Jocko Podcast #529: Firebase Kate Was Under Siege, Surrounded, Outgunned. With Capt. Bill "Hawk" Albracht
Date: February 25, 2026 | Host: Jocko Willink
Guest: Captain Bill “Hawk” Albracht (Youngest Green Beret captain in Vietnam, Firebase Kate & Mike Force experiences, Secret Service)

Episode Overview

This episode is a gripping, immersive deep-dive into the siege of Firebase Kate during the Vietnam War through the firsthand account of Captain Bill "Hawk" Albracht. At just 21 years old, Albrecht found himself commanding a desperate defense on an isolated hilltop, vastly outnumbered and outgunned by North Vietnamese forces. The discussion covers the relentless five-day battle at Firebase Kate, the extraordinary leadership challenges faced, the process of leading a breakout through enemy lines, and the enduring lessons of discipline, teamwork, and resilience. The conversation also explores the legacy of Vietnam veterans, postwar struggles, and Bill’s subsequent career in the Secret Service.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Opening Context: The Youngest Green Beret Captain

Bill Albracht's background: youngest Green Beret captain in Vietnam, three Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars (some with valor), three Purple Hearts, Combat Infantryman's Badge, later 25 years in the Secret Service.
Intro to the book Abandoned in Hell, co-authored with Marvin Wolf, as a tribute to the men of Firebase Kate and the Montagnard fighters (00:06–05:36).
Quote from Albracht (reading from book):

"At age 21, I believed that I was 7ft tall, bulletproof, invisible when needed, and that Vietnam was to be the greatest adventure I could ever hope for..."

2. Early Life and Military Path

Grew up in Rock Island, Illinois; difficult family life; not academically inclined—football & camaraderie were more important (07:51–09:35).
Decided to join the military, influenced by older brother Bob who was in Special Forces. Chose Army/Airborne Infantry/Special Forces instead of Marines (09:35–11:04).
Experiences with OCS, Airborne, and Special Forces selection:
- Surprised by getting picked for OCS; did not initially want to be an officer, but excelled through training (13:03–16:02).
- Learned three key leadership priorities ("Mission, Men, Me") in OCS (16:02–17:34):
  
  "It's called the three M's of leadership: the mission, the men, and me... I've led my life that way all my life from that day forward..." (16:25, C)
Rigorous preparation for Vietnam knowing he’d be going to combat; value of being taught by instructors with real experience (15:41–16:23).
Hardship and chance in career advancement: repeatedly in the right place at the right time, catching open slots in rigorous courses (18:14–19:47).

3. Deployment to Vietnam and Assignment to Firebase Kate

Frustration at being initially assigned to train in Thailand instead of Vietnam, despite intensive preparation (22:11–22:46).
Finally volunteered for another year to get Vietnam combat—assigned to II Corps Mike Force in Central Highlands, aiming for direct action (24:54–27:33).
Explanation of Mike Force vs. SOG:
- Mike Force: Special Forces-led, larger scale direct-action units with Montagnard troops, looking to directly engage the enemy (25:08–27:33).
Firebase Kate: small, isolated hilltop with limited artillery, close to Cambodian border, critical vulnerabilities (29:11–32:35).
On arrival, shocked at the lack of preparation/discipline among the troops; quickly enforced defensive improvements (37:32–38:29).

4. The Siege Begins: Under Fire at Firebase Kate

Initial complacency gives way to terror as North Vietnamese launch a concentrated attack: recoilless rifles, mortars, rockets, small arms (43:14–43:18).
Medevac helicopter and Dust-off pilots cited as "the bravest men I've ever met" (44:11, C).
Facing devastating odds:
- ~180 men (Montagnards and artillerymen) vs. 4,000–6,000 NVA troops (48:59–55:12).
First combat leadership moment ("everyone will look to you, and you better goddamn well be ready to make the right decisions"):

"Do something, and do it now. Don't freeze." (48:59, C)
On saving a wounded Montagnard by running through fire:

"I've never asked anyone to do anything that I hadn't done or wouldn't do... By doing that, they saw that I valued their lives the same as I valued my own..." (51:23, C).

5. Combat Leadership, Air Power & Crisis Management

The lifeline of Air Force Forward Air Controllers and jet strikes (F-4 Phantoms, F-100 Super Sabres) – precise coordination, even using tracer ammo to mark targets (61:30–63:31).
The psychological and physical exhaustion of days-long siege—use of dextroamphetamine "stay-awake pills" (65:20–67:35).
Repeated loss of artillery and critical resupply efforts—dangerous helicopter insertions of water and ammunition under heavy fire (69:23–75:24).
Emotional and mental toll: soldiers reaching their "breaking point," combat fatigue/PTSD, and the importance of leadership support (98:12–103:00).

