Military History

The DEVGRU files: SEAL Team Six founder Dick Marcinko on SEALs in Vietnam

Years ago we had a chance to sit down for an interview with Richard “Demo Dick” Marcinko when he was in town for an event in New York City. For the first time in more than three years, this content is now free for your viewing pleasure.

During this portion of the interview, Dick discusses how the Navy SEALs were in high demand during the Vietnam War, as there were no jumps or free falls.

He preferred to penetrate enemy lines utilizing local boats to prevent them from recognizing the sound of the American boats. He recounts his “first taste of urban combat,” and how he wasn’t prepared to go from the jungle to fighting in a city during the fall of Saigon. Marcinko also recalls some close calls when fighting, and attributes a certain amount of luck to staying alive. He said, “I don’t have any purple hearts…I always got the other guy first!”

You've reached your daily free article limit.

Subscribe and support our veteran writing staff to continue reading.

Get Full Ad-Free Access For Just $0.50/Week

Enjoy unlimited digital access to our Military Culture, Defense, and Foreign Policy coverage content and support a veteran owned business. Already a subscriber?

Years ago we had a chance to sit down for an interview with Richard “Demo Dick” Marcinko when he was in town for an event in New York City. For the first time in more than three years, this content is now free for your viewing pleasure.

During this portion of the interview, Dick discusses how the Navy SEALs were in high demand during the Vietnam War, as there were no jumps or free falls.

He preferred to penetrate enemy lines utilizing local boats to prevent them from recognizing the sound of the American boats. He recounts his “first taste of urban combat,” and how he wasn’t prepared to go from the jungle to fighting in a city during the fall of Saigon. Marcinko also recalls some close calls when fighting, and attributes a certain amount of luck to staying alive. He said, “I don’t have any purple hearts…I always got the other guy first!”

See the whole series of exclusive interviews here.

About Nick Coffman View All Posts

Nick is a former United States Marine. He primarily writes about Marine Corps Special Operations as well as digital privacy and security. In his spare time he enjoys hunting and fishing.

COMMENTS

You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.

More from SOFREP

REAL EXPERTS.
REAL NEWS.

Join SOFREP for insider access and analysis.

TRY 14 DAYS FREE

Already a subscriber? Log In