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

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Colonel Tony Nadal was born at Fort Benning, Georgia, and raised in his family’s home in Puerto Rico while his father served there in the Army. After boarding school, prep school, and then West Point, Nadal completed Airborne and Ranger School and was sent to Germany, where he later volunteered for the Special Forces.
After earning his Green Beret in 1963, he was sent to Vietnam to command an A Detachment at Nam Dong in I Corps. He returned to the States, completed the Armored Officer's Career Course, wrangled briefly with the Army over going to Korea, then returned to Fort Benning and joined the 11th Air Assault, which became part of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) and deployed to Vietnam as a unit in the early fall of 1965. He describes the brilliant leadership in the 11th Air Assault, which provided the Army with 13 three- and four-star generals. He discusses the battle at LZ X-ray, fighting under the legendary commander Hal Moore - the story told by Moore and Joe Galloway in their famed book, "We Were Soldiers Once...and Young," and subsequent film - and the lost platoon as well as why his unit is still so close today.
The interview was recorded on November 4th, 2022.
Video Credits:
Interviewer - Greg Corombos
Director of Photography - Jon Hambacker
Editor - TJ Cooney
00:00 Intro
00:28 Family Background and West Point
03:15 First Army Assignment
05:38 Joining Special Forces
06:40 First Vietnam Deployment
09:23 Leading up to Battle of Ia Drang
12:40 LZ-Xray
14:26 Battle of Ia Drang Begins
18:22 Earning his men's trust
20:25 Bayonet Charge to Save Lost Platoon
24:37 His soldiers are still close
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* 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!

[@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.

[@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

[@icalloutthenerds]

​@@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.

[@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

[@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🙏🏼

[@user-nc8dx5uy6k]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@bigmac9940]

He deserved the DSC. True American hero.

[@turtle19dad]

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

[@Luke-dj2tk]

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

[@fastyaveit]

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

[@gary9426]

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

[@BlueWaterSTAX]

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

[@shanew8158]

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

[@ronaldwhalen8143]

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

[@joseconcepcion1354]

Gracias por sus servicios. A proud Boricua

[@RamonNadal-Tony]

De nada

[@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 .

[@pablocortes6950]

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

[@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!

[@olivias.3071]

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

[@richardthornhill4630]

Thanks to all our Veterans who served.

[@frankrizzo4460]

Yes indeed 🙏🇺🇸

[@ocularpressure4558]

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

[@karldennis448]

Thank God we have men like this.

[@ejsocci2630]

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

[@johnnys_place]

Basic leadership skills in a real war zone. Outstanding.

[@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.

[@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

[@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🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@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.🙏🇺🇸

[@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?

[@RadioMan666]

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

[@duncanmiller1288]

What a great man. Respect from Liverpool England 🇬🇧

[@wickedclown4451]

Thank you for your service ❤

[@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....🤣😂🤣😂

[@anonaki-mt6xb]

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

[@xvsj5833]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@notcrazy6288]

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

[@imurgodsgod]

That's the least crazy thing you have ever said

[@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!!!

[@robertlafar3822]

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

[@qcarr]

Thank you sincerely for your service and sacrifice, Colonel.

[@gullybull5568]

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

[@classifiedclassified7567]

Thank you, sir, for your service.

[@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.❤❤❤

[@reggiegesmundo7043]

Awesome share. Thank you 🙏🏾.

[@paulf1006]

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

[@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.

[@fload46d]

Sounds like an excellent officer.

[@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.

[@mcnallica8]

What a badass ! A true American Hero 🇺🇸

[@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.

[@reginaldweasley2401]

I love these stories so much.

[@Lynchfan88]

Absolutely awesome!!!

[@user-hi6dj2uo3v]

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 🇨🇦

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@kurtb2522]

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

[@kevinpritchard3592]

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

[@jammyrick4087]

Colonel Nadal is a soldier's soldier!

