Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

General Discussion

surfered

(13,071 posts)

19. Had a friend in the Army refuse an order in Vietnam

Reply to Capperdan (Original post)

Wed Nov 26, 2025, 03:58 PM

Nov 2025

He was a Lt. He was ordered to go into Cambodia, “armed with a camera” and accompanied by some ARVN soldiers for reconnaissance.

He refused as the US could not act militarily in Cambodia until later authorized by Pres Nixon.

It did later make Captain.

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

3 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

FakeNoose byronius Tactical Peek

43 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

I refused orders once... [View all] Capperdan Nov 2025 OP

I never disobeyed an order when I was on active duty EYESORE 9001 Nov 2025 #1

It's amazing what people (soldiers) will do if they've been told the "others" are the enemy. erronis Nov 2025 #3

Trump needs to lie to the soldiers and sailors popsdenver Nov 2025 #21

You can be a lot proud of that one. TheRickles Nov 2025 #2

Please accept my gratitude, sir! lastlib Nov 2025 #4

Thank you lastlib Capperdan Nov 2025 #9

And you should be proud, MarineCombatEngineer Nov 2025 #5

And back at you MCE Capperdan Nov 2025 #10

The closest I came was in the USAF in 1969. MineralMan Nov 2025 #6

My hat off to you, MM. That takes guts and a true sense of what's right. erronis Nov 2025 #23

Or, I'm a smartass. MineralMan Nov 2025 #24

I think you were a smart smartass. 3catwoman3 Nov 2025 #25

I had a similar experience LogDog75 Nov 2025 #34

Yes, exactly. MineralMan Nov 2025 #36

We were breaking down our NDP (night defensive position), and The Wizard Nov 2025 #7

Yup, brave. Joinfortmill Nov 2025 #8

more info? NJCher Nov 2025 #11

LOL! Great gifs FakeNoose Nov 2025 #20

You should be proud. Nt Figarosmom Nov 2025 #12

Love that you did this, and that blue_jay Nov 2025 #13

And you should be mountain grammy Nov 2025 #14

A little proud? llmart Nov 2025 #15

Good on you. 3catwoman3 Nov 2025 #16

Im sure it would have Capperdan Nov 2025 #27

Thank you Capperdan! Clouds Passing Nov 2025 #17

I salute your service, honor and integrity, Capperdan Grim Chieftain Nov 2025 #18

Well thanks, GC Capperdan Nov 2025 #28

Had a friend in the Army refuse an order in Vietnam surfered Nov 2025 #19

thank you for your honorable service. cab67 Nov 2025 #22

My father refused Bmoboy Nov 2025 #26

Thank you KT2000 Nov 2025 #29

Thank you. I'm proud of you too. Ohioboy Nov 2025 #30

Precisely the Correct Action Nictuku Nov 2025 #31

On the other hand . . . Aussie105 Nov 2025 #32

If that happened, no one would consider charging the coerced soldier. TomSlick Nov 2025 #33

My late brother, who flew BlueMTexpat Nov 2025 #35

This message was self-deleted by its author sarchasm Nov 2025 #37

I was in 6-years. I NEVER got an illegal order. Grins Nov 2025 #38

At Kent State the students tricked a gung ho commander into following them. GreenWave Nov 2025 #39

Those were crazy times to be 20 years old Capperdan Nov 2025 #41

My ROTC Ranger group committed mass mutiny one time... malthaussen Nov 2025 #40

On the other hand (and only tangentially related) malthaussen Nov 2025 #42

I am thankful I never had to face a situation in which I would have to refuse an order. mucholderthandirt Nov 2025 #43