This Green Beret Went On A One Man Rampage… -MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY-

350,732 views Nov 3, 2022
On the morning of May 2nd 1968, a 12-man Special Forces Reconnaissance Team was inserted by helicopters in a dense jungle area west of Vietnam, to gather intelligence information about enemy activity. The team were met with heavy enemy resistance, and requested emergency extraction. Three helicopters attempted extraction, but failed to safely approach the extraction zone. Sgt. Benavidez was attending church at a Forward Operating Base monitoring ops comms via radio when he overheard the distress signal.

Sgt. Benavidez voluntarily boarded a returning aircraft and entered the jungle, single-handedly taking on thousands of adversaries. After six hellish hours, he rescued his comrades- and barely made it out with his life. The following is an excerpt from his citation for receipt of the Medal Of Honor:

"Prior to reaching the team's position he was wounded in his right leg, face, and head. Despite these painful injuries, he took charge. He then threw smoke canisters to direct the aircraft to the team's position. Despite his severe wounds and under intense enemy fire, he carried and dragged half of the wounded team members to the awaiting aircraft. He then provided protective fire by running alongside the aircraft as it moved to pick up the remaining team members. As the enemy's fire intensified, he hurried to recover the body and classified documents on the dead team leader.

Only then, in extremely serious condition from numerous wounds, did he allow himself to be pulled into the extraction aircraft. Sergeant BENAVIDEZ' gallant choice to join voluntarily his comrades who were in critical straits, to expose himself constantly to withering enemy fire, and his refusal to be stopped despite numerous severe wounds, saved the lives of at least eight men. His fearless personal leadership, tenacious devotion to duty, and extremely valorous actions in the face of overwhelming odds were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service, and reflect the utmost credit on him and the United States Army."

— 40th President Ronald Reagan
Medal Of Honor Receipt - February 24, 1981