@Eric Zombrow Eric you need to remember that minutes before these pilots were capture these aviators were dropping bombs on the people that captured them
I served with him aboard the USS Ranger on the 83/4 cruise when he was the ship's navigator. He lost the pen Nixon gave him. I don't recall the details following his release. I found the pen and returned it to him. He liked to have cried right then and there. Super nice man unlike many of his fellow officers that graced the wardroom tables during meal times.
That is a great story and thank you for returning his momento. I was in Long Beach in 1974 when the Ranger came in from a long cruise. There was a radio exchange with the Naval Station that reportedly ended with "We have been at sea for xx months. Advise that port security stand down"
Thank you very much for all of your sacrifice. I sincerely appreciate all you have done. My wife is a Navy Veteran. 2 tours of duty in the Gulf on the John C. Stennis. I'm SO proud of her!!
Yes, I was on an air det on Ranger during that cruise and one evening the ship's navigator came over the 1MC. I remember it was a very uplifting talk which we needed for sagging morale, as the ship had been out on a record-breaking no port call stint. Then, a follow-up comment filled us in that he had been a POW in Vietnam. So, this is the face to that voice. Full circle, shipmate! Thanks for this reminder.
Wow,, just wow. A soldiers story about getting shot down then being a POW for 7 years. The bad, the badder, and the ugly. Also an amazing career after coming home. An absolutely riveting interview and extremely well told. WELCOME HOME Mr. Knutson, and THANK YOU for a lifetime of service to our country. Sir, you are a true patriot. ( SALUTE. )
dcd 2015 - I would love to hear the take these kinds of patriots have about their country being quickly converted to tyrannical Marxists / socilaists government in 2021.
@@chrisblue46 mcstains whole story was a proven lie. He crashed 2 planes hot dogging against orders before vietnam. Anyone else would have been sent to leavenworth. And he got shot down by AA flying low and slow, (like a dumbass), AGAIN, AGAINST ORDERS. As told by guys that were there. He also told the nva all the standard flight SOPs for the navy. (Shoot downs rapidly rose after mccains capture) He came home big , fat, and happy, while most POWs were starved, and helped or carried off the plane. Watch the video. A traitor imo. I belive his fellow POWs.
This is my 1st Navy carrier pilot of a fast mover since I discovered this channel.. His 1st letter home, something about "say hello to Ann Margaret." Words fail me. He misdirected answers he gave to give no Intel enemy could use. Then he endured more brutality and didn't give them jack. This man to me is as much a true Patriot as George Washington Davy Crockett or Dan'l Boone....
Loved the one he told his captors about being the Swimming Pool Officer aboard ship! Reminded me of the jokes we used to make about having a bowling alley aboard our carrier...😆
Absolutely. My grandad was in the RAF and my German great grandparents were obviously on the other side. As a kid I was fascinated and spent hours listening to their stories, and how much I wish I would have thought to record it on the old cassette tapes we had back then. One day all these stories need to be used as a historic record when no more wars are fought. However before that day can come, we all have one more war to fight, and it's going to be unlike any other, if we lose, well I think we can see where it's going to end up.
Without a doubt, naval avaitors are the very best and this is from the air force. A tip of the hat to anyone who has the balls to land on a carrier in shitty weather at night.
I’m speechless. I know that I could have never endured being a POW. I would have been an Army nurse if I had followed my dreams instead of listening to my boyfriend. This gentleman has my utmost respect. Your story has touched my heart and soul. A true Patriot. It’s nice to see you safe at home with your animals. I’m honored to have the privilege to hear your unimaginable box of time in Vietnam. Praise the Lord you survived.
Dear , Rod Knutson. Your story has touched me quite profoundly...I will Never forget it,or you Sir..There is just no way one could even come close to imagining the pain and suffering that you and others there at that Prison camp experienced.Your story gives us a small sample of it..But that is all..You servicemen deserve to live out the rest of your lives however you wish. The taxpayers in the U.S.A. should gladly pay the bill..God knows they waste our money on so much needless stuff. Your cause is just. I hope they are treating you well.. Rod Knutson, thank you for your service in the military..And WELCOME HOME.GLAD YOU HELD OUT AND MADE IT..!!!! LORD BLESS YOU SIR..
