The Real Rambo - Roy Benavidez - The Green Beret That Took On An Army With Just A Knife 

I really recommend that book and search for his recorded speeches. Its one of the most amazing stories ive ever heard/read!

"The communists brought an army to a Roy Benevidez fight and still couldn't win"

I'm a Texan. Met him at VFW Hall. Had a beer with him. My honor. Humble man. Visited his grave. Real American

Man literally too angry to die, goes back to war to be even more angry and refuse to die again.

That's my cousin. Definitely proud to be a BENAVIDEZ ❤

They can't rename anything Benevidez because he was actually competent and deserving and an icon of what it means to be a badass American.

Doctors: "You'll never walk again." Roy: "And I took that personally." Doctors: "This man is dead." Roy: "And I took that VERY personally."

What many people don't know: Several of Roy's descendants have served Honorably in the US Military. I was stationed in TX in the 90's with 2 of them. They are (and justified) a very proud family. The town of Benavides TX was founded by Roy's Family. If anyone reading this knows or are the the men I served with: You left a lasting impression on me, Thank You ❤

I'm a Texan and a Texas National guardsman. This man is a role-model to all who spend a second to read about him.

Fort Liberty to Fort Benevidez... YES! Make that change!

Roy's Stepfather: I'm not raising another man's kids. 6 year old Roy (probably): I'm already more man than you.

I went to middle school with one of his grand daughter's here in South Texas and didn't know until decades later what an absolute savage/hero this man was. So many of these guys never get the recognition they deserve; very happy to see this.

Hollyweird could never make a movie about Roy because it’s too unbelievable that a human being could achieve such heroic feats.

My friend's aunt is Roy Benevidez's daughter. I shared your video with them and the family really enjoyed it and think you did a really good job. Keep up the good work!

The chapter 3 title, "oh m'I back" flipped to "oh I'm back". I see you. That was low key brilliant.

I was a colonels driver in 1991 in Fort Bragg. My sergeant major served alongside Roy Benavidez in Vietnam. He had me drive him to a speech, sergeant Major Benavidez was giving It was very moving Afterwards, I even got to meet him. My Sergeant Major introduced me to him

I had the honor & privilege of meeting Roy Benavides back in the 1980s. He was a friend of my supervisor & was an infrequent visitor at our facility. I knew nothing of his claim to fame the first time he visited. Then our supervisor told us his history & back story. The next time he visited, I shook his hand, told him how honored I was to meet him, then turned to excuse myself. He insisted that I sit with him & my supervisor for lunch. He was an humble man, a nice soft spoken man. It really was an honor to meet him.

Honestly, props to Lala. Husband comes back, paralyzed, no memory, no mental capability. Then, bam. Your husband is back and starting a second career of kicking ass. After being told he won't walk again, he walks out with her by his side. Almost dies *again* and puts himself back together *again*. Settles down and lives out the rest of his days with you. Also, he's from Cuero, TX, 20 minutes from my hometown. His family still lives in South Texas. There was a campaign a few years ago to rename Fort Hood to Fort Benavidez after him. Badass local hero, definitely one of my favorite stories to read about. Thanks TFE for this one!

Former 82nd Airborne 'trooper here- I got asked once if I call it Fort Bragg or Fort "Liberty." Told the stranger in question "I was stationed at Fort Bragg. All my military paperwork says 'Fort Bragg.' For me, it is and always will be Fort Bragg- Home of the Airborne and Special Forces." That being said, I'm very disappointed they didn't decide to re-name Fort Hood to Fort Benavidez.

Heard him speak shortly after receiving the Medal of Honor. The audience was in awe when his citation was read. He came across as soft spoken and humble.

After reading his book, I became aware of who this hero, MSG Sgt Roy Benavidez, was. I also learned that Roy lived in El Campo, Texas, which I passed through numerous times on my way to Victoria, Texas. I wrote to him a letter full of admiration and asked if he would autograph my book. He agreed and invited me to stop by his house the next time I drove by. I did this, but I didn't call before I came, and his daughter told me I had missed him by a day because he was speaking out of town at an event and would be gone for several days. On my way back from Victoria, I called and learned that Roy had not returned. I was offered to leave my book, but I was determined to meet this great man in person. Unfortunately, and to my great dismay, before I could make the trip, Roy P. Benavidez succumbed to the many injuries he sustained which his body was never able to 100% recover from. He died on November 29, 1998 in San Antonio, Texas. RIP warrior, may your story inspire all Americans with what it takes to give all for your country. Larry from Texas

Army tried to pull a "That wasn't service related".

