Seeking to verify RVN era USN 'PBR' Purple Heart

[dpast32]

Hello Guys, I've been offered what 'appears' to be a very nice & desirable USN WIA PHM from circa mid 1968. ( I'm still waiting for the exact date & unit data ) The recipient was a crew member aboard a Navy PBR in CTZ4, the Delta. So far, all I know for certain is what the potential seller has told me, which unfortunately is lacking in details. As I've been told that the PH is not named, I'd like some tips as to what type / style of PH it should be, based upon the time frame of Spring / Summer 1968, & that it's a Navy issue award ? As soon as I can get hold of some scans, & or detailed information, I will advise here. I'm the interim though, what's the group consensus as to the ON being an Army version, or was the Navy still using USN contract Hearts as late as the middle of 1968 ? I'd just love to snag this PBR Heart, even though it's 'only' an WIA group. Also, IIRC, the Navy PBR's didn't start arriving in RVN until circa mid 1968, so this Heart is probably one of the very 1st Hearts awarded to a PBR crewman ? I'd really appreciate any input or comments on this issue. I realize that there's no firm, definitive answer for this query, but I'd still like to hear other's thoughts on this. THANK YOU Guys

 

Best, dpast32

[Austin_Militaria]

Is this a grouping of items or just the PH? If it is just the medal, all you have is a story to go with it. The PH certificate would help establish the action and name of the person that it was awarded to.

[vicjoy1945]

I'm a little rusty on the subject...but...I believe that the Navy was still issuing US Mint manufactured Purple Hearts from WWII surplus during the Vietnam war. I would not be surprise to see the medal on a split (type I) or, more likely, full wrap brooch (type II). US Navy PHs on a slotted brooch (type III) were probably scarce at this point but Kurt or Dave should probably verify this statement.

 

Somewhere in the back of my cluttered mind I have a WIA Navy PH privately engraved to a sailor who served in Vietnam with the IUWG (Inshore Underwater Warfare Group). I think this PH was on a wrap brooch but haven't pulled it out in a long time.

[scottplen]

Vicjoy1945 !!! Wow !!!! hope you are well !!!

My cousin was a brown water navy guy who was wounded I think in 68 or 69 I sent him an email about his PH ! So hope he gets back to me ?

[dpast32]

THANK YOU Guys for the replies so far. I'm really hoping this comes through for me. The seller did say it came w/ the PHM, some paper stuff, & a few other campaign type medals. I'm bugging him daily for some firm data & photos, so all I can do now is wait.

 

Best, Dom