Captain Rodney A. Knutson, I salute you sir. Quite simply the best video on RUclips. Professional documentary makers must be in awe of the highest quality of this unscripted and unedited interview with a courageous military officer. Very well done Billings Gazette.
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Its men like Mr Knutson that have kept this country free since the revolution Thank you Sir ,,one of the best interviews I have watched Also thank you Billings Gazette
@@darkostanisavljevic1105 So because the WW2 generation fought a tougher enemy they somehow deserve more respect? That is the dumbest thing I ever heard in my life. The Viet Cong . They were in Charlie's backyard. It is always much tougher fighting a military force on their home turf when you are the invader. I don't think it mattered much to the US soldiers and airmen who died there that they were a superior force. These men fought and many of them died serving their country in a war most did not even believe in. For that they deserve our utmost respect.
Very rarely have I seen such a sincere and honest interview. He tells of moments of greatest weakness and despair and how he still managed to save face. Not only towards his enemy, but above all towards himself. He behaves almost like an English gentleman, he is extremely intelligent and still has a certain wit. A very impressive person. We wish him all the best!
tears went down my face when near the end of his story,when he saluted his colonel.he endured torture and everthing the NVA Throw at him for 7 1/2 yrs!!not to mention all the mental scars like PTSD that will haunted him for the rest of his life..i dnt know what more to say, other than may God bless him and his family.
I don't have enough words to explain my thanks to you SIR !!......It's Men such as yourself that make me PROUD to live in the USA !!........Thank You SIR from the bottom of my heart for your Service and Dedication to our country during a VERY difficult time......GOD BLESS ALL VIETNAM VETERANS !!.........WELCOME HOME SIR !!
Marine, Navy, cat in the dining room, grandfather clock chimes in, and now the family dog on the lap and one roaming around. You Sir are an American Alpha, all that 12:31 into it. God Bless you Sir for your service.
I did my boot while you were commanding NTC San Diego. I remember seeing you in your car being driven around the base. I had no idea of your story and that I was so close to greatness. God Bless you and everyone who served in that rotten place. Take care of yourself, Sir!!
What I love the most about these interviews, is the great preparation of the interviewer. No fluff, no improvisation. The interviewer has done a great job by studying the historical context of the 1960's , and he asks relevant, intelligent questions the veterans can relate to. Preparation is the key, astounding job sir!
I really enjoyed your story your one heck of a man thank you for telling it I'm an army veteran door gunner on huey. Gun ship to me you are a hero in all sense of the word
Amazing story? Enjoyed it? Comparing him to Washngton, Crockett? *What the F are you?* This man and many others were tossed into a meat grinder and some survived. You are amazed at his adventure? Get the F out of here.
I have watched several of these and cried, but this one really broke me down. Words alone cannot convey the admiration, appreciation, gratitude, and respect this man and his fellow vets are owed. The Vietnam story has for years been contorted and distorted by politics, media, history books and others. Its long overdue to be told like this, the raw TRUTH directly from the mouths of those who were there and lived it firsthand. The USA will always be great as long as we have GOD and people like these guys to lead and serve her. God be with you all and give you his blessings.
Thank you Mr. Knutson. Truly incredible story; the amount of bravery and devotion you showed for your country, not giving up any information to the enemy, and surviving for 7.5 years in a brutal POW camp is deserving of the utmost respect. No man should ever have to go through the amount of trauma you went through, yet you persevered and came out stronger because of it. Hope all is well, and thank you again for your service.
Since Veteran's Day 2019, I have sought out answers of all wars. This interview was absolutley awesome! The Billings interviews have been the best thus far of the Nam interviews. Thank U for your service! So glad u have lots of animals to comfort and love u. Maybe that big rat just wanted that too! A big salute!
Mr. Knutson is a remarkable person - one encounter and you'd never forget him. I heard him speak on board the USS Ranger back in the 80s, and I never forgot his voice coming across to lift us up during a very down time.
Thank you for doing all of these interviews. The Vietnam War and America in the 1950's, 60's and 70's has been a huge point of research and learning in my life.
My God, what a story of courage, and the will to live. Thank you sir for the honesty and sharing with the world the horrors of war. God bless all of you who have served or are serving our nation with honor.
Absolute respect. His eyes tell a story far more than what we have seen. Thank you for sharing this interview that we may learn from his courage to face our own challenges. Excellent interview.
