Little Bighorn: The Desperate Defense of Reno Hill (w/Jocko Willink) | History Traveler Episode 343

(Part 3 of 4)
In the past few episodes, we've been walking the ground of the Little Bighorn battlefield where the U.S. 7th Cavalry under the leadership of George Armstrong Custer was greeted with disaster when they tried to overrun a Native American camp under the leadership of Sitting Bull. In this episode, we'll be taking a look at the defense of what is now known as Reno-Benteen Hill.
Learn more about Echelon Front here: echelonfront.com
And if you liked this episode, check out Leif Babin's breakdown of The Battle of the Little Bighorn here: • Navy SEAL Breaks Down ...
This episode was produced in partnership with The Gettysburg Museum of History. See how you can support history education & artifact preservation by visiting their website & store at www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory...
Map animations by @SandervkHistory
Support the effort to expand history education on PATREON: / historyunderground
Set yourself up with a 10% DISCOUNT on all Origin gear and nutritional products by entering the code "history10" at www.originusacom and jockofuel.com!!!
Other episodes that you might enjoy:
- Little Bighorn: Prelude to the Last Stand w/ Jocko & Leif | History Traveler Episode 341: • Little Bighorn: Prelud...
- A German Village DESTROYED By Artillery Fire in WWII (with a WWII Vet!!!)| History Traveler Ep. 338: • A German Village DESTR...
- Heroes of the Ardennes American Cemetery | History Traveler Episode 337: • Heroes of the Ardennes...
- What's Up With That Knocked Out Tank in Bastogne??? | History Traveler Episode 335: • What's Up With That Kn...
- Attack of the Bloody 28th Along the Hürtgen's Kall Trail | History Traveler Episode 327: • Attack of the Bloody 2...

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🌟If you've watched a few episodes and feel like I've earned it, be sure to subscribe so that you don't miss any new content when it comes out. Also be sure to check out The Gettysburg Museum of History and their store at gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com.

[@DonAbrams-hq7ln]

Brian Pohanka did a lot of research on the LBH,check him out

[@andrewgreeneyes7398]

I wish this series about Little Bighorn never come to an end! It's so exhilarating to watch

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@robertschultz6922]

Yes I really wish they could come back to this park and go into more detail about the battle. There’s so much more information that could be learned, and I truly believe we could gain a lot of knowledge about places like this that we can use in our own lives. Not much is told about the lone doctor who survived, dr Porter, and how with almost no medical supplies he was able to save several soldiers, even amputating one sgt leg who was shot during the trip for water

[@justinweaver8107]

Me2

[@ericscottstevens]

When we arrived near the entrance of this battle field in the summer of 1982, driving along suddenly a wild paint horse appeared and crossed in front of us unexpectedly. It had broken out of it's pen somewhere and was running wildly ahead of us and kicking at the air. It finally noticed us reared near the edge of the roadside and silently stared at us driving slowly past it. I am 54 now and that memory will never leave me. This area has mystic qualities.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh wow.

[@NickFortier]

Thanks for sharing. I like stories like this :)

[@GinaDAuria]

Yes, I agree. You were blessed to witness this. I'm a believer in these things. Thanks for sharing!!!!!🐴

[@stevequincy388]

I visited the battlefield back in 2016, it was an amazing, humbling experience. I paid my respects to the dead on both sides. This has been some of your best work yet J.D.!

[@sandramosley2801]

The addition of the photos of some of the participants against the grasses really helps place them in this legendary place, and after all, they did interact directly with that ground and flora, standing or up close and personal, fighting and/or falling there. When you think of all the policies and choices made over the decades that landed those people in that place, on the sharp tip of the spear, all proxies, representatives of all that historic pressure, and none of them super-human, it blows my mind.

[@brandysmith3977]

As you know, the only way to really understand a battle is to walk the ground. I have been there twice and while you're not allowed to walk this battlefield, there are one or two Native American guide companies which will take you on a horseback ride almost the entire length of the battlefield. I did this on my second visit and it was amazing. No matter how much one has studied the battle, understanding the lay of the land is essential. FYI, I was infantry combat Vietnam and CQC Instructor Iraq War.

