Combat Story (Ep 19): John Stryker Meyer | SOG Operator & Team Leader | Green Beret | Author

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  • čas přidán 29. 06. 2024
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    John "Tilt" Stryker Meyer was a pioneer in the special operations community who served two tours as a MACV-SOG operator (what many might call the original Tier 1 unit) and team leader in Vietnam. John led small covert Spike Teams “across the fence” on clandestine operations into Laos and Cambodia in what many now refer to as the secret war in the Vietnam conflict.
    John shares what it was like joining this covert world, signing a 20 year secrecy agreement, and how the aircraft that brought him to his first FOB then loaded a small special ops team that was never heard from again.
    It was an ominous start, to say the least. In one unbelievable battle, John describes the enemy stacking dead bodies in an effort to get an elevated firing position on John’s team. In another, the enemy uses a tactic where they get so close to the U.S. positions that aircrews won’t be able to drop napalm rounds.
    John has three books that chronicle both his stories and those of his fellow SOG operators (listed below) and he’s been featured in various interviews, including several with Jocko Willink, and is currently building his own podcast with Jocko to tell the stories of other members of the SOG community (can't wait!). John and Jocko are also collaborating on a video game based on SOG missions.
    It’s amazing John lived through the experiences he shares with us and he’s a living testament to the courage so many showed in Vietnam.
    Books
    Across the Fence (tinyurl.com/8x6vmcx6)
    On the Ground (tinyurl.com/s4rh8n74)
    SOG Chronicles (tinyurl.com/ae3updt7)
    Interview with Jocko Willink (one of many)
    Episode 180 - • Jocko Podcast 180 w/ J...
    #MACV-SOG #Tier1 #SpecialOperations
    Show Notes
    0:00 - Intro
    3:53 - “Pushing things a little bit” as a kid. The book, The Green Berets (tinyurl.com/3af6sb6m) by Robin Moore influenced John’s decision to join Special Forces.
    6:21 - How an eye doctor changed John’s life trajectory and sent him from being a pilot to being a SOG operator.
    9:51 - Glad he missed the Korean War because it was so hard. Referenced Pork Chop Hill (www.imdb.com/title/tt0053183/).
    12:45 - John’s path from enlisting straight to Special Forces.
    14:57 - An “offer” to join the elite.
    16:55 - “We go to the safe house that night…” (Reference to MIKE Force en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIKE_Force and Project DELTA en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project...)
    22:55 - First “gut check” while flying in a South Vietnamese H-34 helicopter (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsk...) into his FOB. Spike Team Idaho gets on the helo as John gets off.
    27:11 - Description and composition of a “Spike Team” and the “One-Zero” call sign.
    31:20 - The mission set for John’s unit in Vietnam, starting with going across the fence.
    41:24 - The importance of Situational Awareness in combat.
    44:11 - First contact in Vietnam at “Echo 4” that includes hours-long firefights against an enemy stacking dead bodies, calling in danger close air strikes, and having shell casings from CAS burning your neck.
    55:55 - First confirmed kill.
    58:10 - What is a “Covey” in this war?
    59:46 - Carrying a grenade as a last resort to avoid being taken prisoner.
    1:02:10 - John shares his appreciation for the Vietnamese pilots who showed amazing bravery.
    1:07:55 - Blacking out while attached to a rope attached to a helicopter in flight.
    1:13:47 - The relationship with the indigenous forces.
    1:20:00 - Being so close to the enemy that they “touched” John’s boot in the middle of the night.
    1:22:07 - “The recon gods smiled on me.”
    1:23:44 - A Thanksgiving mission to find THREE NVA Divisions.
    1:32:25 - Did you ever return to Vietnam?
    1:36:05 - A Colonel became the reason John left SOG. It’s a great story of speaking truth to power but also so sad at the same time.
    1:42:57 - What did John carry for good luck?
    1:43:56 - Would you do it all again?
    1:46:34 - Exciting news for what John is working on now, including a new podcast hosted by John to interview other SOG members that Jocko will then share on his social media. Also a video game coming out based on SOG.

Komentáře • 264

  • @813infinityfilms123
    @813infinityfilms123 Před 3 lety +159

    God bless John "Tilt" Stryker Meyer! His writings on SOG influenced me to join US Army SF and the Unit!

    • @CombatStory
      @CombatStory  Před 3 lety +24

      Jack, were you SF and the Unit?

    • @blazegulizack
      @blazegulizack Před 3 lety +4

      So you are in delta force?

