Vietnam War Photos - SOG

The Studies and Observations Group (SOG) was formed in 1964 to conduct various clandestine activities in North Vietnam, which included infiltrating agents, maritime interdiction and psychological warfare. It subsequently also became responsible for covert cross-border operations into Laos and Cambodia. Between 1965 and 1970 / 71, reconnaissance teams led by Special Forces soldiers crossed the fence to gather intelligence on enemy movements, conduct bomb damage assessments and plant sensors and booby-trapped Communist ammunition on the Ho Chi Minh trail. Towards the end of the war these secret and hazardous missions were exclusively conducted by ARVN and indigenous personnel. However, the U.S. led Special Mission Force, which was part of Strategic Technical Directorate Assistance Team 158 (STDAT-158), SOG's successor, continued to perform in-country and cross-border crash site inspections and personnel recovery missions until the peace treaty was signed in January 1973.

Frank Greco, of Recon Team Colorado, during a mission in the tri-border region.

SOG Spike Team Ohio members Joe Parnar (left) and Tommy Carr after returning from a reconnaissance mission.

Spike Team Ohio medic Joe Parnar (right) and team grenadier Mock, a Rhade Montagnard, after returning from a mission.

Recon Team Florida after an attempted prisoner snatch operation in Cambodia.

Special Mission Force member Clay Curtis with his Rhade Montagnard interpreter Peo.

Special Mission Force (SMF) member Clay Curtis tries to radio a USAF Forward Air Controller (Covey) whilst on an operation in the tri-border region.

Special Mission Force (SMF) members Ferricks, Brown and Curtis (left to right) drink rice wine at a Montagnard party.

Clay Curtis, of the Special Mission Force, carries a CAR-15 rifle and CIDG rucksack whilst on an operation in the tri-border region.

In their only in-country team photo, US members of the Special Mission Force stand under the porch outside the bar at the old 5th SFG C-Team compound in Pleiku, II CTZ.

The Leghorn (GOLF-5) Radio Relay Site was located on a mountain summit in southern Laos.

Located on a mountain summit 10 miles inside southern Laos, the Leghorn (GOLF-5) Radio Site relayed messages between Recon Teams in Laos and SOG bases in South Vietnam.

A Sikorsky H-34 helicopter at the mountain top Leghorn radio relay site in southern Laos.

STDAT-158 members Curtis (left) and Ferricks aboard an Air America flight to Saigon.