Thanks for doing this story on Master Sergent, Roy P. Benavidez. He was my inspiration and hero as a kid too. My home town is El Campo TX and I knew him as Roy or Mr. Benavidez. The whole town signed petitions to get him the Metal of Honor because the Secretary of the Army ignored his commanders formal request for 10 or 12 years after the action. I remember him coming to my 5th grade class and telling us about the whole thing. It was awesome for a kid my age to hear about his life and struggles. Like I said, he was my inspiration to join the army after high school, and I became an Army Ranger. I own that man a lot because if it wasn't for him inspiring me like he did, I would probably gone to prison and not be the father and husband I am today. Thanks for doing his story Brother.

Damn, when you were describing his climb up from being disabled to walking again, I actually teard up. Have they named anything after this hero? He deserves to be truly memorialized.

That notification to his wife that he was "slightly wounded" will never not get me to laugh. Mfers knew that he was the Doom Slayer's ancestor.

“Never bring a knife to a gunfight.” “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that.” -Roy

“Homie stepped on a land mine and walked it off”… got my like and a comment. Straight fire!!

No story teller can come close to actually telling this story like Roy Benavidez himself. His southern drawl and personality comes through incredibly amazing. A Very humble man with the epitome of a "never quit" attitude. A true patriot.

Roy spitting in the eye of the doctor who thought he was already dead is the best part of this man's story. Literally "I didn't hear no bell!"

I spent a year in a hospital in 2017 relearning how to walk. I mentioned to one of my former NCOs that I was having trouble staying motivated he sent me videos about Roy Benavidez's story they kept me going throughout the whole treatment. Thank you for the video he deserves as much recognition as possible!

I had the honor of meeting MSgt Benevidez in 1988 while I was stationed at Fort Polk (Johnson). He was an inspiration to a very young NCO and took time after speaking at the theater to speak with me. He was the most humble, genuine person I have ever met.

My Brother was shot multiple times serving in AND around Vietnam. The last time completely disabled him. He was denied medical benefits due to a "Hospital" and "discharge mistake". It took over 8 years, to finally get his benefits, AND his purple hearts, his various medals, and Campaign Ribbons. He just died 2 years ago, of a stroke due to the VA requiring the Covid Vax to receive his health care services. He was 71. To all who serve now, and those who have served in the past, THANK YOU. Each and every one of you, are the true American heros.

That's a man you cry to hear speak. Not because you're sad, but because his pride is that over flowing, inspirational, and strong.

"The Mean Mexican" is the story of America in one guy's life. Ronald Reagan said it the best in his MOH ceremony, "if the story of his heroism was a movie script you would not believe it." And Reagan was an actor before his political career so he'd know a thing or 2 about movie scripts.

I had the honor of meeting this incredible man when he came to speak at our high school when I was a senior. It was 1981, just after receiving his Medal of Honor. He was an amazing American.

As a Texan, I sincerely thank you for telling this man’s incredible story.

I'm a Texan, and we are told about Roy Benavidez in school. It wasn't until the last decade getting national recognition.

I love how that general just kind of pops into Roy's life out of nowhere, does him a favor, _and then just disappears_ xD

I was a Bragg from 1989 to longer than I should have been.. On 4 occasions, I saw Roy give presentations. He came every 18 months or so. TWO occasions I had the opportunity to talk to him with a small group of other soldiers, about 10 of us. Roy was the most down to earth and realistic 'every man' soldier you could ever meet, and a funny guy.

You are, by a ridiculously wide margin, the best at telling these stories.

I’m sure you get 1,000’s of emails every week. I emailed you not too long ago about my father. He was MACVSOG North. Serving 44 years in the United States Army. At the age of 13 he ran away from home, bought a new identity and joined up. Sadly, my father passed away on Veteran’s Day in 2014. I was by his side for the last 4 hours of his life and he’s now laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

I crushed 11 disks, compression fractured 3 vertebrae and a bunch of other stuff. Surgery didn't go completely well and I was told not to hope for anything to get better, but I began to get feeling back in my left leg. That feeling was like a sleeping limb awakening. Savage spiking needle pain, but it was feeling. So I hit the gym. It took years of brutality, but I slogged through it. Now, years later, most people have no idea how badly injured I was because of how well I walk until I tell them and show the scars and the mri's of the implant. Never quit yourself. When life gets hard, get harder. You got this!!! Mad respect

I read about this guy in my infantry handbook, which had alot of MOH stories in it. This guy was a legitimate Terminator. How he told the doctor he was still alive is like a movie. He earned legendary status, in my book.

