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.

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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/


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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 closequarters 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 decisionmaking, and the importance of camaraderie. Additionally, the narrative touches on postwar efforts to honor the sacrifices of veterans, weaving together personal stories of combat, survival, and the enduring bonds formed in the crucible of war.