i was lucky enough to meet a SOG member about 20 years ago... if I would have known the magnitude of what he went through and the things he knew, i would have picked his brain a bit more. his email was "Happy When I'm Tired"...Hats off to you sir.
I served in 1969 in vietnam, a armor unit, we busted brush alone hwy 19 right up to Ple-Duran village at cambodia border, crossed with tanks apc found vc compounds and ammo storages. A full bird col. came out the 3 day moved my unit back into south vietnam. 4th div.
My father was in Vietnam in 1970. And although he rarely speaks about it, he has opened up much more as he’s older. He has told me stories of being in Laos and Cambodia. I would love to know more about his unit. He has spoken about wearing “pajamas” and no insignias so I’m assuming perhaps he worked with or was in SOG. Regardless, these guys were incredible and I can’t imagine seeing the things you all did.
My father was in Special forces and up to the day he passed he was a tight lipped as ever.. I did pick up a story here and there listening in on some conversation he had with his fellow servicemen.. that was about it... He died in October. He was the hero I never knew.
@@bookreaderson Actually they were issued Olive green uniforms. Black pajamas was a traditional clothing for Vietnamese but not the only clothing the VC would use. Regular NVA never wore black PJs..
I can tell you this. At no time did I ever hear a fellow soldier say he was forced into SOG. I was there 3 tours. 1964-65, 65-66, and 68-70. As a Stg, Lt, and as Colonel. I was in Cambodia, and Los. Yes we had 200% casualties. Recon is a dangerous business. N Vietnam trackers were the best in world in jungle finding SOG. Many missions I was the only one that made it back. But to be clear in SOG there were no novices! If you made it to SOG, you were the best of the best. A trained killer, and hunter! Most of us are old and in few years we will be all gone. Just wanted to set record straight. Thank you.
Everyone except john tilt meyer i guess because he said he was still green as grass whn he showed up at sog.. he said the only reason he lived is because he had sal and fuk who were his little indige people
Back in the day, the CIA still had clever people and they recommended to stay out of this conflict. Nowadays Vietnam has oil and the Chinese want it all for themselves with their 9 dash line all over the South China Sea all the way to Malaysia
I was with 101st airborne division in 1969 in 1970 at fire base record It’s always interesting to hear your stories we knew about sog just didn’t know what you guys did. My lieutenant was fifth special forces and he just told us we didn’t want to know
It's funny because I always thought everybody knew. Northern I Corps was only 30 miles wide. When we would load up and take off due west and the slicks would return empty an hour and a half later, it was like, where do you think we went?
Hey there, I have huge respect for our Vietnam veterans, my father was in the 5RAR Australian army and what i can find out he was in a ' MATT' team. Always trying to find out more about him he died when i was 6 months old in 1974, he served in 1969 and was a regular that was sent to the conflict. If anybody knows of this 'team' can someone shed some light. God Bless all you Vietnam Veterans I hear your pain.
5th Royal Australian Regiment (5th RAR), he was involved in their 2nd tour, April 69 to March 70. Mobile Advisory Training Team (MATT) They trained Vietnamese forces in the use of modern weapons. What was his name and rank? I might be able to find out some information for you.
Man I dig the way you spoke of your book, rather than this mission or that, you talk about the people. When I talk about experiences in combat, the mission, no matter how dicey, is always secondary to the bonds between brothers in arms. Can’t wait to read it!!! Welcome Home! - 11B40B4 (LRS) Retired
My father as well was in 5th grp in Vietnam. He spoke often about his time in Can Tho. And also allude to 'crossing the line'. I never appreciated the tiger stripes, the 'Baker Blade' nor the boonie cap with SF, MACV-SOG, as well as his ribbons awarded him.... Alas he passed 10 years ago On July 4th before the NDA he was under expired. However I have found clues to his past after getting FOIA and comparing it to stories from such as yourself. Thank you... (Sean...or as Pop called me..."Gunner #3" or '3 days leave to Tolz'... as it seems I was conceived right after Tet) DOL
I once read that being in SOG was so dangerous that it was statistically impossible to not become a casualty at some point. And that the guys who lived had all been wounded at least several times.
It's true there were plenty of Purple Hearts to go around, even considering that most of us never reported wounds that you just got stitched up for and returned to duty a day or two later.
My father served with CCN during one of his tours in Vietnam. Great information on what he was doing over there. He retired in 1975 out of 10th Group in Bad Tolz. He was Sergeant Major Jerry Day. He passed away in 1979 when I was 12 and didn't get to hear a lot of stories from his service. Thanks for the video as there doesn't seem to be much info online about CCN.
1992. I’m sitting at a small restaurant bar with my wife. At the end of the bar was a crusty old Irishman. He was a fixture at the bar and a friend of mine. Between us was a couple and the guy was telling the girl that he had been a Green Beret in Vietnam. An Irish brogue called out to me loud enough for everyone to hear, “Is he full of sh*t, Ken?” “Leave him alone Patrick,” I replied equally as loud. “He’s just trying to get laid.” Embarrassed, the couple left while the restaurant owner complained we were killing his business.
I served as a one zero for ST Illinois at FOB 2 Kontum and then as a COVEY rider. This is the first time I have seen the safe house descripted accurately. I served with MSG Sherman Batman as his one two and then took over the team as one zero. We never had three American on a team due to the high turn over with WIAs and KIAs. I will now have to get your book.