My father was a member of 1st sf and 82nd. I was born at Bragg and raised at Lewis. My dad and other green berets used to talk about this man. My dad said he met him a few times. He had the utmost respect for this man.

My step father was a green beret and served with him in Vietnam. He held TMM in the HIGHEST regard and said he was one of the finest men he ever knew. Thanks for doing this video. THIS MAN is a Hero in every sense of the word.

Roy Benevidez is the best example of the saying “the victor is not victorious, if the vanquished does not consider themselves so”

I actually met Sgt Benavidez when I was a kid. He told us his story, and we were all amazed. Tough and nice guy. I recall him having bear paws for hands. I was a young feller.

Roy Benevidez was a true hero and badass. Honestly, I would love to see you do videos like this for more MOH recipients. The stories from those men and their heroic actions are often more insane than the write up, and unfortunately many Americans do not know them. Your telling of the Benevidez story was amazing brother, keep the long videos coming!

He came to my high-school in Denver, gave a speech and then later hung out with us down in our rotc range. One of the few reasons I served, a great humble and sincerely genuine man.

Fat Lineman here. If you ever find yourself in Dubuque(hopefully you dont lol) the busch lights are on me.

Really appreciate the story and the way you told it.. the fact that master sergeant Benavidez went on to preserve 350,000 veteran benefits speaks with real valor for the hero and soldier that he was and will forever be.

I love Roy Benivitez and never miss an opportunity to hear his story i recomend everyone watch in his own words Roy telling the story will choke you up with pride

I met Roy when I was in JROTC at my San Antonio high school. My NCO cadre was in Roy's unit during Vietnam so he came by and attended one of our parade ceremonies. He made me call him Roy, not Sgt Benevides. I got to sit and talk to him for quite a few minutes, I was a very small kid and he told me to always work harder than everyone else and I will succeed. An amazing man who was a giant in my eyes.

The story about Audie Murphy being used as a recruiting tool while being Roy’s role model honestly just cements for me that he was basically a real life Captain America.

What an absolute unit. Got a little teary eyed there at the end of his speech. What an American role model.

Thank you for this. Mexicans, whether legal or illegal, have a long history of supporting the United States military in wars which is seldom acknowledged. My Dad was a US citizen born in 1926 in Los Angeles. At 4 years old the government rounded up Mexicans who were not citizens , which my grandparents were not, and sent them back to Mexico in cattle cars. Dad grew up in Mexico and during WW2 came back to the US in an effort to join the military. Dad was a little guy 5'4" maybe 140 wringing wet and he spoke no English. He was listed at 4F and could not enlist. Greatest regret of his life, but it spurred him to take English language classes at night at the high school while holding down grueling, dangerous jobs in the mines of Arizona. Dad taught himself to read and write English, but when the Korean conflict broke out he was married with a few daughters and could not enlist. Dad went on to raise 5 daughters all college graduates who have contributed to their communities. He had 7 grandsons all college graduates who are contributing to their communities. 7 great grandchildren are in the process of entering into colleges of their choice. This is just one small story of Mexican contributions to this nation who in todays racist country hold them in contempt.

I had the honor of meeting and interviewing Roy Benavides. Soon after college...I was working in Laredo TX and Roy was on tour around Texas and was being interviewed around Veteran's Day.. You should have seen the medals on that guy. He had my complete attention and respect. What an honor to shake his hand. This was in 1987 by the way.

Lessons from these stories: 1- Real Americans cheat on the eye exams 2- We need to have some "discussions" with all of these committees...no MoH for Benevidez, no MoH for Daily (x3), now we have Fort Liberty instead of Fort Benevidez...

