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Click for Ballad
by The HUNTERS
Courtesy of Robin Moore
Click for Friendly FAC and Green Berets
Courtesy of Tom Price, Robin Thomas and Chuck Rosenberg
Ballad Of The Green Berets
As Written & Performed by
SSgt Barry Sadler
Fighting soldiers from the sky
Fearless men who jump and die
Men who mean just what they say
The brave men of the Green Beret
Silver wings upon their chest
These are men, America's best
One hundred men we'll test today
But only three win the Green Beret
Trained to live, off nature's land
Trained in combat, hand to hand
Men who fight by night and day
Courage deep, from the Green Beret
Silver wings upon their chest
These are men, America's best
One hundred men we'll test today
But only three win the Green Beret
Back at home a young wife waits
Her Green Beret has met his fate
He has died for those oppressed
Leaving her this last request
Put silver wings on my son's chest
Make him one of America's best
He'll be a man they'll test one day
Have him win the Green Beret
DESCRIPTION
Ballads of the Green Berets on CD
Ballads of the Green Berets topped the album charts in 1966 and the title track reached number one and number two, respectively, on the pop and country charts. Despite the Hollywood heroism of the hit single, the album offered an occasionally gritty portrait of the war and, unlike Johnny Seay's American Reflections album from the same year, focused on the dedication and hardships of American men and women in Vietnam rather than explicitly political or patriotic concerns. Sadler wrote all of the material himself, and his sentimental vignettes struck a chord with Americans who were desperate for a less-contentious perspective on the war. Mostly a historical artifact today, Ballads of the Green Berets is a nostalgic trip back to a tumultuous time.
1. Ballads of the Green Berets
2. I am a Lucky One
3. Letter from Vietnam
4. Badge of Courage
5. Sigion
6. Salute to the Nurses
8. Garet Trooper
9. The Soldier Has Come Home
10. Lullaby
11. Troopers Lament
12. Bamiba
13. The A Team
7. I am Watching the Raindrops Fall
The Green Beret
The men of the Special Forces are masters of their profession,
the profession of arms.
Theirs is more than a job or an occupation.
It is a way of life that requires
a personal commitment found nowhere
else in society. Its obligation is
dedication...it's demands, duty and
loyalty...it's principle, integrity
...and its reward, personal satisfaction.
Their countrymen see them as the
epitome of the American fighting man.
Their badge of distinction is the
Green Beret known and respected worldwide.
They wear it proudly!
SOLDIER of FORTUNE
1989 Issue
Barry Sadler: Eternal Merc
SOLDIER of FORTUNE
The Journal of Professional Adventures
FEBUARY 1989 Issue
​
ETERNAL MERCENARY
Gene Scroft
Green Beret Barry Sadler left his mark on
U.S. Special Forces as well as in literature
and music.
​
Though critically wounded recently, his status
as the Immortal soldier remains unchallenged.
​
A tribute to the life and times of America's
eternal mercenary -- Barry Sadler, Story on page 34.
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