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On The Ground: The Secret War In Vietnam
During the Vietnam War, a "secret war" was fought across the fence in Laos, Cambodia and North Vietnam, unknown to the media or the public, under the aegis of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam's top secret Studies and Observation Group. SOG's chain of command for missions and after-action reports extended to the White House and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
300 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
About the author
John Stryker Meyer
6 books86 followersJohn Stryker Meyer is an American author and U.S. Army veteran, having served in covert reconnaissance with the Studies and Observations Group, also known as MACV-SOG. He has published two works of nonfiction related to his experiences in the Vietnam War.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 4, 2016
A must read if you want to find out what went on "across the fence" in Viet Nam.
This is an amazing story that I couldn't put down. I served as a Lurp with the 173rd airborne brigade 69-70 and knew nothing that was going on in the secret war. Our field operations were very similar and with the exception of some equipment that they carried like the urc-10 emergency radio and toe poppers, we operated with six all american team members with some rare exceptions. This book will have you holding your breath for extended period's of time as they are constantly surrounded by overwhelming odds of NVA determined to kill or capture these SF men and their ingige counterparts. A must read even for combat veterans.
This is an amazing story that I couldn't put down. I served as a Lurp with the 173rd airborne brigade 69-70 and knew nothing that was going on in the secret war. Our field operations were very similar and with the exception of some equipment that they carried like the urc-10 emergency radio and toe poppers, we operated with six all american team members with some rare exceptions. This book will have you holding your breath for extended period's of time as they are constantly surrounded by overwhelming odds of NVA determined to kill or capture these SF men and their ingige counterparts. A must read even for combat veterans.
October 20, 2024
Wow! What an exhilarating experience. Book paints vivid picture in your mind and you can visualize the undocumented harsh realities of Vietnam.
September 16, 2022
Man, wild times I’m sure. An interesting memoir of one man’s time in Special Operations Group during Vietnam.
September 30, 2026
Not quite as gripping as Meyer's "Across the Fence," but nonetheless a collection of sometimes incredible stories of survival and heroism. The whole Studies & Observation Group saga is one of the most remarkable in the Vietnam War. It's almost unbelievable *any* of the SOG members survived, they were so often in desperate situations in Laos, Cambodia, and even occasionally in North Vietnam.
Meyer's books are more like Plaster's in that both are very proud of their service and of MACV-SOG. They were arguably the most badass U.S. military assets in Vietnam, and there's an esprit de corps that goes with that. These reconnaissance teams were the forerunners of the SEAL teams and Delta forces the U.S. has now. If readers are looking for what the most top-secret operations the U.S. conducted in Vietnam looked like on the ground, these are the books. "We Few" also deals with MACV-SOG teams that were stationed in the northern sector, but that book is a more happy-go-lucky telling of the missions.
"On the Ground" also includes the best account I've read about the August 1968 Viet Cong/NVA attack on the U.S. Special Forces compound in Da Nang that resulted in the single greatest loss of special forces troops the U.S. suffered in the Vietnam War. It's a harrowing account of what it was like that night, not just inside the compound where there were hours of bloody combat, but high up on Marble Mountain where a SOG team was based. The lookouts not only had a birds-eye view of the carnage below them but were involved in a 2-day fight against NVA troops trying to climb up to dislodge them. As was often the case with SOG teams, were it not for air support the group, ST Rattler, would have been wiped out. "On the Ground" also has tales of life when the Green Berets and their indigenous team members (amazing jungle fighters all) were not on missions, some of them even humorous, such as the reaction to a movie shown at Khe Sanh.
For those fascinated by SOG, in particular, or special forces ops in general "On the Ground" should be something like required reading; for those who just want the basic seminar, Plaster's book and Meyer's first book should suffice.
Meyer's books are more like Plaster's in that both are very proud of their service and of MACV-SOG. They were arguably the most badass U.S. military assets in Vietnam, and there's an esprit de corps that goes with that. These reconnaissance teams were the forerunners of the SEAL teams and Delta forces the U.S. has now. If readers are looking for what the most top-secret operations the U.S. conducted in Vietnam looked like on the ground, these are the books. "We Few" also deals with MACV-SOG teams that were stationed in the northern sector, but that book is a more happy-go-lucky telling of the missions.