    • @Cool_boy258
      @Cool_boy258 Před 3 lety +3

      Good luck

    • @813infinityfilms123
      @813infinityfilms123 Před 3 lety +31

      @@CombatStory Yes, I was with 5th, 3rd SFG, SWC and the same squadron as Tom Satterly but before Mogadishu. (I think you interviewed him). I went thru OTC with Randy Shugart. However, I saw little action during military service.
      Consequently, I wouldn't be a good interview. I suggest interviewing Paul Howe, John Macejunas, Lee Van Arsdale, Norm Hooten. I'm not sure John would do it but the others are articulate and probably open to it.

    • @813infinityfilms123
      @813infinityfilms123 Před 3 lety +8

      @oscar robledo Hey Oscar! What was your military MOS? Did you also serve in the US government or work in private military?

  • @scorpio0281
    @scorpio0281 Před rokem +13

    01:14:39 can you imagine being 15 years old and running point with legends like this man? 🤯 The caliber of soldier that young man was molded into is mind boggling.

  • @doulos77
    @doulos77 Před 2 lety +4

    I'm just in complete awe of Tilt. Complete awe.

  • @miked.5089
    @miked.5089 Před 3 lety +96

    These stories make me sweat listening to them they’re so intense.There needs to be a movie about MACVSOG!!!

    • @Travvv94
      @Travvv94 Před 3 lety +7

      Made it into Call Of Duty Cold War

    • @MrSpartanRage
      @MrSpartanRage Před 3 lety +5

      In one of the Arma 3 DLC interviews, John said they've tried to get a MACV SOG movie - but they decided against it because of the hoops "Hollyweird," were trying to make them jump through.

    • @miked.5089
      @miked.5089 Před 3 lety +2

      @@MrSpartanRage Leave it to “Hollyweird” to screw up a great story.What a shame,would’ve been great

    • @mattburnett4185
      @mattburnett4185 Před 3 lety +1

      No, Tracers from a spectre gatling cannon would look too much like star wars,
      It would look fake
      www.historynet.com/strange-gunship-operations-in-the-vietnam-war.htm

    • @mattburnett4185
      @mattburnett4185 Před 2 lety +5

      Check out "the odd angry shot",
      That is as close as it comes,
      Don't expect action, it's more of a low budget drama/comedy
      +John Jarratt (wolf creek)
      Bryan Brown
      Graham Kennedy
      John Hargeaves
      all great actors!

  • @jj-nh8lz
    @jj-nh8lz Před rokem +8

    Imagine the discipline and bravery of the NVA soldiers in getting up close to his team and taking the “death from above”from the close air support. Bravery on both sides

  • @Ripper7620
    @Ripper7620 Před 3 lety +36

    @Combat Story, Thank you for getting John Stryker Meyer on, your interview was top notch. My favorite thing about John is not just what he has done in the past, but rather, what he continues to do now. He is a national treasure.

  • @gunfreak9mm
    @gunfreak9mm Před 3 lety +22

    As a former Seabee I enjoy listening to my fellow veterans and helping them at the VA where I work. Thank you for your service brothers.

    • @cavscout62
      @cavscout62 Před 2 lety +1

      Thank You for putting up with the “system” that is the VA to help us!

  • @jerrytoler9789
    @jerrytoler9789 Před 3 lety +45

    I have always enjoy John's interviews. I can't wait to hear his podcasts with other SOG members. His podcasts with Jocko are excellent and come highly recommended.

