Barry Sadler (November 1, 1940 – November 5, 1989) was an American military veteran , author, actor, singer, and songwriter. Sadler served as a Green Beret combat Medic with the rank of Sergeant in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Most of his work has a military theme, and he billed himself as SSG Barry Sadler, although his label credits read SSgt Barry Sadler.