Ride to the Sound of the Guns

“I have read lots of leadership books, but this one now goes to the top of the list for the Army officers that want to aspire to doing leadership and mentorship correctly. They will also see what sacrifice and service to nation really looks like. As I meet with those about to take command of Army units my #1 recommendation will be to read, study, and understand Ride to the Sound of the Guns.”–Bryan “Doug” Brown, General, 7th Commander, U.S. Special Operations Command“Ted Mataxis’s Ride to the Sound of the Guns is an amazingly detailed account of his father’s career. His ability to weave General Mataxis’s personal and professional anecdotes into a readable and relatable story gives the reader insights into the life of one of the United States’ most accomplished soldiers. The General’s interactions with so many storied individuals throughout a career that spanned so many critical intersections in our nation’s modern history, gave him an influence and impact that are almost immeasurable. And all of it is conveyed deftly within the narrative. Regardless of if you are a military professional or just an avid reader of biographies and history, you will enjoy this book.”–Joe Muccia, Marine combat veteran and co-author of “Cry Havoc: An Untold Story of Rangers at War”

Lieutenant Colonel Ted Mataxis joined the Army Reserve 20th Special Forces Group in 1962 while still in high school. Commissioned into the Infantry in 1969, he first served as a platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne. He volunteered for Vietnam and extended multiple times between 1969 and 1972, serving with the 101st Airborne, the ARVIN Airborne and 23rd Division followed by an assignment as an advisor with the ARVIN Border Rangers. Upon return to the States, he was ODA 535 Commander (HALO/SADM), with A Co, 3 Bn, 5th Special Forces Group. Joining the newly formed Joint Special Operations Command, he served as the Chief of the Exercise and Evaluation Branch for five years. During Urgent Fury, he was the LNO to ADM Metcalf and Maj. Gen. Schwarzkopf. He served as XO then DCO for 7th SFG. He volunteered as the Chief of Operations Planning Assistance and Training Teams (OPATT) and the National Civil Defense Coordinator to the Armed Forces of El Salvador, 1988–89. Mataxis was then selected as the Activation Cell Chief for the reactivation of 3rd SFG, then moved to be the Chief, Plans and Operation Division of the recently formed USASOC during Just Cause. He returned to 3rd SFG as XO and then DCO, during which time he served as rear detachment commander for Desert Storm.

Upon retirement in 1993, Mataxis worked for Moore County Schools for 22 years, as principal at various schools, and as director of the career and technical education programs. After retiring from public education, he returned to work for the government as a contractor with Booz Allen and with the USASOC History Office. He retired in 2021 to write this book about his father’s life.