Commanding Tanks in Vietnam | Silver Star | Armored Cav M48s in 'Nam | Kent Hillhouse (MG, Ret)

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Today we have a unique Combat Story where we hear about the armored cavalry in Vietnam from then Platoon Leader with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Kent Hillhouse. Kent would go on to retire as a Major General in the Army Reserve and has continued to support veterans leading his community’s Veterans Memorial and Support Foundation of Los Gatos.
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Many will likely be surprised to learn we had tanks in Vietnam given how the war has so frequently been depicted as a fight by infantrymen in the jungles. Kent’s firsthand accounts of commanding an M48 platoon from 1967 to 1968 provide an inside look at the way these tanks were employed, leveraged, and targeted.
In this episode, we get into battling for your reputation, pushing through complex ambushes, near death experiences, trusting and leaning on your NCOs, taking the initiative, the responsibility of command, and never giving up.
With that, please enjoy this amazing piece of history as we look at the age and employment of tanks in Vietnam with retired Major General Kent Hillhouse.
#vietnamwar #warzone #combat #army
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🎵 Intro Song: Sport Rock from Audio Jungle
⏰ Show Notes:
00:00 - Intro
00:47 Guest Introduction Kent Hillhouse: From Vietnam to Major General
01:09 The Unseen Role of Tanks in Vietnam
01:30 Battling for Reputation and Trust in Leadership
01:59 A Personal Connection with Joe Galloway
05:22 Debunking Hollywood: The Realities of War vs. Movies
17:58 The Legacy of Leadership and the Importance of NCOs
18:20 The Path to Becoming an Armor Officer
22:37 ROTC Challenges and Leadership Lessons
34:43 Journey to Vietnam: Engagements and Expectations
36:55 Arrival and First Impressions in Vietnam
37:29 Adapting to Military Life and Unit Dynamics
40:43 The Technicalities of Armored Warfare
46:12 Experiencing the Heat of Battle
47:40 Learning Through Mistakes and Misfires
50:15 Navigating Leadership and Tactical Challenges
52:12 The Intensity of Night Convoys and Combat
01:07:28 Reflections on First Combat Experience
01:16:43 Recalling Vietnam: Maneuvering and Survival
01:17:11 Life in the Field: Challenges and Adaptations
01:19:25 First Contact and Leadership Under Fire
01:23:39 The May 5th Encounter: A Detailed Recollection
01:30:44 Overcoming Adversity: Tactics and Teamwork
01:41:52 Reflections on Leadership and Disobedience
01:44:32 Personal Mementos and the Value of Letters
01:46:15 Veterans Foundation: Building a Legacy
01:50:18 Listener Engagement and Closing Thoughts
This interview combines the compelling experiences of Vietnam War veterans, including Kent Hillhouse's leadership in armored warfare with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and another veteran's close-quarters combat and survival instincts against the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army. It portrays the harrowing and unpredictable nature of the Vietnam War, detailing initial combat encounters, leadership challenges, intense ambushes, and the adaptation required to navigate the difficult terrain and psychological impacts of warfare. It also highlights moments of courage, quick decision-making, and the importance of camaraderie. Additionally, the narrative touches on post-war efforts to honor the sacrifices of veterans, weaving together personal stories of combat, survival, and the enduring bonds formed in the crucible of war.

Опубликовано:

16 июн 2024

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Комментарии : 58

@mdub1955 Месяц назад

My wife worked with a medic that served with Col. Moore in the Ia Drang. I read 'We were soldiers once, and young' a couple times after it was first released and, as a disabled veteran, was completely humbled by the story of courage, tactics and commitment to fellow brothers in arms. My wife gave it to her friend to take to the annual Ia Drang veteran's reunion in DC. He gave it back to her shortly thereafter filled with signatures and personal messages from veterans of the battle. It took my breath away...

@pjhaebe Месяц назад

No words for that other than just awesome

@jayklink851 Месяц назад

My uncle(in-law) was an M 47 tank commander in Germany during 50s'. His little dinky 90mm was suppose to stop hoards of Soviet T-55s. He always said if the war turned hot, he would have been screwed. At least he was in Europe, commanding a tank in the jungles of Vietnam, must have been something else.

@davidca96 14 дней назад

If you had the HVAP rounds, it could knock a T-55 out but they probably had very few and were stuck with APC rounds right? Yea that would have been a bad day had it kicked off, but the armor was decent on M47's, as well as the turret had a good shape for deflecting rounds from the front.

