Wednesday Sept 16th, 1970

…exactly 50 years ago this week

Back in mid-August at Fort Bragg, Sgt Major Pylant and Sgt Major Davis were running the interviewing process to select Green Berets as candidates to go on this secret mission. Because of the large number, they divided up the volunteers. I was there bright and early on the morning of the interview, which lasted about ten minutes.  

They asked me if I had ever been in combat.  Well, I knew they had my 201 file, so they knew I had no combat experience. 

They asked me if I knew how to weld.  Now, growing up on a farm you learn a lot of different skills.  One of our neighbors Sam Chism could weld anything we broke.  Over the years on the farm I had watched Sam weld several things for my dad.  I thought, If Sam can weld, I can too.  So, I told them, “Yes, I can weld.” 

They asked if I could scuba dive, to which I answered that I could not.  (Years later, I did become certified to dive.)

After a few more questions, they told me that would be all. 

I left unhopeful thinking, “Well, at least they let me interview.” 

Read Sgt Terry Buckler’s full story in Who Will Go.

Click Here:  The book.