Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story
Encyclopedia
"Uncommon Valor: A Vietnam Story" is a song by hip hop
duo Jedi Mind Tricks
. The track is produced by Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind
, and features a guest verse from R.A. the Rugged Man
. It is the fourth song on the group's 2006 album Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell
. While not released as a single, the song was recognized as one of the album's standout tracks.
provides the opening verse, a first-person narrative telling the story of a young, scared and confused United States
soldier stationed in Gia Định
, who, after seeing the carnage of battle and the corruption of the Army
, begins to question the real motives behind the Vietnam War
. R.A. the Rugged Man
's verse recounts the true life war experience of his father, highly decorated war hero Staff Sgt. John A. Thorburn, who was nearly killed in a crash near Cambodia
after his helicopter's pilot was hit. He reaches a moment of clarity while in the hospital, but after being sent home, he discovers he has been exposed to Agent Orange
, leaving two of his children severely mentally and physically handicapped, his son Maxx died at the age of 10, his daughter Dee-ann died in 2007 at the age of 27.
magazine featured the verse as its "Hip-Hop Quotable" of the month, and also listed "Uncommon Valor" on its "Fat Tape" list.
While the performance of R.A. garnered considerable attention and acclaim, it was not the sole factor in the song's popularity. An online reviewer for HipHopLinguistics.com also praises the performance of Vinnie Paz, stating that he "does a great job personalizing the effects of war." RapReviews.com reviewer Steve 'Flash' Juon calls the song "as creepy and hair-raising as hip-hop gets", and praises the production work, "Stoupe ups the ante by sneaking in subtle sound effects that make you feel like you're right there in the jungle." MVRemix.com reviewer Michael Diston calls the song a "stunning moment", and also comments on the song's concept and fitting production, "The haunting beat does the subject matter justice – a fantastic concept and one of JMT's finest moments."
's resignation speech and a line from a 1950's American public service announcement, Duck and Cover
, about a possible nuclear attack
.
) was an American war Veteran who served in the United States Army
and the United States Air Force
during the Vietnam War
. He has received several medals for his service. He had six children, two of whom have died due to exposure to Agent Orange
during his service in the military. Thorburn enlisted in the Army from 1968 to 1970. He was with the 101st Airborne Division
, part of the Screaming Eagles. He was later assigned with the Green Berets into the 10th Special Forces Group
.
On March 14, 1970, Thorburn was on a mission in Duc Lap in South Vietnam
aboard a UH-1P
("Green Hornet") with the 20th Special Operations Squadron
, when the chopper was shot down by enemy fire which resulted in the captain's death and three wounded soldiers, including Thorburn. An Army helicopter retrieved the soldiers and took them to Cam Ranh Air Base
. Thorburn was later discharged following injuries he received.
Staff Sergeant Thorburn was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross
by New York State Senator
John J. Flanagan
for his accomplishments in the Vietnam War
. He also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross
with Oak Leaf Cluster
, the Purple Heart
, the Air Medal
with two Oak leaf Clusters, the Vietnam Campaign Medal
, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
, the National Defense Service Medal
, the United States and Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Crew Member Wings, the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal
, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
, and the United States Army Silver Wings
.
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
duo Jedi Mind Tricks
Jedi Mind Tricks
Jedi Mind Tricks is a hip hop duo with Vinnie Paz from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Jus Allah from Camden, New Jersey. The group was founded by two high school friends, rapper Vinnie Paz and former producer/DJ Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind...
. The track is produced by Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind
Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind
Kevin Baldwin, better known by his stage name as Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind, is an American hip hop producer, DJ, and member of the underground hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks. His production is often the most acclaimed aspect of the group's work...
, and features a guest verse from R.A. the Rugged Man
R.A. The Rugged Man
R. A. Thorburn, better known as R.A. the Rugged Man, is an emcee from Suffolk County, Long Island, New York.-Career:At 18, R.A. signed with Jive Records and then in the mid-1990s signed with Priority Records/EMI. His contract was later absorbed by Capitol Records but he began recording...
. It is the fourth song on the group's 2006 album Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell
Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell
Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell is the fifth studio album by hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks. It was released September 19, 2006 through Babygrande Records. The first single, "Heavy Metal Kings", featuring Ill Bill of La Coka Nostra, was released in early August through iTunes and a limited...
. While not released as a single, the song was recognized as one of the album's standout tracks.
