Explore the gripping true stories of MACV-SOG covert operations during the Vietnam War.
ACROSS THE FENCE
This is a gripping firsthand account of the covert operations conducted by MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group) during the Vietnam War. Written by John Stryker Meyer, a former Green Beret who served as a recon team leader, the book sheds light on the harrowing missions carried out deep behind enemy lines in Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam—territories where U.S. forces were officially forbidden to engage.
Meyer details the brutal reality of these classified missions, where small, elite teams of U.S. Special Forces and their indigenous Montagnard counterparts infiltrated enemy-controlled areas to gather intelligence, sabotage supply lines, and engage in direct combat with the North Vietnamese Army (NVA). These soldiers faced overwhelming odds, often outnumbered ten-to-one or more, relying on stealth, superior tactics, and sheer determination to survive.
The book vividly recounts the chaos of close-quarters firefights, daring helicopter extractions under heavy enemy fire, and the ever-present danger of ambushes and booby traps. Meyer also delves into the intense psychological and physical toll of the war, the unbreakable brotherhood formed among his fellow warriors, and the sacrifices made by those who never returned.
Through raw, unfiltered storytelling, Across The Fence brings to life the untold stories of the men who fought in the shadows, offering a rare glimpse into one of the most secretive and dangerous aspects of the Vietnam War. It is a must-read for military history enthusiasts, veterans, and anyone seeking to understand the extraordinary courage and resilience of America’s most elite warriors.
ON THE GROUND
Co-authored by former Green Beret John E. Peters, this book provides an in-depth look at the extraordinary challenges and sacrifices faced by SOG operators conducting classified missions behind enemy lines. Unlike traditional warfare, SOG teams fought a shadow war—crossing into denied territories in Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam to disrupt enemy supply chains, gather intelligence, and engage in fierce battles against overwhelming odds. The book brings readers into the heart of these missions, describing high-stakes reconnaissance patrols, brutal firefights, and harrowing helicopter extractions under fire.
Meyer and Peters go beyond the action, capturing the mental and physical toll of war, the deep camaraderie among SOG teams, and the haunting memories of those lost in battle. Through their firsthand experiences, they reveal the sheer bravery and resilience required to operate in an environment where survival was never guaranteed.
For readers interested in special operations, military history, and firsthand war accounts, this book is an essential and unforgettable read.
The missions performed by these men were nothing less than miraculous... The writers put me as close to the action as you could get.
Incredible book. Insane combat stories...John Styker Meyer is...fearless. Those secret recon teams of 10 or less men fought thousands of enemy with air support. The book is worth reading and sharing with everyone you know.
Remarkable book, well written, and simply stunning with details. Raw courage, energy, and the best America has. Great read.
SOG CHRONICLES
This book delves into previously undisclosed operations, bringing to life the sheer intensity and danger of reconnaissance missions, direct-action raids, and prisoner rescue attempts. Meyer vividly accounts the details of how 16 Green Berets went depper into Laos than any other operation during the secret war, known as Operation Tailwind.
Beyond the action, SOG Chronicles honors the unsung heroes of special operations, including pilots, aircrews, and indigenous fighters who played critical roles in supporting these clandestine missions. Meyer also sheds light on the political and military challenges that shaped SOG operations, offering readers a deeper understanding of the war’s complexities.
