In the early days of the Viet Nam war, U.S. Military forces were acting as Military Advisors. This policy limited U.S. Forces to a defensive action. The policy of "NO FIRE UNLESS FIRED UPON" was causing increased loss of life and equipment to the men in the field. In the summer of 1962, then President Kennedy, requested the U.S. Army Command to establish a unit of Combat Specialists for duty in Viet Nam as forces not subject to the "NO FIRE" policy. Designated as the 1st Long Range Solo Patrol Combat Battalion. Only the best of the Army's Rangers and Special Forces would be asked to volunteer for the training. Completing the elite training program in September of 1963, the unit was deployed to Viet Nam in December and began operations on the first day. Respected by higher command for the "CAN DO" attitude, while the enemy feared their skills and ferocity in combat. They earned the nickname of: The Shadow Walkers