Song description
The song's producer, Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind, usually known for his intricate, layered production, provides a dark, minimalist beat for the track, simply featuring drums, bass, and a light, wailing female vocal sample. Jedi Mind Tricks vocalist Vinnie PazVinnie Paz (rapper)
Vincenzo Luvineri, better known as Vinnie Paz , is a Italian-American rapper and the lyricist behind the Philadelphia underground hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks...
provides the opening verse, a first-person narrative telling the story of a young, scared and confused United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
soldier stationed in Gia Định
Gia Định Province
- History :Gia Định Province was created in 1832. In December 1889 it was split to 4 smaller provinces, Gia Định, Chợ Lớn, Tân An and Tây Ninh.In 1957 it contained 6 districts, Gò Vấp, Tân Bình, Hóc Môn, Thủ Đức, Nhà Bè and Bình Chánh...
, who, after seeing the carnage of battle and the corruption of the Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
, begins to question the real motives behind the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. R.A. the Rugged Man
R.A. The Rugged Man
R. A. Thorburn, better known as R.A. the Rugged Man, is an emcee from Suffolk County, Long Island, New York.-Career:At 18, R.A. signed with Jive Records and then in the mid-1990s signed with Priority Records/EMI. His contract was later absorbed by Capitol Records but he began recording...
's verse recounts the true life war experience of his father, highly decorated war hero Staff Sgt. John A. Thorburn, who was nearly killed in a crash near Cambodia
Cambodia
Cambodia , officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia...
after his helicopter's pilot was hit. He reaches a moment of clarity while in the hospital, but after being sent home, he discovers he has been exposed to Agent Orange
Agent Orange
Agent Orange is the code name for one of the herbicides and defoliants used by the U.S. military as part of its herbicidal warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand, during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1971. Vietnam estimates 400,000 people were killed or maimed, and 500,000 children born with birth...
, leaving two of his children severely mentally and physically handicapped, his son Maxx died at the age of 10, his daughter Dee-ann died in 2007 at the age of 27.
Acclaim
The key factor to the song's acclaim was the nearly two-minute verse by R.A. the Rugged Man. Numerous album reviews referenced the verse as the highlight of the song. An AllHipHop.com review called the song "the most insightful track JMT has done in years" and states that "This record will be remembered most for R.A.'s robotic flow recounting his own father's story of war while absolutely murdering the beat."Hamza, Omar. HipHopDX.com writer Joshua Naber states that it is "possibly my favorite verse of the year", calling it an "epic tale of War". The October 2006 issue of The SourceThe Source (magazine)
The Source is a United States-based, monthly full-color magazine covering hip-hop music, politics, and culture, founded in 1988. It is the world's second longest running rap periodical, behind United Kingdom-based publication Hip Hop Connection. The Source was founded as a newsletter in 1988...
magazine featured the verse as its "Hip-Hop Quotable" of the month, and also listed "Uncommon Valor" on its "Fat Tape" list.
While the performance of R.A. garnered considerable attention and acclaim, it was not the sole factor in the song's popularity. An online reviewer for HipHopLinguistics.com also praises the performance of Vinnie Paz, stating that he "does a great job personalizing the effects of war." RapReviews.com reviewer Steve 'Flash' Juon calls the song "as creepy and hair-raising as hip-hop gets", and praises the production work, "Stoupe ups the ante by sneaking in subtle sound effects that make you feel like you're right there in the jungle." MVRemix.com reviewer Michael Diston calls the song a "stunning moment", and also comments on the song's concept and fitting production, "The haunting beat does the subject matter justice – a fantastic concept and one of JMT's finest moments."
Introduction
The opening of the song begins with Richard NixonRichard Nixon
Richard Milhous Nixon was the 37th President of the United States, serving from 1969 to 1974. The only president to resign the office, Nixon had previously served as a US representative and senator from California and as the 36th Vice President of the United States from 1953 to 1961 under...
's resignation speech and a line from a 1950's American public service announcement, Duck and Cover
Duck and Cover (film)
Duck and Cover is a civil defense film produced in 1951 by the United States federal government's civil defense branch shortly after the Soviet Union began nuclear testing. Written by Raymond J...
, about a possible nuclear attack
Cold War
The Cold War was the continuing state from roughly 1946 to 1991 of political conflict, military tension, proxy wars, and economic competition between the Communist World—primarily the Soviet Union and its satellite states and allies—and the powers of the Western world, primarily the United States...
.
John A. Thorburn
Staff Sgt. John Andrew Thorburn (born August 26, 1946- January 7, 2010 in St. Albans, QueensSt. Albans, Queens
St. Albans is a middle class community in the New York City borough of Queens around the intersection of Linden Boulevard and Farmers Boulevard, about two miles north of JFK Airport. It is southeast of Jamaica, west of Cambria Heights and north of Springfield Gardens and Laurelton.The neighborhood...
