Dale Hanson is a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran and Green Beret who served three years as a commando in the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), conducting extremely dangerous reconnaissance missions deep behind enemy lines. Born in Queens, New York, and raised in Saco, Maine, with family ties to Minnesota's harsh winters, Hanson was influenced by his family's military legacy—his father, born in 1894, served and died when Dale was eight. Given the name "Kam Baw Ya Chin," meaning 'eternal life, never die,' by his Chinese mercenary counterparts, he led recon teams facing high casualty rates and earned numerous decorations. Hanson is also an accomplished sculptor, MENSA member, black belt martial artist, author, pilot of fixed-wing and glider aircraft (including aerobatics), and Special Forces underwater diver. He shares his experiences through his memoir Born Twice: Memoir of a Special Forces SOG Warrior (2016) and SOG Missions to the Well, highlighting the challenges, heroism, and lack of recognition for SOG soldiers. Hanson advocates for honoring veterans' sacrifices, preserving military history, and using personal stories to educate on the realities of covert warfare. Join this channel to get access to perks: Shawn Ryan Show Links SUBSCRIBE: @ShawnRyanShow Sign up: Support the Show: Download Free Content: Listen on Apple: Listen on Spotify: Follow on TikTok: @shawnryanshow Follow on Instagram: Follow on Facebook: Follow on Snapchat: @shawnryanshow Follow on X: SRS Podcast Playlist: #vigilanceelite #shawnryanshow Dale Hanson Links: Studio Website - Amazon Author Page - SOG Site - Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Receive 30% off your first subscription order. Go to or enter SRS to get 30% off your first subscription order. Right now, you can try Aura free for 14 days when you visit Our listeners get 10% off at Head to you’ll get the welcome kit, a Morning Person hat, a bottle of Vitamin D3+K2, and a AG1 Flavor Sampler for free. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 05:08 Early Life Experiences and Hunting Accident 27:40 Military Enlistment and Special Forces 34:28 Vietnam Missions and Training 50:48 Novi’s Heroics and Jeep Attack 54:28 Serving with WWII Veterans and First Missions 57:26 Recon Missions and Close Calls 01:11:23 Holiday Break and Reflections 01:13:48 Australian and Cambodia Missions 01:41:15 Combat Close Calls and Harrowing Escape 01:52:38 Reflections on Loss and Lessons 02:01:12 30-Round Magazines and R&R in Bangkok 02:07:13 Post-Hospital Intel Work and Command 02:19:33 Vietnamization and Hatchet Force 02:34:53 Returning Home from Vietnam 02:36:31 Life After SOG and Career Path 03:09:39 Becoming a Pastor and Faith Reflections 03:13:35 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action