Hey man, I come from a heavy military family. My father served in four wars. I had Uncles, Aunts, cousins and friends who serve and I was an Army brat. I love the way you tell stories and I love the stories you tell. I get real worried about the state of things right now, but hearing stories like this and I also just watched the one about the taking out the Iranian Navy in an 8hr work day, lol. It made me feel safe. Even though that it isn't necessarily true, it feels nice. I'm so grateful to be an American. Thank you for your service, sir. I appreciate you.

Mr. Benevidez should have been on that senate comittee as a senator instead of testifiying to it. What an amzing man!

I think Roy’s Uncle Aunt and Grandpa deserve a lot of credit for the man Master Sergeant Benavides became. He didn’t have a lot, but Abuelo Salvador and the family raising him to take pride in his Yaqui/Mexican heritage is one of the greatest “Can do” stories of the American people. Good for them. And thank you Master Sergeant for your service in America’s defense

Thanks for including a portion of the Benevidez speech at the end. I encourage everyone to watch it in it's entirety. He was one of the greatest Americans...ever.

I remember learning about him in my Texas History class in the late 80s. He immediately became a personal hero to me and one of the reasons I joined the Army and went to SF.

My dad, a helo pilot, got to work with Roy. Was very careful not to divulge much more than that. But this makes the story so much more meaningful. Great video!

"What? Am I planning to get into the Marine Corps?" I was expecting a "square hole" joke but this one works too😂

*_"Homie literally stepped on a landmine and walked it off. OF COURSE he was going to be a Green Beret!"_* I've heard the man speak, actually got the opportunity to shake his hand and talk with him a bit. One word comes immediately to mind; impressive.

The single best use of "Hawk Tuah" to date!🤣

I had read his amazing story before, but did not know all of his background growing up or his fight for other veterans. Thank you for the added context. Roy deserves every honor including a base named for him

Another Rambo you should cover is sgt Leo Major. He would lose an eye to a grenade, refuse the discharge, return to his unit and go on to pull a Sgt York by capturing a German company, then later would liberate a town completely by himself, by being so badass that the German garrison of 500+ ran away

I met Sgt. Benevidez I 1997 while I was stationed ant NAS Oceana, VA. He seemed like a heckuva nice guy. He had to wear a bicycle helmet because of the skull injures. I worked at the base quarterdeck and had to announce “Attention on Deck!” when he entered due to his MOH. Even though he was much older and still suffered from his injuries all these years later, you could tell he had been a genuine badass!

As a former Army Towed Howitzer Instructor in Fort Sill Oklahoma from 1999-2003. I was selected to do the MSG Roy Benavides Training Area Dedication Ceremony and it was a honorable experience. Reading his citation was definitely an eye opener and I was honored to honor him.

MSG Roy Benavidez, this was my favorite story from my Army Warrior Skills Level 1 book, and my topic for my paper at WLC. Jesus.... just an incredible story. I had no idea about the hospital part and the PT at night, WILLING his way to recovery! I remeber reading that when President Reagan was giving him his MOH, he said "I'm about to tell you a story so fantastic, that if I told you I made the whole thing up, you still wouldn't believe me." A TRUE hero!

His story was still being echoed while i served in the late 80's at Ft Bragg . Absolute fckn legend In a year dude went from paralyzed to running 10 miles with a ruck Complete badass Serious American Thanks for the vid doc

You’re never gonna walk again, Roy. DONT YOU PUT THAT EVIL ON ME RICKY BOBBY!

This man just worked Hawk Tuah into the most epic war story of all time LMAO, brother, you are the king of storyteller. Insert slow clap GIF.

I like how you don't beat around the bush in your video. You tell the pertinent info with a swiftness. Too many videographers speak slowly and fluff up the script with way too many words that do not matter. Your video is golden.

I never even considered you working the Hoc Tuah girl into this. I was literally in tears laughing. And you're spot on about the base renaming , which is an absolute outrage. And thank you, Mr Benevidez

"Stepped on a land mine and walked it off" 😂😂😂😂 I'm dying

You managing to put the "Hauk Tah!" girl in here is beyond legendary. I laughed so hard I got a cramp.

Roy’s story brought me to tears several times. What an amazing man, a true American, and the type of person we need more of today.

This man is the definition of the human will. He fought to death and told the reaper to take a hike.