[@jasonmathis6976]

Agree 1000% with this comment. My two sons and I visited here about five years ago. It's unbelievably deceptive from I-90 looking eastward up to the ridge line. It looks like you ought to be able to see anything from on top, but when you get up there you realize how many and steep those ravines are. You'd have to be standing right at the edge to see anyone approaching from below. Even then your sight's restricted pretty much to what's immediately in front of you. To either side your view's going to be blocked by the near wall of the ravine so you couldn't see anyone creeping up to flank you. If you're standing any distance back from the ridgeline, it's virtually impossible to see what's happening immediately beneath you. Even on top of the high ground there are enough hills and uneven terrain especially north of you that just a mile away might as well be the next state over as far as knowing what's transpiring. I don't have a soldier's trained eye, but to my untrained eye, I can't imagine a worse battlefield in pretty much open terrain where line of sight is concerned. Unless you had enough men to cover the entire ridge, your having the high ground would largely have been negated.

[@GinaDAuria]

Thank you for your service to our country,sir!!!

[@250sabre]

I’ll think about this all day , it consumes my mind !! Has for years !! The whole story even infatuated my great grandfather,s mind he was 18years old in 1876 ! My grandfather often talked about him !!

[@allengrant]

Most comprehensive look into the Battle of Little Big Horn I've ever seen. Well Done.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@JoshHonaker-xk2kt]

You have had me wanting part 3 for a week now. Again another great job with this piece

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

More to come!

[@user-kf8tb9nm7k]

JD thank you for making those videos from American West to the battle fields of Europe and beyond. I am a history “nut” and wish I could go to half the places you have gone and made those videos. Just a special thank you for bring those places to me and other people. Your videos are great and educational.

[@marie2274]

I have been to Little Big Horn. I'm so glad i found your documentary. It definitely gave me more information.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rfletch62]

A hearty "Garry Owen" for this lesson! Thanks!

[@marcmichaud1643]

I gotta make a trip and visit this place. I also appreciate the narration of Jocko. If you listen to his podcast, you'll appreciate his modern perspective as a student of war.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@thomashudgins996]

JD, I have to say this series has been great so far. I have been there twice. It is a sobering experience to walk those hills. Custer was a true buffoon. His ego tried to cash a forged check and it bit him in his backside. Unfortunately, it took the lives of the men that served under him as well. To this day, it still baffles me that this nation has looked at this action as a heroic episode of our history when in fact it was a fools errand. As a student of history, I would loved to time travel to this spot and using a drone to record all the action and compare it to the recorded action reports of the day. Truly a sad and unfortunate few days in American history.

[@ToddSauve]

The US army had done studies right on the spot of the Battle of the Little Bighorn and concluded that from all the information Custer had at hand, his battlefield decisions were sound. Custer was _not_ a buffoon. He had character traits that were not desirable but Custer was not stupid.

[@user-gh3hm4me4k]

@@ToddSauve you are so full of it-what do you think they would say -he had over whelming odd's on his side until a smart leader showed him how to fight against over whelming odd's and yes custer was a piece of shit-a buffone is an animal that doesn't need to commit atrocities to further his political ambition custer was

[@user-gh3hm4me4k]

thank you -very sad time in our country, perhaps if we were told the truth we wouldn't continue to make these same mistakes-

[@tomo9613]

Best visual and oral explanation of the battlefield I have heard well done

[@irishpride1186]

Heck yes! Perfect start to my Sunday! Thanks J.D! 😀

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Enjoy!

[@burton_burton_burton]

I love WW2, but it’s a nice change to have you do this particular series; great job on the docents,they seem very passionate.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@jimplummer4879]

I was just reading about Major Weir , He was so shaken by what happend at the battle, he eventually died from PTSD IN 1876 AT AGE 38.

[@AhJeezEnt]

Also allegedly was alcoholism that he’d been dealing with prior

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Oh dang. I actually didn’t know that.

[@JeffreyGlover65]

There was no PTSD back then.

[@jimplummer4879]

Very Welcome.

[@jimplummer4879]

@JeffreyGlover65 , In any 7 always is , it just wasn't known about

[@slimfire5475]

This is a very Educational series J.W and you deserve A+ . Thanks for taking us with you on these videos, Slim.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

I appreciate that!

