John Stryker Meyer and the Secret War in Vietnam - Danger Close with Jack Carr
Today’s guest is John Stryker “Tilt” Meyer.
He is an author, reporter, and U.S. Army Special Forces combat veteran.
John enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1966 and became a Green Beret in 1967. He specialized in covert reconnaissance and served two tours of duty with the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam-Studies and Observation Group (MACV-SOG).
He received several awards and decorations for his service, including a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars with “V” devices for valor.
Today, the former Green Beret is known for his books about his experiences in the Vietnam War, including Across the Fence: The Secret War in Vietnam, On the Ground, and SOG Chronicles. He is also a speaker, consultant, and host of the SOGcast: Untold Stories of MAC V SOG podcast.
To learn more about John, follow him on Instagram @jstrykermeyer and visit sogchronicles.com.
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Thanks for the shout-out, Jack! And I always enjoy Tilt - amazing stories for days and days. Keep killing it, gentlemen
Tilt is a true American hero! His impact on chronicling the stories of his SOG brothers and all of the support units that worked along side them will have a lasting impact on history. I never miss a podcast where he makes an appearance. Reached out to him for permission to use some of his content in a project. What a gentleman. Thanks you Tilt! 🇺🇸
Keep rocking Tilt. He runs a great podcast himself. SOG guys are the real deal.
Just finished the episode. Phenomenal experiences, thank you for sharing.
Airborne baby
SOG History doesn't exist in History books when it comes to Today's Generation of "schooling" . So good to have SOG Operators truly express themselves in KZhead as well as the books written by the legends who set the foundation in Today's Special Operations wisdom.
My hope is all of these American hero’s who the highest levels government used like throw aways completed their dangerous missions without the recognition they deserved. That they continue to tell their amazing historical events are finally given all the accolades and make millions of dollars in our capitalistic society. The more the better. Thank you for sharing these events.
Great interview with John Stryker Meyer, true legit Warrior Patriot and badass legend of the MACV SOG unit during the Vietnam War.
He has such an incredible memory. He really is an amazing guy. What an absolute national treasure.
Man is a stone cold killer, has been there and done that. Wears new balances.
This is by far the best podcast ever and so is all the SOG casts with Jako. Get this man on Joe Rogan and blow the masses minds!
Mr. Meyer(I have to much respect for him to call him Tilt)is an American treasure as well as a hero. The men of MACV/SOG were WARRIORS and their stories of sacrifice,heroism and loss are the stuff of legend and were these deeds done in the Viking era the sagas and songs of these warriors would fill the halls. God bless and keep these men both American and their "Little People."
Tilt is legend,this was among the highest,technical,& primal warfare can get, listen to his language & how sharp this man still is about his craft,alot of people don't realize how advanced war has been especially "TheSecretWar"
Tilt is the best!! Great human being. We need more people like him and Jack. Our government needs a complete overhaul!! Bring in younger people and more military personnel to turn this mess around!!
In a world where we throw around the word “hero” a little too loosely….. there are real ones like John and the men that he served with. I could listen to these stories all day long.
Tilt is a good man, has my upmost respect.
Tilt Meyer. American hero and living legend.
Listening to Jocko in 2018, with John Stryker Meyer, got me back into reading again. I can't wait to watch this!!!
You and me both my friend! Read all of his books a few times (PS pick up WTF, and Dynamites book if you have already)🙌🇺🇸🇺🇸
already read them... hahaha@@scottm6638
I have to read his book and I'm really looking forward to reading it. John Stryer Meyer, just like Jocko, himself is one of my role models and inspirations. Those guys are awesome! It's funny( and this is still kind of related to the subject at hand and the war in Vietnam), not too long ago, I was watching the documentary ''Jane Fonda In Five Acts'' and of course, the infamous ''Hanoi Jane'' photo from Vietnam inevitably came up at one point in the film and Fonda was talking about how she'll go to her grave regretting that photo( which is something that she has often said as of late) and she was also talking about her opposition to the Vietnam War and how it brought her into conflict with a lot of the Vietnam War veterans( and how it STILL does to this day). I know what SOME veterans think about the hippies and Jane Fonda but I've often wondered what guys like John Stryker Meyer, Oliver Stone, Dale Dye and Roger Hayden think about them. Maybe it's just me but I've never really heard them comment that much about the backlash against the war in the Vietnam. They must have some opinions and thoughts on it.
Pulled my Car15 out for a cleaning while listening to Tilt! Are you a baby killer? - “Only when I’m hungry”
Yeah, on The Baby Killer label, I've always wondered what he thinks about The Hippies and the Anti-war protesters. I've heard some other Vietnam War veterans give their opinions on the protesters and the hippies( and usually, it's not too favorable, even if they support their right to protest and their right to freedom of speech) but I don't think that I've ever really heard him give his thoughts in-depth on the whole Anti-war movement.
If Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, and Steven Spielberg do not come together and make a reenactment series about these guys in the style of Band of Brothers and the Pacific ASAP, we are gonna lose the chance. These guys aint gonna be around much longer, and neither are the mentioned hollywood producers that will do these guys' justice.
Mr. Myer, is the Man! Thank you, John and Jack, for your service.
Tilt is a special guy, thanks for sharing him with us Jack.
I read all of the SOG books in my early 20’s. I am 59 now. lol watching this Podcast.
great interview. I remember reading voraciously books about MACV-SOG and LRRP when I was in like 6th-9th grade and going out in the woods having BB gun wars. the influence for me to join the service after high school. thanks for stirring up those memories with this SF Legend
Ha! I did all of these too...small world
The man the myth the legend himself TILT
Really cool that jocko supported the sogcast.
I could listen to tilt talk forever
Can somebody please make these stories into tv series (apple,HBO)
Hi Jack, love all your books and I remember the first time I heard Tilt on Jocko, I had to park the car up and just sit and listen in awe- Top blokes. From 🇬🇧
Definitely one of your best episodes!
I can’t Get me enough of Mr.Tilt’s and his friends stories!!! I love this man🤘
Tilt rules!!!
Thanks for the great interview and quality entertainment.
Plz make us a documentary series or a move whatever doesn’t matter. I’ve to see your art come to life living these men’s life in Vietnam
Thank you for the information. My uncle Gary served in Vietnam, as did my Late Uncle Milan. My dad served in the Army from 1965 through 1968 but he was luckier than his brother Gary. Since my dad enlisted he got to spend his 3 years in Germany.
Great stuff...2 of my favorites!
Tilt is a living legend. I’m reading his book, Across the Fence…amazing read!!
Amazing interview, thank you so much !
Tilt and his SOG brothers have my utmost respect. Truly badass and an iconic group in a generation that media has painted for no patriotism and public service. I personally know better and his stories are crazy and reinforce the good people we had.
Thank you, shared!!
Awesome talk
I would really enjoy hearing about any K9 use and tactic as well as counter tactics. Always enjoy these podcasts gives me a little nostalgia from the books I read in my youth, keep up the great work.
Enjoyed the cast keep it up! Thanks gentlemen
There's got be a movie made on SOG and John's books.
I'd watch John Styker Meyer and Jack Carr watch paint dry. Amazing podcast- thank you both, gentlemen.
Heck ya I can’t wait to read SOG Chronicles 2
Another great show! Where can you get the Hardy books that are in reprint? Thanks!
My Papps was a grunt in 67-68. He still hates them.
These are awesome conversations to catalog for future generations.
Great guest amazing podcast
Thank you.
I love listening to these stories
Thank you for your service !🙏🇺🇸🎉
That was an amazing podcast.
Amazing 🎙️
Great interview. Great people
Fascinating story’s about SOG
This is the best
🦋 Oh my goodness I love this podcast so much. Thank you thank you thank you million thank youse.
Great Interview. I was af at udorn and nkp.
I love Johns books and podcast. Was there ever a book about the spy who betrayed the missions? I would love to read another book of his.
Really enjoyed this interview, thank you! Jack, any chance you could do an interview with British sniper Craig Harrison? I really enjoy your interviews with the SAS guys and in general you are a great interviewer.
really like John good show 85
Hey Bacsi....You got mentioned!
FYI. Some of my friends who are VN vets from Rhode Island, were invited to the White House to visit with President Reagan. Their group was called the "Green Capers." Reagan told them "you guys did not lose the war, it was lost right here in this building."
Great 👍 episode and remarkable accounts of his experience and if more interested in MACV SOG veterans and other S.F units like LRRPs and Marine Force Reccon in Vietnam,then the podcast called the Reconnaissance cast will be your choice. Done by a young man who is more interested in the legacy of SOG and other S F elements. Done some interviews and read books by the veterans and would be nice to check it out too.
The High Standard HDM was an integrally suppressed .22lr pistol developed for the OSS in WW2. That’s the pistol he was referring to when he was taking about dealing with tracking dogs.
How do these guys handle fear? Is it the same way people who do extreme sports/extreme anything do it? Kind of an adrenaline rush type of thing? Fear must be PARALYZING in some of these stories
Across The Fence was one of my favorite reads, years ago. I need to read more of his other books. Which should I read next?
Homie said ‘WTF times two’ , that’s what I’m talking about. Keep up with the times, stay young. Haha
I sure miss my Father he wasn't S.O.G. but he was a L.R.R.P Ranger for 2 tours after a terrible time with the 7th Armored Cav in 65-66 he was at this day in time still an incredible shot I'm from Mississippi and under him I won 13 state Championships and 9 National Championships until I was 1st Alternate in the Beijing Olympics..He was better than me at 100-1,000yd CMP-DCM him shooting a Winchester M1 Garand "Windy-13" and my Spoiled Ass shooting a Colt Match Target and M1A...
