Vietnam Voices: 'I got to figure out a way to get out of this. I got to escape'

Vietnam War veteran Rod Knutson talks about his experiences. Knutson served in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines. He was born and raised in Billings, Montana, graduating from Billings Senior High in 1956. He was one of about 651 prisoners of war who returned to the United States alive. Reports peg the number who died in prison at around 114. He spent 2,673 days as a prisoner of war - more than seven years - in Hanoi.

[@N1xon45]

Never have I seen a man that is more deserving of that comfortable chair to relax in. You earned every second of downtime.

[@adbogo]

Why?

[@swamishwami]

@@adbogo because he's much harder than you, hows night shift at whatever shithole you're stuck in?

[@benyoung552]

@@swamishwami 😂

[@outdoorrn2980]

@@adbogo ....Why not?

[@eduardh.5964]

This man, like all GI's, is a war criminal. How can one only admire murderers.

[@jimb7067]

There has to be a special place in Heaven for this man! He lived his hell on Earth. What a privilege and honor to hear your story.

[@jamesmcdonough2726]

@Eric Zombrow Eric you need to remember that minutes before these pilots were capture these aviators were dropping bombs on the people that captured them

[@Cognitoman]

@@jamesmcdonough2726 whats your point?

[@jamesmcdonough2726]

@@Cognitoman That the pilots should not expect good treatment,that's my point

[@Cognitoman]

@@jamesmcdonough2726 well in countries like thatyou wont... but first world countries they will.

[@chrisblue46]

@@jamesmcdonough2726 And most Sth VN'se who flew for the USAF were sent to " re education " camps,. and never heard of again.

[@johnalves3583]

Welcome Home Mr. Knutson. What a great inspiring story of Courage. God Bless all our Vietnam Vets, POW’s & MIA’s 🇺🇸

[@DBenX]

Very rarely have I seen such a sincere and honest interview. He tells of moments of greatest weakness and despair and how he still managed to save face. Not only towards his enemy, but above all towards himself. He behaves almost like an English gentleman, he is extremely intelligent and still has a certain wit. A very impressive person. We wish him all the best!

[@zadhusna7978]

tears went down my face when near the end of his story,when he saluted his colonel.he endured torture and everthing the NVA Throw at him for 7 1/2 yrs!!not to mention all the mental scars like PTSD that will haunted him for the rest of his life..i dnt know what more to say, other than may God bless him and his family.

[@dbohler8640]

I don’t have the words to express the level of respect. I’m in awe of anyone that had endured such Hell.

[@jamesnorbury7769]

Absolute respect. His eyes tell a story far more than what we have seen. Thank you for sharing this interview that we may learn from his courage to face our own challenges. Excellent interview.

[@stuartbugg3873]

It’s great to hear your full story finally. I was one of your instructors in VT4 and still remember our cross country to San Diego. Glad to see you in such good health. Stu Bugg. Pensacola , Fl.

[@Hippydon94]

Thank you for doing all of these interviews. The Vietnam War and America in the 1950's, 60's and 70's has been a huge point of research and learning in my life.

[@wdwhytemon6516]

Thank you Sir for your sacrifice and service! You are a Warrior!

[@banditnip0345]

This guy's been through pure Hell. I really was mesmerized by listening to his experience of his service in Vietnam.

[@tcdhrd]

He’s so good at telling his story that I found myself going through the emotions with him. When he was talking about them erupting on the plane and seeing the children it made me so happy inside. You can’t imagine how high with joy these guys had and then the drop in your stomach when the Chaplin told you what he had to tell you. I can’t imagine being that happy to learn how much some of these men’s lives have changed with losing family and wives leaving them. The only reason I have hope in this nation surviving is the hearts and souls in men and women like this that will always survive no matter what they bring before us.True American Hero that survived hell🇺🇸.

[@Sh_tstain]

Rod Knutson is one of the most remarkable men I have had the pleasure to listen to.. I really wish I could form more of an articulate comment to his story, but I'm at a loss as to how a man who has been through so much, has retained his joie de vivre.. Thank you Sir.

[@ResistTheNonsense]

Extremely enlightening discussion from this man. Integrity emanates of this gent and many of those who have been interviewed on this project. So thankful that we have this record.