[@tomlauer9504]

From a Native SoDaker - really really good coverage of this battle. I especially like the merging of video of the terrain with identities & placement of the leaders & units.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@billwyatt2449]

Oh man, a cliffhanger at the end!!!! Boots must be wearing well. You complained about everything but your feet. 😆

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

🙂

[@cometasporelcielo]

I'm a 40 year old woman and even I know what a legend Jocko is and the insane amount of knowledge and theory he understands. Great choice of docent for this program. Love your show. On to the ken burns gettysburg video!

[@Gitarzan66]

This was perfect timing on the release of this series. The last 2 books I read were "A Terrible Glory" and Son Of The Morning Star" This put some visual to my mental picture of things. And believe, it's always a little murky up there.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@bethann0808]

Great video. I have never visited this battlefield and I had no idea that this area had so many draws and little valleys and large hills. I also just learned from you that this battle was a lot more complicated than what we learned in school. I had no idea the area was so large. In school, you learn about Custer, but very little about Benteen and Reno. I'm glad you are taking the time to give us the full story of the battle.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad that it was helpful. And yes, it was a VERY complicated battle. Way more than what is typically portrayed.

[@michaelhoffman5348]

Thanks for doing this JD. Nice to see you back in the 19th century. American history actually DID start before 1941... let's see some more Civil War content please.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@michaelatkinson986]

Really enjoying this series. Job well done!

[@douglipscomb3002]

As an Australian who loves history, a big thank you for this series. I have learnt so much!

[@Mikael.formermilitary]

Another superb, educational video. Thank you.

[@MapleHillMunitions]

Drinking a jocko go while watching this. Very based sir.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@air4334]

Very well spoken..looking forward to part 4 !!!! Visited there a year ago and will return with more information thanks to your video. Very sacred grounds.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Awesome, thank you!

[@corychecketts]

I love these longer videos. So much detail and visual beauty. Thanks.

[@DarylDoucette]

I really am enjoying how you are showing the battlefield. You did a great job showing us what the place looks like.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@markrinehart7224]

JD, I prefer your commentary. Enjoying this series.

[@antonioperez2623]

I always wondered about the battle positions. This is a fantastic and best video on the explanation. Thank you!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@XxBillyGoatNinjaxX]

Oh cool! I remember recommending this topic as an episode a few years ago. Thanks for covering it!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@Chris-Nico]

Excellent 👍 very good analysis on the maneuvering of different units…. And cowardice of certain officers. I liked how Jocko talked about the lack of radios required even in today’s modern battlefield.

[@scobun]

Taking a course from Elliott West this summer in grad school on The American West. Your series has me doing my course mini-thesis on the Little Bighorn. Great stuff.

[@perryj8850]

Phenomenal video. Can't wait for the next episode!!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@thinkforce]

This is superb watching and brilliant commentary as usual. I’m from the UK and this piece of history is well known thought the world, but to see it walked and talked in this way feels like I’m hearing it all for the first time.

[@frankmarullo228]

JD. You did it again my friend ! Wish I knew when you were there I live 45 minutes from there would have liked to meet you .THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA.....

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@cynthiacarter514]

TY for showing the gauntlet the volunteers ran to and from the river to provide water. In my imagination the “run was not that long of a run. Since you showed the long area, I cannot imagine the bravery it took the soldiers to put themselves in such danger for their fellow soldiers.

[@mikehawthorne3374]

J.D. great series!!

[@ericbentz4597]

Watching these videos makes me want to watch Son of the Morning Star again.

[@johnstup4479]

Loving this series JD. Many thanks!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@CycoWarriorx]

This series was excellent… I hope you do more of these… 🍻

[@sportcardcollector9599]

Another great episode love the channel keep on making these awesome video's God Bless America 🇺🇲

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@recountonrealitypodcast9920]

Fantastic information and presentation as usual JD, always love watching your work and the content is just fantastic! Keep up the awesome work!

