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U.S. ARMY 1st Cavalry Division - Vietnam Patch by COMMANDO
The COMMANDO U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division – Vietnam Patch commemorates the division’s service during the Vietnam War and its transformation into one of the most significant airmobile formations in American military history. The 1st Cavalry Division became synonymous with helicopter operations, rapid troop deployment and highly mobile combat across the challenging terrain of Vietnam.
History of the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam
In 1965, the U.S. Army reorganised the 1st Cavalry Division into the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). Its colours and unit designations were transferred from Korea to Fort Benning, Georgia, where they were combined with personnel and equipment from the 11th Air Assault Division (Test) and elements of the 2nd Infantry Division. The existing 1st Cavalry Division in Korea was redesignated as the 2nd Infantry Division, allowing the historic 1st Cavalry identity to be carried into a new form of warfare.
The new division was activated on 1 July 1965 and deployed to Vietnam later that year. It arrived with an unprecedented helicopter capability, including aircraft used to transport troops, deliver supplies, evacuate casualties, conduct reconnaissance and provide aerial fire support. With helicopters central to its organisation, the division could move combat forces over difficult terrain and establish landing zones close to enemy positions. This approach became a defining feature of American airmobile operations during the war.
The division’s first major combat test came during the Pleiku Campaign in October and November 1965. Its operations culminated in the Battle of Ia Drang, where airmobile infantry, artillery and helicopter support were committed against North Vietnamese forces in the Central Highlands. The campaign demonstrated the potential and considerable demands of helicopter-based warfare, and the division received the Presidential Unit Citation for its actions.
The 1st Cavalry Division continued to serve across Vietnam, including during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Elements fought around Hue and helped relieve the besieged Marine position at Khe Sanh. In May 1970, the division also took part in operations in Cambodia. Its Vietnam service continued until 1972, with the division returning to the United States as the war drew down.
The Vietnam-Era Insignia
The division’s familiar yellow and black shoulder insignia was adapted for service in Vietnam. The bright yellow background was changed to subdued olive drab to reduce visibility and improve camouflage in the jungle environment. The horse’s head and diagonal stripe retained the division’s historic identity, connecting its modern airmobile role with its origins as a horse cavalry formation.
This Vietnam-themed COMMANDO patch commemorates that distinctive period in the division’s history, when the traditional cavalry identity was carried into a new era of helicopter warfare.
Features
- COMMANDO U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division Vietnam patch
- Commemorates the division’s Vietnam War service
- Represents the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile)
- Associated with the development of helicopter-based air assault operations
- Reflects the division’s Vietnam-era insignia heritage
- Woven patch construction
- Suitable for military memorabilia collections and display
- Sew-on attachment
Specifications
Brand: COMMANDO
Product Code: BD0093
Patch Type: U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division – Vietnam
Construction: Woven
Attachment: Sew-on
Dimensions: 90 x 135 mm
Barcode: 9357994009115
A fitting tribute to the soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division who served in Vietnam, this patch recognises the division’s pioneering role in airmobile warfare and the enduring legacy of the First Team.
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