~Special Forces~

	Served With MACVSOG CCS,  B50 Omega Project Ban Me Thout. 68-69 ~MACV-SOG~

(Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and Observation Group). 
MACV-SOG, a joint service, high command, unconventional warfare task force, 
engaged in highly classified operations throughout Southeast Asia. 
The 5th Special Forces channeled personnel into MACV-SOG 
(although it was not a Special Forces group) through Special Operations Augmentation (SOA), 
which provided their "cover" while under secret orders to MACV-SOG.

The teams performed deep penetration missions of strategic reconnaissance and interdiction,
 which were called, depending on the time frame, "Shining Brass" or "Prairie Fire" missions.  
The missions "Iron Mike", and others were assigned were exceedingly dangerous and of strategic importance. 
The men who were put into such situations knew their chances of recovery if captured was slim to none.

The number of MACV-SOG missions conducted with Special Forces reconnaissance teams into 
Laos and Cambodia was 452 in 1969. It was the most sustained American campaign of 
raiding, sabotage and intelligence-gathering waged on foreign soil in U.S. military history.

MACV-SOG's teams earned a global reputation as most combat effective deep-penetration forces ever raised.

~Yes "Iron Mike" You Are A Hero!~

This is what "Iron Mike had to say, when he found out about this tribute.
By the way "Moonshiner" was my code name in Vietnam.

Moonshiner,
You embarrass me.  I wasn't any kind of hero, I just did what I did to repay my Country for what it had done for me. I must commend you on the quality of the web page, you have out done yourself.  You must have put a lot of time and effort into it. I, sheepishly, agree to your request.  I will be more than happy to provide you with any information that you request, so long as it is still not classified. Most of the stuff I was involved with is no longer 'Black'.

  A True American Hero! And It Is Not To Late To Thank Him!

Thanks "Iron Mike" And Welcome Home!

You're Simply The Best! ...Joe  

Iron Mike, You were that! What others cared not to be!  You went!.. Where others feared to go!...  You achieved... what others failed to do!   You asked nothing from those who gave nothing!

You reluctantly accepted, the thought of eternal loneliness, isolation
... and, yes, death should you fail!  
You have seen the face of terror! Felt the chill of fear... 
and longed for the touch of love... and respect!

You have hoped, pained, dreamed, and cried!  But foremost!  
You lived straightforward through times that others say, are best left... Forgotten!

But at the very least!  You will, in later years!  Be able to say with 

"HONOR" and "PRIDE"   that you were indeed!  ~"A SOLDIER"~

	~ "I salute you brother"~ And I Am Proud To Call You... "FRIEND"
	~"MoonShiner"~

  

 
 

  ~From Ron & Doc~

  

   

"Iron Mike's Bunker"
Visit "Iron Mikes" Web-Site & Leave Him A Thank You On His Guestbook! 

 

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