This book chronicles the history, training, and operations of United States Army Special Forces, including never before published photos and insignia that were designed and worn by the men of the United States Army Special Forces. The modern United States Army Special Forces was formed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on 19 June 1952. Special Forces have served in every major and numerous minor conflicts the United States military has been involved in since their inception. During and after these operations, individual Teams had unique insignia produced to commemorate their operations.

"There are plenty of Special Operations Forces and plenty of elements that claim to be Special or Special Operations Forces, but there is only one organization that is Special Forces--the Green Berets ... Mark Boyatt's new book is an insider's guide to the U.S. military's Green Beret Special Forces--who they are, what they do, and what their role is in unconventional warfare ... The term 'special forces' is often misused by well-meaning but ill-informed people, including the news media, pundits, and even those in the military. The Army's Green Berets are the only Special Forces in the United States military and represent the most adaptable and specialized organization in the nation's arsenal. And their exploits hold a special fascination for the American public. Special Forces also defines 'unconventional warfare.' Boyatt makes the case that unconventional warfare is a U.S.-supported and conceivably inspired insurgency or revolution. It is total warfare for the indigenous population, who must use every means at their disposal to effect regime change, whether they are a tyrannical government or an occupying power. The Green Berets' adopted motto, 'De Oppresso Liber,' which is Latin for 'to free the oppressed,' is a call to duty special to this elite military force. While attending the Army War College, Colonel Boyatt authored a paper that originated and defined the term 'through, with and by,' which is now codified in military doctrine and is the subtitle of his book. It describes the manner in which Special Forces meet the military and political objectives of the United States, working 'through, with and by' other people, such as indigenous populations, rebels and revolutionaries, the oppressed and persecuted, displaced persons and refugees. Special Forces accomplishes this unique work by living with, training with, fighting alongside and even, at times, leading these groups"--Publisher's website.

This work argues for a shift in expectations for "unconventional warfare" with a greater willingness to accept lengthy commitments and incremental progress.

As long ago as 1957, U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers were in the Republic of Vietnam. going about their business of training, advising, and assisting members of the Vietnamese Army. Despite the old Army witticism about never volunteering for anything, the Special Forces soldier is. in fan, a double volunteer, having first volunteered for airborne training and then again for Special Forces training. From a very meager beginning but sustained by a strong motivation and confidence in his mission, the Special Forces soldier has marched through the Vietnam struggle in superb fashion. In 1957 some fifty-eight Vietnamese soldiers were given military training by Special Forces troops. Ten years later the Special Forces were advising and assisting over 40,000 paramilitary troops, along with another 40,000 Regional Forces and Popular Forces soldiers. This monograph traces the development and notes the progress, problems. successes, and failures of a unique program undertaken by the U.S. Army for the first lime in its history. It is hoped that all the significant lessons learned have been recorded and the many pitfalls of such a program uncovered. I am responsible for the conclusions reached, yet my thought processes could not escape the influence of the many outstanding officers and men in the Special Forces who joined in the struggle. Particularly, I must lake note of the contributions of the Special Forces noncommissioned officers, without question the most competent soldiers in the world. With the withdrawal of the Special Forces from Vietnam in 1971, the Army could honestly lay claim to a new dimension in ground warfare-the organized employment of a paramilitary force in sustained combat against a determined enemy. I know I speak for my predecessors and successors in claiming that the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) was the finest collection of professional soldiers ever assembled by the U.S. Army, anywhere, anytime. Francis John Kelly Colonel, Armor 1972

In 1863, President Lincoln first awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, which was created to boost morale among the Union rank and file. In the decades that followed, the award evolved to take on an almost sacred quality. Today, it remains the highest U.S. military decoration. Of the millions of Americans who have gone into combat in the past century, fewer than 1,300 have earned the Medal of Honor, and many of those were awarded it for actions they did not survive. Their courageous and selfless feats in battle are barely conceivable. They plunged into heavy fire, ventured boldly behind enemy lines, and threw themselves on live grenades. But who are these people?