SURROUNDED: Leading a Bayonet Charge to Save a Lost Platoon | Battle of Ia Drang | Tony Nadal

[@americanveteranscenter]

* We made an error in Col. Nadal's on-screen identifier, he is a full bird Colonel, not a Lieutenant Colonel. We apologize for this oversight. Join our Patreon community to receive exclusive content and opportunities to meet these heroes in real life. This funding goes directly into helping us capture more incredible stories with our nation's veterans: patreon.com/americanveteranscenter

[@guyguyver7552]

Pictures or it never happened...😊

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Great video

[@emmanuelawosusi2365]

Love the channel

[@quentinleezavala]

Priceless

[@bradleysmith2021]

The bird on his hat told me.

[@stevehansen5477]

Tony Nadal was my company commander in the ia Drang. He is a friend to this day. The real deal.

[@bradr2142]

Wow welcome home Steve. Just to be in your presence or any other warrior of this battle would be a honor. So thank you for your service.

[@tommyblackwell3760]

He seems like the kind of CO I'd follow to hell and back. Welcome home, big brother, it's guys like you that trained me.

[@phillamoore157]

I always wondered what the other perspectives were of this battle. I read the book first, which in my opinion, gives a VASTLY superior account than the movie (as usual). But, a lot of soldiers fought in this battle, but they give the impression that it was just a handful. I would love to hear a different perspective of this battle from the other soldiers….even if they were in the same spot. Everyone’s experience is different. The book (especially the Albany LZ) raised the hairs on the back of my neck. The bravery, and sheer will to survive is just astonishing. I hope you get to tell your story some day soon. And….welcome home!

[@brianathern9154]

And welcome home Steve. Wondering if any of the guys you served with crossed paths with my uncle..the late Col Henry G "Hank" Anthony. Having visited his family more than once in Ft Benning the movie scenes of the officer's streets brought back memories. I remember the Airborne assembly field. Hal Moore, Tony Nadal and Sgt Major Plumley (forgive me if I spelled his name wrong) were the real deal.

[@mariomartinez8723]

Thanks to the both of you for your service!

[@harryholden795]

First guy out and last guy back. This man is an absolute legend and an example of a true leader.

[@cavscout62]

It was the Policy of his C.O., Hal Moore and Tony adopted it as his own. These Men are truly “The Greatest Generation”.

[@bradleysmith2021]

Think about this…was there a unit in Vietnam that had more balls in one group than this one?

[@angussog]

@@bradleysmith2021 MACV SOG bunch of crazy buggers

[@AnyProofOfTheseClaims]

​@@bradleysmith2021Yea probably just the SOG guys. They had to ride king bee's because the Huey's couldn't hold the weight of their stones.

[@32a34a]

@@angussog Some of those units from what I understand had over 100 percent casualties.

[@killerkane1957]

I had the fortune to meet a man who was there. I was at a local tire shop and this gentleman had a Vietnam era fatigue blouse on. His unit patches startled me. It was clear who he was and where he had been. I walked right up and shook his hand. “You were with Hal Moore, right?” He was dumbfounded someone knew this. It was amazing to chat with this man. He was so happy that his history was appreciated. God Bless them all.

[@Hemidakota]

In fixing bayonets, it now becomes personal. You were a hero to all of us. Thank you for your service.

[@jordan_velasquez]

Despite the chaos in our nation, it's still the greatest on Earth because of patriots like Tony. Godspeed Tony and to all of our fallen 🇺🇸

[@AwakenedAvocado]

Can't say the same for your damned politicians right now they forgot all of this.

[@seantbr2019]

I was a cav scout in the United States army I had a platoon Sergeant who was Puerto Rican not gonna name no names but he was a master tactician a great leader knew what the enemy was going to do before the enemy did it a majority of the time did it the exact same way that he said that they would I felt invincible around that guy felt as if he was there I would be able to get through anything

[@nycthroify]

It’s amazing how detailed he is. You can tell he’s still sharp.

[@Rzr543]

Absolutely amazing. What balls. Tony Nadal is definitely the real deal. Thank God he’s on our side.

[@bertplank8011]

No he ain't.....

[@sheilalarkin1291]

Vietnam Veterans are very precious to me. I was married to 2 combat vets that served in the 60’s. Let us never forget our Veterans sacrifices. Much respect Sir🇺🇸 God Bless you🙏🏼

[@rodneyward8357]

I became a soldier in 1990. I am not worthy of my past brothers but i will always strive to be.

[@brianathern9154]

Incredible interview, Col Nadal was described in the book as an exemplary leader...in the lineage of guys like Major Dick Winters...leaders lead from the front and by example. Thank you for your service.

[@Thomas-uw1gq]

I was in Graff also it was cold and muddy as hell. I went to Germany after Vietnam , it was a huge change and challenge after Nam got into a few scrapes with the locals and other GI's . Busted & cuffed a couple times . My Nam record got me out of jail time . De ranked and fines. My Platoon Sgt & Co stood by me ! They restricted me to barracks and the Co told the " sorry cant remember their title " duty Sargent or something , but the Co said to let me alone , I am crazy . Straight to Germany from Nam , no debriefing nothing. Nam Vet , Tom

[@overzone666]

welcome home, Tom.

[@georgemcadoo8546]

26:13 26:13

[@georgemcadoo8546]

26:13 26:13

[@georgemcadoo8546]

26:13 26:13

[@georgemcadoo8546]

26:13 26:13

[@pmrespinozadelosmonteros5870]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, ALL THE SOLDIERS WHO SERVED WITH YOU SIR🇺🇸🪖

[@texasted73]

These men are incredible the sacrifices they made for each other! It's so very humbling listening to their stories may God watch over them and bless them!

[@ralphbranham8663]

My father was in the Army during Vietnam , and I grew up with Vietnam on the news and went into the Air Force in 1978 as a Security Police Airman and spent three years in Germany 😊😊😊 1978 to 1983 .

[@1800KLIENFELD]

As a Puerto Rican and American I thank you Tony. I am honored. Thank you for your service hermano.

[@Luke-Hike]

Thank you for your service from across the pond. - Manchester UK 🇬🇧

[@fastyaveit]

From Leeds, UK, I'll agree with the Manc 🤣🤣

[@shane41225]

I’m 5 minutes into this and this guy sounds super intelligent and it’s easy to see why he is a colonel

[@alextheman3330]

Hearing about a PR who grew up with nothing really inspires me It’s like seeing your dad or grandpa in uniform Semper fi!

[@JohnRodriguez-zn4gf]

Beautiful Statement. Puerto Ricans make the BEST soldiers. Elite Fighters.

[@DionLackner]

All war is horrific, but there was something about Vietnam that made it next level scary. I think mainly due to the fact that you were basically dropped in the jungle and didn't know where the enemy was and could be ambushed at any time, I couldn't imagine! not to mention the miserable conditions. Much respect for these Vets from 🇨🇦

[@millicentsquirrelhole582]

Besides the legendary Hal Moore..there's the legendary Tony Nadal..'I'm 86yrs old so when I go to my grave in a coupla' years or whenever..it ain't gonna make a rat's ass.. tha' Lord ain't gonna ask me what medals I had'.....this is what being a man is..Bravo!

[@scotttyson8661]

Yep

[@Timbolic]

A real man doesn't need validation. My late step father told me that when I was 10 years old and I never forget that in the occasional moments of doubt in life. We lost him a year later from complications from Agent Orange. I'll never forget that man. He was CPL.Samuel A. Blinn U.S. Army 1st Air Cavalry Division

[@max420thc]

Col Hackworth was nominated for a CMO three times and turned down because of politics

[@ronaldwhalen8143]

Loved the movie We where Soldiers. Now I can put a face with the courage. What a man .

[@Johnnys_place]

Basic leadership skills in a real war zone. Outstanding.

[@Artillery2012]

A lot of Puerto Ricans of legendary status that served in Nam. 🇵🇷

[@JohnRodriguez-zn4gf]

Excellent Comment. Since WWI, the USA learned that Puerto Ricans make the BEST soldiers.

[@JoJoRogain]

​@@JohnRodriguez-zn4gf don't forget our Japanese too

[@CsuarezFla]

In the Army when you get to basic training your Drill instructor will say there are no races in the Army, your either green or dark green.

[@Artillery2012]

@@CsuarezFla great analogy!

[@DavidSmith-jo9re]

You’re a great man for going into that creek bed and getting your soldiers back takes some balls sirGod bless you and thank you for your sacrifice sir🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@karldennis448]

Thank God we have men like this.

[@BlueWaterSTAX]

Well done, good and faithful soldier. God bless our veterans.

[@olivias.3071]

Thank you, Sir. You are a shining example of how a leader should be

[@bigmac9940]

He deserved the DSC. True American hero.

[@turtle19dad]

Yeah it’s crap some damn pencil pusher denied his well earned award.😡😡😡😡

[@riverbender9898]

You, Sir, are a wise and brave man. I salute you.

