Just Cause Interviews

COL (Ret.) David E. McCracken
CW3 (Ret.) Deams B. ‘Brad’ Smith
CSM (Ret.) Richard C. Lamb

By Robert D. Seals

Published Dec. 2019

Interview with COL (R) McCracken

VIDEO: COL (R) McCracken discusses C Company organization and missions in 1989.
VIDEO: COL (R) McCracken discusses Panama mission as planned
VIDEO: COL (R) McCracken explains how rehearsals for combat operations in Panama contributed to the close relationship between 3/7th SFG and the 617th SOAD.
VIDEO: COL (R) McCracken outlines the Radio Nacional mission and composition of the force.
VIDEO: COL (R) McCracken reflects on his "absolute confidence" in 617th pilots and crew.

Interview with CW3 (R) Smith

VIDEO: CW3 (R) Smith recalls rehearsals, and crawl, walk, run, prior to Just Cause.
VIDEO: CW3 (R) Smith discusses 3/7th SFG and 617th SOAD interoperability during an interview in November 2019.
VIDEO: CW3 (R) Smith runs down weapons used in mission.
VIDEO: CW3 (R) Smith describes the challenging conditions 617th pilots overcame in allowing the assault force to fast rope onto the roof of the Contraloria General building.
VIDEO: CW3 (R) Smith remembers entering the Radio Nacional office and discovering the source of the broadcasts.
VIDEO: CW3 (R) Smith recalls his first opportunity to engage.
VIDEO: CW3 (R) Smith highlights the training and commitment that led to mission success.

Interview with CSM (R) Lamb

VIDEO: CSM (R) Lamb discusses fast roping, rehearsals before Just Cause, and “tools of the trade.”
VIDEO: CSM (R) Lamb discusses mission researsals.
VIDEO: CSM (R) Lamb, C/3-7th SFG, details some of the tactical skills 3/7th SFG and the 617th SOAD refined prior to Operation JUST CAUSE.
VIDEO: CSM (R) Lamb talks about limited intelligence available for Radio Nacional mission.
VIDEO: CSM (R) Lamb remembers concerns with fast roping onto the building.
VIDEO: CSM (R) Lamb recalls the pandemonium outside the building.
VIDEO: CSM (R) Lamb discusses mission takeaways.