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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Danger Close is an IRONCLAD Original

[@dcvw6546]

Thanks for the shout-out, Jack! And I always enjoy Tilt - amazing stories for days and days. Keep killing it, gentlemen

[@creaturesofqueens]

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! 🇺🇸

[@donwalters8877]

All he was through, he shows no emotion. Very upbeat person. Sense of humor. Love listening to this hero. Brave and fearless man

[@havoc391]

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.

[@Worstpersonsingular]

He has such an incredible memory. He really is an amazing guy. What an absolute national treasure.

[@crushingexistentialism]

Man is a stone cold killer, has been there and done that. Wears new balances.

[@Ricky-Noll]

Keep rocking Tilt. He runs a great podcast himself. SOG guys are the real deal.

[@Ricky-Noll]

Just finished the episode. Phenomenal experiences, thank you for sharing.

[@s.k.mcduffie6475]

Airborne baby

[@jlucas9342]

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.

[@ET2carbon]

Spielberg? No! hanks? No thanks! Eastwood? No, he's 6 pictures past his retirement Mel Gibson yes!

[@dionthomas5418]

Great interview with John Stryker Meyer, true legit Warrior Patriot and badass legend of the MACV SOG unit during the Vietnam War.

[@Frank-uw5xq]

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"

[@jt.8144]

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 KZbin as well as the books written by the legends who set the foundation in Today's Special Operations wisdom.

[@fredwilliams748]

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.

[@nate518]

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!

[@jasoncharles8651]

No body believes this stuff, the masses are so brain washed against warriors it is sickning. Until a bunch of civilians are hurt, that will not change, sadly.

[@mikewinter7697]

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!!

[@seandixon1507]

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

[@dcvw6546]

Ha! I did all of these too...small world

[@RandDCustoms2]

I read all of the SOG books in my early 20’s. I am 59 now. lol watching this Podcast.

[@briantaylor6463]

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."

[@Murt1007]

Listening to Jocko in 2018, with John Stryker Meyer, got me back into reading again. I can't wait to watch this!!!

[@scottm6638]

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)🙌🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@Murt1007]

already read them... hahaha@@scottm6638

[@JR-ju3kj]

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.

[@DLo336]

Same here. I’ve read tilts, dicks, and nicks

[@vtek1972]

Can somebody please make these stories into tv series (apple,HBO)

[@FeWolf]

Tilt is a good man, has my upmost respect.

[@nathandefibaugh7164]

I could listen to tilt talk forever

[@BIGMANbrokmills]

Mr. Myer, is the Man! Thank you, John and Jack, for your service.

[@jerryriggi1700]

Tilt is a special guy, thanks for sharing him with us Jack.

[@comanche6943]

Pulled my Car15 out for a cleaning while listening to Tilt! Are you a baby killer? - “Only when I’m hungry”

[@JR-ju3kj]

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.

[@erihaas]

Dear God, protect this man and his compatriots in all they do. Let them know how much we all appreciate them and all they have sacrificed for us. Let the younger generations realize the people that have given so much in order for them to breathe free air and live free lives. To all service members past present and future thank you. Thank you Jack Carr for bringing these stories and history to light. Thank you tilt and welcome home!

[@kengrimsley4172]

Tilt Meyer. American hero and living legend.

[@robbo3106]

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 🇬🇧

[@ksmith87]

The man the myth the legend himself TILT

[@jasondifelice1559]

Uncommon Valor came out when I was 13 and shaped my view of the military and the Vietnam War. Loved that movie so much. Sailor ended up being my role model unintentionally and subconsciously lol.And I read Soldier Of Fortune religiously from 1982 to its end. Loved that magazine and Robert K. Brown, Peter Kokalis,and John Donovan and of course Dale Dye. Went in the Army at 17 in 87. 6 yrs service and 2 Deployments. God bless those good men who gave this young man great examples of manhood to emulate. Thank you for bringing this all back to me.

[@Worstpersonsingular]

Really cool that jocko supported the sogcast.

[@ishiegarza1255]

My uncle Phil Hunt was a Green beret their as well he used to tell stories about it when I was younger but I was to small to remember the only thing I do remember is he became really close to a mountain yard and he moved out of state I talked to him on the phone about the movie we where soldiers he said they where at the bottom of the mountain engaging as they where moving up when that battle was happening he passed away few years ago man what I wouldn't give to sit and talk with him just one more time. Thank you for bringing these vets on the podcast

[@highscoredad]

One of the best guests on the show. It took me away from your podcasts for a while as I got invested in the SOGCAST for the last few months! I really love the special forces community and think that you guys should all seriously consider running the planet. Warrior leaders! I think the world would be a better place if it was a prerequisite to have served at the most dangerous level before serving politically.

[@hardcorehobbies3809]

I can’t Get me enough of Mr.Tilt’s and his friends stories!!! I love this man🤘

[@kevinevans4553]

I truly appreciate wise news and what they are doing for Veteran's and our community! God bless!

[@microfarmers]

Thanks for the great interview and quality entertainment.

[@gregp558]

Definitely one of your best episodes!

[@austinschnell5602]

Tilt rules!!!

