In this issue:
SOGCast
Untold stories of MAC-V SOG. Vietnam. The Secret War.
039: H.L. Serra – Knew SOG was Compromised in Cambodia
John Stryker Meyer, call sign—Tilt, interviews HL Serra, a Naval intelligence officer in Cambodia who knew SOG was compromised.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or other major podcast providers. Video episodes are available on our YouTube channel SOGCast playlist.
SEVEN DIRTY WARS… ONE COMBAT VETERAN/JOURNALIST
The Guerrilla Trilogy by Jim Morris
The Guerilla Trilogy should be required reading for every Special Forces soldier and is an essential read for anyone looking to gain insight into the realities of war. It is also perhaps the finest autobiographical work ever published about the experience of being a young American.
“Powerful…a first-class piece of work!”
— Bestselling author W.E.B. Griffen
WAR STORY, FIGHTING MEN, AND THE DEVIL’S SECRET NAME NOW AVAILABLE IN ONE EBOOK FOR THE FIRST TIME!
The January 2016 Sentinel included this informative article from long-time SFA Chapter 78 Secretary Gary Macnamara about his first combat tour — in the Dominican Republic in 1966, serving as a ‘new’ second lieutenant with the 82nd Airborne Division. He later served in Vietnam as a company commander in both the 1st Cavalry Division (Vietnam) and Special Forces. Read Gary’s member profile on this website to learn more about him.
Click to view or download
print edition (pdf)
ON THE COVER: A U.S. Special Operations Forces member conducts combat operations in support of Operation Resolute Support (RS) in East Afghanistan, April 2019. RS is a Nato-led mission to train, advise, and assist the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces and institutions. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jonathan Bryson)
Honor U.S. MACV-SOG with the Congressional Gold Medal
If you haven’t already done so, please sign this petition today! Any American citizen is qualified to sign this petition to support of the effort to honor these unsung heroes and see them receive the recognition they so rightfully deserve.
We need your help! If you’ve already signed, please share this petition on social media, email, or even by word of mouth!
Read and share Jack Murphy’s “The push has begun to have MACV-SOG awarded a Congressional Gold Medal” on Audacy.com. This article discusses the history of MACV-SOG, why this award has not been presented to them already, and what it would mean to the men and their families.
SFA Chapter 78
CHRISTMAS PARTY
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023
Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club, 1601 Bayside Dr, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
1400 Cocktail Hour • Program Start Time 1500
With Guest Speaker, Nils C. “Chris” Sorenson, Colonel, US Army, Retired
Featuring Palm Desert’s Premier Entertainer, Frank DiSalvo singing from the Great American Songbook!
Libations • Raffle • DJ and Dancing
COST: $40.00 per person, same for guests
Special Note: Members of C/1/19 $10 per person.
Please mail your check payable to SFA 78 no later than 12/3/22 to:
Santiago Corp, PO Box 11927, Santa Ana, CA 92711, Attn: Liz Rios
DRESS
Men: SFA Green Blazers, White Shirt with Regimental Tie, Dark or Gray Slacks, or Sport Coat with Tie
Ladies: Cocktail Attire
If you haven’t sent your check in before the December 3rd, please email your name and guest name to Chapter President Greg Horton at sgtpelon@gmail.com so he can have an accurate head count. Please make sure your check arrives on or before the 6th.
QUESTIONS??? Feel free to call or text Greg Horton (909) 762-8597 or send an email to sgtpelon@gmail.com
From the Editor:
A few years ago, I read Marc Yablonka’s delightful and informative book, Vietnam Bao Chi: Warriors of Word and Film, which was reviewed by Kenn Miller in the June 2019 Sentinel, about a broad swath of war reporters who covered the Vietnam War (including Jim Morris). After many entertaining pieces contributed to the Sentinel and elsewhere, Marc has teamed with Rick Frederickson to write a book focused on the AFVN radio network. You’ve undoubtedly heard of the famous “Good Morning Vietnam” greeting made famous by Adrian Kronauer (played by Robin Williams), but there was much more to the story, as eloquently described by our Jim Morris in his review.
In his article about Father James Carney, our Greg Walker brings clarity to more of the complexities of the fight to defeat the communist attempt to take over Central America and more in the 1980s. Though he was a Jesuit priest of long standing, James proclaimed himself a Christian Marxist and took up arms in Nicaragua and Honduras. As with so many things during those conflicts, there is a lot of disinformation to wade through to reach the truth. Greg is still actively bringing the truth to the light of day. You can even read a previous Sentinel article related to this story, also by Greg.
Next, you can sign the petition to honor SOG and then read about one of the multitude of dangerous missions carried out by our secret SOG warriors:
Our John Stryker Meyer shares a chapter from his SOG Chronicles, Volume 1. The book covers Operation Tailwind, a highly successful raid deep into Laos to help take pressure off a CIA operation that was in trouble. The bravery of SF Medic Mike Rose throughout this operation resulted in him receiving the Medal of Honor. This chapter highlights an important intelligence coup during the difficult operation. John also continues with his work on his SOGCAST podcast series. This podcast is available on most major providers. Links are included above and can also be found on the home page of this website.
Author Jim Morris’ new book is a trilogy of three of his books in one. Any one of these would be worth the price. His very personal perspective takes you right in to the action.
There are many places to gather facts for a timeline of U.S Army’s Special Operations Forces, but ARSOF has put together a succinct and authoritative history. It covers from psyops to the 160th SOAR, SF, Rangers, and more. It includes a lot of great photos as well as covering up to early 2020.
Please enjoy these, along with our chapter meeting pics and let us know if you have interesting SF stories to share, especially those that show experiences related to specific SF MOS’s.
How Miller
Sentinel Editor
SENTINEL Awards
- Awarded best Special Forces Association Monthly Newsletter at SFA National Convention June 2011 and 2014
- Awarded Golden Quill at SFA National Convention June 2015 and June 2016
- Best Newsletter Award for 2017 from Special Forces Association National Board of Directors at the International Convention in Fayetteville, NC
- Special Forces Association (SFA) Cross Arrow Award for Excellence, 2018, First Award Presented by SFA in this category
- The War Reporters Award, Presented by Alex Quade – (War Reporter and Film Producer) for Chapter 78 Sentinel’s Commitment documenting Special Forces History, July 2018
- The Golden Arrows for Excellence in Newsletters 2019 awarded by SFA National
- The Golden Arrows for Excellence in Newsletters 2020 awarded by SFA National
The Sentinel is published monthly by Special Forces Association Chapter 78, Southern California — art direction and design by Debra Holm, Dinwiddie Holm Graphics. The views, opinions and articles printed in this issue do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Army or the United States Special Operations Command, the Special Forces Association, or Special Forces Association Chapter 78. Please address any comments to the editor at sfachapter78@gmail.com.
[…] Sentinel. The monthly issue is now online. Articles cover several topics to include Operation Tailwind, book review of Hot Mics and TV Lights, SOGCast – stories of MAC-V SOG in Vietnam, Dominican Republic, review of The Guerrilla Trilogy by Jim Morris. https://www.specialforces78.com/chapter-78-newsletter-for-december-2023/ […]