It’s great to hear your full story finally. I was one of your instructors in VT4 and still remember our cross country to San Diego. Glad to see you in such good health. Stu Bugg. Pensacola , Fl.
Rod Knutson is one of the most remarkable men I have had the pleasure to listen to.. I really wish I could form more of an articulate comment to his story, but I'm at a loss as to how a man who has been through so much, has retained his joie de vivre.. Thank you Sir.
I lived on Camp Pendleton when my father was stationed there I have always had respect for the Military none of us can even imagine what POW's went through God Bless you sir.
Every person who has the good fortune to watch this amazing interview should take Rod's final statement about participation in the running of one's own countries government as the words of a very very wise man. Democracy is the will of the people not of the members of the the government who may think they know better than the electorate.
I listen to these interviews in order to remind myself that I should appreciate the small things I'd otherwise take for granted. I'm at work now and when I go and fill my cup with cold , clean water or coffee, when I put something interesting or stimulating on my device, when I get a snack from my lunchbox, when I appreciate the yoga pants the girl in the office wears , when I step outside and take in some fresh air , I am grateful for the freedom do these things.These are selfish reasons obviously but hearing this guy describe his captivity really puts my daily routine into perspective. Freedom is a wonderful thing.
He’s so good at telling his story that I found myself going through the emotions with him. When he was talking about them erupting on the plane and seeing the children it made me so happy inside. You can’t imagine how high with joy these guys had and then the drop in your stomach when the Chaplin told you what he had to tell you. I can’t imagine being that happy to learn how much some of these men’s lives have changed with losing family and wives leaving them. The only reason I have hope in this nation surviving is the hearts and souls in men and women like this that will always survive no matter what they bring before us.True American Hero that survived hell🇺🇸.
Before i watch this, I just wana thank you for your service Sir. I just know this will be an amazing interview about your life and time in the war. I will be watching this all through-out the day because i have work. I always enjoy hearing stories from our veterans. Makes me very proud to be an American.
Extremely enlightening discussion from this man. Integrity emanates of this gent and many of those who have been interviewed on this project. So thankful that we have this record.
I was in flight school in Pensacola with you when you went back for pilot training Rod, and your stories inspired me until this day - so glad to have seen this video!
I am fine with people going to the army to defend their country...but due to their current online behavior not many people would think any country should let a moon landing believer join the army. Excellent interviews!
My CO at NWC China Lake. I got to fly with him in a TA-4J from China Lake to San Diego then on to Denver. Great man, great story. Much respect for you sir.
God bless you Rod,you survived absolute HELL, yet you remain so loyal & humble.An amazing person with wisdom to spare. You deserve all the good fortune ahead. All the best from Australia.
I'm humbled and in awe of you sir, there are no words that exist that do you justice. Thank you sir, im honoured to have listened to your story, respect 🙏❤
I have watched other interviews in this series, this mans story was by far the most detailed, interesting and terrible at the same time.Cant even begin to imagine what it must have been like. I have so much respect for him. All l can say is thank you Mr. KNUTSON for sharing your story. A good man.
2:30:00 No one except those who survived this can truly relate to that moment. 2:32:30 God Bless America Thank you for this production - worth watching at least a couple of times a year, on Veterans Day and Memorial Day, for instance.
AMAZING life and story- This should be mandatory viewing at EVERY senior class in High Schools across the country. I thank you for your story and service Sir.
I was passing through the Philippines en route to Nam Phong, Thailand, and shook hands with some of these Guys at Clark Air Base...spring of 73 some time. USMC 70-74.
I am now 77 years old (2021) thank you for telling your story, I wasn't drafted in 1966, I was deferred because I was in school and then later because I had a physical medical problem. Sir. you are an inspiration for your fellow Americans, you are a true hero.
This was the best interview I have seen so far He is a true American Hero who served our country. What he went thru as a POW makes him a hero, but what really made him a hero is what he said about all Vietnam veterans. I served twice in Nam with the Marines in 1966 to 1967 and again in 1968. What he said is exactly how I feel about those who served their country, who are the real hero. Semper Fi.
Really powerful stuff! It should be required viewing for people desiring citizenship. A true American hero in every respect. I'd call you by your retired rank, but it's not listed. Thank you sir, for your sacrifice and service. May God bless you, and your family.
