#317 Johnnie Clark - Surviving One of the Deadliest Jobs During the Vietnam War

Clark Served In Vietnam As an M60 Machine Gunner With the 5th Marine Regiment, Arriving At 18 During the Battle of Hue City and Facing Constant Life-Or-death Combat Situations

Machine Gunners' Life Expectancy Was Seven to ten Seconds in Firefights, as They Were Primary Targets to Eliminate the Critical Weapon System

Johnnie Clark joined the Marine Corps at 17 and was assigned as an M60 machine gunner with the 5th Marine Regiment in Vietnam by the age of 18. On arrival, he learned from seasoned Marines like “Big Red” that the life expectancy for machine gunners was only seven to ten seconds in active firefights. Machine guns were the most important weapon in an infantry platoon, making gunners the top target for the enemy, who would quickly pinpoint the steady stream of tracers. Clark immediately understood the gravity of the role when told nearly all preceding gunners in their regiment had been killed or wounded. In firefights, every good army was taught to silence the machine gun first. Clark was instructed to fire only short, disciplined bursts to avoid becoming an instant target, as laying on the trigger for 100 rounds would mark his position for enemy riflemen.

Clark Engaged In Operations Like Troy Bridge Defense, Killer Team Ambushes, Graveyard Firefights, and Nva Encounters Near the Cambodian Border

After arriving in-country, Clark initially patrolled near Hue City, but soon after was sent to defend Troy Bridge, a critical link on Highway 1. Bridge duty, despite its relative comfort compared to the bush, could turn deadly: the Marines faced a major assault by over 400 NVA and sappers doped up and carrying satchel charges, resulting in the destruction of the bridge and heavy casualties among defending machine gun teams.

Clark participated in numerous combat missions: killer team ambushes where NVA columns would pass just feet away from hidden Marines, tense patrols near the Ho Chi Minh Trail, and intense firefights in graveyards near the Cambodian border. The gravity of jungle warfare became clear during a graveyard firefight, where Clark and his companion Chan manned M60s against a battalion-sized enemy force with mortars and entrenched machine guns.

Clark Faced Direct Combat: Killed an Nva Officer, Fought a Wounded Nva Nurse, Engaged In a Knife Fight During a Night Ambush, and Witnessed Fellow Marines' Deaths, Including His Friend Big Red

Combat for Clark was immediate and personal. He described his first time killing an NVA officer during an ambush and the memory haunting him for years after, recalling the sight and smell of the scene. In another operation, Clark faced an NVA nurse severely wounded by grenades in a bunker; fellow Marines decided to end her suffering, and Clark was ordered to fire the final shot—a memory that continued to weigh on him. He also recounts engaging an enemy soldier hand-to-hand with a knife during a night ambush.

Clark witnessed several deaths among his unit, including the heroic “Big Red,” who was killed beside him. Other Marines, such as Tedesco and Rosalie, died while trying to save trapped comrades on Troy Bridge—the night before they were due to go home. Clark also participated in dangerous rescue attempts to recover the bodies of fallen friends from the battlefield, despite enemy use of deceased Marines as bait for further ambushes.

M60 Machine Gun Needed Maintenance and Fire Discipline In Jungle, With Clark Improvising Cooling to Prevent Barrel Melt-Down

The jungle conditions took a harsh toll on men and equipment alike. The M60 required meticulous cleaning, often finished with a toothbrush and whatever oil the Marines could muster, sometimes improvising if Army oil wasn't available. The heat of combat could cause the barrel to grow so hot that Clark would pour canteen water on it or urinate on it to cool it down. The Marine Corps didn’t issue spare barrels; when Clark melted one completely, his team persuaded a helicopter door gunner to hand over a replacement. If the machine gun jammed or broke, the entire platoon would be at greater risk.

Clark Received the Silver Star, Three Purple Hearts, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry With Palm For Wounds From Shrapnel, Grenade Fragments, and Gunshots During Deployment

Clark was wounded three times during his tour—by mortar, by grenade, and by gunshot. For his actions in graveyard firefights and other engagements, he was eventually awarded the Silver Star, three Purple Hearts, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm. The awarding of his Silver Star took decades due to the destruction of combat records, only coming about after fellow Marine Pat McCrary initiated an investigation to secure his own Purple Heart.

