The Green Berets

By

SSGT Barry SADLER


 Song by Barry Sadler and Robin Moore ‧ 1966


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 will 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 take from the Green Berets

Silver wings upon their chest

These are men, America's best

One hundred men will 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 his 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

SSGT Barry SADLER

 
What did JFK say about the green beret?

    President John F. Kennedy famously described the Green Beret as "a symbol of excellence, a badge of courage, a mark of distinction in the fight for freedom."

    Kennedy was a major proponent of unconventional warfare and viewed the U.S. Army Special Forces as a crucial tool for countering Communist-inspired guerrilla warfare during the Cold War. He authorized the exclusive use of the green beret in 1961 and officially praised the unit in an April 1962 letter to the Army, stating:

    "The green beret is again becoming a symbol of excellence, a badge of courage, a mark of distinction in the fight for freedom."

    Because of his staunch support, the Green Berets maintain a profound connection to the Kennedy family

    At the request of the family, Special Forces soldiers stood honor guard at his gravesite following his assassination. To learn more about his historical ties to the unit, you can read about his legacy on the Green Beret Foundation page.


What is the story behind the Green Beret song?

    Written by an active-duty Green Beret medic, Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler, and author Robin Moore, "The Ballad of the Green Berets" became a massive 1966 hit. Sadler wrote it while recovering in the U.S. from a severe punji stick wound suffered in Vietnam. It is one of the only pro-military songs of the era.


    The song was initially conceived as a tribute to a fallen comrade, but after Sadler submitted his 12-verse draft, author Robin Moore (who was researching his book The Green Berets) helped trim it down to a pop-radio format. 

    The iconic lyrics tell the story of the rigorous training process, the sacrifices made by the elite Special Forces, and a young widow being asked to raise her son with the same courage and honor as her late husband.





Composed by:
Chaplain Jeffery G. Douglas



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