Sir, I stumbled across your channel and I will spread the news. Have you thought about reaching out to Jocko Willink or Shawn Ryan, if you have not heard of them I would be shocked but if haven't they are former Navy Seals with successful Podcasts that are also posted to their TH-cam Channels? You would be a fascinating guest for them. I have a more personal request if I can be so bold. In ~1969 my brothers and I were told my favorite Uncle would be living with us for awhile. My parents threw us into the back of an old Chevy Station Wagon (1964 I think) to go pick up my Uncle at a base not far from our house...that station wagon my dad literally placed cardboard boxes he had cut and layered about 4-5 sides together and duct taped them to the part of the floor that was still there...they rusted out bc we always lived near a base close to the Coast...whether in Homestead, Fl or Gulfport/Biloxi, MS. Anyway, I was only about 5yrs old but remember my father telling (demanding) before we arrived that we were not to ask my Uncle any questions about why he was going to be with us or how he may look.... just tell him we are glad he is going to be with us for awhile...My father drove us on Base and he pulled up adjacent to the airfield...back then, there was just a regular chain linked fence dividing/securing the parking lot and the tarmac with 2 soldiers with their rifles standing guard at the regular swing gate...After awhile I noticed a "big" plane lined up to land...it was a C-130 that landed and it taxied relatively close to where we were...as the big props slowed and engines were turned off the the back ramp lowered...a handful of families were there but we didn't know any...everyone was quiet...although I was young the images and sounds remain with me to this day and I am now 57yrs old....there was no giant crowd of flag waving people or marching bands...just families of those aboard...I noticed soldiers walking up the ramp of the big aircraft...the 2 soldiers at the fence's gate began calling out a Family's name ...one at a time to allow them to pass through...a jeep would pull up for the family to sit in to be driven closer to the ramp if they needed ...soon as the ramp lowered several other vehicles pulled up towards the back. I watched as 4-5 aluminum-looking, non-descript boxes aka caskets were carried out of the back by the soldiers that had walked on and placed into the larger vehicle...I remember the family members touching, hugging even trying to hold those caskets but I was too young to realize what was really happening at that time....as they were taken away followed by the families of the fallen ... only 3-4 families remained...the soldiers at the fence allowed the rest of us to enter and stand on the Tarmac but couldn't advance until we were told to...I saw a few more soldiers enter the back of the C-130 and they reappeared either carrying a "stretcher" with someone alive on it with an IV bag attached...they were also placed in a large vehicle but a separate one than the first group...Lastly, a few more soldiers entered the aircraft and reappeared assisting a handful of other young men..a couple were in wheel chairs with IV bags and others had either their arms in slings, head bandaged, etc...I didn't realize that my Uncle was in a wheelchair and had been assisted to us...He had his arm bandaged and looked like a cast but had metal rods...his shirt was opened, not buttoned and his chest was wrapped down to almost his waist and one of his legs was bandaged and secured similarly to his arm....He was my mother's baby brother (my mom died in 2014)...I saw her crying which was the first and one of the only times....I thought my Uncle would be going back to our house that day but he was taken to the hospital on base...after several months we finally returned to the base (visited him a couple times & I'm sure my parents did often...but being 5yrs old I remember only getting inside by my father sneaking us boys in through an emergency exit stairwell... Anyway, I go through all of that because it burned such a memory into my mind... .as time passed my uncle lived with us for a couple of years, driving my father crazy due to my father's deep faith and rules vs my Uncle's more free-spirited ways...especially him always sneaking SCHLITZ BEER (MALT LIQUOR BEER) into the house...hiding it in our room or closets and giving us sips of it...only times I saw my father become really angry but my Uncle was enjoying time with us...We never asked him what happened...but as I got older, all I learned from my mother was that he was in the Army....in Special Operation's and the rumor or gossip amongst us boys was he was a Green Beret...My Uncle never talked about his time....we knew he was in Vietnam...we knew he was shot 3-4 times during what I was told when older was a unique mission and that he was the "radio man"...and whoever carried the radio's were always the first targeted by the enemy...more specifically, the radio was targeted...Throughout the decades my Uncle refused to speak about his time in Vietnam...he didn't have any medals, or insignia's, nothing including purple heart displayed...nothing shadow boxed....it was like he never served and is like that to this day...None of my cousins or other family members ever provided that information...in fact, seemingly not even his brothers and sisters knew exactly what happened. Is it possible he was in MAC-V-SOG??? He is ~80yrs old currently in 2023...originally from Mississippi...a hairy-chested, nice looking athletic, muscular young man...he earned a football scholarship to play at Miss State but for reasons I never understood ended up in Vietnam. I've searched all the databases I have access too...and out of respect for him and my desire to honor basically an unspoken rule my family has I've never asked him or his wife my Aunt (Patsy)... I know this is a one in a million possibility but did you know or heard about him....his name, Johnny Hill...then of Canton or Yazoo City, MS....He lives in Arlington, TX currently....I realize his name is common but I've checked everywhere as I said...including non-profit groups for wounded Vietnam Vets from MS...I have done National Searches....Not sure why I've always been eager, anxious..not obsessed but yearning to know who he served with...where...how was he wounded...I was told he was one of only a 2 maybe 3 who survived the engagement he was wounded in.... I promised my mother I would never pry because he has struggled with issues over the years...I have another Uncle who is a retired General... I've also wanted to ask him but again, being part of family and we all basically have an unwritten rule to not pry about any of our family members who have been in combat unless they volunteer it...that also includes myself.... and that's what makes this so frustrating... I thought I knew where to look but obviously I'm missing something.... I plan on purchasing your book and as I said, will be sharing your channel and information. Sorry for reminscing so much....Got carried away... God Bless and Take Care
Nice book you wrote there my friend. Just ribbing you I enjoyed it I hope you find the info you’re looking for. Thank you both for your service. Have you tried telling your uncle story’s about your time in the military and seeing if he returns the favor.
What a great informational channel. How in the hell I missed this I don't know. I've been studying Vietnam war for a long time since my cousin and uncle came home . Real warriors I love and miss them. Yes even a old man misses the family warriors.
I knew guys who hopped the fence. The stories they told! Wow! I also knew SEALs, one of whom later said he and his group knew the waterways and sewers of Hanoi like their home towns. One had a plot to kill uncle Ho with a remote control airplane with C4 all worked out. It was nixxed n Washington. Just think: our first drone strike! What a shame LBJ has no overall strategy, no withdrawal plan, no defined goals (other than to bring the north to the bargaining table). Also to the shame of the country, LBJ selected air strikes on buildings, and said “You cannot damage the buildings next to it.” The JCS should have resigned and/or gone public to force Johnson out. I know: coulda, shoulda, woulda... Thanks for your production. And I will be getting your book. Cheers!
The whole tragic war was based on lies from generals, the CIA,Johnson, Mcnamara and many others.Thi sis pretty well covered by Coloniel McMasters in his book Dereliction of Duty and Macnamaras own memoires.Yet,no one was ever held accountable.
My dad was in Force Recon during Vietnam, did SOG on 2nd deployment. He said it was mostly army guys, but you would see navy and Air Force and marine recon guys occasionally. Said it wasn’t abnormal for a guy to get killed on his first day. Said they got shot down all the time and became pilot rescue missions pretty quickly. But he also said they did a number on the bad guys most the time because they had so much firepower at their disposal, including Arc Light runs. Went back to force recon afterwards, they got some pretty crazy stories themselves.
