US K-2B Flight Suit "CPT Gale" – 11th Air Assault Division (Test) – MACV – 1964
Description
A museum-grade artifact from the birth of the Air Cavalry. This is a named Type K-2B Cotton Flight Suit belonging to Captain Gale of the legendary 11th Air Assault Division (Test). Active only from 1963 to 1965, this unit pioneered helicopter tactics at Ft. Benning before becoming the 1st Cav. The suit features the ultra-rare 11th Air Assault shoulder patch, a MACV combat patch (right sleeve) indicating prior advisor service, and Army Aviator wings.
Detailed Description: This isn't just a uniform; it's a timeline of the early Vietnam War.
-
Historical Context: The wearer was a combat veteran (MACV Advisor) who returned to the US to help test the "Airmobile" concept with the 11th Air Assault Division.
-
Insignia:
-
Left Shoulder: The short-lived 11th Air Assault Div (Test) patch – the precursor to the 1st Cav patch.
-
Right Shoulder: MACV (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam), showing the officer's "Right Arm" combat experience.
-
Chest: Embroidered name "GALE", US ARMY tape, and Army Aviator Badge.
-
Collar: Captain's bars (O-3).
-
-
Specs: Label reads "SUIT, FLYING, MAN'S VERY LIGHT, TYPE K-2B", dating it to the cotton poplin era pre-1966. Size Medium Short.