[@ederanged7960]

I don't even have words.. You have nothing but my respect and admiration, sir.

[@davidbaker2859]

God bless you Rod,you survived absolute HELL, yet you remain so loyal & humble.An amazing person with wisdom to spare. You deserve all the good fortune ahead. All the best from Australia.

[@taylorjames3243]

This brought me to tears. What an amazing man

[@theplinkerslodge6361]

2:30:00 No one except those who survived this can truly relate to that moment. 2:32:30 God Bless America Thank you for this production - worth watching at least a couple of times a year, on Veterans Day and Memorial Day, for instance.

[@davidchicoine9209]

Mr. Knutson is a remarkable person - one encounter and you'd never forget him. I heard him speak on board the USS Ranger back in the 80s, and I never forgot his voice coming across to lift us up during a very down time.

[@shindoo2]

I am now 77 years old (2021) thank you for telling your story, I wasn't drafted in 1966, I was deferred because I was in school and then later because I had a physical medical problem. Sir. you are an inspiration for your fellow Americans, you are a true hero.

[@larrrywells7932]

My God, what a story of courage, and the will to live. Thank you sir for the honesty and sharing with the world the horrors of war. God bless all of you who have served or are serving our nation with honor.

[@jlatour533]

Many thanks for the interview! Respect for the Vietnam vets. What a experients. Wish Them the best. Greets from Holland

[@paule6945]

I'm humbled and in awe of you sir, there are no words that exist that do you justice. Thank you sir, im honoured to have listened to your story, respect 🙏❤

[@harrykuheim6107]

I was passing through the Philippines en route to Nam Phong, Thailand, and shook hands with some of these Guys at Clark Air Base...spring of 73 some time. USMC 70-74.

[@danpollard4210]

What Nobility,Courage,Honor,Valor and Strength! Thank You Sir!

[@Hoytbuff]

Thank you for your service sir. Hope you are well.

[@thejudge-kv2jk]

One tough guy. Much tougher than me! Best wishes from the UK.

[@wutangwingchun8551]

I am in absolute awe, not only about everything you have been through, but that you are able to recall such specific details that I appreciate you sharing. Most POWs aren't able to recall such horrific events or they are unable or don't feel comfortable sharing so a story with such details is rare. Thank you for your service.

[@Sammie-k6n]

Wow, what an inspiring story. I knew you when you were at Glynco, and found out about your being shot down when a birthday card I’d sent to you was returned with a note from your CO. I remember thinking that you were tough and praying you would be okay and I am so happy you are.

[@afcm1234]

My CO at NWC China Lake. I got to fly with him in a TA-4J from China Lake to San Diego then on to Denver. Great man, great story. Much respect for you sir.

[@hongspa]

Duty, Honor , Compassion, Faith, Hope, And When They were Beaten We Were Beaten Too Amen.

[@lowellmorse6723]

This man..should have been at least a Two Star...I'm a big fan of Halsey. This kid deserves it...and He earned it. God Bless you Rodney A Knutson. A true Patriot.

[@themissingpiece9078]

Unbelievable what a great story what a great man I’ve listened to a lot of these and his voice I will remember forever

[@jmp.t28b99]

One of the best interviews that I have seen. I have often wondered how these POW'S endured and kept their sanity. The torture description that these men endured for hours on end shows the stuff that they are made of.

[@burtthebeast4239]

WELCOME HOME, Thank you Sir, God bless you all...

[@anthonyfrancesconi8682]

What an incredible story of survival. God bless you Sir.

[@diznyland6214]

Really great questions by the interviewer. I especially liked the question about the dreams he had during his imprisonment was very interesting. Also, I have listened to one other POW story that talked about the tapping code, and it was fascinating to see it actually demonstrated. What an incredible story. So glad he survived to tell it!

[@terriharrigan891]

Brilliant story, very sad but true heroes these Americans were.

[@0802turtleman]

Thank you for your service to our country. It was a great interview. What an American !

[@nikreikalas6886]

God bless you.

[@jeffsmith4110]

This man is being interviewed during "dog play time," and that dog knows it!

[@luismanes3762]

Amazing story, thank you for your service

[@shellmanbrandon2538]

What an incredible man. And what a sense of humor. His interrogation answers are incredible.

