Join Jocko Underground: www.jockounderground.com/subs... "Waiting for the Blessed Light on Dawn", by Ted Hofsiss. Join the conversation on Twitter/Instagram: @jockowillink @echocharles
Jocko, just FYI the Muriel( pronounced Merle as in Haggard) was my uncle, and also Adam Brown’s great uncle. I have the book. It’s a great read. Thank you for reviewing it.
05:33 📝 Ted Hofsiss, the author, initially aimed to be a farmer but ended up in the army due to his dislike of city life. 07:23 💬 The diary provides insights into the mental transition soldiers undergo from training to combat. 16:16 🎖 Captain Ralph Kerman, a Mustang from WWII, exemplifies leadership by prioritizing discipline and fairness. 18:31 🔥 Details King Company's first assault in the Korean War, highlighting the chaos and aftermath of battle. 21:09 💥 Soldiers experience a mix of fear, sickness, and shock when facing the reality of combat for the first time. 27:07 😨 Ted describes the intense fear and physical reactions experienced during combat, highlighting the psychological toll of warfare. 29:20 🔄 The relentless attacks by Chinese and North Korean forces, with no regard for casualties, create a harrowing and ongoing battle scenario. 30:48 🥵 Soldiers endure extreme physical discomfort, including ulcers and infections, due to the challenging conditions of warfare. 36:44 💔 Acceptance of death becomes a coping mechanism for soldiers facing constant fear and uncertainty in combat. 40:25 💡 Embracing the inevitability of death can alleviate the intense fear and stress experienced by soldiers in combat situations. 41:33 🩸 Living in extreme discomfort and fear of death can push individuals to their limits. 42:43 🚫 Soldiers in combat often endure physical discomfort, lacking modern comforts like ground pads or quality socks. 44:01 🎯 Accepting the possibility of death is crucial in combat situations where danger is unpredictable. 45:54 💣 Focusing on the mission rather than personal safety is essential for survival in combat scenarios. 52:09 🔪 Mortar shrapnel can be large, sharp, and lethal, posing a significant threat to soldiers in combat. 56:10 🎯 "Bracketing" is a mortar technique where shells are fired to bracket a target, increasing accuracy over successive shots. 58:02 🚨 Even soldiers in a supporting role can become primary targets in combat situations, facing imminent danger. 59:51 😢 The sudden loss of comrades in combat can evoke profound grief and anguish, challenging soldiers' emotional resilience. 01:00:44 💔 Malu, an 18-year-old soldier, transformed after falling in love, but tragically dies in combat. 01:01:23 😔 After witnessing Love Company's failed attack with heavy casualties, the platoon must gear up for their own attempt the next night. 01:02:47 🛑 Amidst intense combat, the soldiers face relentless mortar fire and close-quarters combat, resulting in chaos and fear. 01:04:58 💔 The devastating loss of comrades intensifies the emotional toll, leaving the soldier contemplating survival and grappling with despair. 01:11:14 🤔 Reflecting on the failed attack, questions arise about leadership decisions and the repetitive cycle of combat. 01:17:22 🤯 The soldier's mental state deteriorates as he contemplates extreme measures to escape the horrors of war. 01:19:47 ⚔ Mixed emotions arise as dawn brings temporary relief from combat, yet the looming night promises continued terror and death. 01:20:14 💔 Soldiers prepare for another assault on Hill 174 during the Korean War, grappling with the grim reality of potential casualties. 01:21:53 😷 Horrific scenes of carnage confront soldiers upon reaching the crest of Hill 174, with mutilated bodies and a sickening smell of burnt flesh. 01:23:20 🤦♂ Regret and guilt consume the narrator as he realizes he left a wounded comrade behind during the chaos of battle, haunted by the possibility of saving lives. 01:25:31 🌧 The narrator reflects on the harsh conditions of war, enduring filth, blisters, and infections due to lack of hygiene and resources. 01:27:52 💀 Discovery of American soldiers' bodies with tied hands in a ditch reveals brutal enemy tactics, sparking anger and a desire for retaliation among the troops. 01:29:32 🔥 The escalation of war prompts a vow among soldiers to not take prisoners in response to the enemy's ruthless actions. 01:34:47 🎂 The narrator spends his 19th birthday in a truck, feeling aged beyond his years due to the relentless hardships of war. 01:35:57 💔 A memorial service honors fallen comrades, highlighting the heavy toll of casualties on the battalion and the uncertainty surrounding missing soldiers. 01:39:49 🌌 A tense moment unfolds as the narrator's squad faces an approaching enemy force, relying on artillery and machine gun fire to hold them off. 01:44:36 ❄ The Chinese launch repeated nighttime attacks using overwhelming numbers, prompting the narrator's squad to brace for constant assaults. 01:49:59 🎄 Despite the harsh conditions of war, the soldiers find moments of camaraderie and hope, such as celebrating Christmas in a house and sharing letters from loved ones. 01:51:45 🏔 The soldiers endure extreme cold, facing temperatures as low as -42°F while stationed in mountainous terrain, highlighting the physical and psychological challenges of combat. 