View Full Version : Books on SOG
These are the books I currently have about SOG:
1) SOG By John Plaster
2) Reflections of a Warrior By FranklinD. Miller
3) Break Contact, Continue Mission By Raymond D. Harris
4) Longshadows By Kent White
5) Across The Fence By John Stryker Meyer
6) MACVSOG Command History, Annexes A, N & M (1964-1966)
By Charles F. Reske
7) MACVSOG Command History Annex B, 1971-1972, Volumes I &
II By Charles F. Reske
8) SOG, MACV Studies and Observations Group, Volumes I, II, III,
& IV By Harve Saal
9) War Stories of the Green Berets By Hans Halberstadt*
10) SOG, A Photo History of the Secret Wars By John Plaster
11) Secret Commandos By John Plaster
12) At The Hurricane's Eye By Greg Walker*
"*" denotes book is not all about SOG
I know I need to purchase Running Recon By Frank Grecko
Can you guys tell me any others that are out there that I may have missed?:)
Is this the bibliography of SOG?
Roguish Lawyer
08-06-2004, 11:29
Nice list. How about some reviews? I have not read several of these and would like to know if I should. :)
Roguish Lawyer, which ones did you have in mind?
Does anybody else have any reccommendations on other books?
Roguish Lawyer
08-06-2004, 12:54
Originally posted by MAB32
Roguish Lawyer, which ones did you have in mind?
I have read the books by Plaster and Halberstadt only. And I'm not sure if the one by Halberstadt is the one you've referenced or not. It was just called "Green Berets" and was recommended to me by an FOG. May have been BMT, but I do not recall.
The one by Hans Halberstadt that I have is the one with a dust jacket that has the background covered in tiger stripes with a few pictures here and there on the front and back covers. It also shows a Mini Grenade on the front cover. It is published by Motorbooks International, ISBN is 0-87938-955-9.
Roguish Lawyer
08-06-2004, 13:42
Originally posted by MAB32
The one by Hans Halberstadt that I have is the one with a dust jacket that has the background covered in tiger stripes with a few pictures here and there on the front and back covers. It also shows a Mini Grenade on the front cover. It is published by Motorbooks International, ISBN is 0-87938-955-9.
Just ordered it. Here it is:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0879389559/qid%3D1091817654/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/002-4264533-7531236?v=glance&s=books
That would be the one. Allot of great stories and well worth the money. Read the story entitled "Live and Let Live" By Dennis Mack first. It is one of my favorites.
Here is a brief run through of the first volume of the 3 volume set By Charles Reske.
Mr. Reske has taken the documents "declassified" from SOG and "other" sources and turned them into a 3 volume set. There are allot of "deleted" lines, paragraphs, and pages in all 3 volumes. In the first volume, Mr. reske trys to fill in the blanks with the knowledge he had while attached to NAVSECGRU as an intelligence specialist with NSG-Detachment 9-6 and NSG-Detachment 5-6 from 1966-1972. Note: I wonder if he knew of John Walker? In the last volumes he doesn't do it nearly as much.
I will address the first volume now and go thru the others later.
The first book deals mostly with the Command History of Annexes A, N, & M (1964-1966). This volume tells you were it all began after the French loss at Dien Bien Phu and the CIA's involvement right after that to the decision in Washington to officially start the "secret" war. It then goes into the OPLANS from the Kennedy and Johnson administrations which set the wheels rolling for SOG. It explains SOG's organizational structure, some of their TOE, and a brief overview of the "who, what, when, and how" assets. If you are interested in the Naval Advisory Detachment to SOG then this is the book to get. It is full of info about the "Nasty" boats, their crews, and their exploits up and down the coast of N. Vietnam. In this Volume you will also hear for the first time the various CIA "phony" companies mentioned in the other volumes and other publications such as the Far Eastern Construction Company(FECC). These folks played a crucial role in making sure SOG and NAD got what they needed and on time.
If you want to start out fresh in finding allot about SOG and how it all began I highly reccommend reading this book first. It will give you a great background and starting point from which you will be able to sometimes "fill-in" the blanks found in other books dealing with SOG if that makes any sense?
