The Quiet Professional Major Richard "Dick" J. Meadows

 

Toán OHIO FOB2 KONTUM 1966-1967
Hàng đứng (từ trái sang phài)
Văn Minh Huy, Wong A Cầu, MSG Richard J. "Dick" Meadows, 1st Lt. Lê Minh, SFC James A Simpsons, SFC N. "Chuck" Kerns, Trần Can và Trương Dậu
Hàng quỳ (từ trái sang phài)
Liêu A Sáng, Nguyễn Kim Trạch, Trương A Nhục và Lý A Dưỡng

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 "On the C130 from Takhli to Udorn. CPT Meadows, Pappy Kittleson, far right, CPT MCKinney and Pat St Clair

 

 

Giải cứu tù binh Sơn Tây (Dick Meadows)

 

This “excellent biography” of one of the US Army’s unsung heroes “provides a much-needed re-examination of the early post-Vietnam Army" (Bowling Green Daily News).
 
By the 1970s, the United States Army was demoralized by the outcome of the Vietnam War and shifting attitudes at home. The institution as a whole needed to be reorganized and reinvigorated—and General William E. DePuy was the man for the job. In 1973, DePuy was appointed commander of the newly established Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC). By integrating training, doctrine, combat developments, and management in the US Army, he cultivated a military force prepared to fight and win in modern war.
 
General William E. DuPuy is the first full-length biography of this key figure in American military history. With extensive interviews with those who knew DePuy, as well as access to his personal papers, Henry G. Gole chronicles and analyzes his unique contributions to the Army and nation. Gole guides the reader from DePuy's boyhood and college days in South Dakota through the major events and achievements of his life.
 
During World War II, DePuy served in the 357th Infantry Regiment in Europe from the Normandy invasion until 1945, when he was stationed in Czechoslovakia. DePuy was asked by George Patton to serve as his aide; he supervised clandestine operations in China; he was instrumental in establishing Special Forces in Vietnam; and he briefed President Lyndon B. Johnson in the White House. But his finest contribution was fixing a broken Army.

Steven Hildreth, Jr.

Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2016

A common nickname for the United States Army Special Forces is "The Quiet Professionals." They earned this moniker through being completely dedicated to the task at hand and completing their missions without expectations of fanfare. For the most part, despite the age of mass media and a time where special operations forces (especially Navy SEALs) enjoy fanfare due to their role at the forefront of the Global War on Terrorism, this nickname has continued to apply to the Special Forces.

Those who have studied the history of Army special operations, as I have, are familiar with the name Dick Meadows. His name arises at several key moments throughout the Cold War. In the book THE QUIET PROFESSIONAL, retired 22nd SAS Major Alan Hoe, a compatriot of Meadows's, details exactly how Meadows was molded as a man and a warrior, as well as the impact and legacy that he left in his wake.

Like so many who enter the special operations field, Meadows grew up a child of adversity, living in abject poverty and growing up functionally illiterate. At the age of 15, Meadows falsified his age to enlist in the United States Army. Five years later, he was the youngest Master Sergeant (E-8) in the history of the US Army. Three years after that, Meadows had become one of the first Special Forces soldiers, and wholly dedicated himself to his craft.

Meadows's list of accomplishments include:
-being one of the first two Americans to complete the famed 22nd SAS Selection and Training Course

-being one of the first to bring freefall parachuting to the special operations toolbox

-being the man responsible for providing evidence of North Vietnamese Army presence on the Ho Chi Minh Trail

-being the first man to earn a battlefield commission in the Vietnam War (from MSG directly to CPT)

-being one of the principal planners and team leaders for Operation: IVORY COAST (the Song Tay Raid)

-being one of the key trainers in the formation of the 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment-Delta (Delta Force)

-infiltrating Iran head of Delta Force, with little tradecraft training, to prep the battlespace, and exfiltrating the country in the wake of the mission's failure

-establishing a major and respectable security industry during a turbulent time in Peru

Through Meadows's own words, as well as the words of his friends and those who chewed the same dirt as he, Major Hoe not only paints the impact that Meadows had on the modern United States Army, but his impact on both American and British special operations and on the nation of Peru. We also see first-hand that Meadows is a man with immense love for his nation, for his comrades, and for his family, a man that led from the front at all times.

Major Hoe also does a remarkable job of refuting Meadows's regret that "I've not done anything significant." It would be enough to point out Meadows's history, or to highlight that he fought in two wars, or that he is a recipient of:

-Distinguished Service Cross
-two Silver Stars
-a Bronze Star with V Device
-the Legion of Merit
-Combat Infantryman Badge
-Ranger Tab

Major Hoe does not stop there. Both through his own words, and the words of those who had served alongside Major Meadows, Major Hoe display how an impoverished teenager grew to be one of the most charismatic and critical components of the Special Forces.

To recommend this book to students of special operations history is insufficient. Every red-blooded American looking to learn more about a national hero should read THE QUIET PROFESSIONAL. It is a profound read that will make anyone with a drop of patriotism in their blood take a step back in quiet reflection, express gratitude to have such men as Richard J. Meadows as predecessors in the defense of American freedom, and hope that those present and future can strive to walk in his footsteps.

Major Dick Meadows established the standard of quiet professionalism, and every word in THE QUIET PROFESSIONAL hammers that point home. It is a read worth every single minute.

R Bradley

Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2015

Although I was in Special Forces in Viet Nam when Meadows was there, I have never heard about him. His name came up when I was ordering a book about the formation of Delta Force.
What an amazing story about a true hero. Even though he only had a 9th grade education, he was obviously a very smart, driven individual with extremely high standards. He influenced several young officers who went on to wear 4 stars, command Special Ops.
Recommend this well-written book. You'll enjoy it.

Torch

Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2013

After reading the story of one of the most honorable people that ever served this country, I am simply awestruck. Someone who came from such meager beginnings to have accomplished all Richard did in his life is nothing short of amazing. He came across as someone who made every effort to raise those around him up to his level not beat them down by shame or abuse. When you read the book there is little wonder that those he lead would follow him through the gates of hell with a teaspoon of water to fight with. I have worked with & served under a good amount of people none of which met his pinnacle of honor & devotion. Here is a man who was not a glory hound or a narcisist, instead he was extremely humble & only wished he could have done more for his people & country. Everyone should attempt to immulate his leadership style & put there ego in the closet. He was truly a one of a kind.

Dave B

Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2012

I have read a few books about S.O.G and L.R.R.P-and many of the books mentioned the name Richard Meadows for his daring exploits and because he has the record for most amount of enemy prisoner abductions. So when I heard of a biography on the legend I couldn't wait to pick up a copy. The book gives a good background on the Major and then goes into many of his commands and mission as in Laos and the starting of Delta Force(u.s. counterterrorism unit) which he had a large part in setting up. Great read for any body who Is into special operation forces and one of the greatest soldiers to ever put on a U.S. army outfit.