Toward the end of Basic in July '67 my platoon D.I. sat us down and gave a kind of Fatherly talk about a lot of us might go to RSVN. I distinctly remember him saying, "If you want to come back alive, don't volunteer for anything." The night I arrived in RSVN a SFC came into a cargo container of us 10 GIs and said, "We need volunteers to go up and help in Khe Sanh." I guess we all got the same "Fatherly talk," because nobody in that group said a word. After that I never heard of anything about Khe Sanh until I got back to the states a year later and read about it.
I don't think the "not knowing" part is unusual. When I was in SOG I had no idea what was going on with the war. All I knew about was our next mission.
❤ Interesting story. In Vietnam, me and one other usaf unit trained army helicopter pilots on a fob, I wasn't knowledgeable about sog in those days. I found out we had one unit at Trippler when I was recovering from a helicopter crash. Through the years, we stayed in touch. Of course now, sog is a different organization, jsog doesn't operate as a one country unit but now the top 10 elite units of 60 countries. My friend, is a five star General now and also a Cardinal priest, 30 degree Mason. I'm not military any longer, retired and enjoying your story.
I think there were alot of people that didn’t know they were supporting macvsog I was an A-1 crewchief at Danang olaa in 70. Over the last 15 years thru reunions and internet found that that’s who we were doing prarie fires for. Had no idea
On 1967 I would watch Walter Cronkite on the news showing scenes from Vietnam, I was only 6 but I would look forward to watching the news to catch more scenes on our black and white TV with aluminum foil as antenna.
I was lucky enough to have an SNCO as an instructor that was in 1st CAV, and a Major that was 173rd/ SOG( they were JROTC instructors). I have such respect for both of them. The Major was inducted into the RANGER HALL OF FAME….
One of our Preachers was in a Unit that was Laos, He was a Airforce Operative that was attached to a SOG Unit but was there as a CIA Operator. His Buddy actually wrote the First Book in 1983 I believe. The Book was America’s Secret War.
I read the book a while back. It is indeed great and immersive. It was particularly interesting to me since two of my fellow Border Patrol Agents served in S.O.G.
getting sent to Oscar 8 on your first mission is certainly something, talk about trial by fire. pretty much every account from teams that survived that target read like half a dozen MoH citations at once.
I was trained for Counterinsurgency at Little Creek VA and SERE at some unknown Army Reservation somewhere in VA. When I finally got to DaNang I was assigned a controller who told me I was going to MAC-V Studies Operations Group, then he told me that I was going to black ops working on the Phoenix Project. I was a loner who worked all over I-Corp with all military groups. I went out with no dog tags or personal gear and assigned whatever MAC-V wanted me to do. I couldn't get friendly with anyone. Such a lonely time. I knew that SOG was real and they were a brave and crazy group. It helped to be in Vietnam.
My father was an officer in Mac V Sog from 1966 to 1968 he might have a different view. He eventually died from Agent Orange a couple of years ago. He never spoke of his time, he wrote two books but they were destroyed in a fire. I am a former Army Intelligence Officer.
What kind of knife did you carry or issued at the time? I have researched them all though I am interested in not only what you had but also your opinion on what was best for that environment.
I know this will be disappointing. I carried a demo knife. It's the standard folding penknife that came in the demo packs. Many of us started with fixed blade knives but after a few operations, and they hadn't been used, most stopped carrying them.
As a veteran myself...id carry 4 different blades...2 dull blades for gouging and ripping enemy flesh, 2 sharp blades for cutting through stuff in an emergency
Recruited by the C.I.A known as the Secret Army. Im HMONG, my grandpa and his generation fought hard against the Commie in the jungle of Laos Edit - The Plain of Jars (Laos)
Trust me, i know how combat creates urgent mission demamds...however...ALL Soldiers deserve sufficient training before AND in country! Having said that.SF forces showed unbelievable courage and skill in Vietnam!
This is such an amazing channel that just keeps getting better! I really hope you keep making videos about more missions because you truly give a well needed REFRESHING TAKE on SOG, it isn't just about the glory or what you managed to pull off under impossible conditions. But you actually take time to mention the reality of the contempt between the soldiers on the ground & the leadership, & how the whole war was seemingly a US military circus aimlessly launching suicide missions hoping to accomplish even more aimless goals because the politicians were demanding it. Not to mention the brutal use of minority groups like the bru as cannon fodder. Anyway keep up the amazing work!!
@@DawsonsWar didn't mean any disrespect, nor that any soldiers on the ground thought of or treated them like that. Just that the leadership at the top, specifically the ones disconnected from it but still highly influential) saw them as expendable and obviously less 'valuable'(for lack of a better term) than American soldiers. I have respect and admiration for soldiers, its just sad and criminal what our governments decides to use those soldiers for
@@MrZombiekiller23 There was an occasion when I had a badly wound Bru on insertion. I need to get him out before the helicopters returned to base, so I called for a medivac. The forward air controller asked me if it was an American or a Bru. My reply: “They’re all the same to me.”
@@JoeRogansForehead From May 1968 till July 1969 I held every ground operator position in SOG from carrying the radio to Hatchet Force company commander. From August to December 1969 I was an S-2 (Intel) for SOG. In 2020 I wrote Dawson's War. It is the story of my first 12 months in SOG. This is my channel. I produce all the content myself. Still confused?
How Many Tears Have Fallen Tears so many have fallen Through the years for the Greatest Nation ever Tears for life liberty the pursuit of happiness For a free world Tears for the sons and daughters that never returned home Warrior soldiers all Tears wiped from the cheeks of so many wives Shed by the children with only faint memories Tears behind the mother's veil On father's handkerchief Tears at the base of the white stone That wet the flowers and flags Tears at the sound of taps played in the distance For the memories of buddies Tears at the sight and sound of dog tags boots Empty Tears when the aircraft flyover Stars shining brightly Tears as the ships sail Anchors aweigh Tears for those that patrol Guard the dark nights alone Tears at roll call With no reply to a name called How many tears have fallen
Bless Them All God Save America Dr. Sack 5/30/2021
My 5th SF father was 'civilian for a year' in early 60s, while living with Montenyards in Laos. Years later, once I asked him about the Mission Impossible statement and he said that if you chose not to accept the mission, they would kill you off with a suicide mission. 69-70 he switched to LRRP in Chu Lai. He said difference between SF training & Ranger School was he lost 30 pounds in SF and gained 20 in Ranger.
I went to Iraq in 03 in the 101st as a E-6 squad leader before I left Iraq they made me sign a statement of non disclosure for combat operations in Iraq. For years I always thought it was stupid. I finally researched it supposedly it's for 5 years and kept on record for 50.