01:57:25 🔍 A tactical error leads to a missed opportunity as the soldiers fail to capitalize on a potential encounter with enemy forces, resulting in heavy gunfire and a dangerous situation. 01:58:36 💥 Soldiers engage in intense combat during the Korean War, facing constant danger and mortar attacks. 01:59:40 🏞 Amidst heavy fighting, soldiers demonstrate courage and sacrifice, with one soldier sustaining injuries while urging a wounded comrade to seek medical aid. 02:01:09 🛡 Soldiers face relentless mortar attacks, finding themselves exposed and vulnerable on the battlefield. 02:03:57 🚑 Despite severe injuries and intense pain, soldiers prioritize survival and seek safety, demonstrating resilience and determination. 02:12:28 💔 After enduring months of suffering andloss during combat, a soldier finally receives the opportunity to return home to his loved ones. 02:16:05 ❤ The love and support of family, particularly a soldier's wife and newborn son, provide strength and motivation to endure the hardships of war. 02:18:58 📝 Ted Hofsiss and his wife visited their friend Ike after he returned home in 1951, but they didn't reconnect until 1997. 02:19:54 📊 Ted Hofsiss learned about a fellow soldier's death years later and reflects on the emotional burden of war. 02:22:27 🛠 If war becomes necessary, soldiers must be adequately trained, equipped, and supported, with care extended to both them and their families. 02:23:20 🎥 Soldiers' experiences in war contrast with depictions in media, emphasizing the human aspect and long-term impact on individuals. 02:28:59 🔊 The concept of "fire for effect" in military terminology is explained and compared to everyday situations. 02:38:10 ☕ Coffee is a staple in the Navy due to its easy accessibility on ships, unlike in other military branches where access might be limited.
Listening to the description of the battle for the hill, I'm amazed that anyone lived through it. If this book comes back into print, I'll certainly buy a copy.
My grandfather was a part of a mortar team. I’m glad they spoke a lot about mortars, as he only said very little. His mother, my great grand mother always said ‘Jackie was never the same after he came home’. He was wounded by shrapnel and had infections and metal left in him the rest of his life. He passed away a few years ago at 88. Miss that guy.
My Aunt's husband was in the beginning part of the Korean War.. Bob never spoke about his time there. After his return home, he always had a small loving dog. After my tour in Desert Storm, I kind of know why. He is buried with my Aunt at Great Lakes National Cemetery. My father is buried there as well,,,,,, Vietnam...... Agent Orange....
My grandfather was KIA in Korean War. He was classified as MIA for years even though the Gov. knew he was dead. Really screwed my Grandmother. My Step granddad also served there. They both also served in Pacific theater.
@@IsaacSilverman-gh3oh unfortunately,only an officer can officially confirm death. So, your Grandad was probably confirmed ,but not by an officer. I don’t know if they still practice this , but it’s horrible for the families affected.
@@Yeoman7 I understand. My Grandfather was a flight mechanic. He and the pilot were shot down. Witnessed by friendly aircraft who could all but confirm the deaths. I get the protocol ect. The military just drops the ball on these situations too often but war is a nasty business. You are correct about the effects on families though. Thanks for reply.
I look forward to your pod every week listening to you has helped me remove my excuses from the equation with the no factor attitude I’m joining jiu jutsu next week when I get paid God bless
My uncle served in the Korean War as a Army specialist E4 and my oldest cousin served in the Korean War as a LTC. Great episode of the Jocko Wilink podcast with the book called the letter from Korea. I read plenty of books that deals with the Korean War history such as the Ghost Flames of Korea, the 2nd all Black Army Rangers of the Korean War, a Year in Korea the story of a Army infantry squad in Korea. My salute to the Warriors, Patriots and Special Operators defending America against the North Korean, Russian and Chinese communist forces by any means necessary at all times and all costs in safeguard freedom and the Free World
I am drawn to veterans' own words in books/films. When I am going through difficulty I try to channel Dad, Vietnam Vet. Who went ahead of troops with his dog & one other guy. If you can find something written by someone who was in that position I would be very interested in hearing it.
Thank you for this podcast. Puts life's daily challenges and problems in a clear perspective. Having a glimpse into the horror of war is a sobering wake up call. No more whining or shying away from difficult situations. God bless all those that have had to experience war.
I’ve sculpted ice at -40F (not including the windchill) in Alaska. But we had to delay the competition because the ice blocks were exploding when we touched them. Without endless warm food, shelter, and amazing gear and boots I would have been miserable. I would not imagine war. Thank you for this podcast Jocko and Echo.
