1 hr 52 min
Commanding Tanks in Vietnam | Silver Star Mission | Armored Cavalry M48 Tanks in 'Nam | Kent Hillhouse (MG, Ret) Combat Story
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- History
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.
👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit combatstory.com/newsletter.
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
Check out the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation of Los Gatos at https://honoravet.org/
🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:
🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 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.
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.
👀 Don't miss out! Check out our Combat Check-In for exclusive updates, fascinating historical snippets, and much more! Visit combatstory.com/newsletter.
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
Check out the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation of Los Gatos at https://honoravet.org/
🎙️ Connect with Ryan & Combat Story:
🔗 Ryan’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/combatstory 🛒 Merch Store: https://www.bonfire.com/store/combatstory/ 📸 Instagram: @combatstory https://www.instagram.com/combatstory 📘 Facebook: @combatstoryofficial https://fb.me/combatstoryofficial 📖 Learn more about Ryan: https://www.combatstory.com/aboutus 🎵 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.
1 hr 52 min