Manchu Warrior Posted September 19, 2015 Share #1 Posted September 19, 2015 I found this Airborne beret at the flea market today and I don't know what unit it happens to be, but I know someone does. The seller said that it was a relatives and he was a Vietnam veteran. The flash is cut edge and the printing in top of the cap is faded so I cannot read it. I'm hoping that the Union tag may be able help to tell its age. Please excuse the blurry photos. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
439th Signal Battalion Posted September 19, 2015 Share #2 Posted September 19, 2015 That's the DI for the 17th Cavalry. However, there were several Squadrons/Troop detachments to have been a part of the unit in Vietnam... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manchu Warrior Posted September 19, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted September 19, 2015 That's the DI for the 17th Cavalry. However, there were several Squadrons/Troop detachments to have been a part of the unit in Vietnam... I appreciate the information. Does the cut edge flash indicate that it dates to the 1960's? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easterneagle87 Posted September 19, 2015 Share #4 Posted September 19, 2015 Not necesarily. Cut edge patches were made for years. They were actualky eaiser to sew than the merrowed edge ones. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manchu Warrior Posted September 19, 2015 Author Share #5 Posted September 19, 2015 Not necesarily. Cut edge patches were made for years. They were actualky eaiser to sew than the merrowed edge ones. I appreciate the information. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doyler Posted September 19, 2015 Share #6 Posted September 19, 2015 I appreciate the information. Does the cut edge flash indicate that it dates to the 1960's? You will see the cut edge worn into the 80s as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manchu Warrior Posted September 19, 2015 Author Share #7 Posted September 19, 2015 You will see the cut edge worn into the 80s as well. I only paid a couple dollars for it so oh well. I appreciate the information. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavcon Posted September 19, 2015 Share #8 Posted September 19, 2015 I am pretty sure it is for the 1st Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Div. Looks to be 80's era but not positive. Nice piece though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Conway Posted September 19, 2015 Share #9 Posted September 19, 2015 A number of Cavalry regiments wore this style of flash over the years and still do. When this flash is associated with the 17th my references indicate this would probably be worn by members of the 1st Squadron of the 17th Cav. I believe that variation of the 17th's crest is correct for the Vietnam era. The 1st of the 17th had one troop in Vietnam that served as a ground reconnaissance element for the 82nd Airborne division. I can't help you with placing a date on that Union label but that's another excellent clue to pursue. At any rate it's a nice old salty beret and a bargain for a couple of bucks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manchu Warrior Posted September 19, 2015 Author Share #10 Posted September 19, 2015 A number of Cavalry regiments wore this style of flash over the years and still do. When this flash is associated with the 17th my references indicate this would probably be worn by members of the 1st Squadron of the 17th Cav. I believe that variation of the 17th's crest is correct for the Vietnam era. The 1st of the 17th had one troop in Vietnam that served as a ground reconnaissance element for the 82nd Airborne division. I can't help you with placing a date on that Union label but that's another excellent clue to pursue. At any rate it's a nice old salty beret and a bargain for a couple of bucks! Much appreciate. Thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Conway Posted September 20, 2015 Share #11 Posted September 20, 2015 You're welcome. I'm sorry I didn't realize Cavcon had already identified it for you! Having been a ground recon unit in Vietnam may put the nix on the idea of this beret being of that era due to the maroon color being associated with airborne units. Actually, I don't think any American units wore a maroon beret during the Vietnam war? Does anyone know for sure? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovmilinsig Posted September 20, 2015 Share #12 Posted September 20, 2015 Great looking beret! Thanks for sharing. Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manchu Warrior Posted September 20, 2015 Author Share #13 Posted September 20, 2015 You're welcome. I'm sorry I didn't realize Cavcon had already identified it for you! Having been a ground recon unit in Vietnam may put the nix on the idea of this beret being of that era due to the maroon color being associated with airborne units. Actually, I don't think any American units wore a maroon beret during the Vietnam war? Does anyone know for sure? Soldiers of D Troop 3/17th Cavalry wearing the red (maroon?) beret in Vietnam - 1969/70 I found this this photo and caption on an old thread about US Army berets on the forum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manchu Warrior Posted September 20, 2015 Author Share #14 Posted September 20, 2015 Great looking beret! Thanks for sharing. Ed Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Overkill Posted April 26, 2016 Share #15 Posted April 26, 2016 I have a beret identical to this one, I wore it from 1981-1985 while assigned to B Trp 1/17th Cavalry 82nd Abn Div. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
37thguy Posted February 6, 2021 Share #16 Posted February 6, 2021 Quote Sorry, late to the party. Any lining left? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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