"On the Ground" also includes the best account I've read about the August 1968 Viet Cong/NVA attack on the U.S. Special Forces compound in Da Nang that resulted in the single greatest loss of special forces troops the U.S. suffered in the Vietnam War. It's a harrowing account of what it was like that night, not just inside the compound where there were hours of bloody combat, but high up on Marble Mountain where a SOG team was based. The lookouts not only had a birds-eye view of the carnage below them but were involved in a 2-day fight against NVA troops trying to climb up to dislodge them. As was often the case with SOG teams, were it not for air support the group, ST Rattler, would have been wiped out. "On the Ground" also has tales of life when the Green Berets and their indigenous team members (amazing jungle fighters all) were not on missions, some of them even humorous, such as the reaction to a movie shown at Khe Sanh.
For those fascinated by SOG, in particular, or special forces ops in general "On the Ground" should be something like required reading; for those who just want the basic seminar, Plaster's book and Meyer's first book should suffice.
June 17, 2024
Always difficult to rate a book built on someone's personal experiences especially an account of such a terrifying, stressful and unique situation as active combat. However, despite my own interest in Vietnam and work adjacent to warzones, I found this book boring and that it lacked any reflection of the impact the American invasion had on the Vietnamese people and country. The author calls the US presence in the country "noble" which I could understand during his time there but not in the 40-odd years that have passed since. A disappointing read and a missed opportunity for a nuanced review of the war.
April 5, 2021
I found the book very good. I am not an expert on the Vietnam War however, I was able to understand the context of the conflict very well. Because of this book I will go deeper into the topic and understand how this war ended in a defeat for the USA. The book borders on the causes a little because it is quite operational. I recommend the book and have already purchased another book by the same author.
August 24, 2019
Another mind blowing memoir
Another great read. The author dives a little deeper into his personal narrative this time round. While I do wonder if they ever ran any successful missions given that the stories all seem to go to hell in a handcart, the tempo is always flat out. These guys did a hell of a thing in a hell of a war.
Another great read. The author dives a little deeper into his personal narrative this time round. While I do wonder if they ever ran any successful missions given that the stories all seem to go to hell in a handcart, the tempo is always flat out. These guys did a hell of a thing in a hell of a war.
November 22, 2023
Fascinating but true account of the American and indigenous soldiers that nobody knew existed. Besides the NVA, who knew all too well of their existence, because the soldiers of SOG made sure the communist enemy was never safe. Even outside South Vietnam's borders! One of the few books that I have happily read over and over multiple times.
August 2, 2025
The Feared and the Fearlessness
As a veteran of combat during the Vietnam War, this book captures splendidly the complicated facets of combat in Vietnam. For those who were there,you will relive the madness of an ever changing front lines, for those who were not there, this book captures the dedication, the courage and the hazards of combat.
As a veteran of combat during the Vietnam War, this book captures splendidly the complicated facets of combat in Vietnam. For those who were there,you will relive the madness of an ever changing front lines, for those who were not there, this book captures the dedication, the courage and the hazards of combat.
September 30, 2026
The books keep getting better by Tilt. The adventures, visuals and descriptions of what these men did jump off the page. Can’t eat certain foods or they will smell you. The CAR 15 was part of essential life. Be still the enemy is inches away, wait he actually nudged by the enemy under daytime conditions in triple canopy jungle. The stories are captivating and inspiring.
March 24, 2018
Raw but entertaining
This was written very well. The author manager to educate and entertain at the same time. Ful of action and the intricacies of the political nature of the War.
This was written very well. The author manager to educate and entertain at the same time. Ful of action and the intricacies of the political nature of the War.
December 25, 2019
Excellent book
Another well written book by Mr. Meyer. Wow what bravery and dedication these men have to serve their country and run missions knowing it could be their last. True warriors!
Another well written book by Mr. Meyer. Wow what bravery and dedication these men have to serve their country and run missions knowing it could be their last. True warriors!
February 21, 2021
Great read, much respect for these warriors!
Easy read looking at the crazy lives of what these special warriors went through from their eyes. God bless all of you for your service!