@@DawsonsWar Did you hear about the new course added into Seal training? It's a course in journalism for when they start writing their book before they even get out.
@@DawsonsWar THEY are filming, different country - rules/regulations...I wonder how much of that Go-Pro footage will be used in war crimes tribunals...
Looking at those dudes compared to the steroid junkies that dominate now. Man I wish I could got test my metal as a Green Beret in Vietnam. That is the pinnacle of special operations warfare in mind. Yes they have it down to a science now, but much of that based on hard lessons here.
Is your book available on Audible? I'll make an account just for your book if it's there 😂. I would love to listen to your whole book.. you seem like both a great writer *and* narrator
i used to go drink down by the river and one day i met a man named "Daryl" we smoked weed and drank from time to time after about 3 years he opened up about being a fence jumper and had done 10 in Kansas after the war to keep him quiet he has since passed on but the things he told me i believed Go Easy Daryl
I worked with Vietnam Veterans at the Palo Alto,Ca. V.A. in 1979.I know what you mean. I adopted a Vietnamese baby. He has two children a beautiful wife and owns three homes in San Jose,Ca.I still work with Vietnam Veterans offspring. Welcome home.
My eldest brother was assigned in Vietnam as a platoon leader when the Philippines help the American soldeirs fight against the North Vietnamese.. during the war only the Filipino soldeirs volunteered no one else from.other countries.
A total of six nations sent combat troops to fight in South Vietnam against North Vietnam and the southern-based Viet Cong insurgency in the 1960s and 1970s. These nations were the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Republic of (South) Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines. Some 10,450 Philippine Armed Forces troops were dispatched to South Vietnam and primarily supported medical and other civilian pacification projects. These forces operated under the designation A or Philippine Civic Action Group-Vietnam or PHILCAG-V. Nine Filipinos were killed in the conflict.
Thank your father for me please and tell him Welcome Home Brother. I was in Nam in 69. You really don't want him to get real intense . every time I tried to tell my son it back fired on me. I suffer with PTSD even after 50 plus years..
I just checked Google maps. Ban Muong is 15 miles SW of Oscar 8 on Route 23 (the old Ho Chi Minh Trail). Xepon (Tchepone) is 38 miles NNW of Oscar 8. If you check Google Maps, Oscar 8 is that bowl shaped area with the province border going through it just east of Choiaviang. Thanks for your interest.
i was lucky enough to meet a SOG member about 20 years ago... if I would have known the magnitude of what he went through and the things he knew, i would have picked his brain a bit more. his email was "Happy When I'm Tired"...Hats off to you sir.
I served in 1969 in vietnam, a armor unit, we busted brush alone hwy 19 right up to Ple-Duran village at cambodia border, crossed with tanks apc found vc compounds and ammo storages. A full bird col. came out the 3 day moved my unit back into south vietnam. 4th div.
My father was in Vietnam in 1970. And although he rarely speaks about it, he has opened up much more as he’s older. He has told me stories of being in Laos and Cambodia. I would love to know more about his unit. He has spoken about wearing “pajamas” and no insignias so I’m assuming perhaps he worked with or was in SOG. Regardless, these guys were incredible and I can’t imagine seeing the things you all did.
Yes its possible he was MACV-SOG. My father was in 64-67 and also talked about wearing black pjs and being in Laos and Cambodia as well. He was a LRP
My father was in Special forces and up to the day he passed he was a tight lipped as ever.. I did pick up a story here and there listening in on some conversation he had with his fellow servicemen.. that was about it... He died in October. He was the hero I never knew.
I was there 71-72. I’m 74. There was much seen and little said. I hope your generation has Warriors as well.
Black pyjamas, that’s what north Vietnam troops wear. Sumtimes American would wear them when walking point
@@bookreaderson Actually they were issued Olive green uniforms. Black pajamas was a traditional clothing for Vietnamese but not the only clothing the VC would use. Regular NVA never wore black PJs..
I can tell you this. At no time did I ever hear a fellow soldier say he was forced into SOG. I was there 3 tours. 1964-65, 65-66, and 68-70. As a Stg, Lt, and as Colonel. I was in Cambodia, and Los. Yes we had 200% casualties. Recon is a dangerous business.
N Vietnam trackers were the best in world in jungle finding SOG. Many missions I was the only one that made it back. But to be clear in SOG there were no novices! If you made it to SOG, you were the best of the best. A trained killer, and hunter! Most of us are old and in few years we will be all gone. Just wanted to set record straight. Thank you.
se
sergeant to colonel in 5 years very impressive.
Everyone except john tilt meyer i guess because he said he was still green as grass whn he showed up at sog.. he said the only reason he lived is because he had sal and fuk who were his little indige people
@@markschuette2615dont forget cowboy,
@@combatbattalion6he skipped a grade.
I had a cousin KIA in Laos on a SOG mission in 1970. I’m fascinated by this period and am glad I discovered this channel. Subscribed.
Welcome
have you listened to Jocko Willink's pocasts 180,181,182,186,204,205,247and 248 ; they are all about MACVSOG EXCELLENT STORIES !
Thank you, for everything. McNamara was a buffoon!
Back in the day, the CIA still had clever people and they recommended to stay out of this conflict. Nowadays Vietnam has oil and the Chinese want it all for themselves with their 9 dash line all over the South China Sea all the way to Malaysia
He should’ve went to prison.
@@TheeIllustreous why? Together with the Maoists and Stalinists from SEA? Or for sending low IQ soldiers?
He had a whole battlation of the guys!
I was with 101st airborne division in 1969 in 1970 at fire base record It’s always interesting to hear your stories we knew about sog just didn’t know what you guys did. My lieutenant was fifth special forces and he just told us we didn’t want to know
It's funny because I always thought everybody knew. Northern I Corps was only 30 miles wide. When we would load up and take off due west and the slicks would return empty an hour and a half later, it was like, where do you think we went?
Hey there, I have huge respect for our Vietnam veterans, my father was in the 5RAR Australian army and what i can find out he was in a ' MATT' team. Always trying to find out more about him he died when i was 6 months old in 1974, he served in 1969 and was a regular that was sent to the conflict. If anybody knows of this 'team' can someone shed some light. God Bless all you Vietnam Veterans I hear your pain.
5th Royal Australian Regiment (5th RAR), he was involved in their 2nd tour, April 69 to March 70.
