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SOG Kontum: Top Secret Missions in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, 1968–1969
The Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG) was a highly classified, multi-service United States Special Forces unit which conducted covert unconventional warfare operations prior to and during the Vietnam War. The unit conducted strategic reconnaissance missions in South Vietnam, North Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia; carried out the capture of enemy prisoners, rescued downed pilots, and conducted rescue operations to retrieve allied prisoners of war throughout Southeast Asia; and conducted clandestine agent team activities and psychological operations.This book tells the story of the Teams operating out of FOB2 Kontum, near the tri-border area, in 1968–69. From recon missions over the fence to the heroic, and sometimes fatal efforts undertaken to try and rescue missing SOG members, the events are told through the words of the men themselves, supported by previously unreleased official documents.
519 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 16, 2023
Incredible stories. Insane missions happening on what must have been some of the most gorgeous territory on earth if it wasn't so full of human death. The miracle is anyone survived these crazy, small-team assignments in Laos and Cambodia.
"SOG: Kontum" is packed with the kind of grainy black-and-white photos you associate with death and disaster - as if everyone featured was killed in action. Fortunately, that isn't true.
The reason "SOG: Kontum" is 4 stars is that it lacks the narrative verve of John Plaster's books on the topic (and the same locale - Plaster was in "Command and Control Central" headquartered in Kontum, Vietnam). Plaster, who wrote the introduction here, offers more of a book whereas this is something like a collection of after-action reports. It's thus all a bit dry in parts, a bit jargon-y in parts. But all of these special forces soldiers did some unbelievable things and their stories are endlessly fascinating.
"SOG: Kontum" is packed with the kind of grainy black-and-white photos you associate with death and disaster - as if everyone featured was killed in action. Fortunately, that isn't true.
The reason "SOG: Kontum" is 4 stars is that it lacks the narrative verve of John Plaster's books on the topic (and the same locale - Plaster was in "Command and Control Central" headquartered in Kontum, Vietnam). Plaster, who wrote the introduction here, offers more of a book whereas this is something like a collection of after-action reports. It's thus all a bit dry in parts, a bit jargon-y in parts. But all of these special forces soldiers did some unbelievable things and their stories are endlessly fascinating.
August 30, 2023
needed a script Writer
There are several blatant blunders that a ghost writer would have seen and corrected. One glaring one was the rescue of a lost troop , without his gear or rifle, who said that he saw white men setting up something on tripods, but his debriefing was not mentioned…
There are several blatant blunders that a ghost writer would have seen and corrected. One glaring one was the rescue of a lost troop , without his gear or rifle, who said that he saw white men setting up something on tripods, but his debriefing was not mentioned…
June 27, 2025
Can’t help but think SOG members had a death wish. To continue participating time after time of close encounters with mortality takes an uncommon individual. Recounting the missions with the different perspectives of the of the team members makes the book 5Stars. These soldiers are the personification of Bravery.
October 10, 2023
An excellent read detailing the role of MACV -SOG's secret missions, that these heroic warriors fought. I highly recommend this to all veterans to celebrate the lives and sacrifices that these brave warriors accomplished.
July 5, 2024
Well researched and written account.
Very well written account of the actions the MACV SOG warriors undertook in Vietnam. A good and exciting account of the wat there from their own perspective.
Very well written account of the actions the MACV SOG warriors undertook in Vietnam. A good and exciting account of the wat there from their own perspective.
December 24, 2024
SOG. Kontum
Interesting and fast paced, it makes you feel like you were there. It gives me insight into what my brother went through and why he only talked about while intoxicated. Thank you to all the men who were there and for your sacrifices.
Interesting and fast paced, it makes you feel like you were there. It gives me insight into what my brother went through and why he only talked about while intoxicated. Thank you to all the men who were there and for your sacrifices.
October 16, 2023
Excellent read!
This is about 6 th or 7th book I've read on this topic and it's one of the best... I really like how he provides several viewpoints of the same events.
This is about 6 th or 7th book I've read on this topic and it's one of the best... I really like how he provides several viewpoints of the same events.
January 15, 2026
DNF. It may be a good book, but not for me. It didn't grab my attention.
July 25, 2023
SOG HISTORY
An account of some of the missions run in Laos and South Vietnam by the USA SPECIAL FORCES. Heroes all and should be read by the new breed of SF troopers. DOL
An account of some of the missions run in Laos and South Vietnam by the USA SPECIAL FORCES. Heroes all and should be read by the new breed of SF troopers. DOL
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews