Key Takeaways
- SEAL training adapted rapidly during the Vietnam War, producing augment classes for increased demand.
- Cohesive SEAL platoons, like Charlie Platoon, conducted detailed operational analysis to enhance mission success.
- Early Vietnam engagements involved intelligence-driven ambushes and precise use of air support.
- Effective tactical leadership and resourcefulness were crucial for SEAL teams operating in challenging environments.
- Tragic losses occurred, including a helicopter crash killing five SEALs at the end of a tour.
- The Vietnam War saw a winding down of SEAL operations, with personnel transitioning to advisory roles by 1972.
- Post-service, SEAL veterans navigated diverse civilian careers and continue to foster the SEAL community and its legacy.
- The UDT SEAL Museum aims to inspire patriotism and a sense of service through historical exhibits.
Deep Dive
- Class 45, an augment class formed due to a need for more SEALs in Vietnam, started with over 40 members and graduated 9 after Hell Week.
- In the late 1960s, some individuals could go directly from BUD/S to SEAL teams, while others, like the guest's 1968 class, went to UDT-13 first.
- After UDT-13 training for operational readiness, a planned submarine deployment was canceled due to a crack in the submarine's pressure hull.
- Charlie Platoon was considered the 'pick of the litter,' highlighting the importance of unit cohesion for effectiveness.
- Guest Tom Boylan analyzed 3x5 index card operational records from Vietnam, finding SEAL platoons made contact only 30% of the time, challenging anecdotal impressions.
- Books like 'Teammates, SEALs at War' detail platoons self-driving additional training iterations to refine skills, rather than opting for leisure.
- Hal McNulty's first solo mission on January 13, 1970, involved an LSSC insertion against approximately 30 Viet Cong, resulting in 5 VC KIA with airstrike support.
- On January 15, 1970, SEALs ambushed two Viet Cong carrying AK-47s based on intelligence from a Chu Hoi, recovering weapons, NVA money, and documents.
- A January 25, 1970, operation targeting a VC squad leader led to one VC killed, a blood trail indicating a second wounded, and the recovery of three AK-47s, two grenades, and documents from a weapons cache.
- During an operation, Barry Enoch, given command, made the tactical decision to hold fire despite receiving probing fire and intensifying B-40 and mortar rounds.
- Radioman Michael Cos used a glow-in-the-dark marker to pinpoint the enemy's position, enabling SeaWolf pilots to neutralize the threat with rockets and facilitate withdrawal.
- This exemplary leadership under fire led to Barry Enoch's meritorious promotion to chief, a move initiated by Tom Boylan despite Barry's previous difficulties passing written tests.
- Faced with limited boat availability, Tom Boylan's team initially borrowed a 16-foot skimmer from the base, outfitting it with flak jackets for armor.
- Mike Thornton and Mike Sands persistently advocated for additional boat support, eventually leading to the acquisition of a skimmer and later an LSSC.
- SEALs preferred jeans over standard BDU pants due to durability, noise reduction, and water retention issues when operating in wet, leech-infested canal environments.
- On April 9, 1970, an operation on Ong Cha Island targeting enemy leaders resulted in the death of platoon leader Tick and Barry Enoch earning the Navy Cross.
- During an intense firefight, Barry Enoch's radio was hit multiple times, yet he made the tactical decision to prevent immediate friendly forces from advancing to avoid blue-on-blue incidents.
- Barry carried Tick's body under enemy fire through difficult terrain to an extraction point, supported by air power, as ammunition ran low and Swift boats were coordinated for rescue.
- During the guest's second tour, operations were reduced to two-thirds of previous levels, sometimes with multi-day lulls.
- A team member named Les was killed by a booby trap in the Yu Min Forest, noted as the last SEAL killed in the jungles of Vietnam.
- By 1971, SEAL Team 1 and 2 platoons were reduced, and operations were winding down, with personnel primarily serving as advisors by 1972.
- One veteran attempted to become a veterinarian but was deemed too old by Cornell University at age 31.
- He then managed New York State's largest commercial hog operation for 15 years, later transitioning to a company that made pizza ovens.
- His post-military career was humorously summarized as evolving from a 'frogman' to a 'hogman' and finally a 'pizza man.'
- Guests Tom Boylan and Hal McNulty expressed gratitude for support and emphasized the importance of giving back to the SEAL teams.
- The host stated that the guests' reputation and actions directly inspired his decision to join the SEAL teams.
- The current generation of SEALs inherited the reputation built by Vietnam veterans, who continue to inspire servicemen, women, and all Americans.