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On The Ground: The Secret War in Vietnam Paperback – July 2, 2018

by John Stryker Meyer (Author), John E. Peters (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 2,435 ratings
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During the Vietnam War, a "secret war" was fought across the fence in Laos, Cambodia and North Vietnam, unknown to the media or the public, under the aegis of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam's top secret Studies and Observation Group. SOG's chain of command for missions and after-action reports extended to the White House and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Small Green Beret-lead teams ran missions into Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam without assistance from conventional artillery, tank or infantry units. Once on the ground, their sole support was provided by Air Force Tactical Air and helicopter units, U.S. Army and Marine helicopter aviation personnel and aircrews, and from the South Vietnam Air Force's 219th Special Operations Squadron, code named Kingbees. In Laos, the communists dedicated 50,000 troops to the Ho Chi Minh Trail, including highly trained sappers from the 305th Sapper Battalion, its sole mission: attack SOG teams.
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  1. Print length
    300 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    July 2, 2018
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.68 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    0983256756
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0983256755
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

JOHN STRYKER MEYER

Born Jan. 19, 1946, John Stryker Meyer entered the Army Dec. 1, 1966. He completed basic training at Ft. Dix, N.J., advanced infantry training at Ft. Gordon, Ga., jump school at Ft. Benning, Ga., and graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course in Dec. 1967. He arrived at FOB 1 Phu Bai in May 1968, where he joined Spike Team Idaho, which transferred to Command & Control North, CCN in Da Nang, January 1969. He remained on ST Idaho to the end of his tour of duty in late April, returned to the U.S. and was assigned to E Company in the 10th Special Forces Group at Ft. Devens, Mass. until October 1969, when he rejoined RT Idaho at CCN. That tour of duty ended suddenly in April 1970.

He returned to the states, completed his college education at Trenton State College, where he was editor of The Signal school newspaper for two years, worked at the Trenton Times for 10 years, eight years at the San Diego Union and is a columnist at the North County Times in Oceanside, Calif. Meyer, his wife Anna, live in Oceanside. Meyer is a lifetime member and a director on the Special Operations Association Board of Directors. His e-mail address at work is: idahoonezero@sbcglobal.net.

JOHN E. PETERS

PetersBorn October 0, 943, John E. Peters graduated with a degree in philosophy from Saint Mary s College of California in 966, spent a year at the University of Paris before volunteering for the Army in 967 for: Basic Training, where he was named Outstanding Trainee of the Cycle and Advanced Infantry Training, both at Ft. Dix, before earning distinction as an Honor Graduate from jump school at Ft. Benning.Following Special Forces training at Ft. Bragg, he joined MACV-SOG and was assigned to Rhode Island at FOB in Phu Bai. Following its closure, he went to CCC at Kontum, where he continued to run missions. After his release from the Army, he became the Owner s Representative and Port Captain in Damman, Saudia Arabia for the American steamship company Pacific Far East Lines. For fifteen years he helped manage the U.S. Air Force s aerial port at Ramstein, Germany, where he was the first civilian to hold the position of Squadron Operation Officer. A Life Member of the Special Operations Association, he now lives on a small farm in Dresden, Tennessee with his wife Marlow, their four Belted Galloway steers, and a crazy Maine Coon cat named Calzini.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ SOG Publishing (July 2, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 300 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0983256756
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0983256755
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.68 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 2,435 ratings

About the author

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John Stryker Meyer

John Stryker Meyer

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John Stryker Meyer is a former Green Beret, reporter and now the author of Across the Fence: The Secret War in Vietnam.

For eight years, far beyond the battlefields of Vietnam, American Green Berets fought a deadly secret war in Laos and Cambodia.

Go deep into the jungle with five Special Operations Group warriors surrounded by 10,000 enemy troops as they stack up the dead to build a human buttress for protection. Witness a Green Beret, shot in the back four times and left for dead, who survives to complete his missions.

Shudder as an enemy soldier touches a Green Beret's boot in the dark of night. Cringe as a Sergeant on SOG Spike Team Louisiana calls in an air strike on his team to break an enemy's wave attack. A team member dies instantly, and a Green Beret has an out-of-body experience as he watches his leg get blown off.

"

"Best book written about this secretive unit. "

Jack Murphy

Former Green Beret

Author of "Reflexive Fire"

"As the commander of SOG, I can say that "Across the Fence" accurately reflects why the secret war was hazardous for our troops and so deadly for the enemy.

-- Major General John K. Singlaub (U. S. Army Ret.)

"Black Ops told with the terrifying clarity that only one who was there can tell it."