[@kevinfreeman3098]

Men like this are exactly why I became a Cavalry Trooper. Scout's Out, Sir!

[@max420thc]

SCOUTS OUT! Gary Owen! Scouts lead the way!

[@rionlandrum9560]

My grandfather was a WW2 U.S. marine. He had a similar story. His whole division was wiped out fighting the japanese. Only him 3 guys survived. Everybody around him killed plus his best friend next next to him. He grew up with. He felt guilty about it his whole life.

[@Mat-threw]

At no point in history has an entire US division (save 3 guys) been killed..

[@richardthornhill4630]

Thanks to all our Veterans who served.

[@frankrizzo4460]

Yes indeed 🙏🇺🇸

[@ChrisMartens-d6y]

What an amazing "real man". Hard to believe he is 86 years old when this video was made.

[@ocularpressure4558]

Love this attention to our vets this is the best channel on KZbin ❤

[@joseconcepcion1354]

Gracias por sus servicios. A proud Boricua

[@RamonNadal-Tony]

De nada

[@pablocortes6950]

Iron Ballz McGinty!! Dude is tough as nails!! Thank You for your service Sir, welcome home!! 💜💯

[@ejsocci2630]

Welcome, thank you all so much for your service 👊🏻🇺🇸

[@RadioMan666]

Colonel Nadal You may not have gotten your metal, but you have my total respect.

[@frankrizzo4460]

Thank you for your service to our Republic, we are forever grateful for your sacrifice. God bless all those who gave everything for us.🙏🇺🇸

[@Greg-n6i]

God bless you and your fellow soldiers Colonel Nadal. 🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸

[@davedrifter416]

So fitting that Fort Benning will become Fort Moore on the 11th of May. I served in VietNam, in Pleiku at Camp Holloway in a Cav Unit. Much later, but we learned the history of IaDrang Valley and the 1st Cav. Garry Owen Colonel!

[@adamr6794]

Who was the bartender at the officers club at Camp Holloway that refused to serve Hal Moore after the battle at X-Ray?

[@wickedclown4451]

Thank you for your service ❤

[@XHollisWood]

Thank you for sharing this experience, including your sacrifice, service and courage ❤🇺🇸

[@duncanmiller1288]

What a great man. Respect from Liverpool England 🇬🇧

[@qcarr]

Thank you sincerely for your service and sacrifice, Colonel.

[@neilbodwell9172]

Sergeant Savage was played by the same man who played Opie in the show Sons of Anarchy, and he nailed it. These men are badasses.

[@garyrobertson5629]

My desk at DOTD was next to Earnie's -- great real estate agent to... LOL

[@robertlafar3822]

Wow he gave me cold chills a true hero the sacrifice of his sole should never go unnoticed thank you sir

[@zorlacskaterfreak]

I completely respect all those who served in Vietnam! RIP for all those who never came back and those who have passed since. To those who are still with us thank you for everything you gave and god bless you! From a South Australian bloke - thankyou!!!

[@paulf1006]

Love these interviews by AVC. The best of the best info that will live in infamy.

[@reggiegesmundo7043]

Awesome share. Thank you 🙏🏾.

[@georgepeterson3332]

Hero’s that deserve so much more

[@guyguyver7552]

I deserve much more....not him...I pay their paychecks..😊

[@dypzyhosely]

@@guyguyver7552 you may pay his paycheck’s but without people like him, People like you wouldn’t be able to say whatever you want too they fight so you don’t have to if you don’t want too it’s not a matter of oh you pay his paychecks the guy you replied too just said they deserve more for what they sacrificed their lives for

[@guyguyver7552]

@@dypzyhosely ....anyone in the military is just a dime a dozen cannon fodder....😊

[@georgepeterson3332]

@@guyguyver7552 sighing a paycheck is much different than risking everything for people back home and the men and women next to them who they could have just met

[@guyguyver7552]

@@georgepeterson3332 ...women in the military are just for show, and to service the servicemen because they all get pregnant when the bullets are gonna start flying....🤣😂🤣😂

[@classifiedclassified7567]

Thank you, sir, for your service.

[@reginaldweasley2401]

I love these stories so much.

[@asullivan4047]

Interesting and informative. Special thanks to the veteran guest speaker. Sharing personal information/combat experiences making this interview more authentic and possible. That's true grit style of determination to succeed!!!

[@martinbruce6651]

Sir I have the movie and watch it all the time. Salute. Thank you for putting it in to context from a E4 army dog.

