Jump to content

Brown Water Navy in RVN (Coast Guard and Army MRF too)


Bearmon
 Share

Recommended Posts

I was asked to post this for a friend and fellow forum member who is looking for more info on this patch, he  brought it home  from 'Nam in June 1969, found it in a little sew shop in Saigon.

 

Thank you

Nha Be Duck Team.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Salvage Sailor
On 9/17/2021 at 12:58 PM, Bearmon said:

Some additional support type commands mostly SEA manufacture. Enjoy 

1F6235FC-D3E6-4BA0-A816-98ADC01837C8.jpeg

73CB1502-8096-4194-A781-BB425C2699B6.jpeg

 

Amongst many other bitchen patches you've collected, those two Fiberglass Repair patches Rock

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, PATCHRAT said:

I was asked to post this for a friend and fellow forum member who is looking for more info on this patch, he  brought it home  from 'Nam in June 1969, found it in a little sew shop in Saigon.

 

Thank you

Nha Be Duck Team.jpg

There is a similar copy of this patch being sold on eBay (see link below) with the exception of the numeral 1 in place of 2 in the flag.  It is describes as a USN Landing Party 1 Duck Team at Nha Be, Vietnam which may or may not be accurate.  Nha Be used to be a large US Naval logistical support base for Operation Game Warden some 10 miles outside of Saigon.  From the design of the patch itself it looks like something to do with a contested landing of supplies like ammunition onto a beach by a naval unit.  However I found an article in a newspaper hinting that this is actually a Seal Team related patch which I've never come cross before (see link to newspaper article).  If you can believe the information in this article the "duck team" was part of the Navy Seals that went out hunting for the Viet Cong.  They interviewed a Petty Officer Second Class J. R. Hoskins with a photo of him wearing what looks like ERDL fatigues and an ERDL beret.   I don't know if he was misquoted but the articles described him humping through the S. Vietnamese boondocks and rice paddies with a 50 caliber machine gun.  I can't see anyone patrolling with something that heavy so more than likely he supported ground units from a naval watercraft of some kind and I don't think he was a Seal which the article alludes to.  So I have doubts that this is a Seal Team related patch but it could be a USN riverine related patch.

 

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/363142309741?hash=item548cf7e76d:g:N0kAAOSwTStfiHdL

 

https://numerique.banq.qc.ca/patrimoine/details/52327/2997844

 

DSCF1776.JPG

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, PATCHRAT said:

I was asked to post this for a friend and fellow forum member who is looking for more info on this patch, he  brought it home  from 'Nam in June 1969, found it in a little sew shop in Saigon.

 

Thank you

Nha Be Duck Team.jpg

The box looks like is has AMMO written on it, the colors are odd too, green on the big duck and blue with an odd cap on the little duck.  I wuld think the article is a bit embelleshed, how many Canadians were Team members?  I have never seen the patch before so now the research starts.    Thanks for posting this.  It looks era correct to me.  any chance for a shot of the reverse side of the patch?

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Found an old copy of Cecil Smyth's book of VN Brown water patches, this patch appears on page 35 in the middle.

No real explanation of the patch though

patches.pdf (swiftboats.net)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

There is a full color version of the patch in the recently colorized version of the coastal and river forces in Vietnam  publication.   Perhaps Dave Kauffman knows who supplied the photo and could pass a question on the meaning/background of the patch?  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

For tonight more support commands. Advisory Groups and some beer cans.  other various commands associated with the brown water navy are included too .  Enjoy 

4F5B082A-4DC8-49BB-9F22-D3D0024A0367.jpeg

594B9600-1AAE-415F-8897-431E39F52A4C.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

SEALs and UDT are kind of associated with the brown water navy so here is a selection of patches for them.  The large patch in the center is either post war or complete fanatasy but is well made and good looking so I will will show it.  The UDT one I believe is a repro and just taking up room.  Please enjoy. 

146E7F82-C658-4E32-A682-FFD9EDE2B76E.jpeg

88E26B03-21EF-4DCC-AC22-FBC891ECFCAE.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We can’t forget air support.  Enjoy some HAL 3 and Other airs support patches.  A mix of SEA and Japanese manufactured. I especially like the Delta Naval Forces chain stitched variation 

34C70939-C6C1-4D77-B35F-D5EEE04BA7E7.jpeg

B812B99C-251D-48EC-9CE9-E568DDAB47ED.jpeg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Salvage Sailor

912573198_ARL38USSKRISHNA017.jpg.640ab2aa7c0a9f6e018a00022c10c75f.jpg

 

SEAFLOAT - USS KRISHNA (ARL-38) ex-LST-1149, Tender and Mothership to the USCG Squadrons and PCF's in the Gulf of Thailand.