He needs a Movie or a series
Make a SOG movie!!!
Listening to JSM and his cohorts solidifies what we already know. The Vietnam war was lost in Washington, not in the field.
i've read every sog book i can find
I'm wondering what that hammer gun on the wall is, shown during your commercials.
Did Eldon Bargewell really die in a lawnmower accident?
Don’t forget about your Hmong Allie’s during the secret war in Laos. The ones who were left behind when the Americans left in Laos to fend for themselves.
Browning Hi Power 9mm held 13 in mag 1 in chamber after market magazine held 15 mag plus 1 in chamber
Hello, Jack Carr. Have you interviewed Malcolm Nance regarding his book, "Defeating Isis"?
My truck gun is a mossberg 930 loaded with 2 3/4 00 buck, and 2 extra velcro sleeves one with slugs and 1 with 00 buck if that aint enough send in the calvary units.
Is John familiar with COL Paul Longgrear from the Battle of Lang Vei?
Clegg team step and get these
Sadly, us benefitting from our institutional knowledge will always suffer the lined up Swiss cheese hole failures eventually, as long as we keep electing the same career/celebrity bureaucrats and politicians that either caused the problem in the first place (And likely did legally sketchy things to hide their involvement), or were mentored by them or modeled themselves after these flawed individuals. Amazing episode, had this on to half listen to in the background and ended up multi-tasking since I was paying attention the whole time I'm doing other stuff.
In regards to him saying that he didn’t know of any Russians killed- I have quite a story. My dad worked at a factory as a mechanic with another older guy they called Ranger Steve. His name is Steve Grankowski. He was a LRRP ranger early on and throughout the whole war. He said that one time he caught an NVA platoon walking down the trail, caught them with claymores and he killed a man with his suppressed m16a1. He said when the ambush was over, he walked up to the point man he killed, and it was a Russian man with blonde hair wearing black pajamas. When he was working with my dad, they found out another employee was dishonorably discharged in the 1990s and Ranger Steve brought his Purple Heart and other service awards in a dirty jewel grocery bag, to show that guy what a real man did, as that guy was calling Steve an embellisher. Steve is also a Falconer. Cool ass guy. I want to convince him to get interviewed. This interview really reminded me of him, as he wasn’t too proud of his Purple Heart either 😅.
How tall is Tilt? When I first saw him on Jocko I always thought he was smaller but was surprised when I saw him standing next to a few guys on a tactical gear video.
If i remember correctly hes about 6’4, its in one of jockos podcast i forgot which one.
He said coming up in a couple days Oct 5 is the 55th anniversary vs 10,000 NVA mission…it’s the end of January…damn bro how long were you sitting on this interview?!?!?!?
38:40 ''...we were soldiers....''; OOH OOMNGAWA - I could smell the pre-dawn red clay and kiwi black and I could hear the Black Hats coming down from the little white shack during the unit's deployment marshaling scene at the free towers. ''CLASS FORTY FIVE LAND SOFT KILL QUIET''
Petition to have matt damon act this mans story if ever bc damn thats relateable
BRO I JUST FUCKING COMMENTED THAT HE IS LITERALLY MATT DAMON
I had to hit like 3x for it to stick.. Totally no fuckery there.
He’s unreal I just hate that I was born in 1980 As a Canadian I would have been there especially with Tilt
😊😊
Outfuckingstanding!!!!!!!
Why do all the operators on your show and ryans show have sleeves oftatoos
he talked to the colonel who was a nva but did not tell us about the service member who fell at this battle. did they bring him home after 24 years. He did not elaberate.
My uncle was an A1 pilot, MIA 12/31/71 - Laos. We believe there’s a lot to the story with selling off to the Russians (ie your last book). Would like to pass on some more info if anyone has a proper email
He looked kinda like matt damon
These guys had a far tougher enemy than we did in Iraq and less technology.
@joerogan get Tilt on your podcast!
🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 2☮️24...
Lowse not layows 😂
I was is a U.S. Navy E-5 Seabee in Mobil Construction Battalion 58 station Red Beach, north of Da Nang Vietnam. In 1966 I was plumbing a newly constructed home for Lieutenant General Lewis William Walt also located at Red Beach. It was probably late September or early October 1966 when a group of men came walking from the direction of elephant Valley. They were a mixture of Caucasian and Asian wearing a mixture of clothing some wearing Levi's some with tiger stripe none wearing helmets or flex jackets. Coming from the direction of elephant valley, walking 5 to 10 feet away from me. They were caring on long bamboo poles heads of maybe 15 Caucasian heads that had been cut off just above the shoulders. I happen to recognize one of the men who was a Marine in a cap unit. I asked him what in the hell is this. He told me that there were reports of Russian in their area and they were ordered to kill these white men bring their heads back to be identified.
Anything else to add to this? Amazing story.
🫡🇺🇸