  • @RCSkunkWorX
    @RCSkunkWorX Před 3 lety +6

    William Waugh (born December 1, 1929) is a former United States Army Special Forces soldier and Central Intelligence Agency paramilitary operations officer who served more than 50 years between the U.S. Army's Green Berets and the CIA's Special Activities Division (renamed Special Activities Center in 2016
    Waugh enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948, completing basic training at Fort Ord, California, in August of that year. He was accepted into the United States Army Airborne School and became airborne qualified in December 1948. In April 1951, Waugh was assigned to the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team (RCT) in Korea.
    Shortly after the end of the Korean War, Waugh met two Special Forces members on a train in Germany, they informed him of openings for Platoon sergeants, shortly after he requested a transfer. He began training for the Special Forces. He earned the Green Beret in 1954, joining the 10th Special Forces Group (SFG) in Bad Tölz, West Germany.
    As U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War increased, the United States began deploying Special Forces "A-teams" (Operational Detachment Alpha, or ODA, teams) to Southeast Asia in support of counterinsurgency operations against the Viet Cong, North Vietnamese and other Communist forces. Waugh arrived in South Vietnam with his ODA in 1961, and began working alongside Civilian Irregular Defense Groups (CIDGs) there, as well as in Laos.
    In 1965, while participating in a commando raid with his CIDG unit on a North Vietnamese Army encampment near Bong Son, Binh Dinh province, Waugh's unit found itself engaged with much larger enemy force than anticipated. Expecting only a few hundred NVA, it was discovered that a force of Chinese regulars had joined the NVA Elite; combining for almost 4,000 soldiers. While he and his men attempted to retreat from the battle, Waugh received numerous severe wounds to his head and legs. Unconscious, he was taken for dead by NVA soldiers and left alone. Despite his injuries, with the assistance of his teammates Waugh was safely evacuated from the combat zone. He spent much of 1965 and 1966 recuperating at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C., eventually returning to duty with 5th Special Forces Group in 1966. He received a Silver Star and a Purple Heart (His 6th) for the battle of Bong Son.
    At this time Waugh joined the Military Assistance Command-Vietnam Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG). While working for SOG, Waugh helped train Vietnamese and Cambodian forces in unconventional warfare tactics primarily directed against the North Vietnamese Army operating along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
    Prior to retirement from U.S. Army Special Forces service, Waugh was senior NCO (non-commissioned officer) of MACV-SOG's Command & Control North (CCN) based at Marble Mountain on the South China Sea shore a few miles south of Da Nang, Vietnam. Waugh held this Command Sergeant Major role during the covert unit's transition and name change to Task Force One Advisory Element (TF1AE). SGM Waugh conducted the first combat High Altitude, Low Opening (HALO) jump, a parachuting maneuver designed for rapid, undetected insertion into hostile territory. In October 1970, his team made a practice Combat Infiltration into the NVA owned War Zone D, in South Vietnam, for reassembly training, etc. Waugh also led the last combat Special reconnaissance parachute insertion by American Army Special Forces HALO parachutists into denied territory which was occupied by communist North Vietnamese Army (NVA) troops on June 22, 1971.
    Waugh retired from active military duty at the rank of Sergeant Major (E-9) on February 1, 1972.
    Prior to retirement, Waugh worked for the CIA's elite Special Activities Division, starting in 1961. After Waugh retired from the military, he worked for the United States Postal Service until he accepted an offer in 1977 from ex-CIA officer Edwin P. Wilson to work in Libya on a contract to train that country's special forces. This was not an Agency-endorsed assignment and Waugh might have found himself in trouble with U.S. authorities if it weren't for the fact that he was also approached by the CIA to work for the Agency while in Libya. The CIA tasked him with surveilling Libyan military installations and capabilities - this was of great interest to U.S. intelligence as Libya was receiving substantial military assistance from the Soviet Union at the time. This additional assignment quite possibly protected Waugh from prosecution after Wilson was later indicted and convicted in 1979 for illegally selling weapons to Libya.
    In the 1980s he was assigned to the Kwajalein Missile Range in the Marshall Islands to track Soviet small boat teams (Naval Spetsnaz: Dolfin) operating in the area and prevent them from stealing U.S. missile technology. Some of his more critical assignments took place in Khartoum, Sudan during the early 1990s, where he performed surveillance and intelligence gathering on terrorist leaders Carlos the Jackal and Osama bin Laden with Cofer Black.
    At the age of 71, Waugh participated in Operation Enduring Freedom as a member of the CIA team led by Gary Schroen that went into Afghanistan to work with the Northern Alliance to topple the Taliban regime and Al Qaeda at the Battle of Tora Bora. Waugh was in-country from October to December 2001. Waugh spent many years being both a "Blue Badger" (employee) and a "Green Badger" (contractor). He continues to work as a "Green Badger". It is unknown how many missions Waugh was involved in during his career.
    In 1985, Waugh was again requested by the CIA for clandestine work. Before he took the offer, he decided to further his education, earning bachelor's degrees in Business and Police Science from Wayland Baptist University in 1987. He also earned a master's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a specialization in criminal justice administration (MSCJA) in 1988 from Texas State University (formerly Southwest Texas State), in San Marcos, TX.
    Awards and decorations
    Combat Infantryman Badge (two awards)
    (United States)
    Master Parachutist Badge
    US Military Master Freefall Parachutist Badge with gold Combat Jump Device
    Military Freefall Jumpmaster Badge with gold combat jump star (5 or more combat jumps).
    Silver Star x 8
    Legion of Merit
    Bronze oak leaf clusterBronze oak leaf clusterBronze oak leaf cluster Bronze Star with three oak leaf clusters
    Silver oak leaf clusterBronze oak leaf clusterBronze oak leaf cluster Purple Heart with seven oak leaf clusters
    Air Medal
    VBronze oak leaf clusterBronze oak leaf clusterBronze oak leaf cluster Army Commendation Medal with valor device and three oak leaf clusters
    Bronze oak leaf cluster Presidential Unit Citation (United States) with olc (one award in 2001, Studies and Observations Group)
    Good Conduct Medal (7 awards)
    Army of Occupation Medal
    Bronze star National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star
    Bronze starBronze starBronze star Korean Service Medal with three campaign stars
    Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
    ArrowheadSilver starBronze star Vietnam Service Medal with Arrowhead device and six service stars
    Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
    Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
    Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation
    Civil Action Unit Citation
    Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal Unit Citation
    United Nations Service Medal (Korea)
    Vietnam Campaign Medal
    Republic of Korea War Service Medal
    7 Service stripes.