 

1009509935_ARL38USSKRISHNA003.jpg.e5ce88f0101af52ca9650fb594de7764.jpg

 

Partial DANFS History:  Vietnam War


From 1 December to 22 February 1965 Krishna reactivated USS Kirwin, and on 1 June she was assigned to Service Force, Pacific Fleet.

 

SERVPAC Japanese made three star (Vice Admiral) version

1011880518_000SERVICEFORCEPACIFICFLEET001.jpg.486291438001266eebf5c2375773340f.jpg

 

SERVPAC Commanded the Naval Salvage, Repair, & Supply forces in RVN supporting the Brown Water Navy

 

1819959771_000SERVICEFORCEPACIFICFLEET002.jpg.ec31cebae74a6066c279cc6a8e7e79e4.jpg

 

Departing Little Creek, she steamed via Pearl Harbor and Guam for duty in the Far East. Operating out of Subic Bay, Philippines, she reached the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of South Vietnam 17 September and began duty as support ship for patrol craft of U.S. Coast Guard Squadron One, Division 11 based at An Thoi Naval Base on Phu Quoc Island. While the cutters patrolled coastal waters to prevent infiltration of ammunition and supplies to the Viet Cong, Krishna served as a repair facility and fueling station as well as an operations, communications, and command center. Later in the year she also provided services for eight Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) boats that arrived to strengthen the coastal surveillance program.

 

755794370_ARL38USSKRISHNA016.jpg.8a3c9a888c543c1b974159fefb795d26.jpg

 

Krishna remained on station until 1 December when she departed for Bangkok, Thailand, arriving 3 December. She returned to her various support duties in the Gulf of Thailand 11 December. In February Krishna raised and salvaged PCF-4. On 30 April, men from Krishna helped extinguish a fire in An Thoi.

 

380555561_ARL38USSKRISHNA015.jpg.d79d4b67e21742e9265d25ec4f3f5491.jpg

 

LOSS OF THE PCF-4 - The First Swift Boat mined and sunk during the Vietnam War

 

1948109571_ARL38USSKRISHNA007PCF4.jpg.544ed3db311ba80f23efaa2953a149d3.jpg

 

The crew of PCF-4 on February 14, 1966
Charles D. Lloyd, LTJG, Officer in Charge - WIA
Robert R. Johnson, RM3 - WIA
Jack C. Rodriguez, EN2 - KIA
Tommy E. Hill, BM2 - KIA
Dayton L. Rudisill, GMG2 - KIA
David J. Boyle, SN - KIA

 

1262142540_ARL38USSKRISHNA014PCF4A.jpg.2689d37d813bd2cf8b95642930c06ff4.jpg

 

FULL PHOTOS AND STORY HEREThe Loss of PCF-4 February 14, 1966 The Bay of Rach Gia

 

642739998_ARL38USSKRISHNA013PCF4.jpg.d584bf4b1fe29dab279238e9db6ee6cc.jpg

 

KRISHNA 1966 - She had a number of distinguished visitors through 1966, including Secretary of the Navy Paul H. Nitze on 15 July. On 21 July the landing craft repair ship headed for Sasebo, Japan with a stopover at Kaoshiung, Taiwan on 29 July to provide repair facilities, arriving Sasebo 9 August. Krishna departed Sasebo for Vietnam 22 September, arriving in the Gulf of Thailand 7 October to resume her WestPac mission. Krishna continued to patrol off the coast of Vietnam through 1966 into 1967.

 

481325388_ARL38USSKRISHNA001.jpg.eb0912f2f3a7fd580102122aaaf64259.jpg

 

MINED!

 

The enemy tried repeatedly but failed to put Sea Float out of operation. In April 1970, for instance, alert guards frustrated an attempt by VC swimmer sappers equipped with Soviet-made underwater gear and explosives. The defenders’ grenades and rifle fire killed four attackers. That July, mines tore a hole in Krishna (ARL 38) anchored in the Cua Lon but failed to sink the ship. Later in the month the enemy was more successful when they mined and capsized the VNN’s LSSL-225, killing 17 South Vietnamese sailors. 

