Summary of Jocko Podcast Episode 469: "Dangerous Secret Missions" with Army Col (Ret) Bill Reeder

Introduction

In Episode 469 of the Jocko Podcast, host Jocko Willink welcomes Echo Charles and retired Army Colonel William Reeder, Jr., a seasoned veteran of the Vietnam War. The episode delves into Colonel Reeder's harrowing experiences flying classified missions, his time as a prisoner of war, and his subsequent career as an author and military leader.

Early Experiences and Arrival in Vietnam

Colonel Reeder recounts his arrival in Vietnam on Halloween night, 1968, as a 22-year-old newly promoted Army captain. He describes his initial apprehensions and the stark contrast between his expectations and the brutal reality of war.

Notable Quote:

"Welcome to the combat zone, I thought. Little did I know how far this was from the reality of war I'd soon come to know." [00:00]

Flying Classified Missions with the 131st Surveillance Airplane Company

Reeder discusses his assignment to the 131st Surveillance Airplane Company, one of the most elite and dangerous units in Southeast Asia. He details the specialized missions flown in the Grumman OV1 Mohawk Observation and Attack aircraft, emphasizing the high risks and minimal recovery rates of these missions.

Notable Quote:

"We were the only army unit in Vietnam given the honor of wearing the black flight suit for our aviators." [03:46]

Building Camaraderie and Facing Losses

The podcast highlights the strong bonds formed among the pilots, including humorous anecdotes from the "Spud Club," their officers' lounge. Reeder shares stories of camaraderie, such as his interactions with fellow flight school classmates and the unique traditions that fostered unity within the unit.

Notable Quote:

"Whenever you could find some alcohol in Vietnam, you drank it. It helped us mentally cope with going out there day after day." [46:40]

Encountering Enemy Fire and Survival Tactics

Reeder elaborates on the constant threat from enemy forces, including MiGs and SAM missiles. He explains the rigorous training and protocols that pilots followed to survive engagements, such as the “push stick down and dive” maneuver when faced with an incoming missile.

Notable Quote:

"Courage came from my ability to contain fear, push through it, and do what had to be done, even with angst swelling in the pit of my stomach." [69:01]

Ejection and Rescue

One of the most gripping segments involves Reeder's experience being shot down and his subsequent ejection from the aircraft. He vividly describes the chaos during the ejection, the perilous jungle terrain, and the critical role of his wingman, Frank Griswold, who provided crucial support during his rescue.

Notable Quote:

"I owe Frank Griswold my life. He provided close air support to the rescue helicopter throughout." [116:26]

Transition to Leadership and Post-War Reflections

After surviving captivity and returning to duty, Reeder reflects on his growth from a young, invincible pilot to a seasoned leader. He emphasizes the importance of responsibility towards his crew and the lessons learned about control and courage under pressure.

Notable Quote:

"You can control what you can control, and do your best to do that. What you can't control, you can't control." [69:01]

Writing and Memorializing Fellow Servicemen

Reeder discusses his motivation to write his books, aiming to honor the memories of his fallen comrades and shed light on the untold stories of the 131st unit. He highlights the challenges of publishing these narratives and the importance of preserving military history.

Notable Quote:

"I wanted to make this a story about crews, not just pilots, because those young men in the right seat had absolute trust and faith in the pilot." [76:59]

Conclusion and Legacy

The episode concludes with Reeder sharing his ongoing projects, including his Vietnam trilogy and a forthcoming book on the 24th Infantry Division's role in Operation Desert Storm. He reflects on the enduring bonds formed during the war and the significance of controlling what one can amidst chaos.

Notable Quote:

"Life is precious and often far too short. No part of it should ever be taken for granted. Live your life to the hilt." [177:27]

Key Takeaways

• Leadership and Responsibility: Reeder underscores the essence of leadership in high-stakes environments, emphasizing the duty to protect and lead one's team effectively.

• Camaraderie in Combat: The strong bonds among servicemen are pivotal for survival and morale, fostering a sense of family amidst the horrors of war.

• Resilience and Growth: Facing life-threatening situations fosters personal growth, teaching invaluable lessons about fear, control, and courage.

• Preserving History: Documenting and sharing firsthand accounts of war is crucial for honoring fallen comrades and educating future generations.

Final Thoughts

Colonel William Reeder's narrative provides a profound insight into the complexities of war, the strength of the human spirit, and the enduring importance of leadership and camaraderie. His dedication to memorializing his experiences ensures that the sacrifices of the 131st Surveillance Airplane Company are not forgotten.

Further Reading and Resources

• Books by Colonel William Reeder, Jr.:

  • We Dared to Fly
  • Extraordinary Valor
  • Through the Valley: My Captivity in Vietnam

• Podcast and Social Media:

  • Visit Jocko Podcast for more episodes.
  • Follow Echo Charles on Facebook at William Reader Jr..
  • Follow Jocko Willink on social media: @jockowillink.

Note: This summary captures the essence of Episode 469 based on the provided transcript. For a comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.