[@craiginnh8277]

You're doing a great job with this series. I like how it is broken into manageable segments.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@barbaramai7610]

Enjoyed this episode! I have read a book on the Battle of the Little Bighorn, but seeing the actual sites, and your excellent narrative, puts a different perspective on what happened that day in June of 1876.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@Jerry-fn5nx]

Excellent vid, can't wait for Episode 4 👍

[@MB-vu3ow]

Another fascinating video. Thank you, J.D.🇺🇸

[@ryanaines6617]

Great as always, very much looking forward to Vimy

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@Brendanno100]

Fascinating series

[@user-dc8sg5xu1n]

I’ve been to the battlefield, at dusk it seemed that you could just feel all the tragedy that happened there.

[@terryeustice5399]

It was a cluster …. as Clint Eastwood said in a film. These guys could not get on the same page. Hate for their Commanding Officer. And trying not to get wiped out themselves. Made massive bad decisions. Thank you JD for this Series of videos. ❤️💯👍👊

[@robertbrannon6909]

thanks JD this is amazing.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you like it! Thank you.

[@dankorolyk5917]

Great perspective JD and informative

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@donnaoliver8228]

Love watching your videos,thank you so much.

[@marionjohansson4235]

Excellent documentary

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@patrickmccrann991]

Visited the battlefield in 2002 with my 7 yr old son. The tour guides were two Native American woman, mother and daughter, from the Crow Nation. Most of the battlefield lies on the Crow Reservation. He thought that so cool.

[@SoCal780]

I’m learning quite a bit from this, thanks JD!

[@thirdlion3107]

As always, outstanding 👍

[@MonicaLarimore-lk6li]

Excellent.Was there over thirty years ago and always wanted to go back.

[@robertpapalia]

Very good job of telling what went on there.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you!

[@mikepulis4618]

Good job, as usual. I was among a group in 2006 that was mounted 7th cavalry at Little Big Horn. We also did a two day ride on the route Custer took to the battlefield via the Crows Nest. Being on horseback does give a different dimension using the rolling landscape.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Wow!

[@victoria383]

Very well done, enjoying this

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@camdodge9891]

JD excellent as always great video & wow what a beautiful place the views in the background is just amazing JD

[@JohnnyButtons]

Jocko!!! My Gracie Jiu-Jitsu brother! ❤

[@NickyB0718]

Great video thanks for sharing

[@lightningracing19]

JD I know you like to explore obscure battlefields to further the exposure. Can you consider covering the civil war battlefields of Valverde and Glorietta Pass? I know a lot about them but you have a way of conveying history that is worth a listen!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

On my list.

[@justinweaver8107]

Amazing footage with drone

[@Chiller11]

Major Marcus Reno reportedly did not distinguish himself during the Battle of the Greasy Grass. Benteen had an interesting decision to make, either to ride to the aid of Custer or to stay and support the retreating men of Reno’s command. It would have been difficult I think to ignore Reno’s pleas for help and ride past to support Custer. I think I would have made the same choice to create a defensive position on the high ground to prevent the destruction of Reno’s men and to scout forward to determine Custer’s situation.

[@raygreen257]

Thing is once benteen get to Reno he becomes under Reno command now some say that benteen follows weir out but to be honest by then it's to late

[@ToddSauve]

It was as if the entire thing was preordained. The Indian camp was colossal for the place and age, and kept growing larger just prior to Custer's arrival. It was so big he could not have defeated it if he had super cognitive abilities. Yet the 7th and the incoming Indians never crossed each others paths or knew of the others presence until the end! Then the terrain concealed all of the things the 7th Cavalry needed to ascertain what they were up against. It was a disaster and no one could have stopped it. Moreover, the camp could only have stayed together for maybe a few days longer because they had largely hunted out the area. Custer and the 7th Cavalry walked right into a custom made snafu! 🤷‍♂😟

[@CodyChepa88]

Keep up the great work JD

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks!

[@Prellium]

I just read a really good book about the life of Custer so seeing the places I read about with JD explaining what happened and where is absolutely fascinating.

