Original US Army 1st Aviation Brigade Patch | Subdued / Cut Edge | Vietnam Era
Description
The eagle and flaming sword, cloaked for the jungle.
-
Subdued Design: In 1966, to prevent bright colors from giving away a soldier's position, the US Army introduced subdued insignia featuring black embroidery on an olive drab background.
-
Unit History: The 1st Aviation Brigade commanded the massive helicopter fleets (Hueys, Cobras, Chinooks) that defined the airmobile warfare tactics of the Vietnam War.
-
Early Manufacturing (Cut Edge): Featuring a raw, un-merrowed cut edge and the classic white bobbin thread on the reverse, this patch is definitively dated to the authentic 1966-1968 production era before merrowed borders became standard.
-
Condition: Mint New Old Stock (NOS). Never sewn on a uniform, with perfect contrast and no fraying.
-
Placement: Worn on the left shoulder of combat utility uniforms (Jungle Fatigues).
Technical Specs:
-
Item: Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (SSI) / Cloth Patch
-
Unit: 1st Aviation Brigade
-
Variant: Subdued (Olive/Black) / Cut Edge
-
Era: Vietnam War (approx. 1966-1968)
-
Condition: Unissued, Mint (NOS)
