Graham SOG.

This is coolbert:

 “But the award for the most peculiar weapon actually employed has to go to CCS [Command and Control South] One-Zero Robert Graham, who experimented with Montagnard crossbows but found them underpowered.” 

Yet one more instance of archery equipment as employed by the American military during the Second Indo-China War.

"BEHIND THE PHOTO: WHY THIS MACV-SOG COMMANDO CARRIED A 55-POUND BOW INTO BATTLE"

From the Internet webzine "Coffee or Die" the article by Matt Fratus | July 06, 2022.

"During the Vietnam War, the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam-Studies and Observations Group, better known as MACV-SOG, conducted cross-border operations in denied areas in Laos and Cambodia to strike North Vietnamese Army targets inside enemy territory. Since their missions were unconventional by nature and they usually traveled light, MACV-SOG members often used improvised weapons to carry out their operations."

Sergeant Graham on the far left with bow in his right hand. Not necessarily an improvised weapon. Off the shelf bow with "razor-edged broadhead arrows" very deadly. Easily can kill a human being. Under normal circumstances private weaponry was off-limits in Vietnam. Knives and any sort of firearm usually confiscated and the point of embarkation for Vietnam. Too many USA troops it was found using private weaponry on one another during unseemly and often lethal brawls.

"A native Canadian and avid bowhunter, Staff Sgt. Graham sent a letter to a friend back home requesting that he mail a 55-pound bow with razor-edged broadhead arrows to Vietnam." 

55-pounds [25 kilograms] refers to the amount of pull required to bring the bow to full draw.

DURING THE SECOND INDO-CHINA CONFLICT MORE CANADIANS IN THE USA MILITARY THAN IN THE CANADIAN MILITARY!

Graham as reported actually using the weapon in combat. No reports of casualties.

See previous blog entry the American riverine task force Vietnam using bow and arrow to start fires ashore during combat.

coolbert.