[@pauldouglas3084]

Really enjoyed the video mate can't wait for the next one

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kennethclaar922]

I have been waiting for this . Amen

[@gregoneal1]

This Little Bighorn series is so awesome. Some of your best work yet. There are two books about this battle that I highly recommend: The Last Stand by Nathaniel Philbrick and A Terrible Glory by James Donovan. I’m sure you have probably already read them, but I think your viewers would enjoy them.

[@user-gh3hm4me4k]

perhaps you may want to read black elk speaks

[@gregoneal1]

I’ll check it out. Thanks!

[@user-gh3hm4me4k]

please take the time to read about the real story of our countries attempt to annihilate the American indians ,not such a rosy picture but we should face the truth in this country-I grew up with American indians as friends ,nothing was ever said but my curiosity drove me to read something other than what the school books gave us ,there is information out there black elk speaks is a good start-the truth will make you sick but it will be worth it

[@sscinamon]

So interesting you do such a good job.

[@ricklipford8762]

Great video JD cannot wait for the next video

[@Roller_Ghoster]

The determination of the Native American Indians is amazing. We'd all do the same to defend our families and loved ones.

[@alexf1525]

great video as always

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks again!

[@joeruden8144]

Thanks for this video. Very well done. I have been to the northern end of the battle field, but never down to the southern part where Reno and Benteen were. I would highly recommend it.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danielburford1441]

my grandparents took me there when I was a kid it was unforgettable!

[@MrBradleyDavid]

Well done! With your references I could actually follow the terrain North, South, East and West. If I were to visit, I would know the landmarks to look for in each direction.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thanks! Glad that it was helpful.

[@terrystephenson984]

I love this series on this battle. Could do without the marine on speed though.

[@kamikaze2666]

Parched to the max

[@jcreateturner]

San Antonio National Cemetery has 13 Medal of Honor recipients, one whose citation says he carried water during the Battle of Little Big Horn. Thanks for telling me more of his story.

[@austinv7821]

Interesting fact: my grandfather supposedly purchased one of Custer’s swords from a family member of Custer. However, we have no documentation to prove it. All we have is GAC engraved into it.

[@tinman8518]

JD, a white hat instead of your black hat would help with the heat. Can't wait for the next video!

[@Firestarter635]

I don`t know if it`s even possible but it would be helpful to have a floating compass indicator at the top of the screen similar to video games when you do expansive outdoor shots. Gives my mind a clearer image of the lay of the land. But anyways good job. I always enjoy your channel and appreciate your efforts.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👍🏻

[@kemosabegt350geuss6]

Wonderfully done series. The only thing missing are distances from one point to another. For instance how far did Weir advance from his position at Reno/Benteen to Weir Point? How far is it from Weir Point to Custers last stand? If I had to guess I would say 11/2 -2 miles?

[@adrianrichards247]

Sitting in my chair on (for once) a sunny afternoon in the Uk in Dartmouth Devon …… presentation is excellent…..conveys the total confusion on the ground

[@janeanf123]

Great video.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

👊🏻

[@jbl7092]

Very cool the way you placed pictures around on the ground of the battlefield. I think Jocko drank a lot of GO juice that day 😂. He's definitely a knowledgeable guy and I have a lot of respect for him, but as an ex cop, I can say our best SWAT instructor was a guy who talked quietly and slowly, not fast and loud. Of course I'm a little slow, so that helped 😂 Great video as always.

[@jimplummer4879]

Thanks!

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you!

[@patrickmcsheoinin4808]

Thomas Joseph Callan, a 23 year old Irish man 👨 was one of the soldiers awarded the medal of honour 🎖 for his actions in getting water 💧 from the river

[@ryanaines6617]

My old man had driven through the area after they had the big brush fire in the ‘80’s, very eery he said.

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Interesting.

[@ryanaines6617]

@@TheHistoryUnderground I could be mistaken but I think after that grass fire it was one of the first times they really started to professionally record where alot of the bullets and shell casings were situated

[@julienflores4651]

Damn I need the next video already

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

😅👍🏻

[@strychnyne3530]

It's mind boggling this channel doesn't have over a million subs. All your videos are first rate. Any plans for a fort dearborn video?

[@TheHistoryUnderground]

Thank you. Would definitely like to visit Ft Dearborn.

[@OaklandRaider4L]

Was there in the mid 90's