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.
I have recently donated all my military memorabilia to The Heritage Arsenal - Military Museum Consultants: Honoring and Preserving the Legacy of Military Service - who have turned it into an exhibit honoring the work of USA Special Forces in Vietnam. They have produced one video for there YouTube channel about my items - and me. It can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-mAOjohjNc
They have also posted the first three of a series of planned interviews with me about my experiences in Vietnam.
The Tet Offensive. Parts 1 and 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhAkcJm1zf0&t=15s AND https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NWJhZBCRxU&t=30s
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 >>>
I am currently redesigning this website and adding content. Some pages remain unavailable, some pages were built years ago, when I was first dabbling in web design, there are broken links, etc., etc., etc. Contact here me if you encounter a problem or have a request/comment.
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 >>>
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