THE UNITED STATES ARMY'S GREEN BERETS:
HISTORY RE-EVALUATED, CORRECTED AND RESPECTED
by Chester A. Yosarian, PhD.
Copyright (c) 1996
Judged as "a prelude to American Imperialism" by student, anti-war Vietnam protesters; Concluded as "unrealistic" by junior-enlisted, non-Special Forces Vietnam vet grunts; And shunned by the predominantly liberal Academy of Motion Pictures, Golden Globe and New York Critics award voters, John Wayne's United Artist (BATJAC) production of "THE GREEN BERETS" has, like Vietnam veterans -- almost thirty years late -- finally received the gratuitous respect it has always well deserved.
Not surprisingly, new respect for the fore- and farsighted United Artists' production of "THE GREEN BERETS" -- the premier Vietnam War film of the Sixties -- is coming from rank and file Vietnam veterans. Belatedly, but unanimously, Vietnam vets are acknowledging that Mr. Wayne's DEPARTMENT's of STATE and DEFENSE- approved representation of the war in Vietnam is ac, American, inspirational and, most of all, was predictable of future events in the war.
DURING WW2, JOHN WAYNE WAS ONCE, Believe It or Not, BOOED
On one of John Wayne's USO appearances during World War II, 'The Duke', (as Mr. Wayne was affectionately referred to by Hollywood intimates), was warmly introduced. He then walked on-stage to receive the only boos, catcalls and audience criticism of his acting career... until he produced and starred in "THE GREEN BERETS."
The anger servicemen bespake and articulated during this singular WWII appearance narrow-mindedly reflected their individual and personal surprise that real-life war duty was not the antiseptic and bloodless unreality Hollywood movies depicted war service to be. What soldiers in this day's audience failed to realize at the moment was that Hollywood dramatizations were never meant to be 100% real. They were meant to be inspirational.
LIBRARY NOTE:
EVERY G.I. who attended that USO show personally signed
his apology to a 107-page, 98-foot-long letter to The
Duke.
"THE GREEN BERETS" was realistic in its inception, dramatization and delivery. Mr. Wayne, much learned from his previous war film accomplishments, insisted upon and strived for the most accurate replication of American military service in Vietnam from the viewpoint of the 5th Special Forces soldier. Whether or not a scene was scheduled for his appearance, The Duke attended EVERY set schedule and shooting. In his own words:
"This may well be my last opportunity to serve my
country in one of its greatest hours. I want this movie
to say every word and bleed every emotion Presidents
from Roosevelt to Kennedy would not permit me to say
with a rifle."
Grunts who served in cavalry, infantry and artillery units were never told that John Wayne was personally ORDERED by three American presidents to withdraw his enlistment papers.
Vietnam experiences can only be understood by the man or woman who survived a war experience. Which is to say, the 1st Cavalry grunt was no more qualified to FULLY judge the Vietnam experience of a 5th Special Forces operative anymore than vice versus. Yet, SOME grunts who briefly interfaced with Vietnam soldiers of a different uniform mistakenly and misjudging felt they COMPLETELY understood the work of a counterpart. Wrong!
PERSONALLY supervising all levels of production, The Duke ordered that all military, political and diplomatic aspects of America's 'backchannel' military mission in Vietnam be screen-written into THE GREEN BERETS' dialogue and action. Lyndon Johnson Administration and military consultants -- some of whom served in Vietnam-related federal duties as far back as the Eisenhower Administration -- attended every filming sequence. In its efforts for accuracy alone, THE GREEN BERETS succeeds admirably. Monsoons, Saigon-night life, military protocol, Vietnam vernacular, ARVN relationship, Communist conspiracy, Special Forces training/camaraderie/assassination/operations were all accurately emphasized... and not to be reproduced in such accuracy and detail until Francis Ford Coppola's painfully detailed "APOCALYPSE NOW" received the numerous Academy Award nominations and awards eleven years later that John Wayne and THE GREEN BERETS were shamefully denied.
The creation and development of THE GREEN BERETS exemplifies all that the combined United States military departments hoped to achieve since our first (formal) involvement in international armed expeditions beginning in World War I. The American Special Forces concept was unknowingly created by Douglas MacArthur, who, alone with his scout and armed only with a frequently mis-firing pistol and his characteristic neck-scarf, journeyed far beyond friendly lines to survey the Kaiser's defenses. MacArthur's astute courage in that Teddy Roosevelt-like mission earned him the MEDAL OF HONOR... awarded over a quarter of a century later. Yet, it was from this courageous and selfless mission that the concept of the Green Berets was first stimulated.
Today, the Army's Green Berets, along with similar brother- services in the United States Air Force and Navy (SEALS), still commands and deserves the highest respect of our military heritage.
The following words were spoken not long ago by a Commander-in- Chief who attended a yet-unreported military event on a secret Army training base. As a teenager, this Commander-in-Chief shook the hand of President JOHN FITZGERALD KENNEDY, now indisputably recognized as 'THE FATHER OF THE GREEN BERETS'.
On the lawn of the White House that was now his home, and with tears rolling down his face, this Commander-in-chief spoke to an applauding crowd of ex-Special Forces, recent Secret Service graduates,
"I take my hat off... proudly... and in deep personal embarrassment... I raise my strongest arm in salute to American courage and selflessness in the face of mortal adversity. Had I better foresight... some twenty years ago... I would have volunteered to serve proudly alongside you... during your military service... as my father did. I... very deeply regret... the wrong decision I made. Please accept... your President's humble... and most respectful... apology."
This president's name is William Jefferson Clinton.
Rudely interrupted with deodorant and laundry soap commercials, Ted Turner's TNT of Atlanta, Georgia has yet to air a single, non- interrupted veteran-related broadcast.
The "G" rated "GREEN BERETS" is available in video stores nationwide. Mr. Turner is married to the former Jane Fonda.
With fond memories, Jim Hutton, David Janssen, Raymond St. Jacques and Aldo Ray provided exemplary, starring and exhausting performances.
AUTHOR'S ENDNOTE
In the above words, I am proud to have the opportunity
to honor American men of such immense bravery and
courage.
In the words of every American President...
God Bless the United States of America
LIBRARY NOTE:
Dr. Yosarian retired as a Specialist, Fourth Grade from the United States Army in 1972. Under the G.I. Education Bill, Dr. Yosarian completed Masters and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Clinical Psychology with minors in History, Education and Sociology. Along with publishing, speaking engagements and Department of Defense-related consulting, Dr. Yosarian's most recent work is in encouraging and assisting military veterans of all ranks to pursue writing and higher education for the purpose of assuming Elder Statesman status.
>From the on-line archives of THE AMERICAN WAR LIBRARY .... Taking On The Tough Topics
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