 

Mine Damage to the USS Krishna (ARL38) This picture was taken on 6 July, 1970, the day after the ship was mined.

 

ray2.jpg.08eeeae0fc2736d7c1b37a889378aa3e.jpg

 

This picture was taken at the dry docks located in Saigon.

 

ray1.jpg.8981be22a00354fba51925b4134123bd.jpg

 

Krishna earned twelve battle stars for service during the Vietnam War.

 

CAMOGATOR Patch USS KRISHNA Brown Water Navy RVN

 

358244673_ARL38USSKRISHNA005.jpg.837c08e6859849d79adef43203092aec.jpg


Decommissioned on 15 September 1971 at Subic Bay, Krishna was struck from the Naval Vessel Register the same day. Sold to the Republic of the Philippines 30 October 1971 and renamed RPS Narra (AR-88), she was decommissioned in 1992.

 

2030694965_ARL38USSKRISHNA006.jpg.30d2e2d535651acb1c0848aa0f1a48b4.jpg

 

ARL 38 USS KRISHNA 004.jpg

 

586969954_ARL38USSKRISHNA002a.jpg.3b8ea36ef43a543b571b11c8635f1aec.jpg

 

1224971538_000SERVICEFORCEPACIFICFLEET003.jpg.3ce46947bd70899fb98b2f18f0ce06df.jpg

 

Two star (Rear Admiral) version of SERVPAC, Japanese made

 

503944269_000SERVICEFORCEPACIFICFLEET004.jpg.ee56ff79f94915fd98555f778c71a974.jpg

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

23 hours ago, Salvage Sailor said:

912573198_ARL38USSKRISHNA017.jpg.640ab2aa7c0a9f6e018a00022c10c75f.jpg

 

SEAFLOAT - USS KRISHNA (ARL-38) ex-LST-1149, Tender and Mothership to the USCG Squadrons and PCF's in the Gulf of Thailand.

 

1009509935_ARL38USSKRISHNA003.jpg.e5ce88f0101af52ca9650fb594de7764.jpg

 

Partial DANFS History:  Vietnam War


From 1 December to 22 February 1965 Krishna reactivated USS Kirwin, and on 1 June she was assigned to Service Force, Pacific Fleet.

 

1011880518_000SERVICEFORCEPACIFICFLEET001.jpg.486291438001266eebf5c2375773340f.jpg

SERVPAC Japanese made three star version

1819959771_000SERVICEFORCEPACIFICFLEET002.jpg.ec31cebae74a6066c279cc6a8e7e79e4.jpg

 

Departing Little Creek, she steamed via Pearl Harbor and Guam for duty in the Far East. Operating out of Subic Bay, Philippines, she reached the Gulf of Thailand off the coast of South Vietnam 17 September and began duty as support ship for patrol craft of U.S. Coast Guard Squadron One, Division 11 based at An Thoi Naval Base on Phu Quoc Island. While the cutters patrolled coastal waters to prevent infiltration of ammunition and supplies to the Viet Cong, Krishna served as a repair facility and fueling station as well as an operations, communications, and command center. Later in the year she also provided services for eight Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) boats that arrived to strengthen the coastal surveillance program.

 

755794370_ARL38USSKRISHNA016.jpg.8a3c9a888c543c1b974159fefb795d26.jpg

 

Krishna remained on station until 1 December when she departed for Bangkok, Thailand, arriving 3 December. She returned to her various support duties in the Gulf of Thailand 11 December. In February Krishna raised and salvaged PCF-4. On 30 April, men from Krishna helped extinguish a fire in An Thoi.

 

380555561_ARL38USSKRISHNA015.jpg.d79d4b67e21742e9265d25ec4f3f5491.jpg

 

LOSS OF THE PCF-4 First Swift Boat mined and sunk during the Vietnam War

1948109571_ARL38USSKRISHNA007PCF4.jpg.544ed3db311ba80f23efaa2953a149d3.jpg

The crew of PCF-4 on February 14, 1966
Charles D. Lloyd, LTJG, Officer in Charge - WIA
Robert R. Johnson, RM3 - WIA
Jack C. Rodriguez, EN2 - KIA
Tommy E. Hill, BM2 - KIA
Dayton L. Rudisill, GMG2 - KIA
David J. Boyle, SN - KIA

 

