Meet John Wayne Walding, an American Hero who was Born on the 4th of July

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with John Wayne Walding—Green Beret, Purple Heart recipient, and speaker—for an extraordinary conversation about resilience, purpose, and faith in the aftermath of unimaginable adversity.

John shares the unforgettable story of April 6th, 2008: a harrowing firefight in Afghanistan that left him a below-knee amputee, fighting to survive while carrying his own leg down a mountain. With honesty and humility, John recounts not only the intense physical and mental battle in the aftermath, but also the spiritual turning points that transformed his pain into gratitude and a new sense of mission. From turbulent early years and military brotherhood to becoming the first amputee to graduate Green Beret sniper school, John’s journey is a testament to what it means to move forward when life changes in a moment.

Throughout our conversation, John opens up about the process of wrestling with anger, rebuilding his life, and ultimately finding strength through service and faith. We explore themes of identity, finding meaning in suffering, the power of teamwork, and the difference between “believing in God” and truly depending on Him. John also speaks candidly about honoring the sacrifices of friends, overcoming addiction, and the importance of using one’s story to inspire and serve others across the country.

John Wayne Walding

SFC (R) John Wayne Walding, born on the 4th of July, was raised in Groesbeck, Texas. He spent nearly 12 years in the United States Army, including seven years in the prestigious 3rd Special Forces Group at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. On April 6, 2008, John lost his right leg to sniper fire during the battle of Shok Valley. He continued to fight alongside his brothers for four more hours earning him the Sliver Star and Purple heart. Post-injury John attended Special Forces Sniper School. Upon graduation he became the first amputee to become a Green Beret Sniper. Additionally, he has run marathons, completed death marches, and climbed mountains.

In 2017 John founded Gallantry Global Logistics, a service-disabled veteran/minority owned logistics company that specializes in shipments of consequence and whose purpose is to provide the next mission to Veterans after their service to this Nation. John travels the country speaking to veterans’ organizations, corporations and the public about leadership, excellence, overcoming adversity using his motto “Lean Forward, Fight Hard”. John strongly believes his biggest accomplishment is marrying his beautiful wife, Amy and having their four wonderful children: Emma 21, Sam 20, Andie 15, and Hannah 12. They reside in Gunter Texas.

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