Really great questions by the interviewer. I especially liked the question about the dreams he had during his imprisonment was very interesting. Also, I have listened to one other POW story that talked about the tapping code, and it was fascinating to see it actually demonstrated. What an incredible story. So glad he survived to tell it!
So much respect for you, its an honor to serve after men like you. Definitely the ones who came before myself that I look up to. Amazing story and God bless you. Listened to the whole thing with open ears.
My youngest brother was a seal in the navy and very highly decorated! He had a hard time adjusting to civilian life but is doing great now! This man’s story is amazing! Soon as that little dog jumped up on his lap, I was hooked and drawn into this great story! What experiences! A really courageous man! Thank you for serving, sir!!! You are a true American hero! What a great story!!! Your experiences as a POW leaves me wondering and wanting to see all of the testimonies that the Billings Gazette has recorded.
This man..should have been at least a Two Star...I'm a big fan of Halsey. This kid deserves it...and He earned it. God Bless you Rodney A Knutson. A true Patriot.
One of the best interviews that I have seen. I have often wondered how these POW'S endured and kept their sanity. The torture description that these men endured for hours on end shows the stuff that they are made of.
Never have I seen a man that is more deserving of that comfortable chair to relax in.
You earned every second of downtime.
Why?
@@adbogo because he's much harder than you, hows night shift at whatever shithole you're stuck in?
@@swamishwami 😂
@@adbogo ....Why not?
This man, like all GI's, is a war criminal. How can one only admire murderers.
Sir! Thank you for your service I have the highest respect for you and your family!
There has to be a special place in Heaven for this man! He lived his hell on Earth. What a privilege and honor to hear your story.
@Eric Zombrow Eric you need to remember that minutes before these pilots were capture these aviators were dropping bombs on the people that captured them
@@jamesmcdonough2726 whats your point?
@@Cognitoman That the pilots should not expect good treatment,that's my point
@@jamesmcdonough2726 well in countries like thatyou wont... but first world countries they will.
@@jamesmcdonough2726 And most Sth VN'se who flew for the USAF were sent to " re education " camps,. and never heard of again.
I served with him aboard the USS Ranger on the 83/4 cruise when he was the ship's navigator. He lost the pen Nixon gave him. I don't recall the details following his release. I found the pen and returned it to him. He liked to have cried right then and there. Super nice man unlike many of his fellow officers that graced the wardroom tables during meal times.
That is a great story and thank you for returning his momento. I was in Long Beach in 1974 when the Ranger came in from a long cruise. There was a radio exchange with the Naval Station that reportedly ended with "We have been at sea for xx months. Advise that port security stand down"
Thank you very much for all of your sacrifice.
I sincerely appreciate all you have done.
My wife is a Navy Veteran. 2 tours of duty in the Gulf on the John C. Stennis. I'm SO proud of her!!
Yes, I was on an air det on Ranger during that cruise and one evening the ship's navigator came over the 1MC. I remember it was a very uplifting talk which we needed for sagging morale, as the ship had been out on a record-breaking no port call stint. Then, a follow-up comment filled us in that he had been a POW in Vietnam. So, this is the face to that voice. Full circle, shipmate! Thanks for this reminder.
77-78 80-81 USS RANGER
Never heard such a story like this in such detail that man is one amazing person
i was hanging onto every word he said.
@@emcee1337 clinging lol
I don't even have words..
You have nothing but my respect and admiration, sir.
This is the most amazing story about the Vietnam war that I have ever heard. Thank you for sharing it with us, Rod.
Wow,, just wow. A soldiers story about getting shot down then being a POW for 7 years. The bad, the badder, and the ugly. Also an amazing career after coming home. An absolutely riveting interview and extremely well told. WELCOME HOME Mr. Knutson, and THANK YOU for a lifetime of service to our country. Sir, you are a true patriot. ( SALUTE. )
dcd 2015 - I would love to hear the take these kinds of patriots have about their country being quickly converted to tyrannical Marxists / socilaists government in 2021.
And much more believable than McCain's story.
@@chrisblue46 mcstains whole story was a proven lie. He crashed 2 planes hot dogging against orders before vietnam. Anyone else would have been sent to leavenworth. And he got shot down by AA flying low and slow, (like a dumbass), AGAIN, AGAINST ORDERS. As told by guys that were there. He also told the nva all the standard flight SOPs for the navy. (Shoot downs rapidly rose after mccains capture) He came home big , fat, and happy, while most POWs were starved, and helped or carried off the plane. Watch the video. A traitor imo. I belive his fellow POWs.