[@gary9426]

Much respect, sir...THANK YOU for your service.🙏✊

[@echohunter4199]

As an Infantryman we have a saying; “when others are running from the sounds of battle, we will be found running towards it!” And another is our job description; “close with, fix and engage the enemy at all opportunities!” I always looked up to the Vietnam era NCO’s in my unit, they taught us field skills that was on another level. Before I retired in 2009 I did my best to pass on those skills to young Soldiers and I hope they do the same as they get older.

[@kurtb2522]

Wonderful presentation. Thank you Lt.Col. God. Bless you. Kurt Bullington Ltc, USAR (ret)

[@dustynpierson5924]

Loved the movie but to hear it directly from one of the officers leading those men really tells the story. God Bless you Sir.

[@Tiger74147]

I like what he said at the end about having the lowest rate of PTSD. That this is something he's proud of speaks incredibly well of his character, and he also wisely observes that it's likely because of the connection that they all maintained. PTSD may find it's root in a traumatic experience, but it's feeling totally isolated by the experience from everyone else that makes people go over the edge. It's not talked about nearly enough, everyone focuses on the trauma, but it's obvious how beneficial community is.

[@Jimleben]

Thank you for your service.

[@skyepilotte11]

Great interview...

[@williamedwards8493]

What he said in the beginning about the training. I was doing the same thing exactly to the tee in 08 in hoenfels Germany and we did that every October. Bravo company 1/4 inf.

[@Axe_Slinger]

My father was a Scrub Tech in the Operating Rooms at 93rd Evac Hospital in Long Binh during the battle of Ia Drang. He was only in Country just under 2 Months when it happened. He said it was a crazy few days and he saw a LOT of the wounds our young kids received! He was 24 at the time.

[@anonaki-mt6xb]

The one and only Tony Nadal. Peace and Well Being to you Sir!

[@Lynchfan88]

Absolutely awesome!!!

[@bluecollarvoice9855]

I was raised to respect our vets and thank them for all they have done! Had I not went into law enforcement the military would have been my destination. My father was drafted in the Vietnam era and everyone I meet that is a vet I always tell them "Thank you for your service" but one day i was told when you see a Vietnam veteran tell them "Welcome Home" because many never heard that so one day while walking through Walmart I observed a gentleman with a Vietnam War cap on and walked up and said "Excuse me sir but I see your a Vietnam veteran and just wanted to tell you Welcome Home!" He stopped looked down for a second then turned looked at me with tears in his eyes hugged me and said "That was the first time I have been welcomed home since I got back from hell!" We had a long talk cried together hugged and I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT MAN OR THAT DAY! "THANK YOU ALL FOR WHAT YOU DID AND....... WELCOME HOME!!!!"

[@sherryblanton2029]

How Beautiful! Also, Very True! Very few ever heard those words.

[@gullybull5568]

Thanks.very.much.❤ a.canadian.patriot.

[@mikemarley2389]

God bless our Warfighters past ,present ,and future.

[@djmech3871]

It’s to bad our soldiers are waisted on useless wars. Wars spawned by the military industrial complex.

[@Leonbergerss]

What a badass ! A true American Hero 🇺🇸

[@DJCoachCookie68]

Wow, amazing..... interesting to hear what he said at the end about keeping the Annual Reunions going. Developing and maintaining those relationships and friendships

[@willkiecana3413]

I forgot the name of the author and the book but there is a theory put forth that, the main cause of PTSD for service members is actually the sense of losing one’s tribe or team. Being a part of a brotherhood and then feeling like that is gone. Rather than just traumatizing experiences. So what he said about his unit at the end makes sense.

[@davisworth5114]

Americans maintained their false sense of personal innocence by projecting their own sense of dishonor and guilt onto the veterans who were under orders to fight the war. This unconscionable scorning and scapegoating left an entire army isolated at home, with horrible emotions festering inside, because no one listened and no one cared, for the most part. Most of us went to Vietnam as individual replacements, The Cav. was blessed in the sense that they trained together and knew everyone in the unit, and that unit, as Col. Nadal says, helped them overcome social isolation.

[@willkiecana3413]

@@davisworth5114 you’re absolutely right. For this veteran and for all in his generation, what you mentioned, probably had the greatest effect on them. I do think losing one’s purpose and sense of tribe does contribute. But for these men it was probably overshadowed by what they had to go through once they returned home.