1262142540_ARL38USSKRISHNA014PCF4A.jpg.2689d37d813bd2cf8b95642930c06ff4.jpg

 

FULL PHOTOS AND STORY HEREThe Loss of PCF-4 February 14, 1966 The Bay of Rach Gia

642739998_ARL38USSKRISHNA013PCF4.jpg.d584bf4b1fe29dab279238e9db6ee6cc.jpg

 

KRISHNA 1966 - She had a number of distinguished visitors through 1966, including Secretary of the Navy Paul H. Nitze on 15 July. On 21 July the landing craft repair ship headed for Sasebo, Japan with a stopover at Kaoshiung, Taiwan on 29 July to provide repair facilities, arriving Sasebo 9 August. Krishna departed Sasebo for Vietnam 22 September, arriving in the Gulf of Thailand 7 October to resume her WestPac mission. Krishna continued to patrol off the coast of Vietnam through 1966 into 1967.

 

481325388_ARL38USSKRISHNA001.jpg.eb0912f2f3a7fd580102122aaaf64259.jpg

 

MINED!

 

The enemy tried repeatedly but failed to put Sea Float out of operation. In April 1970, for instance, alert guards frustrated an attempt by VC swimmer sappers equipped with Soviet-made underwater gear and explosives. The defenders’ grenades and rifle fire killed four attackers. That July, mines tore a hole in Krishna (ARL 38) anchored in the Cua Lon but failed to sink the ship. Later in the month the enemy was more successful when they mined and capsized the VNN’s LSSL-225, killing 17 South Vietnamese sailors. 

 

Mine Damage to the USS Krishna (ARL38) This picture was taken on 6 July, 1970, the day after the ship hit a mine.

ray2.jpg.08eeeae0fc2736d7c1b37a889378aa3e.jpg

 

This picture was taken at the dry docks located in Saigon.

ray1.jpg.8981be22a00354fba51925b4134123bd.jpg

 

Krishna earned twelve battle stars for service during the Vietnam War.

CAMOGATOR

358244673_ARL38USSKRISHNA005.jpg.837c08e6859849d79adef43203092aec.jpg


Decommissioned on 15 September 1971 at Subic Bay, Krishna was struck from the Naval Vessel Register the same day. Sold to the Republic of the Philippines 30 October 1971 and renamed RPS Narra (AR-88), she was decommissioned in 1992.

 

2030694965_ARL38USSKRISHNA006.jpg.30d2e2d535651acb1c0848aa0f1a48b4.jpg

 

ARL 38 USS KRISHNA 004.jpg

 

586969954_ARL38USSKRISHNA002a.jpg.3b8ea36ef43a543b571b11c8635f1aec.jpg

 

1224971538_000SERVICEFORCEPACIFICFLEET003.jpg.3ce46947bd70899fb98b2f18f0ce06df.jpg

Two star version of SERVPAC, Japanese made

503944269_000SERVICEFORCEPACIFICFLEET004.jpg.ee56ff79f94915fd98555f778c71a974.jpg

 

 

Thanks for joining in I was waiting for you.  

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Salvage Sailor

Thanks Bearmon, I see that you have a Japanese made YF-866 patch.  I'm not sure where this one was made, but here's the background on the Vessel.

 

306112529_YF866USSKODIAK001.jpg.263d2d875fa6ecad9cdd302d8b484c9e.jpg

 

The Ambush of The KODIAK (YF-866) while supplying the Brown Water Navy in Vietnam, 14 September 1968

Retired Submariner Presented Bronze Star For Combat Action In Vietnam

Story Number: NNS090602-05Release Date: 6/2/2009 3:04:00 PM

By Kevin Copeland, Commander, Submarine Force Public Affairs

 

98358104_YF866USSKODIAK004.jpg.af9c5c6730a899acdb4a5fa8e113afcd.jpg

Note:  all photos for illustration from navsource.com  Caption:  Kodiak (YF-866), YFU-57 and YFU-59 at Nha Be, South Vietnam, 5 February 1972.

 

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- A retired senior chief was formally presented the Bronze Star medal with the Combat Distinguishing Device during a ceremony at Navy Operations Support Center, Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek June 1, 2009.

 

Retired Senior Chief Quartermaster (Submarines) Clarence G. Cooper received the Bronze Star for his actions during the Vietnam War.

