Henry L. (Dick) Thompson, Ph.D., is a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and legendary MACV-SOG operator known by the codename “Dynamite.” Serving as a recon team leader from 1968 to 1970, he led over 20 high-risk black operations deep into enemy territory in Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam during the Vietnam War’s secret campaigns, earning a reputation for bravery in brutal firefights and hand-to-hand combat.
After 21 years of military service, including roles in Special Forces, Airborne, and Ranger units, Thompson founded High Performing Systems, Inc. in 1984, where he serves as President and CEO, providing leadership solutions, training, and assessments for corporate, military, law enforcement, and firefighters in high-stress decision-making. A psychologist, Mensa member, and Ironman triathlete, he authored, among other books, the bestselling “SOG Codename Dynamite” series, including “A MACV-SOG 1-0’s Personal Journal” (2023), sharing firsthand accounts of combat psychology and spiritual warfare.
Thompson advocates for mental resilience, veteran support, and applying combat lessons to everyday leadership.
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SOG Codename Dynamite: A MACV-SOG 1-0’s Personal Journal
– https://www.amazon.com/SOG-Codename-Dynamite-MACV-SOG-Personal/dp/B0C9SB8JGP
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00:00 Welcome and Introduction
03:08 Honoring Veterans and Their Service
07:59 Combat Stories and Survival Tactics
18:07 Escape and Jungle Survival
35:26 Childhood and Early Influences
49:26 Sleep Deprivation Experiments and Cognitive Effects
54:35 Military Applications of Sleep Studies
01:01:27 Enlisting and Ranger Aspirations
01:12:28 Volunteering for SOG
01:31:41 First Mission: Combat Reality Sets In
01:45:19 Intense Jungle Firefights
02:06:05 Taking Command and Team Leadership
02:25:23 Emergency Rescue Mission
02:38:45 Helicopter Ambush and Extraction
02:42:10 Solo Operations and Survival Skills
03:21:31 Honoring Fallen Comrades
03:35:58 Final Missions and Close Calls
03:56:10 Returning Home and PTSD
04:19:50 Life After the War
04:26:25 Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts
