Barry Sadler
Barry Sadler | |
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Sadler in 1966 | |
| Born | Barry Allen Sadler November 1, 1940 Carlsbad, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Died | November 5, 1989 (aged 49) Murfreesboro, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Occupations |
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| Known for | "Ballad of the Green Berets" |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch |
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| Years of service | 1958–1967 |
| Rank |
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| Unit | U.S. Army Special Forces |
| Battles / wars | Vietnam War |
Barry Allen Sadler (November 1, 1940 – November 5, 1989) was an American singer-songwriter and author whose military service influenced his work. After a stint in the United States Air Force, Sadler served in the United States Army as a Green Beret medic, achieving the rank of staff sergeant. He served in the Vietnam War from late December 1964 to late May 1965. Most of his work has a military theme, and he is best known for his patriotic song "The Ballad of the Green Berets", a number-one hit in 1966. He died at age 49 after being shot in the head in Guatemala City.