[@firstreviewer8966]

If ever a man deserved the respect of everyone Mr. Rod Knutson does. It was an Honor to Watch His Video! Thank You for Your Service! FR

[@DanC-go9lc]

hearing and learning about the tap code and visual alphabet was fascinating ... and what people will do and create when everything could seem lost and hopeless ... thank you so very much for sharing your story Rod

[@randykelso4079]

Though there are similarities, I found the POW visual alphabet to be much more logical than the deaf sign language equivalent.

[@jeffshorts6052]

Enjoying this channel in a very thankful way. Hats off to these brave men.

[@hart60]

This interview of this officer was very interesting and compelling. A truly amazing story of heroism. He was in prison for 7 years and made it through. Incredible really. Thank you sir for your service.

[@lorettabrail7806]

What a great story!!! Just so amazing! I wonder if you knew Captain Mike Weber who flew fighter jets during Viet Nam era for the navy. He was a squadron leader. He lives in Seldovia, Alaska now. A very interesting man. Great story teller, also!

[@PAYNEKILLER..]

This one was unreal, there's certain videos you watch that stick with you and influence your life to some extent, this being one.

[@jeffgidlow9000]

thank you Rod

[@jussiniemi9560]

I love the Vietnam Voices series.

[@ronsbeerreviewstools4361]

Thanks for this historical interview.

[@eddieclark933]

Incredible man !

[@johanemersongrobler]

God bless you, sir!

[@clinthunter1995]

Thanks for your service

[@nicholaswoolfenden5254]

Very good thank you. Brave gent.

[@pablomartinez5067]

God Bless you, Sir.

[@ronaldstarkey4336]

Well said... ocean at night... like being locked in a trunk or something... no lite...no horrizon... easy to become disoriented... can't tell up from down... etc

[@smugglednews7453]

Great initiative!!!

[@evanpierre-humbert2383]

MY Lord what a life what a man what a story , THANK YOU SIR !!!

[@craigwilcox4403]

Welcome home, brother.

[@anthonyledington3143]

Thank you.

[@mariekatherine5238]

Amazing man! Thank you, Sir, for your service.

[@wessongroup]

One tough dude ... glad he made it

[@Mttwincam]

I am speechless . This is what a hero looks like. How dare our former president disparage our heros.

[@LLACEM]

What a brave man

[@dugzoc1936]

Amazing Man and Amazing Story.

[@georgepack9192]

Can someone make this a movie this is incredible!!!!

[@smittyboy13]

Amazing story. Amazing man.

[@JSG-mw4qr]

"I fed peanuts to ball players at basketball games" 😂😂😂

[@garygilbert1999]

Hero. Please, to whomever is making this, hire a sound engineer.

[@paddycool]

remarkable story told by a remarkable man.

[@swillm3ister]

I learned two code languages... Never know when that might come in handy. Hopefully I don't need to ever deploy that knowledge the way these heros did.

[@mfreel1657]

Amazing to survive all that and still be "normal".

[@allivanaip]

Nice kitty!!❤

[@gennaromassi5524]

I wish I went to Vietnam, I was Classified one a ready to go with my friends I went to Fort Dix the sergeant whoever he was ask if any of us were married or with kids I said yes. He said sorry but we have to change Your classification from 1A to 3A which I think met three dependents. It Bothered me for years even to this day That I didn’t go with my buddies, we were all Gun ho to go.. Everyone I talk to tells me I was lucky I don’t think so.I wasn’t part of the Make love not war generation. I know I miss the greatest adventure of my life.Thank you for your service Sir. Can’t Believe what Trump said about McCain. Trump got a deferment because of his feet bullshit. The Coward, I still feel Guilt I didn’t go with my friends

[@jamesburns2232]

At 1:35, his cat's body language shows that he is listening attentively to every word of Captain Knutson's story. At 1:39, his cat starts to pray for him to give him comfort and never leaves his side. He's a good kitty!

[@georgelustrea2912]

Yes,,Animals are fantastic..

[@PlayerToBeNamedLater1973]

😐

[@peterscott8366]

Fantastic what a man

[@jafo766]

Owwwwww WHAT A LUCKY MAN HE WAS....

