Vietnam War 1st Bn, 2nd IR, 1st ID "Black Scarves" Bat Helmet Marking

[Cap Camouflage Pattern I]

Many people have mentioned the 1st ID's 3rd Brigade and 1st Brigade's helmet markings, but I haven't seen any mention of this one. It seems to be confined to 1/2.

 

left, kneeling, and 3rd from left all have bats on the side of their helmet covers.

 

far left

 

 

 

[Cap Camouflage Pattern I]

 

if anybody has any other pictures, links to 1/2 vet sites, albums that might contain more pics of these bats, more info, or a helmet marked this way, please share!

[Cobra 6 Actual]

I was in the 1/2 (B Company) in 1968-1969, but never saw any helmets with the bat design that I recall. However, I can tell you the derivation of the use of the bat as a 1/2 symbol: the Battalion Commanders call sign was Dracula 6 ... often shortened to DRAC 6. It is only a short mental leap from there to the bat symbol. Hope that helps.

 

Here is the Second Infantry Regiment Associations website:

 

http://www.secinfreg.org

[Cap Camouflage Pattern I]

I was in the 1/2 (B Company) in 1968-1969, but never saw any helmets with the bat design that I recall. However, I can tell you the derivation of the use of the bat as a 1/2 symbol: the Battalion Commanders call sign was Dracula 6 ... often shortened to DRAC 6. It is only a short mental leap from there to the bat symbol. Hope that helps.

 

Here is the Second Infantry Regiment Associations website:

 

http://www.secinfreg.org

 

Thank you so much! Dracula 6 has to be the origin.

[Cobra 6 Actual]

You’re very welome, sir.

[Cap Camouflage Pattern I]

as with any unit helmet markings in vietnam, more than half the men do not have them

[Cap Camouflage Pattern I]

[USMC-RECON0321]

Nice screen shots.

[Cap Camouflage Pattern I]