Vietnamese Marine Corps Insignia, Headgear & Uniforms

[D. Michael Kim]

Vietnamese Marine Insignia

In collecting Vietnamese insignia, there is one elite unit that I find to be limited when compared to the availability of Airborne or Ranger insignia. Vietnamese Marine insignia may be much
less available than one thinks.

I am starting this thread as a reference in an attempt to show all known Vietnamese Marine patches and metal insignia.

I will begin with the more difficult patches, a marine brigade tab, and a Quan Tri Victory breast badge.

Please note the patch originally in the image has been removed due to it being of BDQ origin. Full details of the patch will be added here:

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/forums/showthread.php?t=385617&page=2

[D. Michael Kim]

A second grouping consists of four hand embroidered patches. The first is a marine division quilted pocket patch, the second is a variant for the 1st Marine Bn., the third is a variant for the 9th Marine Bn. and the fourth is a Signal Bn patch.

[Patrick Dempsey]

Aloha Dennis,

although i am not a patch collector per se, the sheer quality of the insignia, especially the second set posted, is remarkable.

I can see why you were so pleased to find them.

[M. A. Miller]

Nice

Dennis,
I want to take the time to say that I have thorughly enjoyed all your threads and the great items that you have posted. I do collect patches but I don't have alot of SVN unit ones. The ones you have posted here are super, especially the handmade ones. The detail is spectacular. Keep up the good work.
With regards, Mitch

[Bob Chatt]

Dennis-On the first photo, the bottom patch, how did you identify the tiger head patch as VNMC? I have seen this identified as unkown CIDG, Unknown Mike Force, Unknown Regional Forces, Unknown VNMC, and also a Unknown infantry unit. Would love to know a 100% positive id on it.
Bob

[D. Michael Kim]

Bob, as noted I listed the patch as unidentified.

The only reason that I put this in the VN. Marine Thread was because I assumed it belong there. The patch was part of a 42 piece collection of patches and metal insignia from a old time Vietnamese Marine collection. I have translated the motto, but left it in the office. All of the marine items shown in this thread were also part of the group.

On another subject, do you have any idea what the unidentified metal badge (jump status indicator holding a umbrella) that I have shown in the Thread "BDQ Finds in 3 Parts", is?

I have seen a exact copy in a Vietnamese airborne collection, but cannot find any information on it.

Dennis

[D. Michael Kim]

Bob, enclosed is a French badge for the 1° Compagnie Indochinoise Parachutiste,
1st Indochina Parachute Company, showing the use of the umbrella as a parachute. This
insignia itself is a rare French airborne piece. This is the only French connection that I can
find for this piece.

I believe it may be a Vn. airborne related insignia.

It is not a beer can, but of a thicker metal with very fine details.

[nguoi tien su]

Dennis,

When the TD1ND (1st para batallion) was activatedon the 1st july 1951, it was partly created with the troopers of the 1st CIP. Actually, the 1st CIP became the 3rd Co of the TD1ND.

[Bob Chatt]

Dennis-There was a two or three part explanation of the jump status indicator holding the umbrella, in some of the earlier VICN's. Clem Kelly, explained it and also did a funny story about it. Probably within the first two years he had taken the VICN over from Cecil, this article ran.

[D. Michael Kim]

Dennis-On the first photo, the bottom patch, how did you identify the tiger head patch as VNMC? I have seen this identified as unkown CIDG, Unknown Mike Force, Unknown Regional Forces, Unknown VNMC, and also a Unknown infantry unit. Would love to know a 100% positive id on it.
Bob

Bob, I to would also like to solve the mystery. Roughly translated, the writing on the top means, "Fight To Win".

I will attempt to contact some former Vietnamese Marines and ask them to comment.

Thanks for the information.

Dennis

[D. Michael Kim]

Mitch, Patrick and All,

Being able to submit and share information on the 1st and 2nd Indochina War is my pleasure with all of you.

Here in paradise there are many who fought in the war, but few who collect. Because there are very limited opportunities to talk and share my interest with others, I look forward to going on line and share them with you. The internet has allowed us to do this on an instantaneous basis which is truly wonderful!

[express06snail]

Thanks for posting Michael,
For the patch with the slogan "Quyết Chiến Quyết Thắng", its mean "resolutely fight, resolutely win", i don't know much about patches, but the slogan sound likes from Rangers.

[D. Michael Kim]

Thanks for posting Michael,
For the patch with the slogan "Quyết Chiến Quyết Thắng", its mean "resolutely fight, resolutely win", i don't know much about patches, but the slogan sound likes from Rangers.

Camon Stanley. I do not think it was for the rangers. The slogan used by the rangers was SAT KONG, Kill V.C.

Dennis

[express06snail]

Hi Michael,
May you have any VNMC ranks in metal or cloth for showing... Thanks a lot.

[D. Michael Kim]

Give me a few days to find them. Not much in ranks, but have some bullion and metal insignia.