 

"Today's award event was about formal recognition of a naval hero's courage, determination and selfless sacrifice in preventing his ship from sinking and his men from capture or death," said retired Navy Capt. Allen Weseleskey, the event's master of ceremonies and a Navy Cross recipient.

 

KODIAK (YF-866) MEKONG DELTA YF-852 Class Self-propelled Covered Lighter (note the M60 & sign on her bridge wing)

 

467944376_YF866USSKODIAK003.jpg.463ce8611a505d1c1f5c3e87c418431e.jpg

Caption: Kodiak (YF-866) working the anchors of BWN Barracks Barge APL-30 at Nha Be, circa March 1972

 

Cooper was recognized for his heroic actions while serving as craft master of covered lighter Kodiak (YF 866) in the Republic of Vietnam Sept. 14, 1968. During combat operations, Cooper's craft was ambushed by intense fire from hidden emplacements on both sides of a narrow Mekong River channel. With little regard for personal safety, he exposed himself to the automatic weapons and rocket fire while directing his crew to fire on enemy positions.

 

"He was navigating his supply vessel in the Mekong Delta, delivering urgently needed supplies to naval facilities in the Vinh Long area. At a chokepoint in the river, his ship and crew of sixteen Sailors were ambushed by two superior enemy forces in a coordinated attack from both sides of the river.

 

1208987926_YF866USSKODIAK005.jpg.a7de545fdca8cd560cd5d812691e7e65.jpg

Caption:  Kodiak (YF-866) moored alongside Brule (T-AKL-28) at Nha Be, South Vietnam, June 1971.

 

"His lightly armed vessel was overwhelmed by rockets, mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and heavy automatic weapons fire. With a major number of his men wounded, he was caught in a murderous cross fire. The events of that near fatal day were saved by the rapid thinking of a craft master as he barked orders directing covering return fire while maneuvering his craft and calling for combat assistance. His efforts foiled a well-planned and executed enemy attack trap by a superior enemy force."  (HAL-3 Citation Follows below)

 

465584402_YF866USSKODIAK006.jpg.a3360db3b39c06a5fc27cc430bf38905.jpg

Caption:  Kodiak (YF-866) at Nha Be, South Vietnam, February 1972. (THIS is why it's called "the Brown Water Navy")

 

In the course of these events, he calmly guided his craft against the strong river currents and radioed for emergency air and waterborne support. His actions prevented the craft from going aground, which would have meant near certain destruction or capture. During medical evacuation procedures, he skillfully maneuvered Kodiak to minimize the enemy's ability to bring down the helicopter.

 

"I simply did what I was trained to do," said Cooper. "I immediately got the call out for help on the UHF (ultra high frequency) and HF (high frequency) radios. I managed to keep my head throughout the ordeal; however, it was the overall performance of the crew during the first minutes of battle until help arrived that was important.

 

1682751532_YF866USSKODIAK008.jpg.1aac0b06c7420cb20ba4b6120fda5dd0.jpg

Caption:  Kodiak (YF-866) moored at Nha Be, South Vietnam, October 1971

 

"The most important part of the presentation today was the turnout of friends and shipmates. It was most meaningful to me that so many people were willing to devote their time, energy and personal expense on my behalf. I was so honored that Vice Admiral Donnelly was willing to take time out of his busy schedule to make the presentation."

 

Vice Adm. John J. Donnelly, commander, U.S. Submarine Force, was equally honored to be making the presentation.

 

"Today we honored Senior Chief Cooper, who is a great example of the commitment to service that has made our country strong. From his early days on board the USS PERCH (SS-313) and USS HALFBEAK (SS-352), to his later assignment aboard river patrol boats (PBR) in Vietnam and at Submarine Squadron Six, Clarence Cooper answered his nation's call.

 

"And although we are here to specifically acknowledge his heroic actions on that gunboat in September of 1968, let us never forget this long history of service, and through this commitment to the Navy and his country, all of the lives that he touched and Sailors who have benefited from his leadership."

 

911089663_YF866USSKODIAK007.jpg.d06c1637f0d8d268462432344cd3606e.jpg

Caption:  Kodiak (YF-866) moored at Nha Be, South Vietnam, October 1971.  (Note the Steel Beach Hibachi, common on all USN small craft)

 

Authorized on Feb. 4, 1944, the Bronze Star is one of the most prestigious medals in the military and is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement of service in connection with operations against an opposing armed force.

 

"I know that getting this recognition was the result of a two-year struggle by several people, and I am relieved and very pleased on receiving the award," said Cooper.