  • @reggierico
    @reggierico Před rokem +6

    By my calculations, John is around 76 years old now. I find it amazing just how articulate and quick he still is at this point in his life. I flew with an ex SOG guy who talked about a (failed) POW attempted grab mission that ended with them being compromised and running to the extraction point several klicks away. BTW He carried a hammerless S&W revolver in an ankle holster under his flight suit.

  • @michaelfuller2378
    @michaelfuller2378 Před 2 lety +4

    You make the Big Green Machine proud Tilt!

  • @brianvasquez4484
    @brianvasquez4484 Před 2 lety +4

    I read across the fence in one sitting. I didn't get up to piss, eat, talk to my girl nothing. I sat there smoking cigs in complete disbelief at the size of the sack on those MACV SOG boys. Unbelievable. All of them should be awarded the Medal of Honor. The fact only a few have
    is a damn shame.

  • @americanwarrior7253
    @americanwarrior7253 Před 2 lety +4

    I was fortunate to have been born and raised literally 5 miles from FtBragg .I've met guys like Tilt,and Johnny McIntyre, and can I tell you that my Heroes wear dogtags,I was fortunate to hear the stories and Recieve training from these guys.I will never be able to repay my gratitude and thanks for these O.G.'s.True Warriors, Heroes.Love my Vietnam Veterans.

  • @rg7628
    @rg7628 Před 2 lety +8

    John Stryker Meyer is truly a national treasure. His stories and the stories of his fellow soldiers are a part of history that is essential to be shared and remembered. I love being able to hear the stories he has been able to share with us with his various podcasts and books. His historical storytelling is a gift to us all.

  • @eklypised
    @eklypised Před rokem +2

    The SOG missions were the craziest in Vietnam.

  • @pauldorfman701
    @pauldorfman701 Před rokem +8

    John I’ve tried to find every podcast you’ve done. I’ve listened to them more than once. I’ve also read your books. Guys like you are what makes America so great! I’m not ex military but I’m drawn to reading and listening to all of your stories. You did us all a great service!

  • @tomroberts9794
    @tomroberts9794 Před 3 lety +11

    John is a fountainhead of extraordinary combat stories. God bless him.

  • @richardbowles7690
    @richardbowles7690 Před 3 lety +14

    Thanks for helping others hear important stories told with pride and candor. Need more.

  • @AmyForsythe
    @AmyForsythe Před 3 lety +9

    Tilt is an American treasure...So glad you captured his story for others to learn from...🇺🇸💯✅💙

  • @ericgauthier8695
    @ericgauthier8695 Před 3 lety +7

    Now why is there NOT A FILM DONE about this man ?? ... I would DEFINITELY BUY THE TICKETS TO SEE IT

  • @donpizzo8963
    @donpizzo8963 Před 3 lety +9

    Great hit Ryan- My favorite Viet Nam History- SOG

  • @Thamb0
    @Thamb0 Před 3 lety +11

    I just about finished reading his book and then this popped up on my recommendations. Great timing!!

    • @mrcollier4829
      @mrcollier4829 Před 3 lety +1

      Algorithms listening to you 24/7 w your own mic 😬

  • @milmex317th
    @milmex317th Před měsícem

    John I feel fortunate to listen to your stories and great podcasts with jacko

  • @georgecoull1883
    @georgecoull1883 Před 2 lety +2

    I was obsessed with the Vietnam war growing up, I can't believe the way hero's were treated back then! I'm glad people like you and Jocko are letting them finally open up about and get the honor they most definitely deserve! Thank you Ryan I'm super happy I found this today

  • @cavscout62
    @cavscout62 Před 2 lety +2

    Tilt, Spyder Parks, The Frenchman, Bear Mayfield, etc.. these guys from the Korean and Vietnam era make all who came after look like Posers. My Pop flew with 2 units in the Vietnam era that are still classified as far as I know and I’m sure he and Tilt & Company chewed some of the same ground. All these/those Men are in a Class all their own and for a multitude of reasons will never be seen again much less equaled. Airborne!

