Medal of Honor recipient, Colonel (Retired) Paris D. Davis joins the show. Colonel Davis is a retired U.S. Army Special Forces officer and one of the first black Green Beret commanders. He earned the Medal of Honor on March 3, 2023, nearly 58 years after his heroic actions during a fierce 19‑hour battle in Vietnam on June 17–18, 1965, where he repeatedly risked his life to rescue wounded comrades under intense enemy fire. Over a 26‑year career, he rose to command the 10th Special Forces Group, earned a Ph.D. in Public Administration, and published a newspaper for 30 years after retirement.

Find his book "Every Weapon I Had: A Vietnam Vet's Long Road to the Medal of Honor" anywhere books are sold.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Colonel Paris Davis

02:41 Joining the Military: ROTC Experience

07:27 Challenges Faced During ROTC

10:17 Overcoming Negativity and Condescension

13:52 The Path to Special Forces

26:03 Realizing the Importance of Teamwork

29:04 Teamwork and Training in Action

30:38 The Mission Above All

33:12 Building Trust and Competence

36:17 Recognition and Leadership

38:29 The Importance of Acknowledgment

41:15 The Emotional Weight of War

47:03 First Impressions of Vietnam

48:43 The Reality of Combat

53:07 Rescue Missions and Brotherhood

54:54 The Battle of Bong-Son

01:04:59 The Rescue Mission: A Life-Saving Operation

01:09:39 Reflections on Billy Waugh: A Legendary Career

01:11:53 Courage Under Fire: Refusing Evacuation

01:12:35 The Complexity of War: Innocence and Enemies

01:14:42 Racism and Respect: A Changing Perspective

01:24:51 The Long Road to Recognition: Medal of Honor Journey

Check Out Our Sponsors:

Alp! ALP is arguably the world's best nicotine pouch brand dedicated to offering a better, more satisfying way to enjoy nicotine. ALP is tobacco leaf-free, smoke-free, and available in a range of flavors and strengths. Use our affiliate link: ⁠https://alppouch.com/8144913⁠ to let them know we sent you and use promo code: ALP-C9ER6GCKZFDXLCY for 10% off your order. (We know, lame promo code…)

Kill Cliff Energy! Looking for a clean energy boost without the crash? Kill Cliff Energy has you covered! Packed with natural ingredients, electrolytes, and just the right amount of caffeine, Kill Cliff gives you the energy you need to power through your day. Plus, with our exclusive discount code KCPODCAST20, you can get 20% off your next purchase. Fuel your energy and recovery with Kill Cliff! Check them out at ⁠https://www.killcliff.com⁠

Protekt! Stay hydrated and recover like a pro with Protekt Hydration and Rest supplements! Veteran-owned and operated, Protekt offers clean, natural formulas made in the USA to optimize performance, hydration, and sleep. Fuel your body and rest easy knowing you're supporting a company with American-made quality. Use our exclusive code ICAMEWITHFIRE to get 15% off your next purchase. Get the balance your body needs, day or night, with Protekt! ⁠https://protekt.com/⁠