06/19/2026
🟢 Happy Birthday to the U.S. Army Special Forces — The Green Berets! 🟢
📍June 19, 1952 — The Beginning of Something Legendary.
On this day, 74 years ago, the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was formed under the leadership of Col. Aaron Bank, shortly after the establishment of the Psychological Warfare School, which would later become the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School.
The 10th SFG (Airborne) was later divided: one cadre deployed to Bad Tölz, Germany, in September 1953, while the remaining cadre at Fort Bragg (now Fort Liberty) formed the 77th Special Forces Group, which was redesignated in 1960 as today's 7th Special Forces Group.
Special Forces traces its roots to some of America's most distinguished special operations units, drawing inspiration from the Army Rangers, Alamo Scouts, First Special Service Force, and the Operational Groups of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Many Army personnel who served in the OSS carried their experiences forward and helped shape what would become the U.S. Army's premier force for unconventional warfare.
Since 1952, Green Berets have answered the nation's call in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, North Vietnam, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Colombia, Panama, Haiti, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, the Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, the Philippines, Syria, Yemen, Niger, and throughout East Africa.
Their legacy was forged in grit, sharpened in silence, and carried forward by those willing to bear the weight of the Green Beret. They are America's "Quiet Professionals"—warriors who exemplify courage, adaptability, and selfless service in defense of freedom around the world.
Today, Chariots of Honor proudly honors all Green Berets—past and present—for their extraordinary service, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the motto:
🇺🇸 De Oppresso Liber — "To Free the Oppressed."
Legacy never fades. It sharpens.