The 77th SFG(A) was activated at Fort Bragg, North Carolina on September 22, 1953. The group was formed when the 10th SFG(A), based at Fort Bragg, departed for Germany. The remaining 200 soldiers, formed the 77th SFG (A).
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The 77th SFG(A) was organized under TO&E 33-510R, dated 26 April 1953. The TO&E was based off the WW2 experience of the OSS in Europe and Asia.
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Lieutenant Colonel Jack T. "Black Jack" Shannon, would assume the command of the 77th SFG(A).Â
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While the 10th SFG(A) concentrated on Europe. The 77th SFG(A) was designed as the Global Rapid-Response Special Forces unit.Â
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The 77th SFG(A) would also be responsible for conducting the training at Ft Bragg for the Soldiers volunteering for Special Forces.Â
77th SFG(A) Notable Personnel
LTC Jack T. "Black Jack"Shannon
 In early 1944, LT Shannon was recruited into the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) as part of the Jedburgh project. He jumped into France on 27 June 1944 as part of the Inter-Allied Mission BERGAMOTTE. After service in Europe, he served in Burma with Detachment 101. LTC Shannon was 1st Commander of 77th SFG(A).Â
CPT Raff led the first U.S. combat parachute assault with the 509th PIR in North Africa and later led the final jump with the 17th ABN into Germany. COL Raff commanded the 77th SFG (A) from March 1953 to December 1954. He then served as the Commander of the Psychological Warfare Center and School until 1956. Notably, COL Raff played a significant role in the adoption of the Green Beret by Special Forces.
1LT Blackburn was an adviser the headquarters battalion of the 12th Infantry Regiment when the Japanese invaded the Philippines on 8 Dec 1941. LT Blackburn and Major Russel Volckmann evaded to Northern Luzon and spent the next 3 years organizing and leading a Guerrilla force until the liberation of the Phillipines in 1944. COL Blackburn commanded the 77th from Oct 1958 to Aug 1960.Â
MAJ Richard "Dick" Meadows
Master Sergeant Meadows served with the 187th RCT in the Korean War. He volunteered for Special Forces in 1953 and was assigned to the 77th SFG(A). MSG Meadows participated in a an exchange program with the British 22nd SAS and served in Malaya. He would go on to serve in Operation White Star, and MACVSOG, where he received a battlefied commission to Captain. MAJ Meadows would lead the Son Tay raid into Northern Vietnam on 21 Nov 1970.
COL Edson D. Raff
BG Donald Blackburn
Project Notes:
1 This is phase 1, of a 2-phase plan, that will cover from activation in 1952 to today.
    a. Phase 1: Beginning until 54
    b. Phase 2: 1955-1960-deactivation
2. I am looking for the information on the 77th SFG(A) at the following locations:
        i.  Ft Bragg
        ii. Training Exercises
        iii. Thailand
        iv. Taiwan
        v. Laos
        vi. Vietnam
   a. Photos-preferably with story and dates
       i. Originals of the B/W press photos (in section) would be appreciated
       ii. I need a better version of the picture of COL Edson Raff
   b. Stories-that need to be told/remembered
  c. Documents
        i. Orders, recruiting flyers / posters, unit rosters...etc.
   d. FA / ODA Detachment numbers and location     Â
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