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    America's Most Decorated Military Whistleblower

    14 min
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    24 Quellen
    |
    11. Feb. 2026
    BiographyLeadershipHistory

    The incredible story of David Hackworth, who lied about his age to join the Army at 15, became America's youngest colonel, then sacrificed his legendary career to expose the truth about Vietnam on national TV.

    America's Most Decorated Military Whistleblower

    Diese Audiolektion wurde von einem BeFreed-Community-Mitglied erstellt

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    About face by David Hackworth

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    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

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    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

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    Kernaussagen

    1

    America's Most Decorated Whistleblower

    0:00

    Lena: You know what's wild? There's this military memoir that Jocko Willink calls his favorite book of all time—the one he learned the most about leadership from. And it's not some ancient war classic or West Point textbook.

    0:13

    Miles: Right, it's "About Face" by David Hackworth. And here's the thing that blows my mind—this guy lied about his age to join the Army at fifteen, became the youngest colonel in the service, earned more combat decorations than almost anyone alive, and then...

    0:29

    Lena: Then he basically torched his entire career on national television! In 1971, he went on ABC and told America that the Vietnam War was unwinnable and we needed to get out immediately.

    0:42

    Miles: Exactly! This wasn't some anti-war protester or draft dodger. This was America's most decorated living soldier—a guy who'd been fighting for his country since he was a teenager. And when he saw what was really happening in Vietnam, he couldn't stay silent.

    0:57

    Lena: It's fascinating how someone can love something so deeply that they're willing to destroy their relationship with it to save it. So let's dive into this incredible journey from orphaned kid to military legend to whistleblower.

    2

    The Making of a Warrior

    3

    Baptism by Fire in Korea

    4

    The Peacetime Paradox

    5

    Vietnam: The Laboratory of War

    6

    The Bitter Truth About Victory

    7

    The Moment of Truth

    8

    Lessons for Today's Leaders

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