-- W.E.B. Griffin & William E. Butterworth IV

"If the hair doesn't stand up on the back of your neck, you might want to check your pulse. "

Dick Stanley

"As a former Greet Beret I have been on patrols in Afghanistan and Iraq, but reading this book made me feel like a pansy. This is the best book about this secretive unit. "

Jack Murphy

Author of "Reflexive Fire"

For more information, you can reach John Stryker Meyer at

SOGchronicles.com

email: IdahoOneZero@sbcglobal.net

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
2,435 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-written, praising its excellent pacing and detailed accounts of missions. Moreover, the story is captivating, with one customer describing it as a mind-blowing collection of accounts. Additionally, customers appreciate the bravery portrayed in the book, with one review highlighting the tales of men who made ultimate sacrifices. The writing style receives positive feedback, with one customer noting its attention to detail.

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155 customers mention "Readability"151 positive4 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as engrossing and entertaining, with one customer noting it's a must-read for every American.

"...This book has many different "First hand" accounts that will make any reader tighten up...." Read more

"This was a great book keep you engaged to the end." Read more

"...Withal, this is an interesting and entertaining book and is worth reading. I recommend." Read more

"...It makes for exciting reading, of course, but the authors strong feelings and affection for his fellows is what really brought it to life for me...." Read more

82 customers mention "Story quality"82 positive0 negative

Customers praise the book's storytelling, describing it as a captivating account of the secret war, with one customer noting its vivid depictions of combat actions.

"Riveting stories of exceptional men doing impossible things. Just makes you proud to know there are men willing to be the tip..." Read more

"...But it makes for a great "war story."..." Read more

"...I liked how the stories could be read individually or in order...." Read more

"...However, reading Tilt’s books has given me an even better understanding of The Secret War and the strategic role SOG warriors played...." Read more

50 customers mention "Bravery"50 positive0 negative

Customers praise the bravery of the soldiers depicted in the book, describing them as real warriors and amazing men who took part in the conflict.

"Riveting stories of exceptional men doing impossible things. Just makes you proud to know there are men willing to be the tip..." Read more

"...Sad that more honor wasn't given to these guys. Real heros. Well worth the read." Read more

"...another facet to the Vietnam War and the young men who risked it all in serving their country." Read more

"Amazing men who deserved both promotion and decorations . Both individually and together , they were a tough force ...." Read more

36 customers mention "Writing style"32 positive4 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, finding it well written and easy to read.

"Easy to read and kept your interest. Sad that more honor wasn't given to these guys. Real heros. Well worth the read." Read more

"The book was very easy to read and contained some very useful information...." Read more

"Amazing stories and well written" Read more

"...Well written and extremely engaging and enjoyable!" Read more

28 customers mention "Information quality"28 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative, particularly praising its detailed accounts of missions.

"...There are other quibbles. But enough. Withal, this is an interesting and entertaining book and is worth reading. I recommend." Read more

"Easy to read and kept your interest. Sad that more honor wasn't given to these guys. Real heros. Well worth the read." Read more

"...It is relevant, powerful and awe-inspiring...." Read more

"The book was very easy to read and contained some very useful information...." Read more

13 customers mention "Pacing"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's pacing, finding it engaging and entertaining, with one customer describing it as an excellent non-stop action book.

"This was a great book keep you engaged to the end." Read more

"...But enough. Withal, this is an interesting and entertaining book and is worth reading. I recommend." Read more

"...Well written and extremely engaging and enjoyable!" Read more

"...that the stories all seem to go to hell in a handcart, the tempo is always flat out. These guys did a hell of a thing in a hell of a war." Read more

10 customers mention "Style"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the style of the book, with one noting its stunning details and another highlighting its attention to detail as mind-blowing.

"...It's a rare peek into an unforgivable landscape where a real life game of cat and mouse played out in secret...." Read more

"Amazing men who deserved both promotion and decorations . Both individually and together , they were a tough force ...." Read more

"This book definetly gives you an inside immersive look into the lives of many young brave men who fought on the front lines...." Read more

"This book is an excellent rendition of the times spent in South Vietnam for the people that made all of the secret operations across the fence..." Read more