Mobile Advisory Training Team (MATT)
They trained Vietnamese forces in the use of modern weapons.
What was his name and rank? I might be able to find out some information for you.
Man I dig the way you spoke of your book, rather than this mission or that, you talk about the people. When I talk about experiences in combat, the mission, no matter how dicey, is always secondary to the bonds between brothers in arms.
Can’t wait to read it!!! Welcome Home!
- 11B40B4 (LRS) Retired
Thanks. I hope you enjoy enjoy it.
My father as well was in 5th grp in Vietnam. He spoke often about his time in Can Tho. And also allude to 'crossing the line'.
I never appreciated the tiger stripes, the 'Baker Blade' nor the boonie cap with SF, MACV-SOG, as well as his ribbons awarded him.... Alas he passed 10 years ago On July 4th before the NDA he was under expired. However I have found clues to his past after getting FOIA and comparing it to stories from such as yourself.
Thank you...
(Sean...or as Pop called me..."Gunner #3" or '3 days leave to Tolz'... as it seems I was conceived right after Tet)
DOL
I once read that being in SOG was so dangerous that it was statistically impossible to not become a casualty at some point. And that the guys who lived had all been wounded at least several times.
It's true there were plenty of Purple Hearts to go around, even considering that most of us never reported wounds that you just got stitched up for and returned to duty a day or two later.
That's because they all take suicide oaths.👍
Casualty rate 100%
Well done! Really enjoyed the way you put this together. Thank you for your service and for sharing your experiences.
Thank you.
Top video mate👍
@@glennmurray. Thanks
My father served with CCN during one of his tours in Vietnam. Great information on what he was doing over there. He retired in 1975 out of 10th Group in Bad Tolz. He was Sergeant Major Jerry Day. He passed away in 1979 when I was 12 and didn't get to hear a lot of stories from his service. Thanks for the video as there doesn't seem to be much info online about CCN.
My father was a member of the Filthy Five. May God Bless you all.
Trans?
My dad did 3 combat tours in Nam as a medic.
I swear everyone’s dad, uncle, and grandpa was in MACVSOG
1992. I’m sitting at a small restaurant bar with my wife. At the end of the bar was a crusty old Irishman. He was a fixture at the bar and a friend of mine. Between us was a couple and the guy was telling the girl that he had been a Green Beret in Vietnam. An Irish brogue called out to me loud enough for everyone to hear,
“Is he full of sh*t, Ken?”
“Leave him alone Patrick,” I replied equally as loud. “He’s just trying to get laid.”
Embarrassed, the couple left while the restaurant owner complained we were killing his business.
Wasn't there about 600 men total in SOG?
@@NicholasReiner-z6y When you're talking ground operators only, that's probably as good an estimate as any.
There were a lot of cav scouts that did L.R.R.P . Maybe that's what they mean .
My uncle was airborne army ranger, 75th platoon. He's mentioned stuff about the 105th too.
I served as a one zero for ST Illinois at FOB 2 Kontum and then as a COVEY rider. This is the first time I have seen the safe house descripted accurately. I served with MSG Sherman Batman as his one two and then took over the team as one zero. We never had three American on a team due to the high turn over with WIAs and KIAs. I will now have to get your book.
Sir, I stumbled across your channel and I will spread the news. Have you thought about reaching out to Jocko Willink or Shawn Ryan, if you have not heard of them I would be shocked but if haven't they are former Navy Seals with successful Podcasts that are also posted to their TH-cam Channels? You would be a fascinating guest for them. I have a more personal request if I can be so bold. In ~1969 my brothers and I were told my favorite Uncle would be living with us for awhile. My parents threw us into the back of an old Chevy Station Wagon (1964 I think) to go pick up my Uncle at a base not far from our house...that station wagon my dad literally placed cardboard boxes he had cut and layered about 4-5 sides together and duct taped them to the part of the floor that was still there...they rusted out bc we always lived near a base close to the Coast...whether in Homestead, Fl or Gulfport/Biloxi, MS. Anyway, I was only about 5yrs old but remember my father telling (demanding) before we arrived that we were not to ask my Uncle any questions about why he was going to be with us or how he may look.... just tell him we are glad he is going to be with us for awhile...My father drove us on Base and he pulled up adjacent to the airfield...back then, there was just a regular chain linked fence dividing/securing the parking lot and the tarmac with 2 soldiers with their rifles standing guard at the regular swing gate...After awhile I noticed a "big" plane lined up to land...it was a C-130 that landed and it taxied relatively close to where we were...as the big props slowed and engines were turned off the the back ramp lowered...a handful of families were there but we didn't know any...everyone was quiet...although I was young the images and sounds remain with me to this day and I am now 57yrs old....there was no giant crowd of flag waving people or marching bands...just families of those aboard...I noticed soldiers walking up the ramp of the big aircraft...the 2 soldiers at the fence's gate began calling out a Family's name ...one at a time to allow them to pass through...a jeep would pull up for the family to sit in to be driven closer to the ramp if they needed ...soon as the ramp lowered several other vehicles pulled up towards the back. I watched as 4-5 aluminum-looking, non-descript boxes aka caskets were carried out of the back by the soldiers that had walked on and placed into the larger vehicle...I remember the family members touching, hugging even trying to hold those caskets but I was too young to realize what was really happening at that time....as they were taken away followed by the families of the fallen ... only 3-4 families remained...the soldiers at the fence allowed the rest of us to enter and stand on the Tarmac but couldn't advance until we were told to...I saw a few more soldiers enter the back of the C-130 and they reappeared either carrying a "stretcher" with someone alive on it with an IV bag attached...they were also placed in a large vehicle but a separate one than the first group...Lastly, a few more soldiers entered the aircraft and reappeared assisting a handful of other young men..a couple were in wheel chairs with IV bags and others had either their arms in slings, head bandaged, etc...I didn't realize that my Uncle was in a wheelchair and had been assisted to us...He had his arm bandaged and looked like a cast but had metal rods...his shirt was opened, not buttoned and his chest was wrapped down to almost his waist and one of his legs was bandaged and secured similarly to his arm....He was my mother's baby brother (my mom died in 2014)...I saw her crying which was the first and one of the only times....I thought my Uncle would be going back to our house that day but he was taken to the hospital on base...after several months we finally returned to the base (visited him a couple times & I'm sure my parents did often...but being 5yrs old I remember only getting inside by my father sneaking us boys in through an emergency exit stairwell...
