger Staubach expresses admiration for Special Forces soldiers, considering them the true heroes, highlighting thecamaraderie between military personnel. 52:47 🌐 Pat Watkins emphasizes the linguistic and intellectual prowess of fellow soldier Spider, who spoke multiple languages, showcasing the diverse skills within the Special Forces. 53:41 🌍 After surviving intense engagements, Pat Watkins reflects on the collaborative effort and instrumental role of SOG (Studies and Observations Group) in Special Operations Command (SOCOM). 58:43 ⚓ Pat Watkins recounts his transition from Vietnam to various assignments, including a stint in the first group and involvement in the formation of Ranger battalions. 01:06:45 🐍 Pat Watkins discusses his third tour in Vietnam, detailing his involvement in a snake bite team and participation in Recon missions under Studies and Observations Group (SOG). 01:08:18 📚 Pat Watkins describes his assignment at Fort Bragg, highlighting the establishment of the first Recon school to train Green Berets assigned to SOG, emphasizing the significance of specialized training. 01:08:43 🚁 Pat Watkins discusses reporting to Camp Mall and the glider training unit for World War II at Fort Bragg. 01:10:31 🎯 Watkins reflects on his experience at a recon training course, emphasizing the lack of Special Forces personnel and the discrepancy between training scenarios and reality. 01:12:21 🌍 Watkins talks about returning to Vietnam for his third tour, joining the 5th Special Forces Group, and the transition from parades to SOG operations. 01:13:29 🎖 Watkins recounts his involvement with the SOG, highlighting the unique aspects of SOG operations, such as the use of bright light teams and unconventional missions. 01:19:10 🚁 Watkins shares details about his last mission in Cambodia, involving the recovery and destruction of a downed helicopter, encountering sniper fire, and a tense situation with rocket explosions. 01:23:13 💔 Watkins describes the closing of the launch site at B-56, encounters with Arvin units, and the challenging circumstances as the North Vietnamese forces advanced into the area. 01:26:36 🌐 Watkins discusses the FULRO (Fulro) movement by the Montagnards seeking independence from the Vietnamese, sharing insights into their complex relationships and the challenges faced during this time. 01:28:42 🛡 Watkins concludes by talking about returning to Fort Devens, Massachusetts, and his involvement with specialized teams, including SADUM (Special Atomic Demolition Munition) and the recognition received for excellence in training. 01:30:57 🎓 Pete Hanberg, the medic, attended a school in Germany, and his best friend was a child from the SS training school. The 10th Special Forces Group used Himmler's home as its headquarters, and Patton's desk was there. 01:32:03 🏔 Pat Watkins, after retiring, considered going to Cornell but ended up in Utah due to job opportunities. He worked as the senior instructor in the RTC program, teaching tactics and survival. 01:35:10 🎓 Pat Watkins transitioned to working for the VA after retirement. He later became involved in fire protection and emergency preparedness, attending courses and setting up triage centers during events like the Olympics. 01:41:34 🕵 Pat Watkins shared an amusing story about hiscolleague Lou using a silenced pistol to shoot rats at the camp, leading to unexpected consequences and a unique form of rat control. 01:47:38 💼 After working for the VA, Pat Watkins retired, having served 11 years at GS-12, essentially "triple dipping" into retirement benefits. Lou, a colleague from Vietnam, remains a close friend. 01:53:00 🇺🇸 Pat Watkins expressed admiration for the new generation of Americans, citing combat SEALs and their dedication. He also mentioned his stepson's service in Iraq, highlighting ongoing commitment to military service. 01:54:25 🙏 Pat Watkins thanked the military, border patrol, first responders, and acknowledged the historic moment with the Ukraine-Russia conflict, expressing uncertainty about the situation and gratitude for those who serve.

[@nicholasemerson9852]

I'd love just to be in the company of these warriors. I love their stories and service.

[@robertlucyksr667]

Medal of Honor for Pat should be awarded for that night!

[@jimwoody775]

SFC Scully was an instructor in the first phase of medic training in training group in June/July 69. The story was at the time that he had a steel plate in his head from vn, but we never knew the full story. He was a thorough and tough instructor but kind to us. A lot of respect .

[@johngaglione2236]

Man I'm glad that these men are finally able to tell their stories. Jocko, Tilt and the rest of you guys keep up the good work!

[@s.k.mcduffie6475]

Amen formally requesting more!!!!

[@SirZim]

What a privilege! Gentlemen, thank you! 🇺🇸

[@DLo336]

“We no die!!! We no die!!!” I love it!

[@JamesSmith-mz9ec]

Thanks for finally loading this, been waiting way too long for part2! Semper Fi! 73-77

[@ferociterfocus]

Thank You

[@richardmarkham3540]

TRUE,REAL,AMERICANS

[@joshmallett9452]

Love listening to history! Thanks guys

[@falcon5215]

Fantastic as always

[@echoredfour]

Another great interview. What a career Pat.

[@FeWolf]

Thank you Jacob and Tilt

[@jonc4050]

Yusss , thank you for these stories, true history of heroes. I was just starting to wonder when your next podcast would come out

[@ksmith87]

Hell yeah effin right!

[@batjackjohnson252]

Hell yeah!

