Guest John Stryker Meyer, a Green Beret, discusses the secret war in Vietnam, fact-checking, POW MIA, childhood influences, character interviews, night operations, encounters with the enemy, the Frenchman's missions, building rifles, weapon choices, forces and operations, investigating meth labs, preserving SOG history, tactics evolution, book influences, working with fast movers, spec ops experience, and sponsors of the podcast.
The intensity and resilience of the opposing forces during the Vietnam War left a lasting impression on the speaker.
The involvement and sacrifices of the MACV-SOG teams and their indigenous counterparts were deeply felt during the fall of Saigon in 1975.
The cooperation and trust developed between the SOG teams and the indigenous soldiers were vital to the success of their missions in Vietnam.
The Vietnam War faced significant challenges due to political interference, conflicting objectives, and a lack of clear direction.
Journalists played a crucial role in exposing the truth and shedding light on the challenges, corruption, and heroism of the war in Vietnam.
The bravery and sacrifices made by members of the MACV-SOG unit, as well as the crucial support provided by air support and indigenous troops, were instrumental in achieving their objectives in Vietnam.
Deep dives
First firefight and memorable moments
In the first firefight, the speaker recalls being initially upset about spilling some apricots but quickly shifted their focus to the firefight. They witnessed the enemy stacking up dead bodies to use as cover and recognized the intensity and resilience of the opposing forces. The speaker also mentioned the glare from the gunfire on the battlefield and the implications it had for their sights. As night fell, the team would typically find a safe place to rest and regroup until daylight.
Mission with Spider Parks
The speaker highlights a mission where they operated alongside Spider Parks, a renowned CIA operative. The team encountered Russian military presence and saw a Russian officer before he vanished. The speaker also shares another incident involving a Russian helicopter attempting to pick up the team. Despite these encounters, there was never a confirmed capture or killing of Russian advisors during the speaker's time in Vietnam.
Night Operations and Night Vision
Once darkness fell, operations would typically cease, and the team would seek a safe place to spend the night. The speaker mentions the darkness being so intense that one could not see their own hands in front of their face. Iron sights on the weapons would become ineffective, and the team would prioritize settling down and resting until daylight to resume operations.
Memories and Emotional Resonance
When reflecting on the first firefight, the speaker recalls a range of emotions and specific moments. They remember the initial frustration of spilling food, but quickly had adrenaline-filled experiences witnessing enemy tactics, hearing helicopters overhead, and engaging the enemy. The intensity of these moments left a lasting impression. The speaker also mentions personal connections and respect earned within the team during those early missions.
The Struggles of Veterans After the Fall of Saigon
Many veterans who served in Vietnam experienced mixed emotions and heartbreak when Saigon fell in April 1975. They had sacrificed so much, and to see the outcome of the war was painful. The involvement and sacrifices of the SOG teams and their indigenous counterparts were particularly felt during this time. The Special Operations Association provided a space for veterans to reconnect and share their stories. Some veterans were able to reunite with their indigenous comrades and express their gratitude for their bravery and actions during the war. However, many veterans were left with a sense of loss and frustration regarding the strategic decisions made by the government and the political complexities that shaped the outcome of the war.
The Importance of Cross-Training and Relationships with Indigi
The experiences and relationships between American soldiers and their indigenous counterparts were an essential aspect of the war effort in Vietnam. Cross-training allowed for communication, collaboration, and mutual support on the battlefield. The cooperation and trust developed between the SOG teams and the indigenous soldiers were vital to their missions. Indigenous soldiers often displayed immense courage and loyalty in the face of danger, risking their lives to save their American counterparts. These relationships formed a strong bond between the soldiers, and their experiences together shaped their perspectives on the war and their sense of duty towards one another.
Challenges and Corruption in the Vietnam War
The Vietnam War faced numerous challenges and instances of corruption that, in many ways, hindered the effectiveness of the military efforts. The Pentagon Papers, which came to light in the 1970s, revealed the deep-rooted issues within the government's decision-making process and strategy. The war was plagued by political interference, conflicting objectives, and a lack of clear direction. The involvement of Phoenix, a program targeting the Viet Cong infrastructure, brought success initially, but corruption and mismanagement tarnished its effectiveness over time. Despite the challenges, the dedication and sacrifices of soldiers on the ground, both American and indigenous, cannot be understated.
Journalism's Role in Shaping the Public Perception
The role of journalism during the Vietnam War was crucial in shaping public perception and understanding of the conflict. Journalists played a vital role in uncovering the truth and revealing the realities of the war. From the publication of the Pentagon Papers to the ongoing reporting on the ground, journalists sought to shed light on the challenges, corruption, and heroism of those involved. The power of journalism was evident in exposing the discrepancies between official statements and the ground reality. It provided a means for veterans and soldiers to share their stories and shed light on the true nature and impact of the war.
Overview of the Podcast Episode
The podcast episode features a conversation with John Stryker Meyer, a veteran of the MACV-SOG unit in Vietnam. He discusses the history and experiences of the unit, highlighting their clandestine operations and the challenges they faced in the secret war. The episode delves into specific missions, including the October 5th combat action. Meyer shares stories about the bravery and sacrifices of SOG members, as well as the crucial support provided by the South Vietnamese Air Force and indigenous troops. The discussion also touches on the impact of the war on subsequent generations and the importance of preserving the history of SOG.
The Valor and Sacrifice of SOG Members
The podcast episode highlights the remarkable bravery and sacrifices made by members of the MACV-SOG unit. Meyer shares stories of heroic actions, such as the October 5th mission, where a team of SOG members took on overwhelming odds to complete their mission. He emphasizes the crucial role played by individual SOG members and their unwavering dedication in the face of danger. The episode recognizes the tremendous bravery and selflessness exhibited by these soldiers to accomplish their mission and protect their comrades.
The Significance of Air Support and Indigenous Troops
In the podcast episode, the importance of air support and indigenous troops in MACV-SOG operations is highlighted. Meyer discusses the vital role played by King B pilots of the South Vietnamese Air Force in operations across the fence. He acknowledges their bravery and skills in providing timely air support to the SOG teams on the ground. Additionally, he emphasizes the contributions of indigenous troops who worked side by side with the SOG teams, showcasing their bravery and commitment to the mission. The podcast episode recognizes the critical partnership between SOG members, indigenous troops, and air support in accomplishing their objectives.
He is an author, reporter, and U.S. Army Special Forces combat veteran.
John enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1966 and became a Green Beret in 1967. He specialized in covert reconnaissance and served two tours of duty with the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam-Studies and Observation Group (MACV-SOG).
He received several awards and decorations for his service, including a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars with “V” devices for valor.