Anyway, I go through all of that because it burned such a memory into my mind... .as time passed my uncle lived with us for a couple of years, driving my father crazy due to my father's deep faith and rules vs my Uncle's more free-spirited ways...especially him always sneaking SCHLITZ BEER (MALT LIQUOR BEER) into the house...hiding it in our room or closets and giving us sips of it...only times I saw my father become really angry but my Uncle was enjoying time with us...We never asked him what happened...but as I got older, all I learned from my mother was that he was in the Army....in Special Operation's and the rumor or gossip amongst us boys was he was a Green Beret...My Uncle never talked about his time....we knew he was in Vietnam...we knew he was shot 3-4 times during what I was told when older was a unique mission and that he was the "radio man"...and whoever carried the radio's were always the first targeted by the enemy...more specifically, the radio was targeted...Throughout the decades my Uncle refused to speak about his time in Vietnam...he didn't have any medals, or insignia's, nothing including purple heart displayed...nothing shadow boxed....it was like he never served and is like that to this day...None of my cousins or other family members ever provided that information...in fact, seemingly not even his brothers and sisters knew exactly what happened. Is it possible he was in MAC-V-SOG??? He is ~80yrs old currently in 2023...originally from Mississippi...a hairy-chested, nice looking athletic, muscular young man...he earned a football scholarship to play at Miss State but for reasons I never understood ended up in Vietnam. I've searched all the databases I have access too...and out of respect for him and my desire to honor basically an unspoken rule my family has I've never asked him or his wife my Aunt (Patsy)... I know this is a one in a million possibility but did you know or heard about him....his name, Johnny Hill...then of Canton or Yazoo City, MS....He lives in Arlington, TX currently....I realize his name is common but I've checked everywhere as I said...including non-profit groups for wounded Vietnam Vets from MS...I have done National Searches....Not sure why I've always been eager, anxious..not obsessed but yearning to know who he served with...where...how was he wounded...I was told he was one of only a 2 maybe 3 who survived the engagement he was wounded in.... I promised my mother I would never pry because he has struggled with issues over the years...I have another Uncle who is a retired General... I've also wanted to ask him but again, being part of family and we all basically have an unwritten rule to not pry about any of our family members who have been in combat unless they volunteer it...that also includes myself.... and that's what makes this so frustrating... I thought I knew where to look but obviously I'm missing something....
I plan on purchasing your book and as I said, will be sharing your channel and information. Sorry for reminscing so much....Got carried away... God Bless and Take Care
Things change over time for combat veterans. While he is still alive just ask him. He may be glad you you thought enough of him to ask.
Nice book you wrote there my friend. Just ribbing you I enjoyed it I hope you find the info you’re looking for. Thank you both for your service. Have you tried telling your uncle story’s about your time in the military and seeing if he returns the favor.
Love this guy I was a kid at this time but remember the news from then, these guys will always be my heroes
What a great informational channel. How in the hell I missed this I don't know. I've been studying Vietnam war for a long time since my cousin and uncle came home . Real warriors I love and miss them. Yes even a old man misses the family warriors.
Thanks. Glad you are enjoying it.
As you should.
I knew guys who hopped the fence. The stories they told! Wow!
I also knew SEALs, one of whom later said he and his group knew the waterways and sewers of Hanoi like their home towns. One had a plot to kill uncle Ho with a remote control airplane with C4 all worked out. It was nixxed n Washington. Just think: our first drone strike!
What a shame LBJ has no overall strategy, no withdrawal plan, no defined goals (other than to bring the north to the bargaining table). Also to the shame of the country, LBJ selected air strikes on buildings, and said “You cannot damage the buildings next to it.”
The JCS should have resigned and/or gone public to force Johnson out.
I know: coulda, shoulda, woulda...
Thanks for your production. And I will be getting your book.
Cheers!
Thanks
The whole tragic war was based on lies from generals, the CIA,Johnson, Mcnamara and many others.Thi sis pretty well covered by Coloniel McMasters in his book Dereliction of Duty and Macnamaras own memoires.Yet,no one was ever held accountable.
My uncle, John Allen, was a platoon SGT in MAC-V-SOG.
Pin-Up tattoo on his forearm?
My dad was in Force Recon during Vietnam, did SOG on 2nd deployment. He said it was mostly army guys, but you would see navy and Air Force and marine recon guys occasionally. Said it wasn’t abnormal for a guy to get killed on his first day. Said they got shot down all the time and became pilot rescue missions pretty quickly. But he also said they did a number on the bad guys most the time because they had so much firepower at their disposal, including Arc Light runs. Went back to force recon afterwards, they got some pretty crazy stories themselves.
Was he in Laos and Cambodia?
Toward the end of Basic in July '67 my platoon D.I. sat us down and gave a kind of Fatherly talk about a lot of us might go to RSVN. I distinctly remember him saying, "If you want to come back alive, don't volunteer for anything."
The night I arrived in RSVN a SFC came into a cargo container of us 10 GIs and said, "We need volunteers to go up and help in Khe Sanh."
I guess we all got the same "Fatherly talk," because nobody in that group said a word. After that I never heard of anything about Khe Sanh until I got back to the states a year later and read about it.
I don't think the "not knowing" part is unusual. When I was in SOG I had no idea what was going on with the war. All I knew about was our next mission.
My Pops was at Khe Sahn actually. He's talked about how intense it was. I consider myself fortunate I've gotten him to talk about 'Nam at all.
This channel is awesome 👏🏻 thanks for making these videos and for your service. 🇺🇸🇬🇧
Thank you I appreciate that.
Oscar 8 at the A schau valley was a real headache for mcvsog for many years
❤ Interesting story. In Vietnam, me and one other usaf unit trained army helicopter pilots on a fob, I wasn't knowledgeable about sog in those days. I found out we had one unit at Trippler when I was recovering from a helicopter crash. Through the years, we stayed in touch. Of course now, sog is a different organization, jsog doesn't operate as a one country unit but now the top 10 elite units of 60 countries. My friend, is a five star General now and also a Cardinal priest, 30 degree Mason. I'm not military any longer, retired and enjoying your story.
5 Star General, hmmm, whom?
I think there were alot of people that didn’t know they were supporting macvsog I was an A-1 crewchief at Danang olaa in 70. Over the last 15 years thru reunions and internet found that that’s who we were doing prarie fires for. Had no idea
5 star general , cardinal and a 30 degree mason . Yup totally believable
"fob"? We had Camps, Combat Bases and Fire Bases, but I don't recall any fobs.
