Staff Sergeant Barry Sadler (1940–1989) was an American soldier, singer-songwriter, and author who served as a Green Beret medic in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After earlier service in the Air Force, he joined the Special Forces and was wounded in Vietnam, later channeling his experiences into music and writing.
“The Ballad of the Green Berets,” released in 1966, is a patriotic tribute to the U.S. Army Special Forces that Sadler co-wrote and performed. It became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks and ranking as the best-selling single of the year.
- Written while Sadler recovered from combat wounds
- Helped to popularity by author Robin Moore
- Sold millions of copies and inspired a bestselling album
- Featured as the theme for the 1968 John Wayne film The Green Berets
A straightforward, heartfelt anthem that captured a particular moment in American popular culture and military pride.