Embolden Valor

These amazing Americans came together to share their experiences. These conversations provide an invaluable opportunity to preserve their stories, capturing the essence of their service for future generations. Recording their narratives not only honors their sacrifices but also enriches the collective memory of our nation's history.

SGT. Major (Ret) William Spurgeon

Bill is a retired Special Forces Sergeant Major with over 24 years of service. He spent two years fighting in Vietnam, working in support of CIA and highly classified DoD missions. In 1969 he volunteered for MACV-SOG and was Team Leader of Recon Team Texas, where he led 13 high risk cross-border missions.

LT. Colonel (Ret) Edward Wolcoff

Ed is a retired Special Forces soldier with over 27 years of service, where he rose from Private to LTC. He spent over two years in Vietnam with MACV-SOG and was the Team Leader of Recon Team New York for over 20 months (of 25 total months with MACV-SOG). He led 25 harrowing cross-border missions.

SGT. 1st Class (Ret) Clifford Newman

Cliff is a retired Special Forces soldier and was medically retired after 10 years of service. He spent two years in Vietnam with MACV-SOG and was the Team Leader of Recon Team Ohio, conducting numerous dangerous missions and quick reaction “Bright Light” rescue missions. Cliff also conducted the first combat High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) mission in DoD history.

Colonel (Ret) Mayo “Biff” Hadden III

Biff is a retired Special Forces soldier with over 30 years of service. He spent two years in Vietnam as a recon team leader and staff member of Project Delta, which conducted high risk recon missions in enemy-held territory in Vietnam, providing the necessary intelligence to support follow-on large force operations.

Staff SGT (Former) John Good

John is a former Special Force soldier with four years of service, 26 months of which he served in MACV-SOG in Vietnam. He served on Recon Teams Arizona, Texas, and Wyoming. In addition to conducting and leading a number of dangerous recon missions, John helped organize the first combat HALO mission in DoD history.

Major (Ret) John “Doc” Padgett

Doc is a former Special Forces Medic, Civil Affairs Physicians Assistant, and Public Health leader with over 38 years of service to the U.S. Army. He served a total of 42 months in Vietnam as a Special Force Medic, including 14 months in MACV-SOG supporting Hatchet Forces and medical evacuation operations.

MG General (Ret) Kenneth ‘El Cid’ Bowra

Ken is former Special Forces officer with over 33 years of service during which he commanded Special Operations units at all levels. He spent considerable time in Vietnam and was assigned as Team Leader for MACV-SOG Recon Teams Sidewinder and Idaho. Ken went on to do incredible things in Army, interagency, joint, and international organizations.

Major (Ret) John ‘Plastic Man’ Plaster

John is a former Special Forces sniper who served over 25 years in the U.S. Army, three of which were consecutive tours in Vietnam in MACV-SOG. He was Team Leader for Recon Teams Illinois, Washington, California, and Hawaii, and was a member of Recon Team Hawaii – leading 22 harrowing recon missions in 24 months. John was a flying Forward Air Controller in his final year with SOG, flying 350+ missions over Loas and Cambodia–protecting U.S. Servicemen in need.

Ways to help us preserve valor and inspire courage in our nation:

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