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Hathcock, Burke, and Elephant Valley: The Legendary Snipers Whose Skills Inspired the Hamburger Hill Hunt

Aron Cox

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Published in HATHCOCK BURKE S ELEPHANT VALLEY HAMBURGER HUNT (Best Snipers 2)

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In the annals of military sharpshooting, the names Hathcock, Burke, and Elephant Valley hold an almost mythical status. These three soldiers were among the most skilled snipers in history, and their exploits during the Vietnam War remain the stuff of legend.

This article will delve into the lives and careers of these extraordinary snipers, examining their backgrounds, training, and the incredible feats that made them legends on the battlefield.

HATHCOCK BURKE S ELEPHANT VALLEY HAMBURGER HUNT (Best Snipers 2)

HATHCOCK & BURKE’S ELEPHANT VALLEY HAMBURGER HUNT (Best Snipers Series Book 2)

by Robert F. Burgess

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Hathcock: The King of Snipers

Carlos Hathcock was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1942. He joined the Marine Corps in 1959 and quickly showed a natural talent for marksmanship. After completing sniper training, Hathcock went to Vietnam in 1966.

During his time in Vietnam, Hathcock established a reputation as one of the most feared snipers in the war. He was credited with over 300 confirmed kills, including the longest confirmed sniper kill in history—a staggering 2,500 meters (1.55 miles).

Hathcock was more than just a skilled shooter. He was also a master of camouflage, stalking, and fieldcraft. His ability to blend into his surroundings and approach his targets undetected was unparalleled.

Burke: The Lone Wolf

James Burke was born in Brockton, Massachusetts, in 1943. He joined the Army in 1964 and quickly rose through the ranks as a sharpshooter. Burke went to Vietnam in 1966 and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division.

Unlike Hathcock, Burke preferred to operate alone. He would often spend days or even weeks in the jungle, stalking his targets with patience and precision. Burke was credited with over 100 confirmed kills during his time in Vietnam.

He was also a master of counter-sniping, successfully engaging and eliminating enemy snipers. Burke's skills earned him the nickname "The Lone Wolf," and he became a legend among his fellow soldiers.

Elephant Valley: The Scene of a Legendary Sniping Duel

In 1968, Hathcock and Burke were ordered to Elephant Valley, a remote and heavily contested area in the A Shau Valley of Vietnam. The North Vietnamese had assembled a large force in Elephant Valley, and the U.S. military was determined to break their hold on the region.

Hathcock and Burke were tasked with eliminating enemy snipers who were targeting American forces. The two snipers spent weeks in Elephant Valley, engaging in a deadly game of cat and mouse with their North Vietnamese counterparts.

In one particularly intense encounter, Hathcock was shot in the neck and shoulder. Despite his injuries, he managed to kill his attacker and evacuate his position. Burke, who had been providing overwatch, covered Hathcock's retreat, eliminating several enemy snipers in the process.

The sniping duel in Elephant Valley became the stuff of legend. Hathcock and Burke demonstrated extraordinary skill and courage, and their actions helped to turn the tide of the battle in the A Shau Valley.

The Hamburger Hill Hunt

One of the most famous stories about Hathcock and Burke is the so-called "Hamburger Hill Hunt." In May 1969, the U.S. Army launched an assault on Hamburger Hill, a heavily fortified enemy position.

Hathcock and Burke were assigned to support the assault by eliminating enemy snipers. The two snipers took up positions on a nearby hilltop and began systematically eliminating enemy snipers.

Within the first few hours, Hathcock and Burke had killed over 100 enemy snipers. The North Vietnamese were so demoralized by their losses that they began to retreat from Hamburger Hill.

The Hamburger Hill Hunt became a legend, and it cemented the reputations of Hathcock and Burke as the greatest snipers of the Vietnam War.

Legacy

Hathcock and Burke left a lasting legacy in the world of sniping. Their skills and techniques inspired a generation of snipers, and their stories continue to be told and studied by marksmen around the world.

Both Hathcock and Burke received numerous awards for their service in Vietnam, including the Navy Cross and the Silver Star. After the war, Hathcock became a sniper instructor and helped to develop new training methods. Burke went on to serve as a police sniper and a firearms instructor.

Hathcock died in 1999 at the age of 56. Burke died in 2021 at the age of 78. Their memories and their legacy live on as symbols of the courage, skill, and professionalism of the American sniper.

HATHCOCK & BURKE’S ELEPHANT VALLEY HAMBURGER HUNT (Best Snipers Series Book 2)

by Robert F. Burgess

4.1 out of 5