[@davisworth5114]

I am so glad to see Col. Nadal here so Americans, and the world, can see what great leaders are all about-loyalty to the troops and self-sacrifice. Forget the movie, read the book, "We Were Soldiers Once and Young".

[@bobdixon4998]

I read the book before seeing the movie. God bless you Sir.

[@Joe3364]

Wow, what can I say that has not been said about this great and caring American soldier, other than God bless him for all he has done for his country and fellow man.

[@allenfitzpatrick8485]

As an Australian im very glad we have men like him and the us millitary on our side.

[@gnarkillgnarkill7725]

We were happy to have you in the Pacific.❤❤❤

[@mikejerrell1297]

A soldiers soldier! Much Respect and Thanks

[@JJAmerindia]

Really enjoy this stories. I'm a Marine Vietnam veteran. I'd love to hear some about the Marine Corps Combined Action Program. I started out in Hue Duc by Hill 10

[@tommychew6544]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@judithcampbell1705]

Loved the movie, but to see the real men who were there is putting it into perspective. Thank you 💛 for your service Sir. I respect servicemen. God bless you and keep you safe.

[@4catsnow]

Movie missed a couple of key points...one being had it not been for Arc Light out of Guam...no American would have left that area...and Custer's Last Stand would have repeated itself...

[@adamr6794]

@@4catsnow NO Support from Arc Light at X-Ray. If there was support from B-52's they all would have died. ARC light drops happened miles away from the battle. There were no drops at X-Ray until after the battle and after reinforcements marched out. How many times did you post this nonsense

[@fload46d]

Sounds like an excellent officer.

[@haroldmclean3755]

Thank you for your Service 👍

[@secretagent86]

RESPECT TO VETERANS AND THOSE IN SERVICE

[@kevinpritchard3592]

WOW, hearing about this battle from someone that was actually there is something else.

[@marshallalbritton9521]

Thank you. This is a great man.

[@jammyrick4087]

Colonel Nadal is a soldier's soldier!

[@Greg-rd8qr]

Respect

[@charlessaint7926]

When the command to "Fix bayonets!" is given, then things are desperate. Now the battle comes face to face and personal.

[@Thomas-uw1gq]

Your adrenaline hits a new high! Nam Vet , Tom

[@jafo766]

Hmmm , if the enemy is NOT out of ammo , you are going to die with a fixed bayonet doing the HAND JIVE.

[@shaunkirby273]

@@jafo766what would you do?

[@jafo766]

@@shaunkirby273 Like Grandpa Simpson I would black out and when I came to I'd realize I must have beaten all the enemy to death with the butt of my rifle. Then swim with 2 wounded comrade's for 6 hours to safety like Michael Thornton ( M of H )see Mike's story , something like that ?

[@jafo766]

@@shaunkirby273 Bayonets are useless when the TREE'S START TALKING , it would be what I stripped from your gear and gave you an extra mag.

[@xipingpooh5783]

A real man. A Hero and the finest example of a warrior on Gods green earth.

[@Genman510]

A true hero God bless him.

[@donkpa8506]

I’m don kpa Montagnards use to leave 15 mile to plei me camp , I fled from my village near plei me to Cambodia 2001 then came to North Carolina 2003. Love see this scene I miss it

[@notcrazy6288]

This man is not a Lieutenant Colonel. He's a full bird.

[@imurgodsgod]

That's the least crazy thing you have ever said

[@Ja_s-per]

🎇🇺🇲"God Bless Our, Veterans and Active Warrior's!"🇺🇲🎇 🫡

[@not-much-but-enough]

With men like this leading they could have conquered the world

[@Autobotmatt428]

All of this was in the film We Were Soldiers. This man was the captain in the creek bead just behind the lost platoon lead by Savage.

[@ghost4-6]

Tony Nadal was the last person I interviewed for the autographed book. Very nice man in a 15min talk.

[@AmericanDeen777]

The goosebumps when he gave the order to fix bayonets

[@restaurantattheendofthegalaxy]

I was an Artillery Officer, was absolutely forced to volunteer for Ranger & Airborne school and was scared to death about it but my ‘request’ was denied because my Arty Bn was heavy mech M-109A4s. Today in the Army, if you want to have a career you ‘must’ go to airborne school & ranger school. We practiced patrolling & op orders and all that stuff, and I hated every day of it. Artillery fire support & fire direction & gun line, all easy if you know what you’re doing and none of that ridiculous ranger tab bs.

[@garyrobertson5629]

*800-WAA-WAAA... " call the chaplain he's paid to listen to legs snivel".