KurtA Posted January 14, 2012 Share #1 Posted January 14, 2012 I picked this up this morning. The patch appears SE Asian-made. I'm trying to determine what "HO-CAP" refers to. Does anyone know? Thanks Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluehawk Posted January 14, 2012 Share #2 Posted January 14, 2012 Dragonfly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwb123 Posted January 14, 2012 Share #3 Posted January 14, 2012 Could you please show the reverse side? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KurtA Posted January 14, 2012 Author Share #4 Posted January 14, 2012 Here's the reverse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy Posted January 14, 2012 Share #5 Posted January 14, 2012 Don't think it's USAF, most likely VNAF Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mitch Posted January 15, 2012 Share #6 Posted January 15, 2012 Hi Kurt, Your patch appears to be a repro. Wait for others to confirm. Regards, Mitch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy Posted January 15, 2012 Share #7 Posted January 15, 2012 Not familiar with VNAF stuff, but I don't like it either. Randy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
all-bull Posted January 15, 2012 Share #8 Posted January 15, 2012 Definitely a repro with the thick threads, I'll see if I have any comparable real ones in the morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gwb123 Posted January 15, 2012 Share #9 Posted January 15, 2012 I've got doubts about it as well. Fully embroidered patches were less common for the Vietnamese military, although you did see some worn by the VNAF. That said, I've seen that backing material on a number of recent reproductions. The embroidery is thick compared to wartime examples wihich typically had thinner thread which produced a finer level of detail. The overall shape is mishapen, and the design elements of the patch don't line up either. This is typical of current reproductions. According to Cecil Smyth's reference on the VNAF, there were several squadrons that used this design with the A-37. "Ho Cap" was used by the 528th Fighter Squadron. Howver the example shown in Cecil's book would have a white background with a black border. Cecil translated "Ho Cap" to be "Scorpion". The on line translation programs come out a little differently, but that might be correct. Cecil served in Vietnam, so we'll assume he's got it right for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
all-bull Posted January 15, 2012 Share #10 Posted January 15, 2012 Cecil translated "Ho Cap" to be "Scorpion". The on line translation programs come out a little differently, but that might be correct. Cecil served in Vietnam, so we'll assume he's got it right for now. Yes, We have a beautiful bullion RF patch (probably pre to early-US involvement) with the unit designation, a scorpion, and Ho Cap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KurtA Posted January 15, 2012 Author Share #11 Posted January 15, 2012 Too bad it appears to be a repro. I appreciate all the input/info. Kurt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
all-bull Posted January 15, 2012 Share #12 Posted January 15, 2012 Kurt, Here are two real examples. There are lots and lots of these A37 variants, with different writing, colors, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
all-bull Posted January 15, 2012 Share #13 Posted January 15, 2012 backs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
all-bull Posted January 15, 2012 Share #14 Posted January 15, 2012 Cecil does say Ho Cap means Scorpion in his books. Here are three patches that not only say Ho Cap, but also have the scorpion. The bottom is VNAF, top two are ARVN Regional Forces. The bullion one may not be real, but we have had it forever and it does have some age on it. Still a pretty patch, in my opinion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TrenchfootJoe66 Posted January 15, 2012 Share #15 Posted January 15, 2012 Cecil does say Ho Cap means Scorpion in his books. Here are three patches that not only say Ho Cap, but also have the scorpion. The bottom is VNAF, top two are ARVN Regional Forces. The bullion one may not be real, but we have had it forever and it does have some age on it. Still a pretty patch, in my opinion. Nice VNAF stuff H. There used to be a former VNAF A-37 pilot who owned a store deep in the ghetto here in Richmond. I saw a picture of him on the wall in the store and asked him all about it. Later I gave him one of those repro, machine embroidered on white twill, A-37 patches. The guy survived the war but has been shot twice since he bought the store. Crazy world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patchcollector Posted October 10, 2016 Share #16 Posted October 10, 2016 I believe that the OP patch could be authentic.It is for the VNAF 528th FS.US Advisors also wore some of these A-37 patches. Here are some images I saved from an eBay auction of a similar piece.The seller has been offering VN War era theatre made patches from an extensive collection for some time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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