Incredible........ Everyone needs to hear these stories.... Maybe ppl would appreciate what we have here in the USA a little more 🇺🇸
This is my 1st Navy carrier pilot of a fast mover since I discovered this channel.. His 1st letter home, something about "say hello to Ann Margaret." Words fail me. He misdirected answers he gave to give no Intel enemy could use. Then he endured more brutality and didn't give them jack. This man to me is as much a true Patriot as George Washington Davy Crockett or Dan'l Boone....
Loved the one he told his captors about being the Swimming Pool Officer aboard ship! Reminded me of the jokes we used to make about having a bowling alley aboard our carrier...😆
One of the best nearly three hours you will ever spend. Great interview.
16:17 .... one of the best cat stories dogs have ever experienced a human telling 🐈 🐩 🐕 👀
What an amazing interview. Every American should watch...especially these days!
I'm glad I stumbled on this channel. This is a great idea to get their stories before it's too late
M
Absolutely. My grandad was in the RAF and my German great grandparents were obviously on the other side.
As a kid I was fascinated and spent hours listening to their stories, and how much I wish I would have thought to record it on the old cassette tapes we had back then.
One day all these stories need to be used as a historic record when no more wars are fought. However before that day can come, we all have one more war to fight, and it's going to be unlike any other, if we lose, well I think we can see where it's going to end up.
B-4 it's 2 late for what?
You didn't find it. Most likely, it found you.
Without a doubt, naval avaitors are the very best and this is from the air force.
A tip of the hat to anyone who has the balls to land on a carrier in shitty weather at night.
What a hero surviving 7 years in prison camp and then become a pilot again.
I salute you sir, thanks for your service Rod Knutson !
I’m speechless. I know that I could have never endured being a POW. I would have been an Army nurse if I had followed my dreams instead of listening to my boyfriend. This gentleman has my utmost respect. Your story has touched my heart and soul. A true Patriot. It’s nice to see you safe at home with your animals. I’m honored to have the privilege to hear your unimaginable box of time in Vietnam. Praise the Lord you survived.
God Bless you! Thank you for your sacrifice! God Bless America!🇺🇸
Dear , Rod Knutson. Your story has touched me quite profoundly...I will Never forget it,or you Sir..There is just no way one could even come close to imagining the pain and suffering that you and others there at that Prison camp experienced.Your story gives us a small sample of it..But that is all..You servicemen deserve to live out the rest of your lives however you wish. The taxpayers in the U.S.A. should gladly pay the bill..God knows they waste our money on so much needless stuff. Your cause is just. I hope they are treating you well.. Rod Knutson, thank you for your service in the military..And WELCOME HOME.GLAD YOU HELD OUT AND MADE IT..!!!! LORD BLESS YOU SIR..
What an amazing gentleman! I could listen to him for hours, he's an incredible communicator! He is an American HERO! GOD BLESS HIM AND HIS FAMILY!🇺🇸🙏❤
Captain Rodney A. Knutson, I salute you sir.
Quite simply the best video on RUclips. Professional documentary makers must be in awe of the highest quality of this unscripted and unedited interview with a courageous military officer.
Very well done Billings Gazette.
I have watched about 20 of these so far, and this is the first POW one I have seen yet. What an amazing, humble man. Thank you for your service, sir!
How can any fool give this man’s intense story a “thumbs down”. What an embarrassment.
they are vc
Antifa and other Marxist communist pukes.
McCain's ghost has a conscience?
RUclips algorithm bots give 1 dislike per 200 likes to balance the way videos are recalled in the database and prevent runaway top videos appearing in every recommended or search. 2000 likes = 100 bot dislikes, 20,000 likes = 1000 dislikes etc.
@@bprathe3205 Trump got 5 deferments red hat jerk!
Its men like Mr Knutson that have kept this country free since the revolution
Thank you Sir ,,one of the best interviews I have watched
Also thank you Billings Gazette
Appalling what he endured. Honorable man. He is the perfect example why his generation is one of the greatest in U.S. history.
They fought an unjust war, against incalculable weaker enemy, they cannot be not even near to the WWII generations.