Here is some info for ordering the book:
ISBN is: 0-939427-62-1. Try www.Bookfinder.com if you cannot find it anywhere else.
I just finished Reflections of a Warrior by Miller tonight.
Very good read. Obviously the stories as told by Miller b/c of the lack of polish, but it actually lends a lot to the readability. The book is like a montage of war stories by one of the most BTDT guys around. These are some ass-kicking stories, no doubt.
The good thing about this book, apart from the excellent content, is the readability. Because it is a collection of stories it is an easy book to pick up and put down if your time demands it, although you will want to pull all-nighters.
CSM Miller must have been an incredible soldier to serve with. I'm glad he recorded his experiences. I heartily recommend this book.
Does anybody else have any reccommendations on other books?
The Dying Place - David Maurer (CCN)
The New Legions - Donald Duncan (B-52)
Medal of Honor - Roy Benavidez (B-56)
Code-Name BRIGHT LIGHT - George Veith (JPRC)
Green Berets at Wat - Shelby Stanton*
SF of the US Army - Ian Sutherland*
SOG: Team History and Insignia of a Clandestine Army - Jason Hardy (RTs Asp, Hawaii, Colorado, Indigo, Rattler, Idaho, and Montana)
Richard :munchin
* not just SOG
Richard,
Thanks for the list. I have all of them except Ian Sutherland's book. In fact while I was on vacation in the Great Smokie Mountains there was one up for sale on e-bay. Price so far on Saturday was only up to $55 and it had 1 day to go (sunday in the late afternoon). On Sunday we were at our cabin which was at 4,0430 ft. I had it locked on and was waiting for the last seconds so I could bid $125. I lost my signal at 40 seconds to go and it sold to somebody for $119.
Note: This book is in the $500 range when found. Even my book on "Special Forces at War" By Shelby Statton(SP?) is worth $1000 and I only paid $50 for it. Bottom line is that SOG books are going to become collectable in a few years! Some of the books Richard stated along with what others here have also stated are going to bring in high prices in the future.
D9,
Franklin Miller was one of the true billy bad butts (BBB) to have hit SOG. Plaster in his book called him a little to crazy for his friend Glenn from Hawaii who ran with Miller. Miller was absolutely "good in the woods" as they say. He knew what he wanted to do, it was his way so it was the right way and it simply worked. By the way Miller died of, I believe Kidney cancer back in 2004.
Finally, a few of the books mentioned here will be highly collectable since they are no longer available.
Even my book on "Special Forces at War" By Shelby Statton(SP?) is worth $1000 and I only paid $50 for it. Bottom line is that SOG books are going to become collectable in a few years! Finally, a few of the books mentioned here will be highly collectable since they are no longer available.
I search small used book stores and yard sales for my books. FYI, I paid $7.98 for my copy of Special Forces at War and $1 each for first editions w/original paper covers of The New Legions and The Green Berets. :) My advice is to keep looking and always be alert because you never know when you'll find a book you want.
Hint: libraries often sell books which have low circulation to clear their shelves and make way for more popular books. I check several libraries consistently and get books I'm seeking for $2 each (hardcover). My prize is JFC Fuller's three volume set A Military History of the Western World which was taken out of circulation at the embassy library in Bonn, FRG, and I got it for free. :D
Richard :munchin
incommin
08-12-2008, 08:53
SHADES OF DANIEL BOONE, Heritage Books, ISBN 0-7884-3228-1
Personal view of the Vietnam was as well as info on CCS and SOG........ I know RL has a copy.
Jim
longrange1947
08-12-2008, 11:28
While Duncan is very controversial, he does write a very good book. I read it in 1967 and it influenced my coming into SF. He had just left Fort Ord as the SF recruiter.
I jumped in blind and with both feet. :D
The guys today have a much better heads up on what ia happening and going to happen then we did back then.
