248: If You Think You're Hot Sh*t, You Don't Know Sh*t. SOG Chronicles with TILT, John Stryker Meyer
Sep 23, 2020
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In this engaging discussion, John Stryker Meyer, a former SOG operative and author of SOG Chronicles, shares gripping tales from the Vietnam War. He recounts harrowing covert operations in Laos and Cambodia, emphasizing the sacrifices of special forces. The conversation touches on the intense emotional struggles faced by soldiers and the camaraderie built amidst chaos. Stryker also addresses the fallout from controversial reports on military actions, advocating for recognition of veterans' bravery and resilience. His insights offer a powerful glimpse into the realities of war.
The SOG missions during the Vietnam War revealed the harsh realities of combat, resulting in overwhelming casualties for specialized reconnaissance teams.
Operation Tailwind exemplified bold military strategy by conducting deep penetrations into enemy territory despite significant risks to personnel.
The emotional and psychological toll of war was highlighted through the experiences of medics and troops dealing with heavy casualties and trauma.
The disheartening impact of misinformation on veterans was illustrated by erroneous media reports that portrayed them negatively instead of honoring their sacrifices.
Collaboration among different military branches during operations emphasizes the importance of teamwork and unity in overcoming formidable battlefield challenges.
Deep dives
The Secret War in Laos
The episode discusses the intense secret war in Laos during the summer of 1970, highlighting the involvement of the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and their support from allies such as Russia, China, and Cuba. The SOG (Studies and Observations Group) reconnaissance teams faced overwhelming enemy forces, resulting in casualties exceeding 100% for some teams. The brutal nature of these operations is underscored by the high number of Green Berets either killed, wounded multiple times, or going missing in action. As of 2017, 50 Green Berets and 105 aviators were still unaccounted for from this clandestine conflict, portraying the fierce realities of the war.
Prairie Fire Operations
The podcast elaborates on the unsuccessful attempts of SOG's hatchet force operations on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, specifically the Prairie Fire area. Operations such as Nightcap, Spindown, and Halfback aimed to disrupt enemy supply routes but led to significant casualties among the troops as the NVA retaliated with overwhelming manpower. The tactical use of helicopter insertions allowed the teams to set ambushes and call in air support, but the challenges of camouflaged jungle terrain complicated efforts to destroy enemy transport. These operations set the stage for the audacious Operation Tailwind, which would push SOG forces deeper into hostile territory than ever before.
Operation Tailwind: The Mission
Captain Gene McCarley, a veteran of SOG, led the unprecedented Operation Tailwind, which involved a risky extraction 25 to 30 miles inside enemy lines in Laos. The operation aimed to alleviate pressure on a CIA mission in the area and required special permissions due to its depth, which was beyond normal operational bounds. The team consisted of 15 Green Berets and 120 Montagnard tribesmen, armed and ready to engage in a highly mobile combat strategy rather than remain static. This approach was essential to avoid massing NVA forces against them and ensured that the mission maintained the element of surprise while maximizing their operational effectiveness.
Initial Engagements and Consequences
Upon insertion, B Company quickly encountered enemy positions and sustained casualties even before fully engaging in combat, leading to a significant psychological impact on the troops. The silence following enemy fire during their landing was eerie, creating a sense of uncertainty about the approaching NVA forces. As B Company moved out and began searching for enemy caches, unexpected enemy engagements led to intense firefights. Their discovery of an enemy ammunition dump showcased the tactical advantages they had achieved, but the heavy prices paid inward injuries and losses began to accumulate.
The Cost of War
As the operation continued, the casualties increased, with medic Gary Mike Rose overwhelmed with the number of wounded soldiers needing attention. The horrors of war were on full display, as he experienced the trauma of losing soldiers while battling against time and injuries. Through the chaos of battle, the strong emotional toll became evident as the medics and troops fought to save their own comrades amidst the relentless assaults from NVA forces. The psychological strain, combined with the physical demands of the operation, highlighted the harsh realities faced by the soldiers during their deep penetration mission.
The Night Assaults
The B Company unit continued to maneuver throughout the night despite sustaining numerous injuries, employing guerilla tactics while keeping the enemy off balance. Even as they suffered heavy losses, morale among the troops remained high as they resolutely carried on with their mission. The effectiveness of air support became critical as they spent sleepless nights maneuvering to avoid detection and engage enemy forces. Despite unfavorable conditions and engagement difficulty, their tenacity underscored the profound commitment to accomplish their objectives while facing overwhelming odds.
The Final Extraction
After four grueling days, the B Company found themselves in a dire situation as enemy forces closed in and their extraction helicopter had to maneuver through intense fire. The maneuverability of the CH-53 helicopters became critical as they worked to recover the wounded and remaining soldiers from the field. Following a chaotic landing, which resulted in a catastrophic crash, the remaining troops rallied together to set up a defensive perimeter and assess casualties under perilous conditions. The successful extraction, despite the harrowing circumstances, underscored the heroism of the soldiers involved and their dedication to ensure the survival of every team member.
Media Misinterpretation and Fallout
The podcast concludes with a recounting of the erroneous reporting by CNN in 1998 that wrongly accused the veterans of using nerve gas during Operation Tailwind. The segment described the negative impact that such misinformation had on the soldiers involved, who were depicted as war criminals instead of the heroes they were. Secretary of Defense William Cohen later denounced the report as unfounded, reiterating the honor that should be afforded to those who served. The incident underscored the detrimental effects of media misrepresentation on the memories and legacies of military personnel.
Honoring the Heroes and Advocating for the MIA
The episode poignantly reminds listeners of the sacrifices made by servicemen during the Vietnam War, especially those still listed as missing in action. With 1,587 service members unaccounted for, the podcast dedicated time to emphasize the ongoing efforts to bring attention to these unresolved cases. Organizations and veterans play a crucial role in keeping the awareness alive, honoring the bravery and contributions of those who risked their lives. The powerful narratives shared serve both as a tribute to the fallen and a call to action for the public to support the recovery efforts of their countrymen.
The Importance of Inter-Service Cooperation
The discussion reflects on the extraordinary collaboration between various military branches during Operation Tailwind, emphasizing how Green Berets, Air Force pilots, and Marine Corps helicopter crews worked together seamlessly. This spirit of inter-service cooperation was vital in executing complex operations amid enemy territory, showcasing the commitment of each unit involved. Their ability to come together in challenging situations is a testament to the effectiveness of combined arms operations within the military. It’s a reminder of the importance of unity and teamwork in accomplishing missions against formidable obstacles.
