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A SOG operator poses with his indigenous teammates in an undated photo. (U.S. Army)
Master Sgt. Jerry ‘Mad Dog’ Shriver went missing in action in Cambodia in April 1969. (U.S. Army)
Episode 3371 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about the MACV-SOG. The featured story is titled: Green Beret ‘Hatchet Forces’ terrorized the communists during the Vietnam War. It appeared on the We are the Mighty website and was submitted by Friedrich Seiltgen.
Seiltgen reported that MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam–Studies and Observations Group) was one of the most secretive and dangerous American military units of the Vietnam War. Established on January 24, 1964, SOG brought together elite U.S. Army Special Forces, Green Berets, Navy SEALs, Air Force aircrews, Marine Corps Force Recon, South Vietnamese forces, and intelligence personnel for highly classified missions.
These extraordinary Vietnam veterans operated not only in Vietnam but also across the borders into Laos and Cambodia, conducting secret reconnaissance missions, intelligence operations, sabotage, psychological warfare, prisoner rescues, combat operations, and enemy interdiction. Many missions took place deep behind enemy lines, where capture could mean death and where the United States could deny their presence.
SOG reconnaissance teams, often composed of a handful of American Green Berets and indigenous fighters, faced overwhelming enemy forces while gathering critical intelligence. When teams became trapped, Hatchet Forces could be deployed for rescue, reinforcement, or combat.
Among SOG’s legendary warriors was Master Sgt. Jerry “Mad Dog” Shriver, who disappeared during a 1969 mission in Cambodia after moving toward enemy fire. Another legendary SOG soldier, Master Sgt. Dick Meadows, conducted dangerous reconnaissance missions and later helped lead the assault team during the Son Tay Prison Raid, searching for American POWs.
SOG played important roles in operations including Steel Tiger, Tiger Hound, Daniel Boone, and Lam Son 719, while gathering vital intelligence on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
The accomplishments of MACV-SOG Vietnam veterans represent extraordinary courage, dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism. Their secret missions helped shape modern U.S. Special Operations Forces and military reconnaissance. Nine SOG operators received the Medal of Honor, and the unit received the Presidential Unit Citation.
The story of MACV-SOG reminds us of the greatness, bravery, sacrifice, and determination of our Vietnam veterans, many of whom served in silence while carrying out some of the most dangerous missions of the Vietnam War.
Listen to episode 3371 and discover more about the MACV-SOG.
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