I am SFC Michael G. Stahl, U.S. Army (Ret.). As a high school dropout, I enlisted on 22 Nov. 1962, at the age of 17, in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis. I lived  near an Air Force SAC (Strategic Air Command) base in central Florida, so if the balloon did go up . . .

While in the Army, I was trained as a parachute rigger. I learned to speak both Arabic and German fluently. I was accepted into special forces (Green Beret) training and earned my beret as an operations and intelligence sergeant. I “volunteered” for service in Vietnam three (3) times. I served two (2) tours. I was awarded several “baubles” and was medically retired due to combat wounds received on 8 Aug. ‘70.

While in the army I became an avid and active sky diver earning an expert license.

After my retirement, I started college. I earned an AA at Manatee Community College, a BS in behavioral science from the University of Southern Colorado and an MA in human communication from the University of Northern Colorado. I have a very diverse employment history doing everything from digging ditches (really) to teaching college.

Currently living in Colorado Springs, CO, I am involved with my perpetual battle against the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for some semblance of justice and other veterans’ issues and continuing to offer my services to remove the mysteries from PTSD through discuaaion and education groups. I continue my studies the histories of the Vietnam, Special Forces and SOG.    

VIETNAM: Aug. ‘67 to Aug. ‘68: After graduating from Special Forces Training Group (Airborne) at Ft. Bragg, NC, I was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) headquartered in Nha Trang. I was assigned to Co. “C” in DaNang. From there I went to the A-Team at Tien Phuoc where I worked first as the team’s Intel Sgt. And then as their S-5 (Civil Affairs/Psychological Operations) NCO. Then I was reassigned as the C-Team’s S-5 NCO. As a result of this tour, I was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, and a Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Read more >>>

Aug. ‘69 to Aug. ‘70: I requested reassignment to Vietnam after my German language training. When I arrived at Nha Trang, I requested assignment to CCN (Command and Control, North), an ultra top secret unit of MACVSOG (Military Advisory Command - Vietnam - Studies and Observation Group), where I requested to be assigned to the recon company. Instead, I was given the job of the S-2 (Intelligence) Sgt. On MLT-2 (Mobile Launch Team - 2) at Quang Tri. Then I was reassigned to the TOC (Tactical Operations Center) as an intelligence Sgt.

I finished my tour in the recon company, as I had first requested. I became the One-Zero (1-0) (i.e., team leader) of RT Michigan. I was WIA on 8 Aug. ‘70, approximately two (2) weeks before I was scheduled to return home. As a result of this tour I was awarded a second Silver Star, a second Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and an Air Medal. Learn more >>>     Related links: Ballads | Decorations | War Stories

Sky Diving: I had long wanted to learn to sky dive since the early 60’s TV series Ripcord. As it would have it, the NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge), MSG Verlin R. Glenn was a long time parachutist/sky diver and held the eight (8th) expert license issued in this country, D8. I made my first sport jump in March of 1964. It became my passion and my life. I hold USPA (United States Parachute Association) licenses A716 (novice), B4223 (parachutist), C3346 (jumpmaster) and D2228 (Expert); APF (Australian Parachute Federation) B471; FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Senior Rigger Certificate 1644223.

I was very active in the sport in competition, demonstrations, training and safety. I was a member of the Ft. Ord (CA) Sport Parachute Club twice, both times being elected to club president and appointed the training/safety officer and club rigger. I made three (3) sport jumps in the Republic of Vietnam (over active combat zones) and jump in Australia while on R&R (Rest and Relaxation). I left the sport in 1972, and returned in 2011 making 12 free falls in Colorado. Learn more >>>

Ballads written and sung by air crews during the Vietnam War:  Like Friendly FAC

Friendly FAC. Friendly FAC. This is Green Beret

We see you flying high above, out of danger’s way

If you could spare a moment to help your fellow man

I wish you'd try to find me, and tell me where I am

Green Beret. Green Beret. this is your friendly FAC

You see me flying overhead, while you're still in the sack

Still I'll try to find you and set you people straight, but

Hurry 'cause it's steak night, and I don't want to be late Listen to them all >>>