The real deal!
5 out of 5 stars
The real deal!
Meyers’ and Peters’ account’s of their Special Forces MACV-SOG comrades and their Vietnamese counterparts, is an excellent insight of what was taking place during the Vietnam War that most people never knew about. It is a first hand insight to what American and Vietnamese forces were really up against. The courage and fortitude matched with skill exemplified in these pages should make every American proud of our Special Forces Warriors. Great work! I'm looking forward to reading your other books.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • RANDY ALVAREZ
    5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Riveting stories of exceptional men doing impossible things.
    Just makes you proud to know there are men willing to be the tip
    Of the spear doing the unthinkable for this awesome country.
    I highly recommend this book.
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  • Dan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mac-V-Sog
    Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    If you like Vietnam books and are especially intrigued about Mac-V-Sog, look no further than John Meyers aka Tilt. This book has many different "First hand" accounts that will make any reader tighten up. It's a rare peek into an unforgivable landscape where a real life game of cat and mouse played out in secret. TOTAL INSANITY....A+...These men should be forever etched into HISTORY!!!!!
    Helpful
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  • Gary W. Lollman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Book
    Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was a great book keep you engaged to the end.
    Helpful
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  • Taipan 32
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great, but with caveats
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I very much enjoy reading "There I was, surrounded!" books written by former SOG members. Many of their missions were very hairy and scary, indeed. However, the narrative about the encounter with a troop of orangutans in Laos strains credulity. Those apes haven't lived in Laos since the Pleistocene era. But it makes for a great "war story." I flew Huey gunships in Vietnam and flat-out don't believe the story about a Huey gunship hovering while caught in wire. Over-loaded Charlie or Mike Model helicopters don't hang up in wire while hovering. They crash.
    There are too many things wrong with that tale. Nope. This former enlisted man author takes the predictable pot shots at officers he doesn't like. Enlisted and noncommissioned officers with feet of clay don't get any scrutiny. I suppose that this is to be expected. There are other quibbles. But enough. Withal, this is an interesting and entertaining book and is worth reading. I recommend.
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  • Paul F. Eberle Jr.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book from John Stryker Meyer
    Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I read it twice, along with his companion volume Across the Fence. I liked how the stories could be read individually or in order. Each one tells of the experiences of the some of the most unusual soldiers of the Vietnam War. Ideally, if I have it right, they were used for intelligence collection and reconnaissance missions in austere environments. In practice it appears that they were basically bullet magnets to rile up the enemy so that air power could be brought to bear on the large enemy formations sent against them. It makes for exciting reading, of course, but the authors strong feelings and affection for his fellows is what really brought it to life for me. Highly recommended, along with his his other titles both Across the Fence, and SOG Chronicles.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Phillip R Neal
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book about SOG experience s
    Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Easy to read and kept your interest. Sad that more honor wasn't given to these guys. Real heros. Well worth the read.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Lisa Carr
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The chapter Bouncing Betty had an impact on me. My boyfriend, Gary Matson, was blown up by a Bouncing Betty. I was aware that his body was blow up, but after I read about Jeffrey Jinkins who experienced Gary's bone fragments, which had punctured his body, working their way out I almost felt relief that Gary was killed instantly. Jeffrey Jinkins ended up by taking his own life due to all the trauma of Vietnam.
    Remember it wasn't even a war, just a conflict. Felt like a war to me!
    3 people found this helpful
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  • LBP
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend
    Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    As the daughter of a Vietnam War era USASF officer, I thought I was pretty familiar with the stories of the war. However, reading Tilt’s books has given me an even better understanding of The Secret War and the strategic role SOG warriors played. I’d much prefer to learn first hand accounts from those who were there and lived to tell the tale than read rehashed historic accounts from scholars. I strongly recommend all the books by John Stryker Meyers for anyone interested in learning another facet to the Vietnam War and the young men who risked it all in serving their country.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • tantan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book
    Reviewed in France on September 3, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    After reading the first book I wondered if there were enough missions and story for this second one. I was not disapointed. very good book if you like this genre
    Report
  • Giuseppe MARINO
    5.0 out of 5 stars splendido
    Reviewed in Italy on October 6, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    fantastico libro
    Report
  • Mr. A. Abdulazizov
    5.0 out of 5 stars Kudos
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 20, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    For example, when you read "SOG" (another excellent book) it gives a balanced top down (politics, strategy, intelligence) and bottom up (on the ground fights across the fence)view of the Vietnam war. What I loved the best about the book is that it is literally full of action. It is mostly on the ground recount of events and you really feel as if you are with them observing how SF soldiers try to survive against oncoming wave of attack after attack by NVA soldiers.

    I am from the ex Soviet Union and the feeling at the time was "yeah we kicked Yankee's butt." True! But what SOG members did, their courage and I would say insanity to go over again and again into those kamikaze missions testing their fate in Cambodia and Laos is beyond description.

    What an amazing book.

    P.S. Also read "across the fence" by the same author and "SOG" by Plaster
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  • Jonathan Pomeroy
    5.0 out of 5 stars These stories should be made into a TV series
    Reviewed in Australia on December 8, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    The events detailed in this book are unlike any other Vietnam story I have read, the teams are always severly outnumbered and vulnerable, but the damage they inflict is astounding.
    The value of training, preperation, planning and discipline are reinforced in every chapter.
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  • Cliente Amazon
    5.0 out of 5 stars Buenas historias
    Reviewed in Spain on October 17, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Se trata de un libro que tiene la virtud de trasladarte a lo que sentían los hombres del SOG en un su guerra secreta. A diferencia del otro libro del autor, que contaba con mas operaciones sobre el terreno y con mas salsa, en este nos explica otro tipo de misiones no tan vistosas y entra mas en el terreno personal. Ambos libros dan una visión muy exhaustiva sobre ese tipo de operaciones especiales. La misiones que cuenta (suyas o de otros) son bastante realistas y no explican historias de Hollywood. Realmente deberían hacer una serie de TV contando las historias de estos libros.
    Report