Vietnam War
This is a seldom found blue lightweight type K2A flight suit, as used by pilots and aircrew personnel during Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War. The main zipper is a Conmar made with a vintage “bell shaped” pull. The light material has a few small pulls/runs in spots, and there are two repairable holes on the back (see pic), where the suit had been hung on a coat hook repeatedly. It has a black and gold embroidered tag that reads:
Suit, Flying, Very Light
Type K 2-A, Spec. MIL-S-6265
Size Small Short
Drawing No. 8183562-1
Stock No. 8310-785990-433
Order No. AF-19500
W. Foster Sportswear Co. Inc.
U.S. Property
Price: SOLD
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Vietnam War
This jungle jacket was worn by a 173rd Airborne Brigade troop attached to B Co., 2nd Bn., 503rd PIR (Parachute Infantry Regiment). The veteran served two tours in Vietnam with the 173rd and was wounded in 11/1966.
The jacket is a “1st pattern” with shiny exposed buttons, waist tabs, gas flap, and epaulets. It is a size short-medium and is 1963 dated. It has “sandwiched” 173rd shoulder sleeve insignia to denote current service in the 173rd, as well as a prior combat tour. The name tape is theater-made and the Army tape is printed. The Combat Infantry Badge and jump wings are also theater made.
The jump wings have a gold star embroidered on the canopy riders to denote participation in a combat jump with the 173rd on February 22, 1967 (Operation Junction City). SP4 Payne is listed on the Junction City jump manifest for this operation (GO 444, March 12, 1967).
The left breast pocket has a silk woven South Vietnamese Airborne Qualification patch, commonly seen worn by early 173rd troops. The breast pocket was partially removed so the patch could be sewn on while still having a functional pocket. Afterward, it was machine resewn back on (see pic). When examining the jacket carefully, you can see the Specialist sleeve rank is sewn over a faint outline of removed PFC chevrons, due to promotion in rank.
Some of SP4 Payne’s awards and decorations include:
- Purple Heart Medal
- Good Conduct Medal
- Vietnam Service Medal with 2/ Bronze Service Stars
- Meritorious Unit Commendation
- Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm
- Parachutist Badge with Combat Star (for Junction City)
- Combat Infantry Badge
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Vietnam War
LTC Edgar J. Albrick was a three-war veteran serving in WWII (23rd and 33rd Armored Engineer Bn, 7th Armored Div, 8th Armored Division, and 296th Combat Engineer Bn), Korea (15th Infantry, 3rd Div), and South East Asia (77th, 7th, and 1st Special Forces). His military awards and decorations include: Silver Star Medal, 3 Bronze Star Medals, 3 Purple Hearts, 3 Combat Infantry Badges, 8 Campaign Stars, and Master Jump Wings.
Albrick was also a coach and educator for 28 years, teaching first grade through college. He coached 11 different varsity sports.
LTC “Coach” Albrick died on February 20, 2002.
His uniform items are from the period when Albrick served as Detachment Commander for MTT (Mobile Training Team) Laos during “Operation White Star” (sixth rotation) from 10/15/1961 – 04/13/1962. Albrick is listed as a Major for this assignment in “Who’s Who From Hotfoot / White Star” by Stephen Sherman, but I verified with Sherman that Albrick was actually a LTC (Lieutenant Colonel) before leaving for Laos.
Both utility shirts are half-sleeved which was commonly seen in Laos. One shirt is HBT (herring bone twill) and the other is Sateen material. Both shirts have metal “13 star” buttons as seen on WWII HBTs. Both shirts have CIB’s (Combat Infantry Badges) with 1 star for combat in WWII and Korea. Albrick received his 3rd CIB for White Star later on 8/14/1963.
His ball cap is Okinawa-made and his beret is a scarce 1961 dated Fleur Di Lis with a unique Okinawa-made flash. It is slightly smaller than typical flashes and has the rank directly embroidered on it. The flash is machine sewn to the beret.
In addition to being a soldier and educator, Edgar Albrick was a poet. Below is one of his poems.
How Is Time Affecting You?
The lines in your face grow deeper.
Are you smiles further apart and few?
Are your pains more frequent and lasting?
How is time affecting you?
Many have departed at an early age.
We continue to drop along the way.
How are you reacting to this human pace
Since God allows you to stay?
We watch the young grow and develop
We envy their youth every day.
I hope none of you feel sorry about life
If you didn’t do it your way.
Experiences we try to pass on
To our successors whoever they may be.
But the trip that was made
Can never be replayed; it was made by me.
Our thoughts grow ever deeper
To God, his home and our fate.
We can’t help but keep on thinking
This trip in our future will be great.
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Vietnam War
The Chinese Tokarev was a popular “bring-back” war trophy during the Vietnam War. This 1966 dated example is particularly nice because it retains 90% blueing which is a rarity considering the harsh climate of Vietnam. Many bring-back Tok’s have pitting and corrosion on the slide from holster condensation. This Tokarev has a matching numbered magazine. The holster did not come with this pistol, but it is a correct example of a 1960’s Chicom Tokarev holster with blue corduroy lining. Tokarev’s were issued with two matching numbered magazines, but these are exceptionally difficult to find today with a non-import Tokarev.
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Vietnam War
Australian issued items were popular with US Special Forces personnel, particularly the ground cloth because there was no US equivalent and it was much lighter than using a US poncho for ground cover. This example is 1966 dated and came in a large Mike Force group and appears to be unissued. CISO (Counter Insurgency Support Office) procured an indigenous ground cloth used by MACV-SOG, SF, and Indig personnel that seems to be inspired by the Aussie ground cloth / tarp in weight and construction.
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