Clark's Companion: Chan, a Chinese-American Marine Who Became a Leading Cardiovascular Perfusion Expert, Supported Each Other Through Combat Experiences, Sharing Dark Humor and Spiritual Growth Through Bible Study

Clark’s clos ...

Clark's Spiritual Encounter on Greybeard Mountain in 2004: Frozen, Heard "Walk a Little Farther," Found a Plaque With Psalm 121, His Favorite Verse

Clark's Search For Peace

In 2004, Johnnie Clark seeks solitude in the mountains of North Carolina after contacting a friend for a quiet place to be alone. He stays in a rustic cabin near Black Mountain, compelled to hike despite warnings about weather and wildlife. Needing clarity and peace, he sets out on Greybeard Mountain, unprepared and with a recently operated knee, driven by a sense that he must walk and reflect.

During his hike, Clark pauses at a mountain stream on a large rock, praying and questioning the purpose of his journey and what God wants from him. He contemplates humility, recalling the biblical figure Moses, and senses that embracing humility is his lesson. As a storm approaches and silence envelops the forest, he experiences an extraordinary moment: his body freezes mid-step and he cannot move. Despite the surreal nature of the experience, Clark feels no fear or discomfort, describing it as if time itself had stopped.

After an indeterminate period, he is suddenly released, convinced something supernatural held him in place. Dropping to his knees, overwhelmed, he prays, “What do you want from me, God?” He hears an audible voice—unmistakable and clear—telling him, “Johnny, get out. Johnny, I want you to walk a little farther with me.” Clark is so moved that he simply replies, “Yes, Lord,” and resumes his climb, willing to follow wherever he is led.

Clark Discovers Boulder With Psalm 121 After Release

Obeying the voice, Clark ascends further up the mountain until he comes across a massive boulder bearing a prominent plaque. The inscription is Psalm 121: “I lift my eyes to the mountains. From where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.” Never having been to this spot before, Clark realizes this is the destination to which God has led him. Overwhelmed by confirmation and awe, he falls in worship before the plaque. Psalm 121 becomes Clark’s favorite Bible verse, encapsulating his experience of miraculous guidance and protection.

Signs Confirm Experience: Missionary Pamphlet, Book, and Church Hymn Featuring Psalm 121

After returning from the mountain, Clark feels compelled to share his story with his wife Nancy, his children, his friend Tony, and his Bible study group. He remains anxious about sounding unbelievable, fearing others will dismiss his testimony as the product of combat fatigue. Despite his concerns, the events that follow reaffirm his experience through a series of remarkable coincidences, which Clark interprets as divine signs.

First, Nancy finds a pamphlet from Missionary Ventures—an organization the Clarks have donated to but never received mail from before. On the very first page, it mentions “my wife Nancy loves to shop,” and features Psalm 121. Next, Clark receives an unsolicited book from a fan out West, requesting an endorsement; upon opening it, the first page also features Psalm 121. At church that Sunday, the congregation sings a hymn based on Psalm 121. Clark finally recognizes the repeated verse as confirmation from God.

Later, during a discussion at Bible study, a friend finds the verse in Clark’s previous book, “Gunner’s Glory.” As they flip through the pages, they discover that World War II Medal of Honor recipient Mitchell Page had relied on Psalm 121 during life-threatening combat, as detailed in Clark’s book. This realization deepens the connection between Clark’s pe ...

Memoir "Guns Up" Rejected Until Profanity Removed; Became Influential Vietnam War Perspective

Johnnie Clark’s journey to publish "Guns Up" begins out of anger and a need to set the record straight about the treatment and perception of Vietnam veterans, especially Marines. Returning from Vietnam, Clark and his fellow Marines faced hostility at home—protesters threw eggs and tomatoes, while signs like "No Marines or Dogs Allowed in the Bar" illustrated overt discrimination. Clark, suffering from what was later diagnosed as combat fatigue, was further angered by the media’s portrayal of U.S. soldiers as indiscriminate killers, contributing to public harassment and misunderstanding.

Clark Wrote "Guns Up" to Counter Media Vilification of Marines Returning From Vietnam, Addressing Harassment and Clarifying Their Combat Roles

Clark’s wife encouraged him to channel his anger constructively by documenting his experiences in Vietnam. She advised him to fight back not with violence, but by setting the record straight, and so Clark began writing stories from his service to counteract perceptions shaped by negative media coverage.

