Podcast Summary: Shawn Ryan Show Episode #193 - John Stryker Meyer: MACV-SOG: The Secret War in Vietnam
Introduction and Guest Background
Timestamp: [00:53] - [07:06]
In Episode #193 of the Shawn Ryan Show, host Shawn Ryan welcomes John Stryker Meyer, a decorated U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret veteran. John served in the covert Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and Observation Group (MACV-SOG) during the Vietnam War, conducting top-secret missions across North Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. John is the author of "Across the Fence: The Secret War in Vietnam" and co-author of "On the Ground: The Secret War in Vietnam in SOG Chronicles." He also hosts the podcast "SOGCast," which delves into untold stories of SOG combat veterans and their heroic aviators.
Notable Quote:
"For those who fought for it, life has a special flavor that the protected will never know." – Shawn Ryan ([09:03])
Early Life and Path to Special Forces
Timestamp: [11:51] - [29:10]
John Stryker Meyer shares his upbringing in Trenton, New Jersey, where he grew up on his father's milk truck. Raised in a devout Christian household, John developed a strong sense of discipline and community from an early age. His father, a milkman and church musician, and his mother, a choir director and piano teacher, instilled in him values that would later shape his military career.
John's interest in joining the military was sparked by his desire for rigorous training and a means to avoid the draft. Influenced by war movies and the legacy of the Green Berets in popular culture, he enlisted in the Army and underwent basic and advanced training. His proficiency in Morse code and commitment led him to be assigned to MACV-SOG, a decision he credits to both personal determination and divine intervention.
Notable Quotes:
"Mission-oriented to hurt the communists... we had mixed emotions dealing with the CIA." – John Stryker Meyer ([28:46])
"The only way I survived the secret war was through the grace of the Lord." – John Stryker Meyer ([11:21])
Training and Preparation for Vietnam
Timestamp: [29:10] - [41:25]
John describes the intensive training regimen of MACV-SOG, emphasizing the physical and psychological challenges faced by the Green Berets. Training included parachuting, hand-to-hand combat, survival skills, and advanced communication techniques. John highlights the camaraderie and mentorship within the group, particularly the influence of Sergeant First Class Paul Villa Rosa, a seasoned communicator who helped him master Morse code.
John recounts the rigorous selection process and the high standards set by SOG trainers. The training environment fostered resilience and adaptability, preparing the teams for the unpredictable and dangerous missions they would undertake in Southeast Asia.
Notable Quote:
"They did kind of like in the movies... but it's the same." – John Stryker Meyer ([32:37])
Deployment and Missions in Vietnam
Timestamp: [41:25] - [140:10]
Upon deployment, John Stryker Meyer details his initial experiences in Vietnam, including culture shock, the harsh realities of guerrilla warfare, and the strategic importance of missions aimed at disrupting Communist supply lines along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. He shares harrowing accounts of combat encounters, including the infamous First Major Firefight on October 7, 1968, where his team was nearly overrun by North Vietnamese Army (NVA) forces.
John emphasizes the brutality of the enemy, recounting instances of extreme violence and psychological warfare employed by the NVA to demoralize American troops. Despite facing overwhelming odds, John and his comrades relied on teamwork, tactical air support, and sheer determination to survive missions and accomplish their objectives.
Notable Quotes:
"I killed a man. Don't feel good about it, but you know, that's war." – John Stryker Meyer ([00:00])
"There's no doubt in my mind that the only way I survived the secret war was through the grace of the Lord." – John Stryker Meyer ([11:21])
"You're a dumbass city slicker out there trying to do the right thing by God and country." – John Stryker Meyer ([11:43])
Challenges and Losses
Timestamp: [140:10] - [160:28]
John openly discusses the psychological toll of combat, including the loss of fellow soldiers and the constant threat of death. He narrates the intense firefights, the agony of witnessing comrades fall, and the relentless pressure to perform under fire. The episode highlights specific missions where John and his team faced ambushes, tight extraction windows, and the devastating impact of enemy tactics designed to exploit vulnerabilities.
He reflects on the camaraderie and brotherhood among the Special Forces, underscoring the emotional and moral challenges they navigated while carrying out their covert operations. John's storytelling provides a visceral portrayal of the secret war's complexities and the personal sacrifices made by those involved.
Notable Quote:
"In my mind, I'll never forget that moment, because by that point, we were on a team. We were tight." – John Stryker Meyer ([131:21])
Return Home and Post-War Life
Timestamp: [160:28] - [247:05]
After completing his tours, John Stryker Meyer transitions to civilian life, leveraging his experiences into a successful career in journalism. He details his tenure at the Trenton Times and later the San Diego Union, where he continued to pursue stories that mattered, including investigative reporting on significant events like the Kiki Camarena case.
John discusses the challenges of reintegrating into society, maintaining relationships, and coping with the memories of war. He emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and support systems in overcoming the invisible scars left by conflict. His post-war journey underscores the enduring impact of his military service on his personal and professional life.
Notable Quote:
"You have to answer... make sure you're right." – John Stryker Meyer ([26:04])
Reflections on the Vietnam War and Legacy
Timestamp: [247:05] - [Final]
In concluding the episode, John Stryker Meyer offers his insights on the Vietnam War's strategic failures, the geopolitical ramifications of the MACV-SOG operations, and the personal lessons he garnered from his service. He reflects on the importance of understanding history, honoring the sacrifices of fellow soldiers, and the ongoing relevance of military strategy and intelligence in contemporary conflicts.
John expresses gratitude for surviving the war and the profound connections he formed with his comrades. His narrative serves as both a tribute to the Green Berets' bravery and a cautionary tale about the costs of war.
Notable Quote:
"You have to do the right thing by God and country." – John Stryker Meyer ([211:05])
Conclusion
John Stryker Meyer's testimony in Episode #193 provides an unfiltered glimpse into the clandestine operations of MACV-SOG during the Vietnam War. His candid recounting of missions, the psychological burden of combat, and his path to resilience offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the secret war's complexities and the enduring legacy of those who served.
Final Notable Quote:
"But thank you, sir. I appreciate that." – John Stryker Meyer ([246:58])
Note: The timestamps correspond to the transcript provided and may not align precisely with the actual podcast episode.