World War II Army Veteran Conrad “Ben” Baker served as Deputy Director of Counterinsurgency Support Office (CISO) as a civilian from 1963 until 1972. He is well known for his procurement of specialized equipment in support of Military Assistance Command Vietnam Studies and Observations Group which conducted Unconventional Warfare during the Vietnam war.
According to the website SOG Site, Baker procured item such as these, making him a military version of the fabled Q who supported 007:
– Seiko watches
– Gloves
– Machetes
– Specialized ammunition pouches
– Replicas of enemy uniforms and equipment
– Sleeping bags
– Ponchos and liners
– Rucksacks that were appropriately designed for indigenous troops
– Specialized indigenous rations for recon teams
– SOG Knives (the actual knife not then brand that took the name)
SOG Site produced the video as well as a great page on Ben Baker.