Clark Repeatedly Took a Creative Writing Course At St. Pete College to Get Feedback On His Manuscript, Learning That Effective Writing Comes From "Writing Like You Talk" Rather Than Using Artificial Language

Clark took a creative writing course at St. Pete College multiple times—up to 15 repeat enrollments—because the non-credit night class gave detailed critiques of ten pages per week, eventually covering his entire manuscript. Through these workshops, Clark learned the value of writing in his natural voice: "write like you talk." Despite struggling academically in high school, Clark found that authentic, conversational storytelling made for compelling war memoirs.

Clark's Pastor and the Holy Spirit Led Him to Remove Profanity From His Manuscript Despite Professors' Warnings

The original version of "Guns Up" included extensive profanity to accurately portray combat dialogue. However, Clark felt discomfort about the language, particularly considering his desire for his children to know the truth without encountering vulgarity. He struggled with this until a Bible verse deeply convicted him. Seeking counsel from his pastor led to the realization that this decision was between him and God. Despite creative writing professors warning that a Vietnam War memoir without such language would be unbelievable, Clark committed to removing all profanity, spending six months on a full rewrite. He discovered that this process ultimately made him a better writer, forcing him to convey anger and emotion more skillfully.

Rewritten Manuscript Accepted by Three Magazines

After the rewrite, unexpected success followed. Almost immediately, Soldier of Fortune, Eagle, and American Legion magazines contacted Clark, wishing to publish a story from the manuscript that had languished in their slush piles for years. This marked the beginning of newfound interest in the book.

Clark Initially Attempted to Convince Clark to Reintroduce Profanity Into the Manuscript, Arguing That a Vietnam War Book Without It Would Be Unbelievable, but Clark Refused. Nonetheless, the Publisher Accepted the Clean Version, Resulting In one of the Most Successful War Memoirs in History

Within a month of resubmitting the profanity-free manuscript, nine publishers competed for the rights. Ultimately, Ballantine Books, a division of Random House, acquired it. The senior editor, Pam Strickler, expressed surprise and concern that a Vietnam War book could succeed without profanity, initially urging Clark to reinsert it for credibility's sake. Clark stood firm, refusing to compromise. Despite doubts, the publisher bought and released the clean version, which went on to become one of the most successful war memoirs in history, remaining in print for over 42 years and translated into multiple languages.

"Guns Up" Is a Key Text for Military Generations, on the Commandant's Reading List for Marine Officers and Shared With Units in Iraq and Afghanistan

"Guns Up" achieved far-reaching influence within the military and beyond. It became required reading on the Commandant’s reading list for Marine officers and is recommended at the Marine Corps School of Infantry. The book is shared with units in Iraq and Afghanistan, and even foreign soldiers, such as Lithuanian units, credit it with shaping their understanding of war, courage, and fai ...

Clark's Recovery From Combat Wounds and Trauma Involved Discovering Martial Arts in Okinawa, Becoming an 8th Dan Grandmaster in Taekwondo, and Teaching Military Combat Seminars

Clark Was Sent to Okinawa For Recovery and Began Martial Arts Training By a Lieutenant's Orders For Marines to Study With Grandmaster Shimabuku

After being wounded in combat, Johnnie Clark is sent to Okinawa for recovery. There, a forward-thinking lieutenant orders Marines with certain injuries to take martial arts lessons from a local Okinawan, who turns out to be Grandmaster Shimabuku. Clark begins training under Shimabuku, not initially realizing his instructor’s international reputation, and finds the experience “amazing.” This chance encounter marks the start of his martial arts journey.

Clark Studied Taekwondo For 50 Years Under Grandmaster Park, Developing the Strength and Discipline to Process His Combat Trauma

When Clark returns home, he’s unable to find an Okinawan martial arts school and transitions to Taekwondo. His first Taekwondo teacher is a neighbor who learned directly from Grandmaster Don Koon Park, a legendary figure in the martial arts world, former Olympic coach, and acclaimed as the greatest Korean master in history. Clark trains under Grandmaster Park for over fifty years. Through this lifelong dedication, Clark develops strength, discipline, and resilience—qualities that help him process his combat trauma and move forward.