It was a bit of a culture shock that first few days and weeks. :eek:
Christophe
08-13-2008, 17:02
MAB32,
here is a list of SOG books. Hope it helps:
http://www.macvsog.cc/books.htm
Well, there went my book entitled "Special Forces At War" By Shelby Stanton. This book just lost its value overnight because of the Military Book Club. Anyhow, I am probably going to buy two of these and sit on the original.
Here it is:
www.militarybookclub.com/doc/full_site_enrollment/fse_results.jhtml;jsessionid=YVQYJRA3OOUNWCTI4ELSF 3Y?_requestid=50696
I highly recommend this book to all who want to study SF in Vietnam. The book is filled literally with pictures on every page (B&W) about SF in Vietnam.
Well, there went my book entitled "Special Forces At War" By Shelby Stanton. This book just lost its value overnight because of the Military Book Club. I am going to buy two of these and sit on the original. Here it is:
www.militarybookclub.com/doc/full_site_enrollment/fse_results.jhtml;jsessionid=YVQYJRA3OOUNWCTI4ELSF 3Y?_requestid=50696
I highly recommend this book to all who want to study SF in Vietnam. The book is filled literally with pictures on every page (B&W) about SF in Vietnam.
IMO, copies won't have nearly the value of the originals. Look at Vietnam Order of Battle, for example.
One of the best things about SF at War are all the photos of the A Camps which you can't find anywhere else.
Richard's $.02 :munchin
Yes Sir you are spot on. I missed the first edition of "Vietnam Order of Battle" and thought she was gone forever. At the time I had no Fiscal funds left. Therefore, when it came out again as a reprint and it was indeed cheaper than the original,so I splurged and bought it. So now I am curious as to know how publisher(s) decide what to reprint and why. I am amazed at even the fact that this is being reprinted. This book is considered very rare now with copies selling for $1000+. So basically it bombed on the bookshelves. Popularity cannot be in the top five reasons to do a reprint can it be?:munchin
Across the Fence by John Stryker Meyer is an excellent read and accurate to the word. John and I are good friends and I've met 95% of the guys he ran with mentioned in the book. Real, amazingf stuff.
Also, not sure if anyone mentioned it, the SOG pictorial coffee table book is excellent. Packed full of pics from SOG's beginning to end. You can even view pics of Eldon Bargewll and Ken Bowra (retired SF GO's) as SSG's, loaded for bear prior to INFIL. Will set you back $80 but it's well worth it.
http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Photo-History-Secret-Wars/dp/1581600585/ref=cm_lmf_tit_2/102-3205062-3230533
If you dont want to spend the $80, like everyone else said, read the paperback FOR SURE.
Monsoon65
09-04-2008, 22:11
The Dying Place - David Maurer (CCN)
Great book. I think I read this one at least once a year. I've burned thru about three copies so far.
anythingrandom
09-04-2008, 23:04
I enjoyed "Masters of Chaos" by Linda Robinson.
http://www.amazon.com/Masters-Chaos-Secret-History-Special/dp/1586482491
Senator McCain gives it a great review, as well.
I enjoyed "Masters of Chaos" by Linda Robinson.
Try as I might, I could not finish that book... Roughneck Nine-One was good though.
Here's a few more SOG titles that may have been left out of the Master List:
- Soldier's Heart by Lee Burkins
- Project Omega: Eye of the Beast by James E. Acre
- Spies & Commandos by Kenneth Conboy and Dale Andrade` (I haven't read this one yet)
- The Secret War Against Hanoi by Richard H. Shultz, Jr. (I haven't gotten to this one yet either, but it's all about SOG's dirty little war)
- SOG Medic by Joseph Parnar
- Kontum, Command and Control by Frank Greco (Probably impossible to find as there were only 165 copies printed; mine is #62)
- We Few by Nick Brokhausen
- Prairie Fire by Kent White
Any book printed by RealWarStories.com is going to be very hard to find unless you know the authors. RWS publications went under a few months and they will not be back from what John Meyer told me. Unfortunate too because they printed up some great titles. Nick Brokhausen was working on his sequel to We Few and I have heard whether or not he'll be able to find another publisher.