) was an American war Veteran who served in the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
and the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
during the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. He has received several medals for his service. He had six children, two of whom have died due to exposure to Agent Orange
Agent Orange
Agent Orange is the code name for one of the herbicides and defoliants used by the U.S. military as part of its herbicidal warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand, during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1971. Vietnam estimates 400,000 people were killed or maimed, and 500,000 children born with birth...
during his service in the military. Thorburn enlisted in the Army from 1968 to 1970. He was with the 101st Airborne Division
101st Airborne Division (United States)
The 101st Airborne Division—the "Screaming Eagles"—is a U.S. Army modular light infantry division trained for air assault operations. During World War II, it was renowned for its role in Operation Overlord, the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944, in Normandy, France, Operation Market Garden, the...
, part of the Screaming Eagles. He was later assigned with the Green Berets into the 10th Special Forces Group
10th Special Forces Group (United States)
The 10th Special Forces Group is an Active Duty United States Army Special Forces group. The 10th Special Forces Group is responsible for operations within the EUCOM area of responsibility, as part of the Special Operations Command, Europe , as well as parts of Africa and the Middle East.10th SFG...
.
On March 14, 1970, Thorburn was on a mission in Duc Lap in South Vietnam
South Vietnam
South Vietnam was a state which governed southern Vietnam until 1975. It received international recognition in 1950 as the "State of Vietnam" and later as the "Republic of Vietnam" . Its capital was Saigon...
aboard a UH-1P
UH-1 Iroquois
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew...
("Green Hornet") with the 20th Special Operations Squadron
20th Special Operations Squadron
The 20th Special Operations Squadron is part of the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon AFB, New Mexico. It operates CV-22 Osprey aircraft in support of special operations.-Mission:...
, when the chopper was shot down by enemy fire which resulted in the captain's death and three wounded soldiers, including Thorburn. An Army helicopter retrieved the soldiers and took them to Cam Ranh Air Base
Cam Ranh Air Base
Cam Ranh Air Base is located on Cam Ranh Bay in the province of Khanh Hoa, Vietnam. It was one of several South Vietnamese Air Force air bases built and used by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War...
. Thorburn was later discharged following injuries he received.
Staff Sergeant Thorburn was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross
Conspicuous Service Cross (New York)
The Conspicuous Service Cross is a decoration for military service awarded by the State of New York to members of the military who have also been awarded any of the following by the United States:...
by New York State Senator
New York State Senate
The New York State Senate is one of two houses in the New York State Legislature and has members each elected to two-year terms. There are no limits on the number of terms one may serve...
John J. Flanagan
John J. Flanagan
John J. Flanagan represents the 2nd District of the New York State Senate, which includes the entire Town of Smithtown and portions of both the Town of Brookhaven and the Town of Huntington, all located in Suffolk County, New York. Flanagan was first elected to the State Senate in 2002, after...
for his accomplishments in the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. He also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross (United States)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The...
with Oak Leaf Cluster
Oak leaf cluster
An oak leaf cluster is a common device which is placed on U.S. Army and Air Force awards and decorations to denote those who have received more than one bestowal of a particular decoration. The number of oak leaf clusters typically indicates the number of subsequent awards of the decoration...
, the Purple Heart
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
, the Air Medal
Air Medal
The Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
with two Oak leaf Clusters, the Vietnam Campaign Medal
Vietnam Campaign Medal
The Vietnam Campaign Medal is a military recognition awarded by the Republic of Vietnam, , to any member of the United States, Australian, New Zealand and allied military forces serving six months or more in support of Republic of Vietnam military operations.Established in 1966, the decoration is...
, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Vietnam Gallantry Cross
The Vietnam Gallantry Cross was a military decoration of South Vietnam which wasestablished in August 1950. Also known as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, the Gallantry Cross was awarded to any military personnel who have accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting an...
, the National Defense Service Medal
National Defense Service Medal
The National Defense Service Medal is a military service medal of the United States military originally commissioned by President Dwight D. Eisenhower...
, the United States and Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Air Force Crew Member Wings, the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
The Vietnam Service Medal is a military award which was created in 1965 by order of President Lyndon B. Johnson. The distinctive design was the creation of sculptor Thomas Hudson Jones, a former employee of the Army Institute of Heraldry. The medal is issued to recognize military service during...
, the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon
Marksmanship Ribbon
A Marksmanship Ribbon is an award of the United States Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard that is issued to service members who pass a weapons qualification course and achieve an above-average score.-Navy:...
, and the United States Army Silver Wings
United States Army Airborne School
The United States Army Airborne School — widely known as Jump School — conducts the basic paratrooper training for the United States armed forces. It is operated by the 1st Battalion , 507th Infantry, United States Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Georgia...
.