SOG

The Secret Wars of America's Commandos in Vietnam

By: John L. Plaster

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

John Plaster’s riveting account of his covert activities as a member of a special operations team during the Vietnam War is “a true insider’s account, this eye-opening report will leave readers feeling as if they’ve been given a hot scoop on a highly classified project” (Publishers Weekly).

Code-named the Studies and Observations Group, SOG was the most secret elite US military unit to serve in the Vietnam War—so secret its very existence was denied by the government. Composed entirely of volunteers from such ace fighting units as the Army Green Berets, Air Force Air Commandos, and Navy SEALs, SOG took on the most dangerous covert assignments, in the deadliest and most forbidding theaters of operation.

In SOG, Major John L. Plaster, a three-tour SOG veteran, shares the gripping exploits of these true American warriors in a minute-by-minute, heartbeat-by-heartbeat account of the group’s stunning operations behind enemy lines—penetrating heavily defended North Vietnamese military facilities, holding off mass enemy attacks, launching daring missions to rescue downed US pilots. Some of the most extraordinary true stories of honor and heroism in the history of the US military, from sabotage to espionage to hand-to-hand combat, Plaster’s account is “a detailed history of this little-known aspect of the Vietnam War…a worthy act of historical rescue from an unjustified, willed oblivion” (The New York Times).

Great story but...

Great story but the narrator sounded old and like he was talking through his dentures

Great listen

I thought the book started a little slow, but I understand the need to explain all the different military acronyms and structure for those of us that are unaware. Lots of gripping detailed stories of brotherhood and heroism. My favorite parts were the tellings of the psychological ops they employed against the enemy. Definitely worth a listen!

Home of the Brave

The SOG operators were some of the most remarkable soldiers in Vietnam - or anywhere. They were the eyes and ears, and often sword point of our politically misguided war, where every advantage was undermined and victory was never a goal.

While Washington politicians played with maps, these men were risking all to win the war and save brother soldiers. They are the noble warriors, the unsung heroes of Vietnam.

Simply amazing

Massive amounts of information mix with hilarious anecdotes that will make you pause it so you can laugh. And it’s not read so dry that you fall asleep.

Gripping action in Vietnam

War history buff here. Over the years I’ve learned a lot about the Vietnam War. While aware of MACV-SOG I had very little knowledge about a lot of their clandestine missions. Such a thrilling account about this group and their actions which was thrilling, surprising, horrific, sad and inspiring. Enjoyed it immensely.