@Darko Stanisavljević
Learn English before you spew diarrhea from your dumb mouth-hole, bozo. 🖕😘
Well said
extremely appalling, considering these people signed the Geneva convention
@@darkostanisavljevic1105 So because the WW2 generation fought a tougher enemy they somehow deserve more respect? That is the dumbest thing I ever heard in my life. The Viet Cong . They were in Charlie's backyard. It is always much tougher fighting a military force on their home turf when you are the invader. I don't think it mattered much to the US soldiers and airmen who died there that they were a superior force. These men fought and many of them died serving their country in a war most did not even believe in. For that they deserve our utmost respect.
One smart tough dude - so glad you made it back after all that Mr. Knudson
Very rarely have I seen such a sincere and honest interview. He tells of moments of greatest weakness and despair and how he still managed to save face. Not only towards his enemy, but above all towards himself. He behaves almost like an English gentleman, he is extremely intelligent and still has a certain wit. A very impressive person. We wish him all the best!
tears went down my face when near the end of his story,when he saluted his colonel.he endured torture and everthing the NVA Throw at him for
7 1/2 yrs!!not to mention all the mental scars like PTSD that will haunted him for the rest of his life..i dnt know what more to say, other than may God bless him and his family.
I don't have enough words to explain my thanks to you SIR !!......It's Men such as yourself that make me PROUD to live in the USA !!........Thank You SIR from the bottom of my heart for your Service and Dedication to our country during a VERY difficult time......GOD BLESS ALL VIETNAM VETERANS !!.........WELCOME HOME SIR !!
Welcome Home Mr. Knutson. What a great inspiring story of Courage.
God Bless all our Vietnam Vets, POW’s & MIA’s 🇺🇸
Marine, Navy, cat in the dining room, grandfather clock chimes in, and now the family dog on the lap and one roaming around. You Sir are an American Alpha, all that 12:31 into it.
God Bless you Sir for your service.
I don’t have the words to express the level of respect. I’m in awe of anyone that had endured such Hell.
I did my boot while you were commanding NTC San Diego. I remember seeing you in your car being driven around the base. I had no idea of your story and that I was so close to greatness. God Bless you and everyone who served in that rotten place. Take care of yourself, Sir!!
This guy is a hero. Thank you for your service Sir. It is a blessing that you made it through all of that and are still here with us. God is good.
The human cost of war can never be really understood without interviews like this. May our country treat our vets with the honor they deserve.
What I love the most about these interviews, is the great preparation of the interviewer. No fluff, no improvisation. The interviewer has done a great job by studying the historical context of the 1960's , and he asks relevant, intelligent questions the veterans can relate to. Preparation is the key, astounding job sir!
Rod I'm so glad you are alive and in your easy chair able to tell us your amazing story
I really enjoyed your story your one heck of a man thank you for telling it I'm an army veteran door gunner on huey. Gun ship to me you are a hero in all sense of the word
Amazing story? Enjoyed it? Comparing him to Washngton, Crockett? *What the F are you?* This man and many others were tossed into a meat grinder and some survived. You are amazed at his adventure? Get the F out of here.
@@250txc Easy on the Red bull fella
Amen
I have watched several of these and cried, but this one really broke me down. Words alone cannot convey the admiration, appreciation, gratitude, and respect this man and his fellow vets are owed. The Vietnam story has for years been contorted and distorted by politics, media, history books and others. Its long overdue to be told like this, the raw TRUTH directly from the mouths of those who were there and lived it firsthand. The USA will always be great as long as we have GOD and people like these guys to lead and serve her. God be with you all and give you his blessings.
Thank you Mr. Knutson. Truly incredible story; the amount of bravery and devotion you showed for your country, not giving up any information to the enemy, and surviving for 7.5 years in a brutal POW camp is deserving of the utmost respect. No man should ever have to go through the amount of trauma you went through, yet you persevered and came out stronger because of it. Hope all is well, and thank you again for your service.
This is a very capable interviewer who asked many good questions.
Since Veteran's Day 2019, I have sought out answers of all wars. This interview was absolutley awesome! The Billings interviews have been the best thus far of the Nam interviews. Thank U for your service! So glad u have lots of animals to comfort and love u. Maybe that big rat just wanted that too! A big salute!
This guy's been through pure Hell. I really was mesmerized by listening to his experience of his service in Vietnam.
Mr. Knutson is a remarkable person - one encounter and you'd never forget him. I heard him speak on board the USS Ranger back in the 80s, and I never forgot his voice coming across to lift us up during a very down time.
Thank you for doing all of these interviews. The Vietnam War and America in the 1950's, 60's and 70's has been a huge point of research and learning in my life.
Great little dogs, so patient even though Dad won't play ball.
Great stories, fascinating accounts of his missions and service.
My God, what a story of courage, and the will to live. Thank you sir for the honesty and sharing with the world the horrors of war. God bless all of you who have served or are serving our nation with honor.
Captain Knutson I served under you on Mobile. It was a pleasure and My HONOR SIR,
I wish you all the best.
Ed DeMik E Division PO2.
Absolute respect. His eyes tell a story far more than what we have seen. Thank you for sharing this interview that we may learn from his courage to face our own challenges. Excellent interview.
It’s great to hear your full story finally. I was one of your instructors in VT4 and still remember our cross country to San Diego. Glad to see you in such good health. Stu Bugg. Pensacola , Fl.
Amazing story an a wonderful interview. Truly, thank you for your service and dedication to our country.
Rod Knutson is one of the most remarkable men I have had the pleasure to listen to.. I really wish I could form more of an articulate comment to his story, but I'm at a loss as to how a man who has been through so much, has retained his joie de vivre.. Thank you Sir.
Thank you Sir for your sacrifice and service! You are a Warrior!
I lived on Camp Pendleton when my father was stationed there I have always had respect for the Military none of us can even imagine what POW's went through God Bless you sir.
This is a true man. This is the best video I ever watched.
No doubt, the BEST interview on Vietnam period. Thanks and take care!
Every person who has the good fortune to watch this amazing interview should take Rod's final statement about participation in the running of one's own countries government as the words of a very very wise man. Democracy is the will of the people not of the members of the the government who may think they know better than the electorate.
Grew up without a father. Hearing this gentleman speak was intense. Helps bring many things back in perspective on this winter day.
I listen to these interviews in order to remind myself that I should appreciate the small things I'd otherwise take for granted. I'm at work now and when I go and fill my cup with cold , clean water or coffee, when I put something interesting or stimulating on my device, when I get a snack from my lunchbox, when I appreciate the yoga pants the girl in the office wears , when I step outside and take in some fresh air , I am grateful for the freedom do these things.These are selfish reasons obviously but hearing this guy describe his captivity really puts my daily routine into perspective. Freedom is a wonderful thing.
He’s so good at telling his story that I found myself going through the emotions with him. When he was talking about them erupting on the plane and seeing the children it made me so happy inside. You can’t imagine how high with joy these guys had and then the drop in your stomach when the Chaplin told you what he had to tell you. I can’t imagine being that happy to learn how much some of these men’s lives have changed with losing family and wives leaving them. The only reason I have hope in this nation surviving is the hearts and souls in men and women like this that will always survive no matter what they bring before us.True American Hero that survived hell🇺🇸.
Before i watch this, I just wana thank you for your service Sir. I just know this will be an amazing interview about your life and time in the war. I will be watching this all through-out the day because i have work. I always enjoy hearing stories from our veterans. Makes me very proud to be an American.
Extremely enlightening discussion from this man. Integrity emanates of this gent and many of those who have been interviewed on this project. So thankful that we have this record.
I was in flight school in Pensacola with you when you went back for pilot training Rod, and your stories inspired me until this day - so glad to have seen this video!
I am fine with people going to the army to defend their country...but due to their current online behavior not many people would think any country should let a moon landing believer join the army. Excellent interviews!
My CO at NWC China Lake. I got to fly with him in a TA-4J from China Lake to San Diego then on to Denver. Great man, great story. Much respect for you sir.
This brought me to tears. What an amazing man
God bless you Rod,you survived absolute HELL, yet you remain so loyal & humble.An amazing person with wisdom to spare. You deserve all the good fortune ahead. All the best from Australia.
An inspiring and engaging interview of a good man.
I'm humbled and in awe of you sir, there are no words that exist that do you justice. Thank you sir, im honoured to have listened to your story, respect 🙏❤
I have watched other interviews in this series, this mans story was by far the most detailed, interesting and terrible at the same time.Cant even begin to imagine what it must have been like. I have so much respect for him. All l can say is thank you Mr. KNUTSON for sharing your story. A good man.
This man should have, and should to this day, anything he wants in this country. He should have never wanted for anything again.
what a intelligent and articulate man. awesome interview...
2:30:00 No one except those who survived this can truly relate to that moment.
2:32:30 God Bless America
Thank you for this production - worth watching at least a couple of times a year, on Veterans Day and Memorial Day, for instance.
I was A Yoeman in the Captains Office.. I am proud to serve with CAPATIAN KNUTSON. Eastbond and down.
YAHOOO...
Sorry Cap...Full Bird Captain
Thank you for your sacrifice and service. So glad you made it home .
Thank you for your service
I'm finally in a safer place in about the same number of years this is helping me
AMAZING life and story- This should be mandatory viewing at EVERY senior class in High Schools across the country. I thank you for your story and service Sir.
I was passing through the Philippines en route to Nam Phong, Thailand, and shook hands with some of these Guys at Clark Air Base...spring of 73 some time. USMC 70-74.
I'm so happy they came home alive. Fucking legendary.
It was the bravery and sacrifice of men like you that moved me to serve my country..thank you sir..salute!
I am now 77 years old (2021) thank you for telling your story, I wasn't drafted in 1966, I was deferred because I was in school and then later because I had a physical medical problem. Sir. you are an inspiration for your fellow Americans, you are a true hero.
This was the best interview I have seen so far He is a true American Hero who served our country. What he went thru as a POW makes him a hero, but what really made him a hero is what he said about all Vietnam veterans. I served twice in Nam with the Marines in 1966 to 1967 and again in 1968. What he said is exactly how I feel about those who served their country, who are the real hero. Semper Fi.
Many thanks for the interview! Respect for the Vietnam vets. What a experients. Wish Them the best. Greets from Holland
Amazing story and testament to the human spirit. Thank you for your sacrifices!
Really powerful stuff! It should be required viewing for people desiring citizenship. A true American hero in every respect. I'd call you by your retired rank, but it's not listed. Thank you sir, for your sacrifice and service. May God bless you, and your family.
Wow....more people need to see this interview. Sad, watered me eyes once.
One tough guy. Much tougher than me! Best wishes from the UK.
I salute you Sir!! Much respect. Thank you for your service.
David Burton aSA
Thank you for your service sir. Hope you are well.
What an amazingly intelligent and articulate gentleman who went through way too much...
War crushes the flower of humanity
Thank you for sharing your history
Awesome presentation, prayers for comfort and peace. Much honor and respect from this household. Please enjoy your life 💓
Real Heroes who should be praised & talked about in Schools! God Bless you Sir!
Really great questions by the interviewer.
I especially liked the question about the dreams he had during his imprisonment was very interesting.
Also, I have listened to one other POW story that talked about the tapping code, and it was fascinating to see it actually demonstrated.
What an incredible story. So glad he survived to tell it!
What Nobility,Courage,Honor,Valor and Strength! Thank You Sir!
So much respect for you, its an honor to serve after men like you. Definitely the ones who came before myself that I look up to. Amazing story and God bless you. Listened to the whole thing with open ears.
You are one bad ass thank you for your heart and courage true patriot above and beyond 🇺🇸
Thank you, Sir. I could not have endured as you did. God Bless You.
Not many could have...You, Sir, are a true hero...God bless you..
I think you were my CO at China Lake sir, good to hear your story. Well done.
this guy is my favorite interview, he has balls of steel but doesn't embellish or focus on himself.
This series is amazing... Like, wow. I am floored by all of these stories. God bless these servicemen. Legends.
My youngest brother was a seal in the navy and very highly decorated! He had a hard time adjusting to civilian life but is doing great now!
This man’s story is amazing! Soon as that little dog jumped up on his lap, I was hooked and drawn into this great story! What experiences! A really courageous man! Thank you for serving, sir!!! You are a true American hero! What a great story!!! Your experiences as a POW leaves me wondering and wanting to see all of the testimonies that the Billings Gazette has recorded.
Awesome interview ,just WOW !
thank you for your service!
This man..should have been at least a Two Star...I'm a big fan of Halsey. This kid deserves it...and He earned it. God Bless you Rodney A Knutson. A true Patriot.
One of the best interviews that I have seen. I have often wondered how these POW'S endured and kept their sanity. The torture description that these men endured for hours on end shows the stuff that they are made of.