Easy read looking at the crazy lives of what these special warriors went through from their eyes. God bless all of you for your service!
April 5, 2022
Not as detailed as other books on the subject and strangely not as personal. Some details stand out, the author mentions the luminescence of the grass at night after the rain. Details like that are significant when you are trying to avoid detection.
May 27, 2022
Nam as real as it gets
Those days remembered . The friendships the fears and more. Yes it was hot humid and the rain, the bugs. The shots fired the stress. We were young and invincible.
Those days remembered . The friendships the fears and more. Yes it was hot humid and the rain, the bugs. The shots fired the stress. We were young and invincible.
July 4, 2022
A painfully true war story!
Why is it that all or nearly all fighting men have little regard for most career CO's . Battle tested men make the best leaders. I just read and saw Jack Carr's Terminal List . John Meyer and Jack Carr would bet along fine. scs
Why is it that all or nearly all fighting men have little regard for most career CO's . Battle tested men make the best leaders. I just read and saw Jack Carr's Terminal List . John Meyer and Jack Carr would bet along fine. scs
March 21, 2023
On The Ground: The Secret War in Vietnam
An interesting book full of great stories of our SOG guys during their war in Vietnam. Now I know what my brother did during his three tours! Thank you for that.
An interesting book full of great stories of our SOG guys during their war in Vietnam. Now I know what my brother did during his three tours! Thank you for that.
January 8, 2024
The Secret War in Vietnam told as it happened!
This is an awesome book, hopefully will be a movie soon! As a former Marine, I was trained by men who fought in the jungles of Vietnam. This book took me back to some of the many details they drilled into our training!
This is an awesome book, hopefully will be a movie soon! As a former Marine, I was trained by men who fought in the jungles of Vietnam. This book took me back to some of the many details they drilled into our training!
June 8, 2025
Glad the history is being written and released by those who were there doing the job others couldn't or wouldn't against unimaginable odds. Amazing historical story and great addition to any Spec-Ops library.
July 25, 2019
Good review
Very interesting stories told at a pace that makes it difficult to put the book down. It is great to have the perspective from soldiers.
Very interesting stories told at a pace that makes it difficult to put the book down. It is great to have the perspective from soldiers.
August 1, 2019
Excellent
One of the better war biographies I have ever read. The author and his his teammates went through some hell raising shit!! Far better and harder men than I!
One of the better war biographies I have ever read. The author and his his teammates went through some hell raising shit!! Far better and harder men than I!
March 26, 2020
Not as good as the first book by John Meyer, Across the Fence, but damn close. Excellent read about some of the finest Americans to ever live.
July 22, 2020
Great book
Could not have been written any better, makes you feel like you are in the jungle with the team during heavy combat and the bizarre occurrences that happen in battle
Could not have been written any better, makes you feel like you are in the jungle with the team during heavy combat and the bizarre occurrences that happen in battle
September 1, 2020
Very interesting, and educational.
January 12, 2021
Another Great book from a brave recon troop, Tilt does a great job putting the experiences of the MACV-SOG recon men into book form
February 3, 2022
On the ground The secrete war in Vietnam
Great book reading was like I was there author was and
Is is a very brave man God bless him and his family
Great book reading was like I was there author was and
Is is a very brave man God bless him and his family
April 16, 2022
Amazing book! It's absolutely astounding to hear what these brave men did. There were times that I cried, and there were times that I laughed out loud! Excellent!!
April 21, 2022
Outstanding AF
Great Read and a classic in my opinion very informative John Meyer is a natural at writing thank you well worth the price
Great Read and a classic in my opinion very informative John Meyer is a natural at writing thank you well worth the price
June 6, 2022
A good read
Well recommend book
Enjoyed every minute I wondered how they survived
It’s sad what happened to them when they came home
Well recommend book
Enjoyed every minute I wondered how they survived
It’s sad what happened to them when they came home
December 27, 2022
A series of heroic tales
Truly forever grateful for the men who did the impossible missions day after day and somehow lived to give us the lessons learned the hard way.
Truly forever grateful for the men who did the impossible missions day after day and somehow lived to give us the lessons learned the hard way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews