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Left: Terry McIntosh, kneeling, with retired Lt. Col. Al Kittredge at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in June 2026. Right: An undated photo of McIntosh during his time in the Army. Photos courtesy of Terry McIntosh.
Episode 3312 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about how Vietnam Vet Terry McIntosh finally received Green Beret recognition. The story is titled: At 18, he fought with Green Berets in Vietnam. Now, he finally has his Special Forces tab.. It appeared on the Task & Purpose website and was submitted by Matt White.
White reported in his story that the remarkable story of Terry McIntosh is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and quiet professionalism that defined America’s Vietnam War Green Berets. At just 17 years old, McIntosh enlisted in the U.S. Army because he believed it was his duty while fellow Americans were fighting and dying in Vietnam. Barely a year later, the teenager found himself serving with the legendary 5th Special Forces Group, eventually joining Operational Detachment A-414 along the dangerous Cambodian border.
Despite his youth, McIntosh was treated no differently than the seasoned warriors beside him. Green Berets demanded competence, courage, and unwavering commitment—not age or rank. He participated in combat operations, earned the Combat Infantryman Badge after a fierce firefight, and proved himself worthy of serving alongside some of the Army’s most elite soldiers. His recent recognition with the Special Forces Tab finally acknowledges what his fellow Green Berets had known all along: he had earned his place among them.
McIntosh’s journey also highlights the enduring brotherhood of the Special Forces community. Decades after the war, retired Green Beret Al Kittredge helped ensure McIntosh received the official recognition he deserved, demonstrating the loyalty and honor that have always characterized the Green Berets.
The Vietnam War Green Berets remain among the most respected warriors in American military history. Operating in remote jungles, often outnumbered and isolated, they trained indigenous forces, gathered intelligence, conducted daring reconnaissance missions, and fought some of the war’s most dangerous battles. Their motto, “De Oppresso Liber”—to free the oppressed—was reflected in both their actions and their character. Terry McIntosh’s inspiring story stands as another testament to the courage, resilience, and lasting legacy of these exceptional American heroes.
Listen to episode 3312 and discover more about how Vietnam Vet Terry McIntosh finally received Green Beret recognition.
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