  • @Chrisamos412
    @Chrisamos412 Před 2 lety +3

    It’s just hard for me to imagine this level of intense combat, for twelve + months, amazing.
    And Ryan, your interviewing is fantastic, you keep things moving beautifully and ask questions where the momentum of the interview continues the pace without a hiccup, much appreciated.

  • @rogercrouch5866
    @rogercrouch5866 Před 2 lety +2

    I figured that know if anyone will ever see this ! But I wish I would have . My heart and memory has me writing to say thank you for your service Sir and what you said . My father was a Korean war vet that finally got help when he was 68 years old for what he went through in Korea about the things he went through there . Was happy to hear what you said !

  • @skoolerb8779
    @skoolerb8779 Před 3 lety +12

    His books are amazing! This interview is great!

    • @jonness8927
      @jonness8927 Před 3 lety +1

      Mathew Brennan has some great reading also. He spent 2 years with a 1st Cav blue team and saw a lot of combat up close and personal in 65-67. Doc Norton navy corpsman who became a team leader for Marine Recon is also great reading. Craig Jorgenson also was with a 1st Cav Blue team and saw a lot of combat and is a great writer.

  • @ashleycrashdissinger8021
    @ashleycrashdissinger8021 Před 2 lety +3

    Thank you John for sharing!
    Thank you Ryan for the platform and all the work involved!
    Most of all Thank you-and all who served-for your service!
    🇺🇸 Welcome Home! 🇺🇸

  • @mr.banker6612
    @mr.banker6612 Před 2 lety +2

    I’ve never had much of an imagination but John Stryker Meyer makes me feel like I am right there with him, on the ground, in Laos and Cambodia.

  • @richardhopwood5654
    @richardhopwood5654 Před 3 lety +32

    Jocko and Tilt working on a video game together? Sign me up!!
    Also, I’m really enjoying your podcasts. There’s a lot of great stuff out there in the same genre. I think yours is a cut above, keep it up!

    • @queasyislander0274
      @queasyislander0274 Před 3 lety +3

      Can’t wait for that game to come out

    • @austinschingen7831
      @austinschingen7831 Před 3 lety +2

      Does anyone have info about it? I can’t find anything anywhere

    • @MrVaher
      @MrVaher Před 3 lety +5

      @@queasyislander0274 Its an ARMA 3 DLC: Prairie Fire.

    • @nicolaspace1182
      @nicolaspace1182 Před 2 lety

      @@queasyislander0274 its out. Have to buy Arma 3, and then the CDLC (community downloadable content that is paid) SOG Prairie Fire.

  • @mrshoashe
    @mrshoashe Před rokem +1

    Classic! I started listening to Mr Myer’s SOGCASTs first! I’ve been listening to interviews when possible for a year or so and his was the first time I heard interviews BY a serviceman. It takes the interviews to a deeper level and when it’s only one or two hours for an individual it’s important to make the most of it. Bloody love your work

  • @destinramsey2192
    @destinramsey2192 Před 2 lety +2

    John is a HERO, definitely my personal hero, and a hero to America. I’ve read 2/3 of his books and about to start the last one. What these men did, what they saw, the odds against them always…I just don’t think you can fully describe how courageous and brave and smart and deadly these men actually were

  • @bobburch5370
    @bobburch5370 Před 3 lety +3

    I've read everything I can find on SOG and can't understand how these stories haven't been produced in film. Netflix are you listening? R rated for sure!

  • @GUNSHIPFLEX
    @GUNSHIPFLEX Před 2 lety +1

    Mr Meyer is a national treasure. So thankful he wrote these books and Jocko who gave him a platform to reach a larger audience. Just awesome stuff

  • @charlesdonnally3135
    @charlesdonnally3135 Před 2 lety +1

    My Uncle,Rex Jaco served with John Plaster on RT California the stories he told me ,what brave men thanks John for your servive

  • @gar50172
    @gar50172 Před 2 lety +1

    This is what I think of when I think special forces. Thank you for everything

  • @joycecogdill9797
    @joycecogdill9797 Před 4 měsíci +1

    Such a great interview!! I've heard your name many times listening to other interviews!!! So glad you made it home!! Thank you for sharing, for serving and welcome home!!!💓

  • @benyoung552
    @benyoung552 Před 3 lety +13

    Yeeeessss!!! Was hoping you'd bring Tilt on here!!!! So glad you did... I just re-watched all the MACV-SOG episodes on Jocko for the 5th or 6th time. Lol. Literally, just finished up about 2 hours ago. 😆 But this is awesome getting to hear Tilt on a different podcast... And especially this podcast in particular!!!