[@ABIELYASHARAHLA]

Gentlemen, you all should post pictures of these men from back in those days. It would be great to see what they all looked like back then. ✊

[@FreedomandBaconHomestead]

SOGCast = instant like!

[@hardcorehobbies3809]

Yes!!! I’ve been waiting for Part2!!! Starting….Now go!! Yes

[@thundergrace]

its great they talk about their stories

[@palukens]

Reading Lynne Blacks WTF right now, I thought the Frenchman did the C4 snatch self explosion tests not Lynne? Or was the Frenchman talking about Lynne?

[@robertmccready5874]

The Frenchman was talking about Lynne black Lynne came up with that by testing it on himself and when he knocked himself out he realized that was the right amount of c4 and the right distance

[@palukens]

Danke' H-Minus@@robertmccready5874

[@zsmarine0831]

More SOGCast

[@nicholasberris6246]

love this stuff. thank you for your service.thank you for sharing this with all of us ,thank you jocko for all you guys do to . jocko i live in west palm beach. growing up my friends grandfather was btf richard batchelor udt 11? during ww2. i got a charcoal rub of his udt team from the udt/seal museum in vero beach where they have muster every year from the keys . i want to send you a charcoal rub of you and btf tony s team and plaque at the museum . you guys have done so much for some one with so little. i should ask for a mailing address to send the charcoal too. anyway take care ,thank you for the sog cast ,

[@brandondaugherty7119]

Thank you guys

[@Gman12959]

Least back then these men fought. Iraq and Afghanistan and all that tech against an enemy with virtually no tech, didn’t win. People use to be harder.

[@ucm7ucm791]

SOG Cast 🥳

[@keithtorstrick6487]

John, you're a hero for sure but let him drift a little...it's interesting and you keep talking over him

[@JB-gr6om]

There are more Antelope than people in Wyoming.

[@edchedda1439]

THE pat walkins???

[@whydat684]

This old hero is a 10 on the salty meter.😊

[@rockyguzek9262]

wonderfull

[@michaelswick111]

Great Stories !! Can you or Jocko get Reinald “Magnet Ass” Pope on the podcast?

[@user-lw4pc4uh5q]

The 176th we're the special weapon in the air for the amercial 23rd infantry division chu lai I was a 11b20 serving with 196,198th light infantry brigade. The judge and executioner were the real deal if you needed help!!?

[@magalengo]

Sappers in the wire! Time to go to work.

[@johnqpublic2718]

Hell yeah

[@alancooper6815]

One fine war fighter

[@hayeswooten]

Hey John I’ve watched every one of these and ur pod cast you guys r the greatest I’ve ever heard about that being said do you know anything about a guy named Newman Ruff

[@joehornick6249]

Can anyone explain to me how a country can send troops to hell holes like Vietnam or the Sand Box while people at home are disconnceted watching Star Trek & Marcus Welby then or Dancing with the Stars and the NFL now? If your in , the whole country ou should be ALL in. Hearing what these men and so many at that time did and had to endure and now Jocko's era with deployment after deployment is beyond my comprehension.

[@williamwoody9687]

Where recon teams getting Intel from hotfoot teams in Laos ?

[@jessecloster3991]

Why did it take so long ?

[@lipoto]

It's definitely better than no moderation but hearing "moving right along" gets tiring quick, just make a third part instead of keeping it so strict

[@aaronthompson192]

What does he say at 19:35? Something about a stupid thought he has but I can't make it out.

[@heytombanjo6195]

Elder or Eldest Son mission. It was psych ops where they would plant bad ammo or leave bad ammo behind. The enemy would then use the ammo, shoot it, but it was designed to explode. So his thought was, if he has an Ak-47 from the enemy, and it held elder son ammo, then he would be killed by it. Pretty sure the phrase was elder son. If you listen to other sog casts they mention the elder son missions.

[@aaronthompson192]

@@heytombanjo6195 good catch, thanks. That definitely sounds like what he said.

[@heytombanjo6195]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Eldest_Son

[@user-yb9sm5jp5u]

🇬🇧🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🙏🌈

[@josephbadulak9146]

me must be getting old too fast.... cooda sworn the initial assault was charlie... da NVA never came in. Lemme tell u guys sumptin an ole man advised, when me was just 19.... "Joe, don't ever get old!" i shooda listened!! Watkins, Meyer, Thompson, Bargewell, Beckwith, n Benavidez..... you chaps remind me of the days the brotherhood commands pure Respect. Too bad for me I never spent much time at all in da company of best..... me had to drink all da leftover beer; cuz me never went on any of ur missions.😵‍💫 Appreciate your stories. Grateful for all this shrapnel-free insight. Bout 50% sf I met were not chatty at all. craziest nfgees ever

[@indy500tabasco8]

👽👽👽👽👽🌎👽👽👽👽👽

[@TEM1]

A bunch of people in my industry were targeted and many killed by a terrorist network. Mostly you guys just fucked with them a lot more. Some of you took bribes from the enemy. Some of you stole things from them. Lots of you slandered them. Some of you got people in their families killed. What good are you?

[@DLo336]

Are you ok buddy?

[@hstrangemusic]

W..what good is this comment tho?