BTW, if any of you lads want a review of the books listed in this thread, I'll be more than happy to oblige you with one as I've read just about all of them. :D
kriegsmodell
11-04-2008, 14:02
Thought I would add a few more to this list from my reference library. Tried to include only those with some degree of significant MACVSOG content.
- The Three Wars of Roy Benavidez - Benavidez, Roy P. with Oscar Griffin
- South-East Asian Special Forces * - Conboy, Kenneth
- Shadow War-The CIA's Secret War in Laos * - Conboy, Kenneth & James Morrison
- The War in Cambodia 1970-75 * - Conboy, Kenneth & Kenneth Bowra (yes, that Bowra)
- Gone Native-An NCO's Story * - Cornett, Alan G.
- Code Name: Copperhead - Garner, Joe R. with Avrum M. Fine
- Apollo's Warriors * - Haas, Michael E.
- War in the Shadows-The Vietnam Experience * - Lipsman, Samuel (ed)
- A Contagion of War-The Vietnam Experience * - Maitland, Terrance & Peter McInerney
- Special Operations Association Commemorative - McCarthy, Gene (ed)
- On the Ground - Meyer, John Stryker and John E. Peters
- Above and Beyond - Jim Morris
- Green Hornets * - Mutza, Wayne
- 15 Months in SOG-A Warrior's Tour - Nicholson, Thom (controversial content)
- Night of the Silver Stars * - Phillips, William R.
- U.S. Special Forces Shoulder and Pocket Insignia * - Pugh, Harry
- Who's Who From MACV-SOG - Sherman, Stephen
- Hazardous Duty * - Singlaub, John K.
- Special Forces in Southeast Asia * - Smyth, Cecil B. Jr.
- Insignia of Special Forces in Southeast Asia * - Smyth, Cecil B. Jr.
- Badges & Insignia of the Elite Forces * - Thompson, Leroy (use caution)
- Elite Unit Insignia of the Vietnam War *- Thompson, Leroy (use caution)
- Secret Army, Secret War - Tourison, Sedgwick
- Hunting the Jackal * - Waugh, Billy with Tim Keown
As in previous postings * indicates not all about MACVSOG. Could have included quite a few others but tried to avoid general USSF reference works, other Recon project histories, and books with only slight mention of SOG. Also did not include journal works, magazine articles, etc. Perhaps the topic for a different thread at some point.
Christophe
11-07-2008, 17:21
As posted by JSE: - Project Omega: Eye of the Beast by James E. Acre-
Great book, excellent read, with a bunch of great pics. The book is pretty big (format).
Mine is a gift from Mr.Acre, and personally signed by him ; a fine man to say the least, and incredibly humble.
I got in contact with him through Mr. Noe.
The book is one of my most prized possessions.
kriegsmodell
12-28-2008, 19:26
Just picked this one up off of Amazon and so far it is excellent:
"Born a Soldier-The Times and LIfe of Larry Thorne" by J. Michael Cleverley
This is a new (first US printing) full biography of SF legend Larry Thorne to include his time in SOG, etc ....
2) Reflections of a Warrior By FranklinD. Miller
I liked it alot, seems to me straight from him, not polished as said before, a mix of alot of things, form being scared as heck, to humor. Good All round read, I read the whole book in one day.
Above and Beyond - Jim Morris
Excellent really enjoyed it, for one reason, it is not about the men, but about your buddies and the limits of throwing away your personal safety for you friends/buddies/comrades. I have actually read it twice, and still impressed, especially since I knew some of these men.
alright4u
01-06-2009, 15:46
2) Reflections of a Warrior By FranklinD. Miller
I liked it alot, seems to me straight from him, not polished as said before, a mix of alot of things, form being scared as heck, to humor. Good All round read, I read the whole book in one day.
Above and Beyond - Jim Morris
Excellent really enjoyed it, for one reason, it is not about the men, but about your buddies and the limits of throwing away your personal safety for you friends/buddies/comrades. I have actually read it twice, and still impressed, especially since I knew some of these men.
Try Jim Bolen's new book. I do not read SOG books. Know Tilt and others.