  • @spencerlucas3065
    @spencerlucas3065 Před rokem +1

    Awesome Stories!
    Thanks For Your Service!

  • @dennisalberto3586
    @dennisalberto3586 Před 3 lety +1

    You gotta love the way tilt laughs lol, what a Legend.. nothing but huge respect and admiration for this gentlemen! Thank you for your service Sir.

  • @almac4951
    @almac4951 Před 2 lety +2

    WOW!!! What a great storyteller !!how is this guy still alive?

  • @shancampbell-gi2fe
    @shancampbell-gi2fe Před 2 měsíci

    GE "we bring good things to life" love thier symbol!

  • @rawblow4512
    @rawblow4512 Před 3 lety +1

    Loving all these war stories, i miss my grandfather’s stories about his battles in WW2 with 7th Armored Div. Some amazing souviners he came home with including a drawing booklet he pulled off a deceased german that he had killed, it still has coffee and blood stains on it to this day! Many great stories and many pictures came home with him!

  • @gypsyfirefly8009
    @gypsyfirefly8009 Před 3 lety +2

    So glad to find your channel! Fascinating to hear anything from Tilt. Respect 🙏🏽

  • @rueridge7597
    @rueridge7597 Před 3 lety +5

    Bunch of great stories. But the Johns( Tilt Myers & Shrek McPhee) are far and away the best. Love your channel and hat tip for allowing great warriors to recall and share funny, harrowing, and tragic history.

    • @davewylie654
      @davewylie654 Před 2 lety +1

      Agreed!! Shrek is a trip for real. He is case and point why I tell people to be careful with the road rage or being chesty in a bar. You never know who the dude you are fucking with may be.

  • @johne.stinson9759
    @johne.stinson9759 Před rokem +1

    Wonderful preservation of history from a great American...!! God bless you both. Welcome to the GREAT state of Tennessee John...

  • @britgerus4503
    @britgerus4503 Před 3 měsíci

    Ryan,
    Once again, yet another truly great interview
    Cheers
    Glenn

  • @sprintcarracing50
    @sprintcarracing50 Před 3 lety +7

    Great interview! I’ve been waiting for this one.

  • @georgemacdonell2341
    @georgemacdonell2341 Před 2 lety +1

    Outstanding, a sogcast. Just what this country needs to be reminded of where it came from, what it was, what it is, what it always will be. oorah amen.

  • @836dmar
    @836dmar Před 2 lety

    Very well done, Ryan. Thank you, John, for sharing your experiences fighting for this great country.

  • @shieldsg.8021
    @shieldsg.8021 Před 3 lety +1

    Incredible show, he has such a great story. And a wonderful book. What a ledgend. Look forward to his future work.

  • @markmanleyH2Oactivity
    @markmanleyH2Oactivity Před rokem +1

    Ryan Fugit. . . . . . . . Excellent interviewing. I HOPE that many of you ex-service personnel. Can Network TOGETHER [better] and combine your skills with 3 types of "soldiers" that come back from combat. *1 Some go on to be motivational speakers. *2 Many are traumatised and can not get Work. *3 While others return with "survivor's guilt" and feel that they do not deserve to be anywhere but the STREETS !!!

  • @Swab209
    @Swab209 Před 2 lety +1

    This is seriously the best one I've heard yet!! Amazing story and a man of steal. There was multiple points during this where my jaw dropped and I was in disbelief. I enjoyed this one very much

  • @TheRendar
    @TheRendar Před 3 lety +3

    epic! complete legend. thank you for that episode . keep up the great show!

  • @jonnyboy4749
    @jonnyboy4749 Před 5 měsíci

    Hey Ryan, great work here, these podcasts and the people you interview are incredible and what we come expect from these specialists, this is coming from a former British Royal Marine Commando, ex contractor with 10 years in Iraq from 03, and time in Afghan, in some cases working alone. Keep up the incredible work, Jonny S.

  • @chancehardcastle4875
    @chancehardcastle4875 Před 3 lety +7

    Can say I will definitely be purchasing that video game. Awesome podcast!

  • @markmessier1752
    @markmessier1752 Před 2 lety +1

    This should be talked about more often.

  • @thegapinglotusexperience1251

    One of my good buddies looks like John - Freaky like him. He was born January 1970 in NC to a lady named Patricia S. I never thought he looked like his dad and when I saw John's face my jaw dropped.

  • @gabetalley2172
    @gabetalley2172 Před 3 lety +3

    Awesome interview. Another good veteran you should consider interviewing is Joe Cordileone. He was a Marine in Vietnam who received the silver star and Purple Heart. He overcame many personal demons and became a lawyer and now helps to mentor vets through veterans court 👍 I can personally attest to him helping get my life back on track.

  • @andrewt.5567
    @andrewt.5567 Před 2 lety

    This war was long before my time, but still....thank you for everything you had to do and go through over there.

  • @Super64heavy
    @Super64heavy Před 3 lety +1

    Ryan, thanks for doing these interviews they are amazing! God bless these Warriors.

  • @dannylong1027
    @dannylong1027 Před 3 lety

    You men are Awesome, thank you both for your service .

  • @budgibson185
    @budgibson185 Před 3 lety +3

    So glad he has his own podcast coming out

  • @detroit313vlogs7
    @detroit313vlogs7 Před 3 lety +3

    Great interviews. Thank you 🙏

  • @rupben01
    @rupben01 Před 3 lety

    Thanks for sharing this.. It was a great recollection and history.
    Thanks for the service you gave .

  • @mhsvz6735
    @mhsvz6735 Před rokem +1

    What an incredible soldier, truly a Man among men.

  • @gcoffey223
    @gcoffey223 Před 3 lety +2

    My favorite thing about Meyer?? His laugh is so contagious

    • @boabie1463
      @boabie1463 Před 2 lety

      Yeah man i listened to all the John Mayer ones on the road just because of this. I’d laugh every time he did 😂

  • @jonness8927
    @jonness8927 Před 3 lety

    Lucky man to have had so many experienced teammates ( little guys, and pilots included) around him during his tours in SOG. Those guys were the Best of the Best but it also took a lot of luck to survive what they went though. Excellent interview.

  • @thad5466
    @thad5466 Před 3 lety

    Glad to hear from you again, Tilt.

  • @upkpoxer
    @upkpoxer Před 3 lety +1

    Thanks for sharing! Stay safe!

  • @lukemclaughlin7704
    @lukemclaughlin7704 Před 3 lety

    Great podcast. Truly can’t get enough stories of pure heroism

  • @upnorthoffcuts929
    @upnorthoffcuts929 Před 2 lety +1

    Great podcast. I've read his books and I am anticipating Chronicles II to come out. Thanks for the great work and thanks for your service. God bless.

  • @andrewwatts3204
    @andrewwatts3204 Před rokem +1

    Thanks so much for your service and professional services it’s men like you that makes the difference for our freedom that most people take for granted 👍

  • @perryhuddleston4813
    @perryhuddleston4813 Před 2 lety

    Thank you all for your services.

  • @stc611
    @stc611 Před 2 lety

    The courage of this man just incredible

  • @sheilalarkin1291
    @sheilalarkin1291 Před 2 lety

    Hey John, welcome back to the world. Thank you for your service and for not letting the American people
    forget our Vietnam Veterans.

  • @VPXM2012
    @VPXM2012 Před 3 lety

    Thank you Ryan, for these videos.

  • @johnnym4400
    @johnnym4400 Před 3 lety

    I absolutely fucking love John "Stryker" Meyer!! To do what those guys did then without half of the equipment that our guys have today is unfathomable.. The guys from World War I & ll, Korea, Vietnam were a special breed. I'm so happy to see "Tilt" getting his recognition, along with all his other team mates that are still with us, they're just warriors in every sense of the word. God Bless you Mr. Meyer, you're a GREAT American, and THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!! And thank you Ryan for doing what you did for our country as well!!!! 🇺🇲💪🏽🇺🇲💪🏽🇺🇲💪🏽🇺🇲

  • @megazswordburdonius2705
    @megazswordburdonius2705 Před 3 lety +6

    This is awesome, love Tilt! It would be cool to see Nick Brokhausen on the pod! His books on MACVSOG are intense but funny and I only know of one interview on YT he's done so it would be cool to see more of him. Great show!

    • @CombatStory
      @CombatStory  Před 3 lety +4

      Really appreciate it! I'll see if I can find Nick.