These stories are so enraveling haha. Im so glad your still alive to share this history with us and im glad your memory still is sharp.
Our finnish national hero, Lauri Törni was in SOG too. He used the name Larry Thorne in USA.
A Special Forces legend. He was killed in a plane or helicopter crash during SOG's first cross border mission.
It is the Medal of Honor drop the congressional.
Thank you sir.
Thanks for watching
On 1967 I would watch Walter Cronkite on the news showing scenes from Vietnam, I was only 6 but I would look forward to watching the news to catch more scenes on our black and white TV with aluminum foil as antenna.
I think it is fair to say Conkite had more influence on the American civilian opinion of the war than any other person.
Thank you for making these, the men of SOG should be venerated
Thank you. I’m sure I’ll enjoy the book
I hope so. Thanks
I was lucky enough to have an SNCO as an instructor that was in 1st CAV, and a Major that was 173rd/ SOG( they were JROTC instructors). I have such respect for both of them. The Major was inducted into the RANGER HALL OF FAME….
My step uncle Gary Crone was in the 5th SF. His team leader was Sgt Wood. He was KIA on hill 471 in 68
That's a sad story. I think his tour was over in a day or two.
@@DawsonsWar it was.
One of our Preachers was in a Unit that was Laos, He was a Airforce Operative that was attached to a SOG Unit but was there as a CIA Operator. His Buddy actually wrote the First Book in 1983 I believe. The Book was America’s Secret War.
Damn...this guy...does he have a cape and tights? Cause he sounds like hes superman
Great video!!. The image of the PRC-25 on minute 3:20 is from my radio I still has. I made a couple of videos about the PRC-25 and 77 as well.
Thanks. I just watched your video th-cam.com/video/zrn48Q1J8KE/w-d-xo.html
I read the book a while back. It is indeed great and immersive. It was particularly interesting to me since two of my fellow Border Patrol Agents served in S.O.G.
Thanks. Glad you liked it. If you get a chance tell them in the Amazon reviews.
Wow, that's one hell of a story!
getting sent to Oscar 8 on your first mission is certainly something, talk about trial by fire. pretty much every account from teams that survived that target read like half a dozen MoH citations at once.
New to the channel and just subed, look forward to more...great job.
Thanks
I was trained for Counterinsurgency at Little Creek VA and SERE at some unknown Army Reservation somewhere in VA. When I finally got to DaNang I was assigned a controller who told me I was going to MAC-V Studies Operations Group, then he told me that I was going to black ops working on the Phoenix Project. I was a loner who worked all over I-Corp with all military groups. I went out with no dog tags or personal gear and assigned whatever MAC-V wanted me to do. I couldn't get friendly with anyone. Such a lonely time. I knew that SOG was real and they were a brave and crazy group. It helped to be in Vietnam.
please pour for all,
from the battle of siddim to now I, almost didn't come home
thank you for your insights.
You bet!
Been waiting on more of ur vids brother
Working on it.
Hello Hayden Panettiere.
Well done, sir.
My father was an officer in Mac V Sog from 1966 to 1968 he might have a different view. He eventually died from Agent Orange a couple of years ago. He never spoke of his time, he wrote two books but they were destroyed in a fire. I am a former Army Intelligence Officer.
TWO BOOKS DESTROYED IN A FIRE? 🤔🤫
What kind of knife did you carry or issued at the time? I have researched them all though I am interested in not only what you had but also your opinion on what was best for that environment.
I know this will be disappointing. I carried a demo knife. It's the standard folding penknife that came in the demo packs. Many of us started with fixed blade knives but after a few operations, and they hadn't been used, most stopped carrying them.
As a veteran myself...id carry 4 different blades...2 dull blades for gouging and ripping enemy flesh, 2 sharp blades for cutting through stuff in an emergency
Recruited by the C.I.A known as the Secret Army. Im HMONG, my grandpa and his generation fought hard against the Commie in the jungle of Laos
Edit - The Plain of Jars (Laos)
Old Man back on the rivers in '68....
Trust me, i know how combat creates urgent mission demamds...however...ALL Soldiers deserve sufficient training before AND in country! Having said that.SF forces showed unbelievable courage and skill in Vietnam!
MacV-sog!
This is such an amazing channel that just keeps getting better! I really hope you keep making videos about more missions because you truly give a well needed REFRESHING TAKE on SOG, it isn't just about the glory or what you managed to pull off under impossible conditions. But you actually take time to mention the reality of the contempt between the soldiers on the ground & the leadership, & how the whole war was seemingly a US military circus aimlessly launching suicide missions hoping to accomplish even more aimless goals because the politicians were demanding it. Not to mention the brutal use of minority groups like the bru as cannon fodder. Anyway keep up the amazing work!!
You were doing good until you said we used the Bru as cannon fodder.
@@DawsonsWar didn't mean any disrespect, nor that any soldiers on the ground thought of or treated them like that. Just that the leadership at the top, specifically the ones disconnected from it but still highly influential) saw them as expendable and obviously less 'valuable'(for lack of a better term) than American soldiers. I have respect and admiration for soldiers, its just sad and criminal what our governments decides to use those soldiers for
@@MrZombiekiller23 There was an occasion when I had a badly wound Bru on insertion. I need to get him out before the helicopters returned to base, so I called for a medivac. The forward air controller asked me if it was an American or a Bru. My reply: “They’re all the same to me.”
@@DawsonsWarare you the guy in the book? I’m so confused
@@JoeRogansForehead From May 1968 till July 1969 I held every ground operator position in SOG from carrying the radio to Hatchet Force company commander. From August to December 1969 I was an S-2 (Intel) for SOG. In 2020 I wrote Dawson's War. It is the story of my first 12 months in SOG. This is my channel. I produce all the content myself. Still confused?
awesome, thankyoufor yourservice
Thanks, I appreciate that
How Many Tears Have Fallen
Tears so many have fallen
Through the years for the Greatest Nation ever
Tears for life liberty the pursuit of happiness
For a free world
Tears for the sons and daughters that never returned home
Warrior soldiers all
Tears wiped from the cheeks of so many wives
Shed by the children with only faint memories
Tears behind the mother's veil
On father's handkerchief
Tears at the base of the white stone
That wet the flowers and flags
Tears at the sound of taps played in the distance
For the memories of buddies
Tears at the sight and sound of dog tags boots
Empty
Tears when the aircraft flyover
Stars shining brightly
Tears as the ships sail
Anchors aweigh
Tears for those that patrol
Guard the dark nights alone
Tears at roll call
With no reply to a name called
How many tears have fallen
Bless Them All
God Save America
Dr. Sack
5/30/2021
...