6. Decision to Break Out from Firebase Kate

Facing annihilation, Albrecht consults with Montagnard leaders and his NCOs—leadership in soliciting input but making the call (109:57–114:24):

"It wasn't a vote... it was a decision that leaders have to make... After taking counsel, the decision was firmed up and made by me because I was in command. That's what a leader does..." (109:57, C)
Request to abandon Kate initially denied by higher command. Only after a confrontational radio exchange does a general personally intervene and grant permission (115:37–117:52).

"Pawnee Bill Alpha called Bill Albrecht Hawk from way high over Kate... 'Pawnee Bill Alpha, if you don't believe them, drop your fucking helicopter 10,000 feet and take a look for yourself...'" (116:19)
Preparation for breakout: spiking all artillery/tactical equipment with thermite, forced to leave the bodies of fallen Montagnard fighters behind (121:48–123:10).
Internal memory and fear management—a moment recounting a crisis of fear before the breakout, overcome through acceptance (124:53–127:48):

"I looked up into the cosmos... and I said, Dear Lord, I know I'm going to die tonight... but please let me get as many of these fine young men out as possible and then take me and I'll be ready to go... All of a sudden I had this inner peace and I was no longer afraid..." (126:27–127:48, C)

7. The Night Breakout and Link-Up Under Fire

Move out at night through triple canopy jungle—navigation by compass and pace count, with ~150 men, language barriers, and chaos from panic under fire (133:40–137:56).

"Having a squad of 8 guys going through the jungle is very hard to control... Now when you're talking about 150 people with a language barrier—it is so challenging..." (134:53–134:55, A)
The near-miraculous avoidance of an NVA ambush thanks to the confusion of darkness and a traversing machine gun (132:42–133:40).
Final harrowing linkup with friendly Mike Force:

"Feeling naked in the moonlight, my weapon slung... I stepped into the field... calling as I went: I'm an American, are you the Mike Force?... Finally, I reached the tree line, and there to my left a Mike Force striker stared back at me from a foxhole. Sergeant First Class Lowell Stevens, the ground commander, grabbed my arm: 'Go back and get the rest of your men...'" (139:39–140:53).

8. Aftermath – Survival, Honors, and Legacy

Only about 150 out of nearly 200 defenders survived the breakout; severe casualties among Montagnards and Americans.
Emotional closure—a moving segment about finding and connecting with the son of a fallen comrade to tell him about his father’s last moments (88:40–91:40).
Post-battle reflections:
- Leadership is listening—Montagnards followed because they were heard and respected.
- Courage is “fear that has said its prayers.” (141:17)
- Processing trauma ("locking away memories in a footlocker") and the difficult homecoming for Vietnam vets—anger, lack of recognition, PTSD, and the long path to personal catharsis through writing his story (179:03–185:48).
"Welcome home. I had never heard that before. I was dumbfounded... Now, of course, that's the big thing: Vietnam veterans meet each other, it's 'Welcome home,' because we never got a welcome home." (184:23)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

On leadership:
- "It's called the three M's of leadership: the mission, the men, and me..." (16:25, C)
- "I've never asked anyone to do anything that I hadn't done or wouldn't do... By doing that, they saw that I valued their lives the same as I valued my own..." (51:23, C)
On facing panic:
- "Every man can be broken. There's no shame in it. ... I'd rather go into battle with five men I can depend on with my life than 100 that I can't be sure of." (103:00, C)
On the decision to break out:
- "We have three options: Surrender (never), die in place (to what end?), or attempt to break out of here—and we are going to go with three." (109:57, C)
Communicating with command:
- "Pawnee Bill Alpha, if you don't believe them, drop your fucking helicopter 10,000 feet and take a look for yourself." (116:19, C)
Fear and acceptance:
- "Dear Lord, I know I'm going to die tonight... but please, let me get as many of these fine young men out as possible and then take me, and I'll be ready to go. ... All of a sudden I had this inner peace, and I was no longer afraid." (126:27–127:48, C)
On linking up under fire:
- "I'm an American. Are you the Mike Force? ... Finally, I reached the tree line and ... Sergeant First Class Lowell Stevens ... 'Go back and get the rest of your men.'" (139:39–140:53)
Legacy and catharsis:
- "When I came home ... I put those memories in [a footlocker] ... But sometimes ... that footlocker would come open a little bit and something would come out and all of a hit me... In 2008 ... the locker came open, the footlocker came open, everything came out. So I sat down and started to write about it. ... It was very cathartic for me..." (179:03–180:56, C)
Recognizing Vietnam veterans:
- "Welcome home. I had never heard that before." (184:23, C)

Additional Topics

Life after Vietnam

Experience as a bouncer to process anger and reenter civilian life; challenges of being unrecognized as a veteran.
Four years Army Reserves; then a 25-year Secret Service career, including Counter Assault Teams, Presidential/Vice Presidential Protection—described as "the golden age" of the Secret Service (186:19–199:02).
Later worked in corporate security at Ford, security consulting, and became involved in Warrior Rising (helping veteran entrepreneurs).