[@williamedwards8493]

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

[@user-by3sl6my8u]

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.

[@CandC68]

I was in Vietnam 67-68. I heard of an enemy battalion commander who turned himself in after an arc light killed his whole battalion. During interrogation he said that the only time they(the enemy) didn't know what the Americans were doing, was when the American radios broke down.

[@-1Patroit.]

I was a radio repairman in 1973 and I repaired radios with crypto in them not all of them did ,they had a hatch that you would open and punch in the crypto code and close it. If the hatch was opened again the code was wiped out. I had to have what the Army called then the was a Crypto Secret Clearance to be able to workout on them. I went to school for my AIT at Fort Gordon Ga in Signal Towers

[@niradn1965]

Amazing interview, thank you so much !

[@falcon5215]

Great stuff...2 of my favorites!

[@iraqafghanistanmarine6905]

Tilt is a living legend. I’m reading his book, Across the Fence…amazing read!!

[@joshmallett9452]

Enjoyed the cast keep it up! Thanks gentlemen

[@zibabird]

Thank you, shared!!

[@richardhall5221]

Some amazing stories from a true hero. All I can say is "Jeez". 👍😉👍

[@codygranrud6212]

These are awesome conversations to catalog for future generations.

[@andybrennand1576]

great interview. Tilt is a legend!

[@ski2349]

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.

[@roberthubbard5008]

Need more sog chronicles Tilt!

[@GruntProof]

Awesome talk

[@xxkrnplaysxx1683]

Heck ya I can’t wait to read SOG Chronicles 2

[@75SakoHunter]

Another great show! Where can you get the Hardy books that are in reprint? Thanks!

[@anna-mariepellett4362]

🦋 Oh my goodness I love this podcast so much. Thank you thank you thank you million thank youse.

[@MrJuvrud]

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.

[@lydiarosalieanndamiano7206]

Thank you for your service !🙏🇺🇸🎉

[@BurtHurtz]

Thank you.

[@lindacunningham9343]

I love listening to these stories

[@user-tx4nn1bo3y]

Fascinating story’s about SOG

[@lycrappie]

Great interview. Great people

[@RainierGuide174]

That was an amazing podcast.

[@williamedwards8493]

My Papps was a grunt in 67-68. He still hates them.

[@curtiswoodard6195]

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.

[@L_Martin]

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.

[@lonniemyerssr.6876]

This is the best

[@Christo613]

Great guest amazing podcast

[@Ulyssestnt]

Never seen napalm dropped neither. What a legend this guy is.

[@SM68Pete]

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.

[@RahimLadhajuma]

Amazing 🎙️

[@MrTec1911]

I'd watch John Styker Meyer and Jack Carr watch paint dry. Amazing podcast- thank you both, gentlemen.

[@richardclary6267]

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...

[@FPdesignfab]

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?

[@bobandbally88]

A1 had many versions. Straight 6, attack, passenger, guppie (asw radar) queen ECM.

[@kenlandon7803]

There's got be a movie made on SOG and John's books.

[@guccimane623]

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

[@donfrance3]

really like John good show 85

[@tyaj694]

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.

[@jamescottrell7367]

Great Interview. I was af at udorn and nkp.

[@odameclement2325]

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.

[@garyhammond2213]

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."

[@roadscholar9323]

Hey Bacsi....You got mentioned!

[@djblackruss]

He needs a Movie or a series

[@heathmarcum5390]

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.

[@kenjohnston2426]

Listening to JSM and his cohorts solidifies what we already know. The Vietnam war was lost in Washington, not in the field.

[@garyhammond2213]

I'm wondering what that hammer gun on the wall is, shown during your commercials.

[@rogerweber8194]

Did Eldon Bargewell really die in a lawnmower accident?

[@uncletoodles8118]

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 😅.

[@MPO2267]

Make a SOG movie!!!

[@aarenfourever]

Hello, Jack Carr. Have you interviewed Malcolm Nance regarding his book, "Defeating Isis"?

[@jcc3999]

Browning Hi Power 9mm held 13 in mag 1 in chamber after market magazine held 15 mag plus 1 in chamber

[@NVSTRZ34]

Wild

[@rockyguzek9262]

i've read every sog book i can find

[@bobandbally88]

Pueblo seizure and Walker ring were NSA affiliated through Navy cryptologic. Enlisted rating CT.

[@kilballer]

Imagine having Tilt as your grandpa.

[@jamescorfield534]

Homie said ‘WTF times two’ , that’s what I’m talking about. Keep up with the times, stay young. Haha

[@markmoulton3137]

Is John familiar with COL Paul Longgrear from the Battle of Lang Vei?

[@blumpkinspicelatte4580]

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.

[@GunsNRaddy]

If i remember correctly hes about 6’4, its in one of jockos podcast i forgot which one.

[@AlexanderGarciaCollins]

Mr. Meyer looks and sounds young for a Vietnam veteran.

[@knarftrakiul3881]

These guys had a far tougher enemy than we did in Iraq and less technology.

[@bobandbally88]

What's the only ship that leaks from the top? SHIP OF STATE