[@nickycritic5269]

30:40. I didn’t like how the interviewer pushes him off this subject. Wish he would have let him expand upon that subject.

[@PaulKruskamp]

Inspiration

[@jamesturner2329]

It makes me sick how much pain & aganony all humans have endured, sad thing is our people fight through it for our beautiful country but at the end of the day the same stuff that happens in warfare happens right here in a America so we’re really not making much difference but securing our own spot In the ground!!!

[@deusvult8251]

This guy is super still

[@someotherdude]

I can't help wondering if he could have crouched down a little better, stayed hidden until nightfall. Maybe.... What a horror this guy had to go through.

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

Never heard such a story like this in such detail that man is one amazing person

[@emcee1337]

i was hanging onto every word he said.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

@@emcee1337 clinging lol

[@Proculopsis]

Captain Rodney A. Knutson, I salute you sir. Quite simply the best video on KZbin. Professional documentary makers must be in awe of the highest quality of this unscripted and unedited interview with a courageous military officer. Very well done Billings Gazette.

[@aewhatever]

I'm glad I stumbled on this channel. This is a great idea to get their stories before it's too late

[@chimpybeck4734]

M

[@CameTo]

Absolutely. My grandad was in the RAF and my German great grandparents were obviously on the other side. As a kid I was fascinated and spent hours listening to their stories, and how much I wish I would have thought to record it on the old cassette tapes we had back then. One day all these stories need to be used as a historic record when no more wars are fought. However before that day can come, we all have one more war to fight, and it's going to be unlike any other, if we lose, well I think we can see where it's going to end up.

[@donnyr9180]

B-4 it's 2 late for what?

[@edwardjtruskyjr1921]

You didn't find it. Most likely, it found you.

[@edwardjtruskyjr1921]

Without a doubt, naval avaitors are the very best and this is from the air force. A tip of the hat to anyone who has the balls to land on a carrier in shitty weather at night.

[@howardfortyfive9676]

This is my 1st Navy carrier pilot of a fast mover since I discovered this channel.. His 1st letter home, something about "say hello to Ann Margaret." Words fail me. He misdirected answers he gave to give no Intel enemy could use. Then he endured more brutality and didn't give them jack. This man to me is as much a true Patriot as George Washington Davy Crockett or Dan'l Boone....

[@randykelso4079]

Loved the one he told his captors about being the Swimming Pool Officer aboard ship! Reminded me of the jokes we used to make about having a bowling alley aboard our carrier...😆

[@hoobeydoobey1267]

I served with him aboard the USS Ranger on the 83/4 cruise when he was the ship's navigator. He lost the pen Nixon gave him. I don't recall the details following his release. I found the pen and returned it to him. He liked to have cried right then and there. Super nice man unlike many of his fellow officers that graced the wardroom tables during meal times.

[@cedarshoals529]

That is a great story and thank you for returning his momento. I was in Long Beach in 1974 when the Ranger came in from a long cruise. There was a radio exchange with the Naval Station that reportedly ended with "We have been at sea for xx months. Advise that port security stand down"

[@joeyvanostrand3655]

Thank you very much for all of your sacrifice. I sincerely appreciate all you have done. My wife is a Navy Veteran. 2 tours of duty in the Gulf on the John C. Stennis. I'm SO proud of her!!

[@davidchicoine9209]

Yes, I was on an air det on Ranger during that cruise and one evening the ship's navigator came over the 1MC. I remember it was a very uplifting talk which we needed for sagging morale, as the ship had been out on a record-breaking no port call stint. Then, a follow-up comment filled us in that he had been a POW in Vietnam. So, this is the face to that voice. Full circle, shipmate! Thanks for this reminder.

[@vet137]

77-78 80-81 USS RANGER

[@CurtRowlett]

This is the most amazing story about the Vietnam war that I have ever heard. Thank you for sharing it with us, Rod.

[@davidkohler7454]

Dear , Rod Knutson. Your story has touched me quite profoundly...I will Never forget it,or you Sir..There is just no way one could even come close to imagining the pain and suffering that you and others there at that Prison camp experienced.Your story gives us a small sample of it..But that is all..You servicemen deserve to live out the rest of your lives however you wish. The taxpayers in the U.S.A. should gladly pay the bill..God knows they waste our money on so much needless stuff. Your cause is just. I hope they are treating you well.. Rod Knutson, thank you for your service in the military..And WELCOME HOME.GLAD YOU HELD OUT AND MADE IT..!!!! LORD BLESS YOU SIR..