[@mikejerrell1297]

A soldiers soldier! Much Respect and Thanks

[@johnfinazzo2101]

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

[@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.

[@Jimleben]

Thank you for your service.

[@Ja_s-per]

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

[@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.

[@reset-xs9ql]

he sure doesn't look 86. more like 56.

[@schlinge-fling]

This man doesn’t look a day older than 70!

[@billyruprecht9581]

The medic in the Lost Platoon was SP5 Charles Lose.

[@2098elk]

HOORAH! Army 65 to 67.

[@Genman510]

A true hero God bless him.

[@tommychew6544]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@bobdixon4998]

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

[@secretagent86]

RESPECT TO VETERANS AND THOSE IN SERVICE

[@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

[@MrWarmach]

this what AMERICA SOLDIERS WHICH DEFINED THIS COUNTRY . GOD BLESS .

[@jonboy9912]

When I think how these brave men were exploited by greedy politicians it makes me sick.

[@cavscout62]

It’s nothing new Jon Boy, it’s actually the Rule rather than the exception. Nothing however diminishes the Exceptional Performances of our Troops and nobody can take it away. We Veterans must Unite and become the Strongest Voting Bloc in this Nation so that we can prevent Scumbag politicians from wasting the lives of our “Little Brothers” ever again.

[@stephenzavatski8016]

"A soldier's duty is to move to the sounds of the guns". A police officer's as well.

[@YugoM92]

No they sit in the parking lot and call for backup...

[@beauxgaloo9621]

Uvalde proves that is a lie.

[@jimmyj2354]

I would have never guessed your 86 yrs old.I salute you sir.

[@croatiancroissant28776]

You can’t compare the two. Not even close.

[@thomasfx3190]

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".

[@johnm249]

Thank you for your service. I was 17 in 1980 and planned to join Army and go infantry as I wanted to be macho. But the Army recruiting command was stupid as 1 day my mom pissed me off and I called saying "When can I go to bootcamp?" The reply was :Your recruiter is on leave you gotta wait until he gets back. Navy recruiter was at my high school the next day and asked me "When you want to leave?" I was in bootcamp 3 weeks later. Signed up 5 September 1980 active duty 26 September 1980 my mom signed the paper work no problem.

[@rodneyward8357]

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

[@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

[@Greg-rd8qr]

Respect

[@willt1963]

Tony Nadal! Legend…

[@quanloikid1]

Great video! Thank you. Doc 1/5Cav RVN 69-70

[@herrcobblermachen]

God bless the A1 Skyraider and the guys that flewem

[@haroldmclean3755]

Thank you for your Service 👍

[@otisdriftwood8469]

My uncle David Christian was a navy pilot in Vietnam. He flew an A-4E Skyhawk off of the USS midway. He never returned. Mia for many years. My family says the body the navy later said was his was not him. But the case is closed. We still don't know the truth about what happened to him.

[@georgemcadoo8546]

26:13 I was the last man on Earth to communicate with an A-4 pilot, in Spring, 1967. He contacted me on the UHF channel at call sign Landshark Alpha, in Chu Lai. He informed me that he was dead stick on a bomb run at an NVA machine gun bunker that was firing on Marines near Tam Ky. He stated he was going to crash into the bunker, instead of possibly crashing into and injuring or killing Marines. His bird was armed with a full load of 500 pound bombs. When he hit the bunker, everything exploded. There would have been very little, if any, recoverable human remains. I hope this wasn't your uncle. And I hope his family was informed of his heroism.

[@not-much-but-enough]

With men like this leading they could have conquered the world

[@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

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

Band of brothers, illustrated by his service and all the men he respects. There is no adventure like earth.

[@glennwilson284]

I was in Basic in 73. To my surprise, we did not have any bayonet training.

[@bdo9114]

Wow man this guy would go today if he had to ,awesome

[@marshallalbritton9521]

Thank you. This is a great man.