Gonna check that book out sir!
Glad you got home
Me too. Thanks
My 5th SF father was 'civilian for a year' in early 60s, while living with Montenyards in Laos. Years later, once I asked him about the Mission Impossible statement and he said that if you chose not to accept the mission, they would kill you off with a suicide mission. 69-70 he switched to LRRP in Chu Lai. He said difference between SF training & Ranger School was he lost 30 pounds in SF and gained 20 in Ranger.
Great presentation
Thank you!
Bren following your channel for awhile now. Just ordered the book
That's always good to hear. Thanks
In memory of MSG Samuel Almendariz MIA (KIA/BNR) 12 JULY 1967 Laos.
Another good video.
Superthanks button hit!!!
Thank you very much!
MY SUPPRESED CAR IS ON THE BED NEXT TO ME ..WELCOME HOME
Nothing compares to feeling safe. Thanks for watching
Loved your description of jump school! Sick, lame, or lazy...
And Airborne crazy 🪖🪂🇺🇲
Well done.
Thanks
The truth shall set you free Semper Fi
#Subbed, heading for the book - Real History needs to be preserved & shared - stay frosty bro
Thanks
Airborne Brother!!
Storm One Zero
Project Delta Recon
‘67 - ‘68
These men make today's kids look like pussycats. Much Respect.
Well done...
Heavy
I went to Iraq in 03 in the 101st as a E-6 squad leader before I left Iraq they made me sign a statement of non disclosure for combat operations in Iraq. For years I always thought it was stupid. I finally researched it supposedly it's for 5 years and kept on record for 50.
Yeah. And now their filming the Ukraine war with Go-Pros and posting it to TH-cam. Go figure.
@@DawsonsWar
Did you hear about the new course added into Seal training?
It's a course in journalism for when they start writing their book before they even get out.
@@DawsonsWar THEY are filming, different country - rules/regulations...I wonder how much of that Go-Pro footage will be used in war crimes tribunals...
@@nelsonzambrano5788ah yes a huge subject, the current war has made everyone a expert in them
Can't wait to read ur book big dogg stay frosty
Thanks
John Stryker Meyers vouched for this guy so I would believe him
It's the awful deal that snake in the grass former Democrat Henry Kissinger did at Paris.
Thank you for your service Sir.
First vid, new sub, Thank you..
Looking at those dudes compared to the steroid junkies that dominate now. Man I wish I could got test my metal as a Green Beret in Vietnam. That is the pinnacle of special operations warfare in mind. Yes they have it down to a science now, but much of that based on hard lessons here.
To all US soldiers who served in Nam, thank you so much for your service🙏
It was my honor to have served with the Vietnamese people.
@@DawsonsWar You are my Hero!
Cảm ơn anh rất nhiều🙏
Larry Thorne.. lauri törni M.I.A💪🇫🇮.
Is your book available on Audible? I'll make an account just for your book if it's there 😂. I would love to listen to your whole book.. you seem like both a great writer *and* narrator
No sorry. I have enough trouble narrating a 12 minute movie.
@DawsonsWar Fair enough. Thank you for your service and for sharing your stories. From Canada 🫡🇨🇦
PS I'll grab the paperback 👍🏻
i used to go drink down by the river and one day i met a man named "Daryl" we smoked weed and drank from time to time after about 3 years he opened up about being a fence jumper and had done 10 in Kansas after the war to keep him quiet he has since passed on but the things he told me i believed Go Easy Daryl
I got to stop listen to these sporadically and watch them order because they're too good to listen them sporadically.
So few even know what it stands for.
I worked with Vietnam Veterans at the Palo Alto,Ca. V.A. in 1979.I know what you mean.
I adopted a Vietnamese baby. He has two children a beautiful wife and owns three homes in San Jose,Ca.I still work with Vietnam Veterans offspring. Welcome home.
My eldest brother was assigned in Vietnam as a platoon leader when the Philippines help the American soldeirs fight against the North Vietnamese.. during the war only the Filipino soldeirs volunteered no one else from.other countries.
A total of six nations sent combat troops to fight in South Vietnam against North Vietnam and the southern-based Viet Cong insurgency in the 1960s and 1970s. These nations were the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Republic of (South) Korea, Thailand, and the Philippines. Some 10,450 Philippine Armed Forces troops were dispatched to South Vietnam and primarily supported medical and other civilian pacification projects. These forces operated under the designation A or Philippine Civic Action Group-Vietnam or PHILCAG-V. Nine Filipinos were killed in the conflict.
@@kevinjorgensen1046 Canadians also fought in the Vietnam war. th-cam.com/users/shortsKkb0Ky5M5Qk
Thanks!
Thank you very much
I was wondering if you might invite Mark Stinson? Cambodian soldiers too about 100. Mike force
Thank your father for me please and tell him Welcome Home Brother. I was in Nam in 69. You really don't want him to get real intense . every time I tried to tell my son it back fired on me. I suffer with PTSD even after 50 plus years..
Good ole John Allan
It's a shame we're losing all the Vietnam vets and never really apologized for this country's treatment of them when they came home
Did you know a soldier by the name of Tony Gorcheski
Did U ever meet George Quamo? On his 3rd tour, SOG, Major, he was killed in plane accident returning from a mission.
He was killed right around the time I got there. It was a big deal.
My bro, Sgt Robert O'Brien, 65-67 Laos and Cambodia and Pleiku. 5th SF GB
In country 9-66 to 9-67.
Marinemomof3 ❤️🇺🇲
2:44 Is that Lynn Black? Did you serve with him?
Yes. We were at FOB 1 in 1968
Did you happen to know Arnold Smith while you were in SOG?
Sorry, I knew a few Smiths, but seldom knew first names.
Did you ever come across or hear of major or colonel pederson working for CIA with montagnards?
No. There was a USAID guy who had been a Marine Captain working with the Yards at Mai Loc.
Oscar-8, would this be below Tchepone would be Ban Muong?
I just checked Google maps. Ban Muong is 15 miles SW of Oscar 8 on Route 23 (the old Ho Chi Minh Trail). Xepon (Tchepone) is 38 miles NNW of Oscar 8. If you check Google Maps, Oscar 8 is that bowl shaped area with the province border going through it just east of Choiaviang. Thanks for your interest.
wow