[@katandpapa]

What an amazing gentleman! I could listen to him for hours, he's an incredible communicator! He is an American HERO! GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY!🇺🇸🙏❤

[@swillm3ister]

I'm so happy they came home alive. Fucking legendary.

[@motleymarc4393]

What an amazing interview. Every American should watch...especially these days!

[@harris1234100]

This man should have, and should to this day, anything he wants in this country. He should have never wanted for anything again.

[@frankmike9931]

How can any fool give this man’s intense story a “thumbs down”. What an embarrassment.

[@deets6926]

they are vc

[@bprathe3205]

Antifa and other Marxist communist pukes.

[@chrisblue46]

McCain's ghost has a conscience?

[@notbloodylikely4817]

KZbin algorithm bots give 1 dislike per 200 likes to balance the way videos are recalled in the database and prevent runaway top videos appearing in every recommended or search. 2000 likes = 100 bot dislikes, 20,000 likes = 1000 dislikes etc.

[@vet137]

@@bprathe3205 Trump got 5 deferments red hat jerk!

[@millieatr]

Its men like Mr Knutson that have kept this country free since the revolution Thank you Sir ,,one of the best interviews I have watched Also thank you Billings Gazette

[@dcd-pn3sd]

Wow,, just wow. A soldiers story about getting shot down then being a POW for 7 years. The bad, the badder, and the ugly. Also an amazing career after coming home. An absolutely riveting interview and extremely well told. WELCOME HOME Mr. Knutson, and THANK YOU for a lifetime of service to our country. Sir, you are a true patriot. ( SALUTE. )

[@carlcampbell6827]

dcd 2015 - I would love to hear the take these kinds of patriots have about their country being quickly converted to tyrannical Marxists / socilaists government in 2021.

[@chrisblue46]

And much more believable than McCain's story.

[@riftraft2015]

@@chrisblue46 mcstains whole story was a proven lie. He crashed 2 planes hot dogging against orders before vietnam. Anyone else would have been sent to leavenworth. And he got shot down by AA flying low and slow, (like a dumbass), AGAIN, AGAINST ORDERS. As told by guys that were there. He also told the nva all the standard flight SOPs for the navy. (Shoot downs rapidly rose after mccains capture) He came home big , fat, and happy, while most POWs were starved, and helped or carried off the plane. Watch the video. A traitor imo. I belive his fellow POWs.

[@danielfitzpatrick4290]

Incredible........ Everyone needs to hear these stories.... Maybe ppl would appreciate what we have here in the USA a little more 🇺🇸

[@richardbarry04553]

One smart tough dude - so glad you made it back after all that Mr. Knudson

[@tpmarkham]

I have watched about 20 of these so far, and this is the first POW one I have seen yet. What an amazing, humble man. Thank you for your service, sir!

[@I-sed-no]

Appalling what he endured. Honorable man. He is the perfect example why his generation is one of the greatest in U.S. history.

[@darkostanisavljevic1105]

They fought an unjust war, against incalculable weaker enemy, they cannot be not even near to the WWII generations.

[@Flibbybibby]

@Darko Stanisavljević Learn English before you spew diarrhea from your dumb mouth-hole, bozo. 🖕😘

[@fighterscorner6787]

Well said

[@somejimmydude2121]

extremely appalling, considering these people signed the Geneva convention

[@Metoo3232-pu2wc]

@@darkostanisavljevic1105 So because the WW2 generation fought a tougher enemy they somehow deserve more respect? That is the dumbest thing I ever heard in my life. The Viet Cong . They were in Charlie's backyard. It is always much tougher fighting a military force on their home turf when you are the invader. I don't think it mattered much to the US soldiers and airmen who died there that they were a superior force. These men fought and many of them died serving their country in a war most did not even believe in. For that they deserve our utmost respect.

[@tul34132]

Marine, Navy, cat in the dining room, grandfather clock chimes in, and now the family dog on the lap and one roaming around. You Sir are an American Alpha, all that 12:31 into it. God Bless you Sir for your service.