Original US Army 199th Infantry Brigade Patch | Subdued Twill | Vietnam Era
Description
The flaming spear that defended Saigon during the Tet Offensive.
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Unit History: The 199th Light Infantry Brigade, nicknamed the "Redcatchers," deployed to Vietnam in December 1966. They gained immense distinction during the 1968 Tet Offensive, defending Saigon, the US II Field Force headquarters at Long Binh, and engaging in intense house-to-house fighting in Cholon.
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Design: The insignia depicts a spearhead engulfed in flames, symbolizing the striking power and aggressive spirit of the infantry.
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Early Manufacturing (Twill & Cut Edge): To speed up production when the Army transitioned to subdued insignia, only the black design was stitched onto an OD green twill fabric base. The reverse shows the exposed fabric and period-correct white bobbin thread. The raw cut edge is a hallmark of the 1960s production era.
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Condition: Mint New Old Stock (NOS). Unissued, unsewn, and perfectly preserved with clean edges.
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Placement: Worn on the left shoulder of combat utility uniforms (Jungle Fatigues).
Technical Specs:
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Item: Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI) / Cloth Patch
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Unit: 199th Infantry Brigade (Light) - "Redcatchers"
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Variant: Subdued (Olive/Black) / Twill Base / Cut Edge
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Era: Vietnam War (approx. 1966-1968)
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Condition: Unissued, Mint (NOS)