Coaching, Sports, and Leadership Lessons

Value of varsity football and team sports in building persistence, teamwork, and confidence (215:04–218:00).

Legacy and Closing Thoughts

Bill “Hawk” Albracht now speaks and works in veteran entrepreneurship programs, continuing to tell the story of his men and helping close that “circle” for families left behind.
The extreme pressure, responsibility, and courage of leading men in combat radiates through his retelling.
Jocko’s takeaways: Always be ready. The little details—mental preparation, team cohesion, and moral courage—matter most, in war and in life.
Warm praise for the book, Abandoned in Hell, with anticipation for the forthcoming book on the Mike Force and Dak Siang.

Resource & Contact Info

Bill "Hawk" Albracht:
- Website: captain-hawk.com
- Book: Abandoned in Hell: The Fight for Vietnam's Firebase Kate
Veteran Support:
- warriorrising.org – entrepreneurship support for veterans

Key Timestamps

| Segment | Description | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|------------| | Introduction and book excerpt | Who is Bill "Hawk" Albracht? & Setup for Kate | 00:06–05:36| | Early life and military path | Family, OCS, SF pipeline | 07:51–17:34| | Assigned to Vietnam/Mike Force | Initial disappointments, preparations, distinctions | 22:11–27:33| | Arrival at Firebase Kate | Base layout, initial problems, enforcing real discipline | 29:11–38:29| | The siege at Kate | Under siege; first major attacks, air support, medevac | 43:14–55:12| | Critical leadership decisions | Taking point, saving comrades, maintaining morale | 51:23–55:12| | Psychological/physical toll | Fatigue, using amphetamines, losing men, PTSD | 65:20–103:00| | Choosing to break out | Leader consultation, denied request, finally green-lit | 109:57–117:52| | Night breakout and linkup | Moving 150 through jungle, almost ambushed, successful link | 124:53–140:53| | Aftermath, homecoming, legacy | Honors, struggles, book writing, meeting Ross’s son | 88:40–91:40, 179:03–185:48| | Secret Service and later life | Counter Assault Teams, VP detail, postwar career | 186:19–205:00| | Closing remarks and takeaways | Lessons, gratitude, legacy, resource links | 222:35–end |

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Opening Context: The Youngest Green Beret Captain

Bill Albracht's background: youngest Green Beret captain in Vietnam, three Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars (some with valor), three Purple Hearts, Combat Infantryman's Badge, later 25 years in the Secret Service.
Intro to the book Abandoned in Hell, co-authored with Marvin Wolf, as a tribute to the men of Firebase Kate and the Montagnard fighters (00:06–05:36).
Quote from Albracht (reading from book):

"At age 21, I believed that I was 7ft tall, bulletproof, invisible when needed, and that Vietnam was to be the greatest adventure I could ever hope for..."

2. Early Life and Military Path

Grew up in Rock Island, Illinois; difficult family life; not academically inclined—football & camaraderie were more important (07:51–09:35).
Decided to join the military, influenced by older brother Bob who was in Special Forces. Chose Army/Airborne Infantry/Special Forces instead of Marines (09:35–11:04).
Experiences with OCS, Airborne, and Special Forces selection:
- Surprised by getting picked for OCS; did not initially want to be an officer, but excelled through training (13:03–16:02).
- Learned three key leadership priorities ("Mission, Men, Me") in OCS (16:02–17:34):
  
  "It's called the three M's of leadership: the mission, the men, and me... I've led my life that way all my life from that day forward..." (16:25, C)
Rigorous preparation for Vietnam knowing he’d be going to combat; value of being taught by instructors with real experience (15:41–16:23).
Hardship and chance in career advancement: repeatedly in the right place at the right time, catching open slots in rigorous courses (18:14–19:47).

