Secret Commandos

Secret Commandos chronicles John L. Plaster's experiences as a member of MACV-SOG, a classified special operations unit during the Vietnam War. The book covers his multiple tours of duty conducting covert missions in Laos, Cambodia, and North Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. The narrative details the tactics, equipment, and operational methods of these elite soldiers who worked in small teams deep behind enemy lines. Plaster recounts the unit's reconnaissance missions, prisoner rescue attempts, and combat engagements while operating outside the boundaries of conventional warfare. The author presents firsthand accounts of the relationships between American Special Forces operators and their indigenous team members. The text includes descriptions of the training, planning, and execution of missions that remained classified for decades after the war. This memoir examines themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the complex moral landscape of conducting secret operations during wartime. The book stands as both a historical record and a testament to the bonds formed between soldiers in extreme circumstances.

Readers call this a fast-paced firsthand account of SOG operations in Vietnam, with detailed descriptions of covert missions and the men who conducted them. Positives: - Clear writing that brings missions to life - Balanced mix of tactical details and human stories - Comprehensive look at SOG's role and impact - Personal insights into team dynamics and leadership Negatives: - Some readers wanted more maps and photos - A few note the writing can be dry in technical sections - Occasional jumps in timeline caused confusion Ratings: Goodreads: 4.32/5 (391 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (428 ratings) Reader quote: "Plaster puts you right there with the teams, in the jungle and under fire. The level of detail is incredible without getting bogged down." - Amazon review "The missions described seem almost impossible to believe, but Plaster's matter-of-fact style and thorough research validate every account." - Goodreads review

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🎖️ Author John L. Plaster served in the classified Military Assistance Command, Vietnam - Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG), conducting covert operations during the Vietnam War. ⚔️ SOG commandos operated deep behind enemy lines with casualty rates exceeding 100%, meaning that statistically every member was either killed or wounded - often multiple times. 🗺️ The missions described in the book took place in supposedly "neutral" countries like Laos and Cambodia, where U.S. forces officially weren't supposed to be operating. 📚 Plaster waited over 25 years to write this book, as many of the operations remained classified until the 1990s. 🏅 The author earned three Purple Hearts during his service and later became a renowned military marksmanship instructor and sniper expert.