SOG Codename Dynamite: A MACV-SOG 1-0's Personal Journal

by Henry L. Thompson

From 1964-1972 America engaged in a Top Secret war in Southeast Asia with an elite group of warriors who did not exist. If the enemy caught you, the United States government would deny any involvement with you or what you were doing. You had no protection under the Geneva Convention. You were a spy. You were on your own. This book is a must-read account of a man in extreme combat, who calculates his next missions with a clear and focused mind, and steps off the helicopter skid, aiming to come and kill you. You would not ever wish to be his enemy. The actions described here are about the elite of the elite desperately fighting for their lives and the lives of their teammates as vastly, numerically superior enemy forces closed in on them, and in many cases, killed them and left their mutilated bodies behind for the animals and jungle to consume. This book describes how one of these elite warriors got on the “path” as a child and continued his faithful journey through life until he became a team leader in MACV-SOG leading combat missions deep into Laos, Cambodia, North Vietnam and other countries. His team started all their missions completely surrounded by an overwhelming number of elite North Vietnamese soldiers trained to hunt down and kill SOG teams. LT Dick Thompson, codename Dynamite, describes in heart-stopping detail that takes your breath away, brutal firefights and hand-to-hand combat against overwhelming odds as seen through his eyes. Follow Dynamite as he transitions from a hardcore Airborne Ranger Special Forces warrior into one of the most elite, tier-one special operators on the face of the planet. In the future, scholars will turn first to this book for historic and jarring SOG-related action.

Genres: War, Military Fiction, Nonfiction

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2024

Reviews

[Matthew Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could hardly put this down. There are two books, the second of which is just insane. The first is very good too. All real events, all real stories.

[Judd Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What MACV SOG guys did during Vietnam is still widely misunderstood and under appreciated. Even the SOG name (Studies and Observation Group) was intentionally ambiguous. Everyone knows what a Navy Seal or Delta is, but these guys were the foundation for these forces before they were even a thing, and Dick does a great job of telling his stories that he wasn’t even allowed to talk about for 20 years. I’ve known Dick for years and I’ve met Medal of Honor recipients and he should be in that short list, but since almost everything they did was classified for so long, no one was even aware that most of it ever occurred.

[Aaron Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished book 2. Pretty good all in all. I feel disrespectful for saying it but I believe it’s a lot of bullshit. Too much random detail I personally don’t believe anyone would remember during such intense action but I wasn’t there so I can’t say for sure. On one occasion he stated a guy won a medal with a v for valor for pretty much laying down heavy fire but yet he practically saved everyone every day in his own words but never really got any accolades for it? Just doesn’t really add up to me.

[Drew Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild, cannot wait for part 2.

[Andy Herzfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read book 1 and 2 based on his interview with Shawn Ryan, This man is legit. It took an amazing amount of courage to dig up all his memories of what he experienced as a young man and put them in print. Former military myself, I heard about the SOG guys when I served in the 80's back then there were a lot of Vietnam vets on active duty. I had no idea what they did though. He took copious notes and kept a journal that is how he remembered all the details and he made a career off of what he learned leading men in that special form of combat. You can tell he remembers because it is seared into his brain you don't forget and probably relive a lot of it on a nightly basis. This man deserves our honor and respect because what he did directly saved lives of men who would not be around today or families who would not exist. He is the real Rambo, The Seals and Delta guys know what it takes and they would be the first to throw a salute to the SOG operators.

[Shannon Pritchard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dick Thompson is the real deal.

Dynamite's story tells tales that make fiction look tame. If I did not know Dick and his fellow SOG members personally, I would have hard time believing that this is non-fiction, and suspect others might have the same difficulty.
I am writing this to let you know that it is true. And that it is one of the most incredible war stories you will ever read. It is also motivational to see what a lifetime pursuit of excellence looks like.
Shannon Pritchard

[Lonnie Heidtke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

These are the most exciting books about the SOG activities in Vietnam that I have ever read. It is a book that may be to powerful for some but for those with the right stuff it is a very dynamic group of stories. I served with the hero's of CCN in Vietnam in 1969 as a helicopter crew man wth the 101st. I was always impressed by the things they did every day they were on the ground in enemy territory. I will never forget the men that gave their full measure in Vietnam. I am proud to have once stood in the presence of the CCN heros.

[Joe Hallihan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars, the two books in the series could have been one book with more focus and detail on a handful of the wild missions Dick went on and a shorter summary of the others. More depth and description of the jungle / landscape / personalities would have made for better immersion. Regardless, this guy and SOG in general were nuts!!

[Artie O’Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-read for its educational value and thrilling narrative. The soldiers' sacrifices and experiences are conveyed in an exciting and easy-to-follow manner. The book offers valuable lessons and leadership themes, making it a highly recommended read.

[Thomas Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to put this book into words. If the actions of (then) Lieutenant Thompson were portrayed in a movie, no one would believe it’s a true story. I highly recommend this book, you will not be disappointed.

[Patrick Thayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dick Thompson, Exceptional American

Few people excel at everything they do, Dick Thompson is one of those. This book gives us a clear headed look into the highly dangerous and important MACV-SOG operations in and out of Vietnam. Astonishing!

[Connor O’Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOG Codename Dynamite
- May 31st preview + pages 1-218

I’m so fucking back

[Scott Meyerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Excellent written book that keeps the reader engaged. Amazing story of one experience at the highest level in combat during rhw vietnam war

[Sko Buffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

You think Rambo was Hollywood fake? Read this book. This guy - these guys - are studs.

[Donna A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

SOG Codename Dynamite: A MACV-SOG 1-0’s

Great book it had me on pins and needles especially when he went in to help the downed crew of the chopper and SOG team.

[Jake · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it