  • @ThePete2432
    @ThePete2432 Před 3 lety +2

    My heart sinks when he talks about those green berets who got on the helo after he got off and we’re never seen again

  • @davidhamilton7628
    @davidhamilton7628 Před 3 lety

    Tennessee is proud to have you sir

  • @rawblow4512
    @rawblow4512 Před 3 lety +1

    It truly amazes me hearing combat stories and in the back of my mind, wondering how these hero’s made it out of their alive and return home to tell all! The stories my Grandfather told about landing on the beach and making it thru the battle of the bulge, in the Ardennes.

    • @jonness8927
      @jonness8927 Před 3 lety

      My great uncle landed at Anzio beach in Italy during WWII. Had his backpack blown off his back there. Ended up walking from Italy all the way to Germany. I guess his unit still holds the record for most consecutive days in combat?

  • @donnieb342000
    @donnieb342000 Před 3 lety

    My hat goes off to you sir (I'm 47 and don't call many folks sir) , you are a true American Hero . Your family MUST be VERY PROUD to call you family . God Bless You AND God Bless America !!! What a gentleman !

  • @nicholashutchinson40
    @nicholashutchinson40 Před 3 lety

    This channel has become my new favorite way to kill time. Keep up the great work!

  • @GWGoin
    @GWGoin Před 3 lety

    My uncle was a Sargent on a dog tracking team ...in Vietnam. I have so much respect for his service ..and i remind him ,every time i see him

  • @lenwenzel7440
    @lenwenzel7440 Před 3 lety +4

    Great interview, with a great guest!
    I love the books, I have all three and I'm patiently awaiting the fourth. At this point I can't help wondering if it's close to being finished? I know John has a lot going on preparing podcasts, his website, his veterans association, etc. Still it would be good to know if a book is coming anytime soon.

  • @BadActor-
    @BadActor- Před 3 lety +1

    Great Show... Thanks.... Semper Fi GB

  • @redskyatnight123
    @redskyatnight123 Před 3 lety +1

    Another great episode man thanx ,1 RAR UK

  • @Mosey410
    @Mosey410 Před 2 lety

    I love Tilt , so glad he picked up the torch on telling the story of SOG and the men that fought and died . Read all his books and damn near all those related to SOG. I hope one day we get to here from Sal or Hiep .

  • @mikebrown4058
    @mikebrown4058 Před 3 lety +5

    Your Content is Top Notch. Much Appreciation from Maine

    • @CombatStory
      @CombatStory  Před 3 lety +1

      I really appreciate it and thanks for the support!

    • @benyoung552
      @benyoung552 Před 3 lety +1

      That's a fact..... And Tilts a phenomenal legend of a guest!!!

  • @thereadingstack7610
    @thereadingstack7610 Před 3 lety +3

    Fantastic interview!

  • @j-wil1964
    @j-wil1964 Před 3 lety

    God bless all the men of SOG. UNSUNG HEROES!

  • @dawnoceanside7300
    @dawnoceanside7300 Před 2 lety +1

    My brother, Robert O'Brien was 82nd, 5th sf, Laos and Cambodia. 🇺🇸❤️

  • @andrewvogel5344
    @andrewvogel5344 Před rokem +1

    How great is this dude's name. His middle name is the most gigachad middle name a man can have.

  • @beerranger4423
    @beerranger4423 Před 3 lety

    This dude is a legend. Trenton used to be such a beautiful city too, it’s a dump now unfortunately. I grew up about 25mins south of there.

  • @Zay13378
    @Zay13378 Před 3 lety +3

    Amazing show, would love to learn about your experience one day, until then enjoying each episode.

    • @CombatStory
      @CombatStory  Před 3 lety +8

      Thanks very much. Funny you should ask because I'm booked for an interview next month. More to come! Really appreciate your support.

    • @benyoung552
      @benyoung552 Před 3 lety +3

      @@CombatStory What channel can we see your interview on? Was really hoping to hear you say this one day and can't wait to see it...

  • @chrisculley3756
    @chrisculley3756 Před 3 lety +6

    Good Lord man you are getting some f****** pipe hitters on your show I had listen to John on jacko's podcast but man I got to tell you you were just lining em up bro. One pipe hitter after the next

  • @sigspearthumb3249
    @sigspearthumb3249 Před rokem +2

    I know he's probably too old to be doing something like this, but I'd love to see an in-depth, long-form interview with Billy Waugh.

  • @blakekenley1000
    @blakekenley1000 Před rokem

    Came over after listening to 13 of 14 SOGCASTs. Eager to hear this man's story