UNPIK Grouping

[D. Michael Kim]

I am not a Korean War collector, but having seen this grouping I just could not resist. The grouping was too good to pass on and after consulting with a close friend who gave me the green light as to its authenticity, the word was GO!

It was fortunate that I did talk to him, for if I hadn’t it would be in his hands today. He provided me with full courtesy knowing of my interest, even though he could out bid me and sell it for more. I recently talked to him and requested that he look for the other three badges related to this unit. The hunt goes on.

Beside the fact that I enjoy collecting rare and unusual items, the history of this unit and being part Korean played to my decision. I hope my oldest will appreciate this group.

[D. Michael Kim]

Badge 1

[D. Michael Kim]

Badges 2

[D. Michael Kim]

The missing three that I am looking for. Line Crosser Badge.

[D. Michael Kim]

Salamander Badge.

[D. Michael Kim]

Airborne Badge.

[Bill D.]

Those are superb !

They are not simply among the rarest of Korean War insignia; they are among the rarest of any modern American military badges.

Wonderful items!

Thanks very much for sharing them!

[D. Michael Kim]

Mahalo Bill,

I am totalyy in agreement.

I have very little knowledge in collecting Korean War militaria and am wondering why this case is. It appears to me that there is a lot more interest in Vietnam. Why is this?]

DMK

[Bill D.]

Just my opinion, Michael, but....

The Korean War broke out only five years after the end of World War Two. The United States was still a war-weary nation. As a result, the combat in Korea was not even called a "war"; it was referred to as a "police action." Many people did not even want to acknowledge that it was taking place and, when it was over, they wanted to put it behind them.

Vietnam was similar except that, while it was taking place, it was actively and widely protested. Back in the 1970's and into the 1980's there was very little interest in Vietnam material among collectors.

But the mid-1980's brought a resurgence of patriotism. Americans began to express respect for those who had served in Vietnam. Younger collectors today have fathers and uncles who served in Vietnam, just as many of us older collectors had fathers in World War II. So the resurgence of respect for the Vietnam veterans has led, I think, to a strong interest in that war and, hence, the collecting of its militaria.

This never happened with the Korean War. When the cease-fire was signed in 1953 it was put into the back recesses of the collective national memory and never brought out again.

[D. Michael Kim]

Bill,

Totally interesting view and understandable.

DMK

[Ron Weinand]

SPOOK Badges

I also have a grouping of this unit to include the SPOOK Badge and the man who was in charge of the Voice in the Sky Operation by this outfit and his Bronze Star and Dist. Flying Cross along with the para numbered badge and the Spook Badge. I will try to post photos later.

[Ron Weinand]

AB Unpik Lot

Lot

[Michael Page]

I will try to post photos later.

Looking forward to it.

[TORCH03]

WOW!! Amazing, both of the groups!! I would love to be able to find/buy/trade for UNPIK items! Congrats!

[vacollector]

What is a SPOOK badge awarded for?