3. Deployment to Vietnam and Assignment to Firebase Kate

Frustration at being initially assigned to train in Thailand instead of Vietnam, despite intensive preparation (22:11–22:46).
Finally volunteered for another year to get Vietnam combat—assigned to II Corps Mike Force in Central Highlands, aiming for direct action (24:54–27:33).
Explanation of Mike Force vs. SOG:
- Mike Force: Special Forces-led, larger scale direct-action units with Montagnard troops, looking to directly engage the enemy (25:08–27:33).
Firebase Kate: small, isolated hilltop with limited artillery, close to Cambodian border, critical vulnerabilities (29:11–32:35).
On arrival, shocked at the lack of preparation/discipline among the troops; quickly enforced defensive improvements (37:32–38:29).

4. The Siege Begins: Under Fire at Firebase Kate

Initial complacency gives way to terror as North Vietnamese launch a concentrated attack: recoilless rifles, mortars, rockets, small arms (43:14–43:18).
Medevac helicopter and Dust-off pilots cited as "the bravest men I've ever met" (44:11, C).
Facing devastating odds:
- ~180 men (Montagnards and artillerymen) vs. 4,000–6,000 NVA troops (48:59–55:12).
First combat leadership moment ("everyone will look to you, and you better goddamn well be ready to make the right decisions"):

"Do something, and do it now. Don't freeze." (48:59, C)
On saving a wounded Montagnard by running through fire:

"I've never asked anyone to do anything that I hadn't done or wouldn't do... By doing that, they saw that I valued their lives the same as I valued my own..." (51:23, C).

5. Combat Leadership, Air Power & Crisis Management

The lifeline of Air Force Forward Air Controllers and jet strikes (F-4 Phantoms, F-100 Super Sabres) – precise coordination, even using tracer ammo to mark targets (61:30–63:31).
The psychological and physical exhaustion of days-long siege—use of dextroamphetamine "stay-awake pills" (65:20–67:35).
Repeated loss of artillery and critical resupply efforts—dangerous helicopter insertions of water and ammunition under heavy fire (69:23–75:24).
Emotional and mental toll: soldiers reaching their "breaking point," combat fatigue/PTSD, and the importance of leadership support (98:12–103:00).

6. Decision to Break Out from Firebase Kate

Facing annihilation, Albrecht consults with Montagnard leaders and his NCOs—leadership in soliciting input but making the call (109:57–114:24):

"It wasn't a vote... it was a decision that leaders have to make... After taking counsel, the decision was firmed up and made by me because I was in command. That's what a leader does..." (109:57, C)
Request to abandon Kate initially denied by higher command. Only after a confrontational radio exchange does a general personally intervene and grant permission (115:37–117:52).

"Pawnee Bill Alpha called Bill Albrecht Hawk from way high over Kate... 'Pawnee Bill Alpha, if you don't believe them, drop your fucking helicopter 10,000 feet and take a look for yourself...'" (116:19)
Preparation for breakout: spiking all artillery/tactical equipment with thermite, forced to leave the bodies of fallen Montagnard fighters behind (121:48–123:10).
Internal memory and fear management—a moment recounting a crisis of fear before the breakout, overcome through acceptance (124:53–127:48):

"I looked up into the cosmos... and I said, Dear Lord, I know I'm going to die tonight... but please let me get as many of these fine young men out as possible and then take me and I'll be ready to go... All of a sudden I had this inner peace and I was no longer afraid..." (126:27–127:48, C)

7. The Night Breakout and Link-Up Under Fire

Move out at night through triple canopy jungle—navigation by compass and pace count, with ~150 men, language barriers, and chaos from panic under fire (133:40–137:56).

"Having a squad of 8 guys going through the jungle is very hard to control... Now when you're talking about 150 people with a language barrier—it is so challenging..." (134:53–134:55, A)
The near-miraculous avoidance of an NVA ambush thanks to the confusion of darkness and a traversing machine gun (132:42–133:40).
Final harrowing linkup with friendly Mike Force:

"Feeling naked in the moonlight, my weapon slung... I stepped into the field... calling as I went: I'm an American, are you the Mike Force?... Finally, I reached the tree line, and there to my left a Mike Force striker stared back at me from a foxhole. Sergeant First Class Lowell Stevens, the ground commander, grabbed my arm: 'Go back and get the rest of your men...'" (139:39–140:53).

