Posted on 03/06/2006 7:08:59 AM PST by Nextrush
"Fighting soldiers from the sky...Fearless men who jump and die...Men who mean just what they say...The brave men of the Green Berets..."
The first verse of the most popular song in America during March 1966. "The Ballad of the Green Berets" was number one on the Billboard charts for three weeks and the Cashbox chart for four weeks. "Ballad of the Green Berets" tied for number one song of 1966 with "Monday,Monday" by The Mamas and Papas on the Cashbox chart.
It was sung by a Green Beret, Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler. Sadler made numerous TV and other appearances all over the country to sing the song.
The reservoir of love for America's brave heroes was alive and well in 1966. Other songs have come in recent years with the war we fight today, but this one seems to hold up well in the struggle of today.
I remember the song well because my older sister bought the 45rpm record of "The Ballad of Green Berets" complete with Sadler in uniform on the cover. I played it a lot as I grew up and have it on CD now.
Something good to remember here in March 2006, 40 years later.
The Ballad came first.
The movie was released in 1968.
Should have said only John Wayne movie to use a #1 song.
I think my brain was still in bed. LOL!
"She Wore a Yellow Ribbon" was pretty good though.
Yes..."gory, gory what a helluva way to die!"
In 1982 I attended the European Command Special Operations Conference. One night the O Club bartender put on his tape of The Green Berets.
Many of the Colonels there had been Lts at Benning when the movie was being filmed. Their stories were great.
I have to watch this movie at least once a year.
I was in Army Flight School when the song came out. Of course some Army Aviator tweaked the words a bit.
Put Silver Wings upon my chest.
Let me fly above the best.
I can make more pay that way,
but I don't wear no Green Beret!
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