@shaunmcnally7631 19 дней назад

Thank you for doing a Vietnam episode. If you can please do more. Most Vietnam vets are in their mid 70's now. We need to get these guys' stories out there before we start losing them.

@yolanda231000 Месяц назад

The MOH recipient mentioned was CPL Jerry Wayne Wickam.

@andrewpizzino2514 Месяц назад

We were Soldiers Once has some of the most intense combat descriptions I’ve ever read

@misenplace8442 29 дней назад

I must have read a number of times over the years, I think it's time to read it again

@aperson7754 Месяц назад

I knew a Vietnam era tank commander. US marines, Special landing force. Sent them into hotspots in I core 100% disability. Never told me what happened. Never asked. PTSD is terrible.

@jaredchandler4491 Месяц назад

MG Millhouse is an amazing window into the unknown side of the Vietnam War and a very humble self aware combat leader!!🇺🇸

@scottbickford6851 26 дней назад

I was in 1st Ptn, B Trp, 1st Squadron of the 11th Armored Cav Reg, in the Fulda Gap from 1977 to 1980 daring the cold war in Germany. Nice to hear stories about the Cav in Vietnam.

@davidca96 14 дней назад

The M48 models used in Vietnam are one of my favorite tanks as a kid. I love everything about them.

@shotcall1 21 день назад

I was in we were soldiers. I’m in the first scene and several others, worked for about a month on that movie. Berry Pepper (he played the sniper in Saving Private Ryan) played Joe Galloway in the film. Very nice guy, he bought drinks for all us extras one night. And Mel Gibsons twin sons worked with us hung out with them a bit. Also got to meet Hal Moore. Very cool experience.

@Doc_Roe Месяц назад

YESSSS MORE TANKERSSS!!!!! What an amazing story. Life in a tin can in sweltering Vietnam had to be brutal.

@frenchyblackhawk1872 15 дней назад

In memory of Gerry Gregory, Boston, Mass. A trooper with the 11th ACR 67-68. I do remember Loc Ninh, Gerry and I had a few laughs over it. Actually, a few beers too.

@gabrielrodriguez821 Месяц назад

I read a book about a guys CIA career in which, while in Vietnam, he led provincial reconnaissance units who in 1970 had a ex VC member that knew and hated the local VC commander who controlled the "Iron triangle" where this armored veteran fought. After years of heavy combat, the US military simply couldn't find where the VC held up in what was essentially a pure warzone that was the iron triangle. A single turncoat easily pointed out all the bunkers and central defenses there, and a large PRU helicopter raid wiped out the VC commander and most of the VC defending the area in a single afternoon. I think afterward, the only major enemy presence there was the NVA as they gathered for the final assault on Saigon.

@mikkoveijalainen7430 Месяц назад

Great to hear about the 11th Armored Cav in Vietnam.

@SGobuck Месяц назад

E troop 2/11 myself and as small as the regiment was compared to the rest of the army, there were quite a few blackhorse Vietnam vets still there in the 80s.

@JayEss414 Месяц назад

awesome video. I have never heard in such detail about tanks in Vietnam. fantastic thank you.

@matthewbyam3248 Месяц назад

Wow . Great story telling of a real war. Sad that he had mans fall ,but he saved a lot of men. Great man .

@carlfischer4163 Месяц назад

Very well done. Thanks for

@austinmifsud2697 24 дня назад

Great interview. Fascinating story. I've been learning about conflict since I saw gulf 1 kick off and am still fascinated by what people do and the things they saw. Tank warfare in Nam is new to me. Thank you for sharing.

@saplingthrasher23 Месяц назад

I'm from Montana and was stationed at Ft. Bragg 88-92. Whenever a southerner would call me a Yankee; I'd reply "Montana wasn't even a a territory until a year before the Civil war ended: and didnt become a state until 24 years after it ended. So how can I be either?"

@deskgamesix Месяц назад

Rattling around inside a tank in the heat and dust of Vietnam would not have been my dream job. There's no easy day when you're an armor crewman.

@americanlegend1000 Месяц назад

Love your channel -----I hope you can adjust the audio in future interviews so that we can hear soft-spoken individuals.

@bakoboyo138 Месяц назад

My uncle, who was born about 20 feet away from Hill House, was blown out of his turret at a place pronounced "play-koo." (I won't even try to spell it.) He was the only survivor. And that's all he's ever said about it.

