📖 Overview
John Stryker Meyer served as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army Special Forces during the Vietnam War, where he was part of a highly classified unit known as Special Operations Group (SOG). His experiences during covert operations behind enemy lines in Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam became the foundation for his later work as a military author.
Following his military service, Meyer documented his wartime experiences in several books, most notably "Across The Fence: The Secret War in Vietnam" and "On The Ground: The Secret War in Vietnam." These works provide detailed firsthand accounts of SOG operations and have become important historical records of covert military activities during the Vietnam conflict.
Meyer has continued to contribute to military history through his writing, interviews, and participation in documentaries about Special Forces operations. His work has been referenced in various military studies and historical examinations of unconventional warfare tactics used during the Vietnam War.
Beyond his writing career, Meyer spent over 30 years as a journalist and newspaper editor, during which he won several journalism awards. He remains active in veterans' organizations and continues to speak about his military experiences and the role of Special Forces in modern warfare.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently praise Meyer's detailed, matter-of-fact accounts of Special Forces operations. Many note his straightforward writing style that conveys complex military operations in clear terms. Combat veterans frequently comment on the accuracy and authenticity of his descriptions.
What readers liked:
- First-hand perspective of classified operations
- Technical detail about weapons, tactics, and procedures
- Personal stories about fellow soldiers
- Historical context and documentation
What readers disliked:
- Some found the technical military terminology challenging
- A few mentioned wanting more background information about SOG
- Limited coverage of certain operations/time periods
Ratings across platforms:
Amazon: "Across The Fence" - 4.7/5 (1,200+ reviews)
Goodreads: "Across The Fence" - 4.4/5 (900+ ratings)
Amazon: "On The Ground" - 4.8/5 (400+ reviews)
Sample reader comment: "Meyer tells it exactly as it happened without embellishment or ego. His matter-of-fact style makes the incredible nature of these missions even more impactful." - Amazon reviewer
📚 Books by John Stryker Meyer
Across The Fence: The Secret War in Vietnam (1986)
First-hand account of Meyer's experiences as a Green Beret running covert operations with SOG teams in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
On The Ground: The Secret War in Vietnam (2007) Collection of personal stories from multiple SOG veterans about their classified missions during the Vietnam War.
SOG Chronicles: Volume One (2017) Compilation of interviews and accounts from Special Operations Group personnel who conducted covert operations in Southeast Asia.
SOG Chronicles: Volume Two (2020) Continuation of SOG veterans' stories, focusing on previously untold missions and operations from the secret war in Vietnam.
When Sunday Comes Again (2020) Personal narrative of a SOG recon team's experiences during high-risk missions across enemy lines in Southeast Asia.
Across The Fence: Legacy (2022) Detailed examination of SOG missions and their lasting impact on modern special operations warfare.
On The Ground: The Secret War in Vietnam (2007) Collection of personal stories from multiple SOG veterans about their classified missions during the Vietnam War.
SOG Chronicles: Volume One (2017) Compilation of interviews and accounts from Special Operations Group personnel who conducted covert operations in Southeast Asia.
SOG Chronicles: Volume Two (2020) Continuation of SOG veterans' stories, focusing on previously untold missions and operations from the secret war in Vietnam.
When Sunday Comes Again (2020) Personal narrative of a SOG recon team's experiences during high-risk missions across enemy lines in Southeast Asia.
Across The Fence: Legacy (2022) Detailed examination of SOG missions and their lasting impact on modern special operations warfare.
👥 Similar authors
Gary Linderer conducted long-range reconnaissance in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division and wrote multiple books about his combat experiences. His books focus on small unit operations behind enemy lines during the same era as Meyer's service.
Larry Chambers served in SOG like Meyer and wrote about his experiences running covert operations in Laos and Cambodia. He provides first-hand accounts of classified missions and helicopter operations during the Vietnam War.
Major John L. Plaster was a SOG veteran who documented the unit's secret operations and tactics in several historical works. He served in the same organization as Meyer and wrote comprehensive accounts of SOG's missions across Southeast Asia.
Richard Meadows operated in SOG and later became a key figure in U.S. Special Operations, writing about covert missions in Southeast Asia. His books cover both Vietnam-era reconnaissance operations and the evolution of special operations forces.
James E. Parker Jr. led reconnaissance teams in Vietnam and wrote about small unit combat operations. His works focus on covert team insertions and surveillance missions similar to those conducted by Meyer's unit.
Larry Chambers served in SOG like Meyer and wrote about his experiences running covert operations in Laos and Cambodia. He provides first-hand accounts of classified missions and helicopter operations during the Vietnam War.
Major John L. Plaster was a SOG veteran who documented the unit's secret operations and tactics in several historical works. He served in the same organization as Meyer and wrote comprehensive accounts of SOG's missions across Southeast Asia.
Richard Meadows operated in SOG and later became a key figure in U.S. Special Operations, writing about covert missions in Southeast Asia. His books cover both Vietnam-era reconnaissance operations and the evolution of special operations forces.
James E. Parker Jr. led reconnaissance teams in Vietnam and wrote about small unit combat operations. His works focus on covert team insertions and surveillance missions similar to those conducted by Meyer's unit.