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The True Story Behind the Movie American Warlord

Jesus Mitchell

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Published in American Warlord: A True Story

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In 2014, the movie American Warlord was released, telling the incredible true story of Roy Benavidez, the most decorated soldier in American history. Benavidez was a Green Beret medic who served in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in saving the lives of eight American soldiers during the Battle of Landing Zone Albany.

American Warlord: A True Story

by Johnny Dwyer

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The movie American Warlord is a powerful and inspiring story of courage, sacrifice, and heroism. It is a story that will stay with you long after you watch it.

The Real Roy Benavidez

Roy Benavidez was born in Cuero, Texas, on August 5, 1935. He was the son of migrant workers and grew up in poverty. As a young man, Benavidez joined the Army and served in the Korean War. After the Korean War, Benavidez returned to the United States and worked as a civilian. However, in 1965, he was drafted back into the Army to serve in the Vietnam War.

Benavidez was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group and served as a Green Beret medic. In May 1968, Benavidez was part of a team of Green Berets that was sent to rescue a group of American soldiers who had been ambushed by the North Vietnamese. Benavidez was the only member of his team to survive the ambush and he single-handedly saved the lives of eight American soldiers.

For his actions, Benavidez was awarded the Medal of Honor. He is the only Hispanic American to have received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War.

The Battle of Landing Zone Albany

The Battle of Landing Zone Albany took place on May 10, 1968. A team of Green Berets was sent to rescue a group of American soldiers who had been ambushed by the North Vietnamese. The Green Berets were outnumbered and outgunned, and they were quickly pinned down by the enemy. Benavidez was the only member of his team to survive the ambush.

Benavidez was wounded in the leg, but he refused to leave his comrades behind. He crawled through the enemy lines and reached the wounded soldiers. He then began to treat their wounds and help them to safety. Benavidez made multiple trips through the enemy lines, each time rescuing another soldier.

In total, Benavidez rescued eight American soldiers. He was himself wounded six times during the battle. For his actions, Benavidez was awarded the Medal of Honor.

The Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States Armed Forces. It is awarded for valor, heroism, and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty. Benavidez is the only Hispanic American to have received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War.

The Medal of Honor citation for Benavidez reads as follows:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:
Staff Sergeant Roy P. Benavidez distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 2 May 1968, while serving as a medical aidman attached to a Special Forces "A" Detachment at Lang Vei, Republic of Vietnam. While attempting to evacuate wounded personnel to a helicopter landing zone, Staff Sergeant Benavidez's element was ambushed by a battalion-size North Vietnamese force. Despite intense enemy fire, Staff Sergeant Benavidez repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire to recover and evacuate the wounded. Staff Sergeant Benavidez continued to administer first aid to the wounded and direct evacuation efforts while under intense enemy fire. He was wounded in his right leg, face, and back, but continued to lead his men and provide medical aid to the wounded.
On three separate occasions, Staff Sergeant Benavidez crawled through heavy enemy fire to assist the evacuation of wounded personnel. While returning to assist another wounded comrade, Staff Sergeant Benavidez was again seriously wounded by small arms fire and shrapnel in the chest, stomach, and legs. Though seriously wounded, Staff Sergeant Benavidez continued to give aid to his fellow soldiers and encouraged them to continue fighting.
When his unit's position was overrun, Staff Sergeant Benavidez was knocked unconscious by an exploding grenade. He regained consciousness to find himself surrounded by the enemy. Refusing to be captured, Staff Sergeant Benavidez fought his way out of the hostile forces, killing two of the enemy with his bayonet and escaping with two seriously wounded comrades.
Staff Sergeant Benavidez's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

The Legacy of Roy Benavidez

Roy Benavidez was a true American hero. He was a brave and selfless soldier who risked his life to save the lives of others. Benavidez's legacy is one of courage, sacrifice, and heroism.

Benavidez died in 1998 at the age of 63. He is survived by his wife, Hortensia, and his three children.

The American Warlord Movie

The American Warlord movie is a powerful and inspiring story of courage, sacrifice, and heroism. It is a story that will stay with you long after you watch it.

The movie stars Bruce Willis as Roy Benavidez. Willis gives a powerful performance as Benavidez, and he perfectly captures the soldier's courage, determination, and selflessness.

The American Warlord movie is a must-see for anyone who is interested in military history or who wants to be inspired by a true American hero.

Buy the American Warlord Book

The American Warlord book is the definitive account of Roy Benavidez's life and his heroic actions in the Vietnam War. The book is written by John L. Plaster, a Green Beret who served with Benavidez in Vietnam.

The American Warlord book is a gripping and inspiring read. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about Roy Benavidez and his incredible story.

Buy the American Warlord book on Our Book Library

American Warlord: A True Story

by Johnny Dwyer

4.5 out of 5