I was assigned to 55th MP Co at cp market. A platoon of us were sent to Casey to fill in for the 2nd MP Co while they were on Team Spirit. TDC was crazy. I remember the space shuttle exploding while 6was at Casy. Went to Hovey once or twice. You guys were on the backside of Casey, right?
This was intense to hear about. I had an uncle who died in Korea. He was hit directly with a mortar shell in December of ‘51 and he simply vanished. Nothing left to bury. Can’t imagine the pressure it must have been to be in this place.
My uncle Ed fought in this war, he said u fight for a hill get it then give it up, and have to fight for it again, and depending on how close you where to the front of the advance depended if u lived or died.. I though about how it must of felt to be in the front knowing that. 12 years later I was watching a new show on the history Chanel and how they explained it was how he said it was. Thx for the episode
Wow. I don't even know what so say. The bleakness of the situation was tangible. I felt it. I need this book. If anyone sees this and happens to have a copy they want to sell let me know please. Thank you for this.
These stories hit me hard, i feel like if these guys can go through this, then i can muster up the energy to get up out of these miniscule withdrawals and play with my fucking dogs.. Its far separated from these events of war, but i use it as muster, and i appreciate it. Jocko its a different pain due to the lack of energy. but it helps me get blood flowing. I cant wait to feel normal again and have my own energy.
Gpa was a Staff Sergeant, said the Forward Observer was scary. He confirmed mowing Chinese down like ants until ammo was out. Then falling back into the next trench. He lost one lung. The uniforms hung in his closet the rest of his life. He enjoyed Playboys too. He was cool, a good classic Gpa. My other ones were in the Navy, the western seas. One was a Marine and fought in Burna, New Guinea, Malaysia. He had a couple bullet holes from a machine gun and grenade shrapnel in him. In Burna his unit had a pet monkey...
I spent periods of weeks at a time on exercise without respite, living in the cold/hot/wet/miserable etc and hated every second of it, I found it very hard. But i only ever did it in peace time, so ill never really be able to imagine how hard it would have been with actual combat added, doubt i was ever built for it to be honest. - oh and on top of that, i had goretex, Rab equipment etc and the constant knowledge that i was guaranteed to be warm, dry and back at camp within weeks.
@Jocko Podcast At one point I hear you mention "Acceptaince Of Death" Very true thing IS every man created equal Well to do so we must live in a truly equaly created ATLEAST A meritrocracy rather then a democracy IF NOT A REPUBLIC! SO You good sir have the recipe for how to do both of -GAMBLE WITH your life -And accept... Your life.. ANOTHER AMAZING VIDEO MAN KEEP UP THESE GOOD TALKS ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS TO TRULY BE A PARTIOT TO THIS FING COUNTRY!!!!
The KPA 3rd Division was almost completely destroyed in the battles. The division had numbered 7,000 men at the beginning of the offensive on September 1. Only 1,000 to 1,800 men from the division were able to retreat back into North Korea by October. The majority of the division's troops had been killed, captured or deserted. All of KPA II Corps was in a similar state, and the KPA, exhausted at Pusan Perimeter and cut off after Inchon, was on the brink of defeat. By this time, the US 1st Cavalry Division suffered 770 killed, 2,613 wounded, 62 captured during its time at Pusan Perimeter. This included about 600 casualties, with around 200 killed in action it had already suffered during the Battle of Taegu the previous month. US forces were continually repulsed but able to prevent the KPA from breaking the Pusan Perimeter. The division had numbered 14,703 on September 1, but was in excellent position to attack despite its casualties. South Korean troops casualties at the battle were difficult to predict, but also thought to be heavy.
The South was expecting the invasion on 24 June 1950. Even the children were expecting the invasion on the 24th. It took months for the north to assemble their invasion force along the 38th parallel. They were being watched the entire time. At that time there was no fence separating the north from the south. The sentiment among the locals was " this 38th parallel thing is a US/Russia thing. Im Korean so ill move freely in my land." There was plenty of movement north and south among the populace. The US govt knew as well but believed the north wouldn't invade. One thing for certain, that war was crazy.
Jocko, i thank u for all the good avices u shared man. Just had a small request - for Someone like U, i hope u can do a Podcast with George RR Martin, author of Game of Theones. Also u are a literature guy - From India
I’ve listened to your podcasts for a long time in the uk never realised that you were a facist or Tory. Organisation I’m ex military. I don’t hate c communists. Or different people
Were you ever sent out to do UFO crash retrievals? The whistleblowers and all the information is coming out that special forces, Navy seal teams were sent out to secure the site and help retrieve the saucers
I'm certain some version of what you said is true. However I can garuntee anyone that did is under an NDA, and I would suggest that there is probably a special team the government would use to do that if needed
@@legionarulsquad6676 no Jocko is awesome I'm talking about the general situation of government so called leadership is sub par quite frankly they don't hold their respective Citizens freedoms and rights at heart this is a problem because they are no longer serving their citizens.
