The Most Famous Tunnel Rat, Ranked

Choose the Tunnel Rat you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 27, 2024 07:15
In the twisting labyrinths of underground warfare, Tunnel Rats have emerged as unsung heroes, navigating through narrow, dark spaces to ensure safety and strategic advantages. Their bravery and unique skill set make each one noteworthy, yet their stories and contributions often remain under the radar. By ranking these courageous individuals, we shine a light on their critical roles and provide a space for acknowledgment and appreciation. Every vote cast in this ranking helps highlight different facets of what makes a Tunnel Rat stand out. It is not just about their daring exploits but also the skills, decision-making, and resilience that define their careers. Engaging with this ranking gives you a chance to participate in recognizing their valor, ensuring that their tales of bravery are not forgotten but celebrated.

Who Is the Most Famous Tunnel Rat?

  1. 1
    56
    votes
    Ridgeway is often considered the most famous Tunnel Rat due to his service in Vietnam and his memoir "The Five Fingers." He was responsible for discovering and destroying many enemy tunnels, and his bravery and expertise in tunnel warfare earned him several awards, including the Silver Star.
  2. 2
    17
    votes
    Sgt. Carlos Hathcock
    Sgt. James Harbour · Public domain
    While Hathcock is best known as a sniper, he also served as a Tunnel Rat in Vietnam. He was credited with killing several enemy soldiers and destroying tunnels, and his dedication to his fellow soldiers earned him the nickname "White Feather."
  3. 3
    4
    votes
    Albracht served as a Tunnel Rat and platoon leader in Vietnam and was known for his bravery and leadership. He was awarded the Silver Star for his actions during a battle in which he led his men to safety despite being severely wounded.
  4. 4
    23
    votes
    Shue served as a Tunnel Rat and was known for his skill in detecting and destroying enemy tunnels. He was killed in action in Vietnam and was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery.
  5. 5
    17
    votes
    Rittenberry served as a Tunnel Rat in Vietnam and was credited with destroying many enemy tunnels. He was wounded several times during his service and was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery.
  6. 6
    11
    votes
    McKinney served as a Tunnel Rat in Vietnam and was known for his bravery and expertise in tunnel warfare. He was awarded the Silver Star for his actions during a mission in which he located and destroyed an enemy tunnel.
  7. 7
    3
    votes
    While Benavidez is best known for his actions as a Green Beret, he also served as a Tunnel Rat in Vietnam. He was credited with destroying several enemy tunnels and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during a mission in which he rescued several wounded soldiers.
  8. 8
    3
    votes
    McFall served as a Tunnel Rat in Vietnam and was known for his bravery and skill in tunnel warfare. He was awarded the Silver Star for his actions during a mission in which he located and destroyed an enemy tunnel.
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    Singleton served as a Tunnel Rat in Vietnam and was credited with destroying several enemy tunnels. He was awarded the Silver Star for his bravery and leadership during a mission in which his unit was ambushed by the enemy.
  10. 10
    9
    votes
    While Williams is best known for his actions as a riverine sailor in Vietnam, he also served as a Tunnel Rat. He was credited with destroying several enemy tunnels and was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during a mission in which he led his unit in the capture of an enemy vessel.

Missing your favorite Tunnel Rat?

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Ranking factors for famous Tunnel Rat

  1. Achievements
    Consider the individual's notable accomplishments and contributions as a Tunnel Rat. This could include successful tunnel reconnaissance missions, significant tunnel discoveries, or acts of bravery and heroism while operating in underground environments.
  2. Recognition
    Evaluate the level of recognition the Tunnel Rat has received in their field. This could include awards, commendations, or mentions in military or historical records.
  3. Impact
    Assess the impact the Tunnel Rat's actions had on military operations and outcomes. Did their work significantly contribute to the success of military campaigns or missions?
  4. Notoriety
    Consider the level of public awareness or media coverage surrounding the Tunnel Rat. Were they featured in news articles, documentaries, or books that reached a broad audience?
  5. Legacy
    Evaluate the long-term impact and influence the Tunnel Rat had on subsequent generations of soldiers or tunnel warfare tactics. Did they set a standard, create new strategies, or inspire others in their field?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Tunnel Rat. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Rat is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1497 views
  • 152 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Rat once every 24 hours. The rank of each Rat is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous tunnel rat

The term "Tunnel Rat" refers to the soldiers who were tasked with the dangerous job of crawling through the complex network of tunnels and underground bunkers during the Vietnam War. These tunnels were often booby-trapped and filled with enemy soldiers, making it an incredibly risky job. One of the most famous Tunnel Rats was Captain Ronald Ridgeway, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery in clearing out a complex network of enemy tunnels. Another well-known Tunnel Rat was Sergeant Major Robert O. Young, who was known for his skill in navigating the tunnels and his bravery in combat. Despite their heroic efforts, Tunnel Rats often faced criticism for their tactics and the high casualty rate among their ranks. However, their contributions to the war effort cannot be overlooked and their bravery and sacrifice should be remembered.

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