USMC Co. I, 3rd Battalion 1st Marines Patch, 1st Mar Div. Vietnam?

[nchistory]

Any information on this patch is greatly appreciated.  Is it 1960's in Country made (Vietnam)?

USMC Co. I, 3rd Battalion 1st Marines Patch, 1st Mar Div.  Vietnam?

[nchistory]

[Tonomachi]

This is probably post war as the embroidery does not look Vietnamese made during the war.  I've seen that white paper like backing material on more current patches.   I don't think it is a fantasy patch like I thought it was when this patch first appeared on a black beret (see photo).   I saw the miniature version of this patch sewn upon a beret being sold on eBay a number of years ago and thought it was a fantasy piece but now that another has surfaced it was probably made for a specific unit.  I have a similar type unit patch in my collection that has the crossed paddles (see link).  The explanation given by BagmanL6 probably fits this patch as well being a small boat raid company.  So I would say it is a keeper.  

 

 

 

[Tonomachi]

I just spotted the patch in question for sale on eBay which has a much larger and clearer photograph of the back.  That white paper like material background is the stuff I've seen on patches that were never worn by the military and basically copies of insignia like the stuff you see sewn on civilian fashion type tour jackets.  I also just came across a number of copies of this patch one of which has dates on the paddles indicating a Vietnam War era piece.  I now believe I was correct in my initial assessment of the miniature version of this patch that I saw sewn on a beret.   I believe these are all fantasy pieces as I've never come across anything like this is years of searching for USMC Force Recon Company and Recon Battalion patches.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ORIGINAL-VIETNAM-U-S-MARINE-CORPS-CLOTH-PATCH-I-CO-3-1-RAIDERS-USMC/143945845727?hash=item2183d74bdf:g:myUAAOSw~gpgFth6

 

 

[Bodhi]

Hello gents, wanted to bring this back up. I’m looking at buying some of these patches right now. 
 

It seems maybe some are confused, this definitely is not meant to be anything related to Recon, Company I, 3/1 (Raiders) is an infantry unit. It existed and still does. 
 

Wondering if we ever figured the authenticity of these out?

 

Cheers,

Bodhi

[Bodhi]

Perhaps sold at the exchange for Marines to buy? That would be my guess.

[CUBUSMC]

Honestly, all the patches above are current or repro and yes, the PX does sell current patches for Marines to wear on non regulation items and clothing.  As far as 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, they still exist and yes they fought in Vietnam.  As far as why India company consider themselves Raiders, I am not really sure, unless this was the role they fulfilled for the 3rd Battalion in 1965-66 in Vietnam.  They have a Facebook account and this is the logo that they have posted on it. (cool logo)  So I assume there is some truth to their company being used as "Raiders".  Perhaps I should ask the question on Facebook.  Regardless, I have yet to see a Vietnam vintage patch with this logo.  Perhaps someone has one and could post it.  Semper Fi! - Jeff   

 

[Bodhi]

Thanks Jeff! India Co. refers to themselves as Raiders because they train and conduct amphibious Raids. They still do it to this day and to my knowledge have been doing it for a long time. Often using the Marine Raider logo (Skull with southern cross) because that is the logo of the original Raiders.

 

Would definitely be interested to hear what they say on Facebook. I could see the patches being made postwar for a reunion maybe or my original guess just as a item for the Marines to buy. We still often make and hand out patches that are not regulation or typical, often made by random companies.