The Shawn Ryan Show #227 Henry Dick Thompson - MACV-SOG Operator, Codename "Dynamite"
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Aug 14, 2025 
Henry Dick Thompson, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and legendary MACV-SOG operator known as "Dynamite," shares gripping tales of his covert operations during the Vietnam War. He discusses the importance of mental resilience and support for veterans, while recounting the high-stakes environments of combat, including tactical strategies and the personal toll of war. Thompson also reflects on the impact of sleep deprivation in military training and shares insights on transitioning from combat to civilian life, emphasizing the need for empathy towards veterans.
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First LZ Ambush: Dragging A Man Back
- On his first insertion Thompson was nearly hit while boarding a Huey, grabbed a wounded American back into the aircraft and reloaded under heavy fire.
- He described shaking hands, slick with blood, difficulty changing magazines, and the exhilaration his team leader displayed afterward.
Debrief Fast, Brief Faster: SOPs That Save Lives
- Run rapid after‑action reviews and quick pre‑briefs on escape avenues and likely enemy approaches whenever you halt.
- Implement running passwords, rotate them regularly, and rehearse immediate action drills to reduce friendly confusion and compromise.
Predictable Human Reactions In Combat
- Thompson observed predictable human reactions in combat, like shooting around the right side of cover, and used those patterns as tactical advantages.
- Training must unlearn default human reactions or exploit them to gain the upper hand in close combat.
