18 replies to this topic

[warpath]

Rare South Vietnam Project GAMMA B-57 US Special Forces Presentation Plaque with a photo of the in country presentation. I have no clue what the meaning of the animal is, however.

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Edited by warpath, 01 April 2018 - 02:40 PM.

[warpath]

Plaque with a photo of the in country presentation

 

 

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[Gavin D.]

That is a very cool piece.

[aznation]

Turtle (rùa)

 

The turtle has a special place in Vietnamese culture and history. It symbolises longevity, strength and intelligence and is also closely related to the independence of Vietnam in the 15th century. Legend has it that Lê Lời, who led the Vietnamese to fight against the Chinese invaders in the 15th century, borrowed a sword from the dragon king. After he defeated the Chinese, he returned the sacred sword to the king via the latter’s disciple, a turtle which lived in a jade water lake. The Vietnamese, especially the Hanoians, believe that this lake is the Hoàn Kiếm Lake (Returned or Restored Sword Lake) in the middle of the city. Until recently, there was a highly revered resident, an old soft-shell turtle, named locally as Cụ Rùa (Grandfather Turtle) living in the lake. Cụ Rùa, who was actually female, was one of only four turtles of this breed known to survive in the world and it was believed that she was over a hundred years old. Sadly, on 19th January 2016, her lifeless body was found floating in the lake. The cause of her death is unknown and some Vietnamese have interpreted it as an inauspicious omen.

 

At the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) in Hà Nội, there are 82 figures of stone turtles with steles of doctoral graduates on the turtles’ backs. This was a mark of honour for those who achieved the highest degree of education in traditional Vietnamese society during the Lê dynasty. It also signified the importance of education in the society.

[gwb123]

Ed, definitely not something you see every day.

[warpath]

Turtle (rùa)

 

The turtle has a special place in Vietnamese culture and history. It symbolises longevity, strength and intelligence and is also closely related to the independence of Vietnam in the 15th century. Legend has it that Lê Lời, who led the Vietnamese to fight against the Chinese invaders in the 15th century, borrowed a sword from the dragon king. After he defeated the Chinese, he returned the sacred sword to the king via the latter’s disciple, a turtle which lived in a jade water lake. The Vietnamese, especially the Hanoians, believe that this lake is the Hoàn Kiếm Lake (Returned or Restored Sword Lake) in the middle of the city. Until recently, there was a highly revered resident, an old soft-shell turtle, named locally as Cụ Rùa (Grandfather Turtle) living in the lake. Cụ Rùa, who was actually female, was one of only four turtles of this breed known to survive in the world and it was believed that she was over a hundred years old. Sadly, on 19th January 2016, her lifeless body was found floating in the lake. The cause of her death is unknown and some Vietnamese have interpreted it as an inauspicious omen.

 

At the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) in Hà Nội, there are 82 figures of stone turtles with steles of doctoral graduates on the turtles’ backs. This was a mark of honour for those who achieved the highest degree of education in traditional Vietnamese society during the Lê dynasty. It also signified the importance of education in the society.

Now that was helpful. Thanks for the history and it certainly adds meaning to what was just another plaque. Ed

[aznation]

You're welcome Ed.  I learned something myself.  I had no idea.  Very interesting and nice plaque!  Especially with the picture of it as well.  I've never seen anything quite like it.  Take care...Matt

[Spy vs Spy]

GAMMA B-57 stuff are rare and not often seen. This must be one of a kind? Early Cool piece and with that picture, makes it even better.

-What year was this presented Ed?

Best
Martin

[doyler]

GAMMA B-57 stuff are rare and not often seen. This must be one of a kind? Early Cool piece and with that picture, makes it even better.
-What year was this presented Ed?
Best
Martin

Looks like april 1969 on plaque

[kammo-man]

Now that make me want to have a nice bowl of soup.

 

owen

[mikie]

Now that make me want to have a nice bowl of soup.
 
owen

You win Laugh of the Day...so far!
Mikie

[warpath]

The Original Project GAMMA Camp Sign now in my collection at my store.

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[gwb123]

Great sign.  So much for keeping a low profile and secrecy. 

[kammo-man]

You win Laugh of the Day...so far!
Mikie

 

Thank you Sir.

Someone has to interject some humor into the site.

[kammo-man]

You win Laugh of the Day...so far!
Mikie

 

Thank you Sir.

Someone has to interject some humor into the site.

[aznation]

I was kind of curious as to what kind of turtle that was on the plaque because of it's beauty.  The species of turtle is a Vietnamese Hawksbill turtle, which at this time is considered critically endangered.

[Lsparks]

I was kind of curious as to what kind of turtle that was on the plaque because of it's beauty.  The species of turtle is a Vietnamese Hawksbill turtle, which at this time is considered critically endangered.

I might be wrong, but that one on the plaque looks real. 

[warpath]

This Project GAMMA plaque was given and brought home in 1969 so it is a well documented authorized trophy. 

 

In 1982, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species first listed E. imbricata as endangered. This endangered status continued through several reassessments in 1986, 1988,[60] 1990, and 1994 until it was upgraded in status to critically endangered in 1996. Two petitions challenged its status as an endangered species prior to this, claiming the turtle (along with three other species) had several significant stable populations worldwide. These petitions were rejected based on their analysis of data submitted by the Marine Turtle Specialist Group (MTSG). The data given by the MTSG showed the worldwide hawksbill sea turtle population had declined by 80% in the three most recent generations, and no significant population increase occurred as of 1996. CR A2 status was denied, however, because the IUCN did not find sufficient data to show the population likely to decrease by a further 80% in the future.
The species (along with the entire family Cheloniidae) has been listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. It is illegal to import or export turtle products, or to kill, capture, or harass hawksbill sea turtles.
Local involvement in conservation efforts has also increased in the past few years.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service have classified hawksbills as endangered under the Endangered Species Act since 1970.

 

 

[warpath]

I might be wrong, but that one on the plaque looks real. 

It certainly was at that time.