He becomes an 8th Dan Grandmaster in Taekwondo, is inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and teaches hand-to-hand combat seminars at West Point and the Naval Academy at Annapolis.

Clark Transitioned From Mailman and Martial Arts Instructor To Author and Spiritual Teacher After a Back Injury Forced Him to Leave His Previous Employment, Demonstrating how Setbacks Can Redirect Someone Toward Their True Calling

Clark works as a mailman and teaches martial arts at the University of South Florida until a back injury, ultimately rooted in Vietnam combat, forces him to leave both jobs. This setback leads him to explore new paths. Encouraged by his wife Nancy, Clark shifts his focus, joining a creative writing course at St. Pete College. This resilient pivot illustrates how life-changing setbacks can redirect someone toward a deeper calling—Clark goes on to become an author and spiritual teacher.

Clark's Healing Journey Included Accepting Combat Fatigue Diagnosis and Managing Hypervigilance and Emotional Dysregulation Through Faith, Spiritual Practice, and Support From His Wife Nancy and Community

Clark Was Initially Diagnosed With Mild Combat Fatigue, but Was Re-diagnosed With Severe Combat Fatigue After His Hair Fell Out Overnight, a Condition He Managed Throughout His Life While Maintaining His 49+ Year Marriage and Raising a Family

Clark prefers the term “combat fatigue” over PTSD. Initially diagnosed with mild combat fatigue, his condition is reclassified as severe when all his hair falls out overnight, a traumatic experience that deeply unsettles him and his wife. Despite ongoing struggles with hypervigilance, particularly discomfort when alone in nature without a sense of security, Clark draws on the unwavering support of his wife Nancy, his children, and their community. Together, they navigate these challenges, maintaining a strong marriage that spans over 49 years and raising five grandchildr ...

Clark's Book Fosters Reunions and Healing With Families of Fallen Soldiers, Showing Authentic War Storytelling Can Bridge Gaps and Provide Closure

Johnnie Clark’s authentic war storytelling has profoundly impacted families of fallen soldiers, fostering healing and reunions. Clark discovers that his character "Cowboy" was based on a real person, a revelation that allowed him to connect with Undenstock’s grieving family. At a reunion, Undenstock’s daughter revealed she learned about her father’s death through Clark’s book. Her mother shared how much peace the story brought them, fulfilling a deep need for closure. The experience illustrates how Clark’s narrative continually unearths new stories that help families process their loss. In another instance, Frank Boris’s brother reached out after not knowing how his relative died until reading Clark’s account.

Clark recounts the story of Undenstock, a Marine with a background of family abandonment who joined the Marines in search of belonging. Struggling with terror in combat and lacking familial support, Undenstock found care, Bible study, and prayer with Clark and Chan’s gun team. Despite surviving combat physically unscathed, Undenstock died of heart failure—deemed not to be the result of direct injury but possibly the immense stress he endured. This honest storytelling provides both understanding and comfort to those left behind.

Decades later, Major Scott Husing, author of "Echo in Ramadi" and a veteran who read "Guns Up" as a young lance corporal, visited Clark to express his gratitude. Husing shared that "Guns Up" had a significant influence on him and many others in his unit, to the extent that copies of the book were literally torn into sections so squads could all read and share it in war zones. This act shows how Clark’s book became a tool for shared understanding and spiritual support among soldiers.

Clark's Witness to Faith and Miracles Has Inspired Military Personnel and Spiritual Leaders to Join Friend Shawn Ryan's Podcast, Sparking a Movement of Veterans Discussing Faith and Divine Guidance

Clark’s journey from being a barely-literate student to an influential Marine and author includes spiritual transformation and a dedication to truth. His transparent witnessing of faith and the miraculous has inspired numerous military personnel and spiritual leaders. This momentum extends to Shawn Ryan’s podcast, where Ryan describes a personal awakening to the reality of God, catalyzed by a guest’s testimony about Jesus Christ. Since then, every guest on Ryan’s show has openly discussed their own faith and experiences of divine guidance. Eddie Penny, in particular, is credited with sparking this unexpected, ongoing conversation.

Discussions on the podcast also expand to spiritual warfare and the role of guardian angels. Ryan’s IT technician, a devout Catholic, independently introduces Catholic beliefs about guardian angels, underlining the podcast’s spiritual direction and highlighting the ...