8. Aftermath – Survival, Honors, and Legacy

Only about 150 out of nearly 200 defenders survived the breakout; severe casualties among Montagnards and Americans.
Emotional closure—a moving segment about finding and connecting with the son of a fallen comrade to tell him about his father’s last moments (88:40–91:40).
Post-battle reflections:
- Leadership is listening—Montagnards followed because they were heard and respected.
- Courage is “fear that has said its prayers.” (141:17)
- Processing trauma ("locking away memories in a footlocker") and the difficult homecoming for Vietnam vets—anger, lack of recognition, PTSD, and the long path to personal catharsis through writing his story (179:03–185:48).
"Welcome home. I had never heard that before. I was dumbfounded... Now, of course, that's the big thing: Vietnam veterans meet each other, it's 'Welcome home,' because we never got a welcome home." (184:23)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

On leadership:
- "It's called the three M's of leadership: the mission, the men, and me..." (16:25, C)
- "I've never asked anyone to do anything that I hadn't done or wouldn't do... By doing that, they saw that I valued their lives the same as I valued my own..." (51:23, C)
On facing panic:
- "Every man can be broken. There's no shame in it. ... I'd rather go into battle with five men I can depend on with my life than 100 that I can't be sure of." (103:00, C)
On the decision to break out:
- "We have three options: Surrender (never), die in place (to what end?), or attempt to break out of here—and we are going to go with three." (109:57, C)
Communicating with command:
- "Pawnee Bill Alpha, if you don't believe them, drop your fucking helicopter 10,000 feet and take a look for yourself." (116:19, C)
Fear and acceptance:
- "Dear Lord, I know I'm going to die tonight... but please, let me get as many of these fine young men out as possible and then take me, and I'll be ready to go. ... All of a sudden I had this inner peace, and I was no longer afraid." (126:27–127:48, C)
On linking up under fire:
- "I'm an American. Are you the Mike Force? ... Finally, I reached the tree line and ... Sergeant First Class Lowell Stevens ... 'Go back and get the rest of your men.'" (139:39–140:53)
Legacy and catharsis:
- "When I came home ... I put those memories in [a footlocker] ... But sometimes ... that footlocker would come open a little bit and something would come out and all of a hit me... In 2008 ... the locker came open, the footlocker came open, everything came out. So I sat down and started to write about it. ... It was very cathartic for me..." (179:03–180:56, C)
Recognizing Vietnam veterans:
- "Welcome home. I had never heard that before." (184:23, C)

Additional Topics

Life after Vietnam

Experience as a bouncer to process anger and reenter civilian life; challenges of being unrecognized as a veteran.
Four years Army Reserves; then a 25-year Secret Service career, including Counter Assault Teams, Presidential/Vice Presidential Protection—described as "the golden age" of the Secret Service (186:19–199:02).
Later worked in corporate security at Ford, security consulting, and became involved in Warrior Rising (helping veteran entrepreneurs).

Coaching, Sports, and Leadership Lessons

Value of varsity football and team sports in building persistence, teamwork, and confidence (215:04–218:00).

Legacy and Closing Thoughts

Bill “Hawk” Albracht now speaks and works in veteran entrepreneurship programs, continuing to tell the story of his men and helping close that “circle” for families left behind.
The extreme pressure, responsibility, and courage of leading men in combat radiates through his retelling.
Jocko’s takeaways: Always be ready. The little details—mental preparation, team cohesion, and moral courage—matter most, in war and in life.
Warm praise for the book, Abandoned in Hell, with anticipation for the forthcoming book on the Mike Force and Dak Siang.

Resource & Contact Info

Bill "Hawk" Albracht:
- Website: captain-hawk.com
- Book: Abandoned in Hell: The Fight for Vietnam's Firebase Kate
Veteran Support:
- warriorrising.org – entrepreneurship support for veterans

529: Firebase Kate Was Under Siege, Surrounded, Outgunned. With Capt. Bill "Hawk" Albracht

Powered by Wave AI

Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Opening Context: The Youngest Green Beret Captain

2. Early Life and Military Path

3. Deployment to Vietnam and Assignment to Firebase Kate

4. The Siege Begins: Under Fire at Firebase Kate

5. Combat Leadership, Air Power & Crisis Management

6. Decision to Break Out from Firebase Kate

7. The Night Breakout and Link-Up Under Fire

8. Aftermath – Survival, Honors, and Legacy

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

Additional Topics

Life after Vietnam

Coaching, Sports, and Leadership Lessons

Legacy and Closing Thoughts

Resource & Contact Info

Key Timestamps

Further Reading & Listening

Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Opening Context: The Youngest Green Beret Captain

2. Early Life and Military Path

3. Deployment to Vietnam and Assignment to Firebase Kate

4. The Siege Begins: Under Fire at Firebase Kate

5. Combat Leadership, Air Power & Crisis Management

6. Decision to Break Out from Firebase Kate

7. The Night Breakout and Link-Up Under Fire

8. Aftermath – Survival, Honors, and Legacy

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

Additional Topics

Life after Vietnam

Coaching, Sports, and Leadership Lessons

Legacy and Closing Thoughts

Resource & Contact Info

Key Timestamps

Further Reading & Listening