The 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) [7th SFG(A)] played a pivotal role in the early stages of U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Established on May 20, 1960, from the reorganization of the 77th Special Forces Group, the 7th SFG(A) was among the first U.S. Army Special Forces units to engage in unconventional warfare in the region .Log in or sign up to view+3Log in or sign up to view+3Wikipedia+3specialforceshistory.info+2Wikipedia+2Military Wiki+2
Operation White Star: Early Engagement in Laos
Before the Vietnam War escalated, the 7th SFG(A) was involved in Operation White Star in Laos. Beginning in 1957 under the initial designation of Project Hotfoot, U.S. Special Forces, including personnel from the 77th and later the 7th SFG(A), trained the Royal Laotian Army and indigenous groups like the Hmong and Yao to resist the Pathet Lao insurgency. This mission marked one of the earliest significant deployments of U.S. Special Forces in Southeast Asia .specialforceshistory.info
Expansion into Vietnam and Southeast Asia
As U.S. involvement deepened, the 7th SFG(A) expanded operations into South Vietnam and Thailand. Their missions included training local forces, conducting reconnaissance, and engaging in counterinsurgency operations. The group’s expertise in unconventional warfare made them a valuable asset in the complex terrain and political landscape of Southeast Asia .Wikipedia+3Log in or sign up to view+3Log in or sign up to view+3Wikipedia
Captain Roger Donlon: A Historic Medal of Honor Recipient
In July 1964, Captain Roger H.C. Donlon, commanding a 7th SFG(A) detachment at Nam Dong, South Vietnam, led a successful defense against a Viet Cong attack. For his leadership and bravery, Donlon became the first U.S. soldier to receive the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War and the first Special Forces member to be so honored .Wikipedia
Legacy and Continued Operations
The 7th SFG(A)’s early involvement in Southeast Asia set the stage for its continued presence in global special operations. Their experiences in Laos and Vietnam contributed to the development of U.S. Special Forces tactics and strategies that are still in use today. The group’s commitment to unconventional warfare and foreign internal defense remains a cornerstone of its mission .Wikipedia+3Log in or sign up to view+3Log in or sign up to view+3Wikipedia
For a more detailed account of the 7th SFG(A)’s operations during this period, including insights into their training missions and combat engagements, refer to the article “A Team Effort” on the ARSOF History website.
