The Terrifying Sniper Who Owned the Most Chilling Record
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Published 2022-06-01
Peering through his binoculars, the experienced gunman quietly inspected his target, a feared countersniper known as the Cobra that had become his nemesis while fighting against the North Vietnamese.
But Hathcock was confident that Cobra was no better than him. After all, the brave soldier had a 30,000-dollar bounty on his head, the highest ever for an American sniper in Vietnam.
After failing the first attempt, Cobra and Hathcock ran deep into the jungle in a cat-and-mouse game until the two men were within sight of each other.
They then aimed their rifles at each other, and what happened next only cemented the so-called White Feather sniper as a Marine Corps legend…
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All Comments (21)
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The book "Marine Sniper" is his story, read it in high school out of a box of donated books, I stayed up 3 nights in a row and couldn't stop reading it. He was an extraordinary man and a patriot.
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Can't believe they left out the story of him spending 3-4 days behind enemy lines to kill a Vietnamese general. He was given no details of the mission, was simply told it was extremely risky and he accepted. He crawled something like 1500 yards inch by inch, moving only when the wind blew the grass in the right direction to avoid being seen. He was nearly stepped on by patrolling guards at one point. The most amazing part was not that he killed his target, but managed to escape.
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One of my heroes. Was so very fortunate enough to meet shortly before his passing. One hell of a Man and Marine. RIP Warrior.
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There aren't enough books written about how extraordinary soldiers that the U.S. produces but this man was, without a doubt,in a class of his own. REST IN PEACE CARLOS HATHCOCK.
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Carlos always credited his skill as a bushman over his skill with a rifle. His biographical book, which I read several times in high school, talks about this. The part where he crawled on his belly mere inches at a time over three days across an open field deep in enemy territory just to get close enough to take a shot at an NVA General while dodging enemy patrols and lying perfectly still in the brush was a nail-biter. It would take him in excess of 10 minutes just to take a drink of water, because that's how slowly he moved. The human eye perceives quick motion more than anything, and Hathcock knew this well. The man was one of a kind.
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Hathcock is a true legend. He was not adequately recognized for his bravery and accomplishments, which were accomplished under trying circumstances and at great risk to his own life. How he did not receive the Navy Cross and multiple Silver Stars is beyond me.
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as a young soldier his story inspired me. I went on to win a Cannaught gold medal, as one of the top shots in the Canadian Army. Tours overseas kept me from competing. I miss / and don't miss shooting anymore. He was a truly great man. Not for his shooting, for dragging out 7 brothers. There was a finn of the same caliber. Check that man out as well
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Wow, a true fearless man, he needs way more recognition than what he got!
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How Carlos did not get the Medal of Honor is shocking to me. Burnt over 40% of his body and his selfless need to protect those he served with says everything about the man.
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I knew Carlos personally...although we both served in Vietnam near Hill 55 I never met him there...later I met him in Virginia Beach, VA where he gave classes for our P.D. and he gave me two signed copies of his book. He was the finest U.S. Marine I ever knew.
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My marksmanship medal is the one I am most proud of. Knowing that this brave man could pull off these amazing shots, while in such an insane atmosphere, is truly extraordinary. What a true war hero.
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He should of won the congressional medal of honor for his service saving so many American lifes.
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To all Vietnam Veterans , welcome home and thank you for your service
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I read "Marine sniper 93 confirmed kills" in 1988. In December of 89 I was in marksmanship instructor school at Camp Lejeune. One day totally by surprise Gunny Hathcock showed up on the range. He spent the afternoon with us and it was awesome. He was an amazing Marine and ive always been thankful that i got to meet him.
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Read his book, One shot one kill. I read it twice and it's amazing. I meet him at a gun show years ago and he was quite an outstanding individual. RIP to an American hero.
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I had the honor of meeting Carlos Hathcock twice in the 1990s. I bought a copy of his book from him that he personally signed. He was a legend and an American hero.
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I was at the rifle range at Lejeune back in 86, and while we were on our lunch break, GySgt Hathcock dropped in to greet everyone while we were eating chow. He is a man who was very humble about his work as a sniper, and told us that you have to meld the rifle with your body and mind. That year I shot a 230 out of 250. The best I ever scored in ten years as a Marine. Semper Fi Gunny.
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as an Arkansan, im happy to have this guy in my state's history. absolute legend.
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I met a vet here in Colorado that knew him well in Vietnam. A great experience to meet this man.
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Watched Carlos shoot on CP Viale range: met his family at the first presentation of the CMP Hatchcock Trophy...thanks to my my Marine friends Ken and Jim for coming up with this legacy, sure miss you guy's and the times we shared. RIP.... I have MS now too - it is the hardest battle of all.