@realityhurts8697 Месяц назад

Lol it's pleui,kui.. it's also near what was called the iron triangle, of Dein Bein Phu, Qua Trang, and another I can't recall at the moment

@pjhaebe Месяц назад

As a former 19k, I’m digging the armor route this is taking 👍🏻

@immortaltyger1569 Месяц назад

"It rained a lot" was the perfect response.

@Rotorcraft07 Месяц назад

Does anyone know what exact brand and model that leather jacket in the thumbnail is?

@PG-ei3ky Месяц назад

He was talking about an aviator's branch before there was an Aviation branch. I was in a division aviation support company where all the rated division staff flew with us to get their 4 hours a month for flight pay. One day my co-pilot was a Military Police(MP) Captain. Thought I had seen it all

@DaveSCameron 26 дней назад

Thanks fellas some great recollections, far too many adverts I have to say ruins the flow.

@jacobhill3302 Месяц назад

Chieftain inbound, seems like something hed appreciate...

@thomasosildenif763 14 дней назад

These guys in the stories are just inspiring and makes me proud to be American. I imagine at some point in the future we’re gonna get some pretty interesting Ukraine war stories as well. Those tankers I’m sure probably been through interesting situations as well

@jamesholcombe435 22 дня назад

Sir, can you do a history of 13 hrs, benghazi.

@echoredfour Месяц назад

Workhorse of the Blackhorse ALLONS!!!

@friscostreetstories5403 Месяц назад

Finally the 11TH ACR!

@complexblackness Месяц назад

Had to turn my volume up higher than normal just to hear him. He doesn't project his voice as well as other guest.

@sweatbox111 Месяц назад

I heard him just fine every word without a problem.

@complexblackness Месяц назад

@@sweatbox111 I'm sure your volume was up.

@benburke4466 Месяц назад

100p dude is whispering

@friscostreetstories5403 Месяц назад

Recon by fire aka a "mad minute". Old man was a TC on an ACAV...I saw M113s in Iraq and always wonderes whynthere was no ACAV configuration. I also saw custom gun trucks like the ones in Nam minus the psychedelic art on the sides . Westmorland didn't think tanks were needed in Nam. He was wrong. I'd like to hear an ACAV trooper.

@scottbartlett4853 19 дней назад

Colors? We were all GREEN in the enlisted ranks.

@gonzomlynarczyk6446 24 дня назад

I may have said this before. First off, I love your work. I have watched countless episodes and never tire of your interviewing style, but your intro is misleading as you talk about your career while stills of Shrek and devgru guys make it seem as if those photos are of you. Also, please date your interviews in the corner for context. Thanks, love it!

@fletchermunson6225 10 дней назад

I know a guy named Ed Gredvig who was in tanks in VN. Ed is 6'7" tall! The military's idea of a joke to stuff him in a tank I guess. j

@davelane4055 Месяц назад

Ft Ord California A company 2/9 infantry light manchu WHOOAH

@immortaltyger1569 Месяц назад

What year at Fort Ord?

@davelane4055 Месяц назад

@immortaltyger1569 1986 to 1989 and you were on planet ord also

@immortaltyger1569 Месяц назад

@@davelane4055 I had my basic training there at end of 1971. I saw it again several years ago, and I could not recognize the place with most of the old barracks buildings torn down and the Army having left years before.

@edwinhsingmaster9135 Месяц назад

2-4-D Summer 1964 ,2 weeks out of high school, wooden barracks, meningitis. Quarantined to company area last 4 weeks. Sgt Kandioti, great Sargent

@immortaltyger1569 Месяц назад

@@edwinhsingmaster9135 Same thing in 1971, wooden barracks, windows open at night to prevent meningitis, and confined to company area when not being trained. One of the drill sergeants (not mine) was a real SOB and deliberately screwed up his men's living area just before inspection. After a while, he disappeared in the middle of our basic training. Word was that he showed up during his off hours and was taking shots at trainees with a BB gun or a pellet gun. No one missed him, whatever the truth.

@wecanwatersports4151 Месяц назад

TANKERS LEAD THE WAY 🫡

@indy500tabasco8 10 дней назад

👽👽👽👽🌎👽👽👽👽

@claytonsharrard1900 8 дней назад

It pays to be an officer doesn’t it. We got used for snipe bait and you guys got to play hunger games

@johnqpublic2718 Месяц назад

Instant clicker

@user-qp4sy2dp5b 23 дня назад

Did he have blacks in his unit? What a stupid question...Big time Binham. Green Beret Major. Black soldier, and the one man that didnt get shook when the shit hit! Chu Chi-68...Look up what he did that night.