“On the Ground” was written by MACV-SOG veterans John “Tiltmeyer” Stryker Meyer and John E. Peters. This book is a personal favorite of mine and a must have for all Vietnam militaria collectors and historians. Self published in 2007 and available (in hard cover) at John Meyer’s site “The SOG Chonicles” for only $24.95. You won’t be able to put it down!
This out of print book is a must have for any military library. Author Franklin D. Miller writes with candor about his time with MACV-SOG as a 1-0 (Recon team leader) with CCC (Command and Control Central) and as Medal of Honor recipient. Miller served 6 tours in Vietnam (3/1966 – 11/1972). In addition to receiving the MOH, he received the Silver Star Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, an Air Medal, and six Purple Hearts.
This copy is the first edition hardcover with dust jacket published by Presidio. 205 pages.
Price: $25.00 (USD)
This is a Vietnam War era Indig (Indigenous) sleeping bag as used by MACV-SOG personel on cross-boarder ops in Laos and Cambodia. Many do not realize that in parts of Vietnam the temperature can drastically drop at night. SOG personnel needed something “sterile” (void of any association to the United States) and lightweight to provide warmth. Some troops used the indigenous sleeping bag, while others used indig poncho liners.
This is a Vietnam War era Indig (Indigenous) poncho liner as used by MACV-SOG personnel on cross-boarder ops in Laos and Cambodia. Many do not realize that in parts of Vietnam the temperature can drastically drop at night. SOG personnel needed something “sterile” (void of any association to the United States) and lightweight to provide warmth. Some troops used the indigenous poncho liners, while others used indig sleeping bags.
This is a CISO (Counter Insurgency Support Office) procured hammock that was made “sterile”, meaning void of any association to United States to be used by Special Forces, MACV-SOG, and indigenous personnel particularly in clandestine cross-boarder operations in Laos and Cambodia. It loosely resembles an NVA (North Vietnamese Army) hammock. This example appears to be unused and was part of a Special Forces Mike Force group. It is the only example I’ve seen, but like other CISO items, it probably came in other colors.