Boy stepped on a landmine and literally walked it off. Lol

Army Recruiter: "You're too small to join." Roy: "If i break your knees, maybe that change of perspective will knock some sense into you. Right before i knock even more into you." Marine Recruiter: "OI, HANDS OFF MY BOY, HE'S MINE! ... Hi. You're a marine. :)" Roy: _"Did i ask you shit? I'm not here for you, I'm here for the army."_ I love this guy. _Absolute marine energy though._

That’s one of the most concise descriptions of MACV/ SOG I’ve ever heard. Great work, as always.

My grandparents lost almost everything because they stopped paying those benefits to my grandparents. My grandfather was an infantry officer in Vietnam and had some of the worst PTSD I’ve ever seen. And I grew up watching my grandfather go ballistic because he wasn’t getting the care he needed from the VA. Benavides is a true American badass and is a hero and so many ways. Thank god we had a man like him.

Hi Fat Electrician. 👋 My Mother's maiden name is Benavidez. This man is a true hero & inspiration. I'm actually recovering from a broken back myself & puttin' the work in to walk again. Watching this has motivated me to keep movin' forward & I will get there. 💯 Thank u Roy Benavidez. 🙏 Much 🤟 Fat Electrician. 🍻🙏🍜

I remember watching his ceremony with President Regan here on RU-vid about 10 years back… this man’s the epitome of “Proud American BadAss!!”

I’ve heard his story told about a dozen or so times now. It never gets old. He’s a true testament to the human body and how far will and determination can bring a man.

I've been waiting for this video for so long. Dude literally spit in the face of death repeatedly

Love Roy Benevidez,make all my APs listen to his story

This was inspiring. How have I missed this 'til now? How this man overcame adversity multiple times, taking his own boost from Audi Murphy is brilliant. You, sir, are a storyteller par excellence. My hat is off to you. 36:00 Excellent cut. Since I no longer have a hat to doff, my head is off to you.

Dude, what you are doing is changing history. Moving forward. Don't ever fucking stop its so goddamn important

Wait.... He saved 8 people with his intestines hanging out and he brought a knife to a gun fight? 🤯

When I was in 7th grade my parents had just divorced and I was getting bullied. I really didn't know how to talk to people anymore and the mere thought of social interaction made me want to vomit. I was in speech class so obviously we had an assignment to speak in front of the entire class. This one assignment made me want to jump out of a window it made me so anxious but I pushed through and started researching on someone to talk about. This someone was Roy "Tango Mike Mike" Benavidez. I became enraptured in his story so much to the point where I wasn't thinking about the anxiety of speaking anymore. I went up and told his story and pushed through a panic attack in the process. Apparently my speech was so good I got a standing ovation from my class. This is the day that started the healing of my social life. Even though it was something so small like speaking in front of people I want it to be known that Roy helped another person who needed help at the time. Thank you.

Spent an hour with him on a SWA flight. He signed his book to me and gave me the highlights of his fight. Told me he was embarrassed when he stepped on Reagan's foot when he leaned in to have the medal put around his neck. What a man.

Roy Benevidez needs a movie to be made. No exaggeration would be necessary. Actually people probably won’t believe the movie unless they omit some of his achievements. I mean before the Medal of Honor incident he taught himself to walk after a land mine explosion. They said he’d never walk again and he basically took it as a challenge!!! Just that is impressive enough, but then he goes through the toughest military training in existence with his healed but broken body. The amount of shear will this guy had is absolutely insane to say nothing of his pain tolerance.

This is the first time I have commented on youtube. Want to say thank you for putting the clip of him at the end. Not ashamed to say it made me cry. I served from 03 to 13 with 3 deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. I now have a c shaped scar on my head from brain surgery from a tbi that causes me to have seizures for 10 years. I had no idea there was someone as great as that man who I have the same viewpoint of. People just don't get it when they ask me why I served or why I am glad I did. Thank you for making these videos and thank you doc.

Like Roy Benavidez, it’s the paratroopers (specifically Pathfinders) of WW2 and my great grandfather that helped inspire my determination to enlist. I don’t know what my great grandpa did exactly but I know he was at Utah beach during Operation Overlord. Rest in Peace Grandpa Jude I’m continuing your legacy 🫡

OUTSTANDING PRESENTATION, And thank you for adding Benavidez speech at the end.

Dude this is insane, US should invest more in telling these stories, this literally gives me goosebumps, and I’m a Venezuelan living in Australia. Rather than trying make the people feel ashamed of being from the US the government should focus on making them proud of people like this.