 

"I'm seventy-six years-old now, so at this point in my life the recognition is most important for my family. What is most meaningful to me is the fact that so many people were willing to devote their time, energy and personal expense on my behalf."

 

1644343796_YF866USSKODIAK009.jpg.b2acea33214138abe5ab05a7cf7b7e1f.jpg

 

For more news from Commander, Submarine Force, visit www.navy.mil/local/sublant/.

 

1704824612_YF866USSKODIAK010.jpg.927d5b7d7c75c1f6eba84842559bf167.jpg

 

Reference Page 319 from Duty Honor Sacrifice, Brown Water Sailors and Army River Raiders by Ralph Christopher

 

430801614_YF866USSKODIAK011.jpg.d71ccb1dcb1d0d55e52e1d8c5068f49c.jpg

 

KODIAK (YF-866)

YF-852 Class Self-propelled Covered Lighter - Nine Campaign Stars for Vietnam Service

 

306112529_YF866USSKODIAK001.jpg.263d2d875fa6ecad9cdd302d8b484c9e.jpg

 

1914280477_YF866USSKODIAK002.jpg.9c9dd3b699752e757c4a7c8773a2f9e5.jpg

 

LT WALKER & The SEAWOLVES of HAL-3 DEFEND THE KODIAK (YF-866) 14 SEPTEMBER 1968

 

James R. Walker - Citation: For extraordinary heroism on 14 September 1968 while serving with Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron Three, Detachment Three, during operations against enemy aggressor forces in the Republic of Vietnam.

 

As a Fire Team Leader of a Light Helicopter Fire Team which was called in to support United States naval forces that were under attack on the Mekong River, Lieutenant Walker, upon arrival at the scene of the enemy ambush, immediately commenced his attacks against the entrenched hostile emplacements on both sides of the river. After diverting the intense enemy fire from the badly damages ships to himself and his fire team, he continued to press his attacks and was able to suppress much of the Viet Cong fire. With his ammunition expended, Lieutenant Walker was preparing to leave the scene of action to rearm when he was informed of the need of an immediate medical evacuation of a critically wounded crewman aboard a severely damaged lighter (KODIAK YF-866).

 

Seawolf.jpg.cbc6f2794d79198bab5f12d4d0c6833f.jpg

 

Realizing that no medical evacuation aircraft could approach the crippled ship due to heavy fire, Lieutenant Walker courageously volunteered to attempt the evacuation, in the face of the withering hail of bullets, and with full knowledge that the ship had no landing capabilities for his aircraft. He hovered his aircraft over the bow of the moving ship and successfully completed the evacuation of the injured man under the most hazardous conditions. He then flew the casualty to awaiting medical attention at Vinh Long Airfield and quickly rearmed, returning to the scene of contact to press his attacks on the enemy positions.

 

Forced to rearm once again at Vinh Long, Lieutenant Walker again returned to the ambush scene and succeeded in breaking the fiercely resisting insurgents and suppressing all their fire. Through this tenacious and courageous attacks, he turned a well planned enemy ambush on United States naval forces into a disastrous enemy rout. Lieutenant Walker's composure under fire, outstanding professionalism, and valorous dedication were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

 

1641373427_YF866USSKODIAK012.jpg.d1f4d366a3180dde01b2c4ae7c3b9a2e.jpg

 

COMMANDER JAMES ROBERT WALKER 1938-2015

 

He was an enlisted aviation petty officer, attended NAPS and The United States Naval Academy (USNA) before going into the Naval Air Prepatory School (NAVCAD) program. Jim spent twenty two years in the Navy as a Naval Aviator. He graduated the NAVCAD program and received his wings in 1961. He is a decorated Vietnam Veteran where he was a Seawolf -gunship pilot (HAL3 Det 3) and received the Navy Cross. He also received two Purple Hearts, the Distinguished Flying Cross, thirty two Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal-Cuban Conflict, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal-four Campaign Stars, two Silver Stars and many more commendations. His medals will be on display at the National Navy Seal Museum and Memorial in Fort Pierce, FL.
 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 hours ago, Bearmon said:

Nice NAG beret.  And I love the IUWG stuff

The beret is named to David Mericle… who also served at the Antartic/McMurdo Station in 1967 and had a glacier rock named after him - “Mericle Rock”

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here is a MIUW Division 13-19 OG-107 1968 dated shirt with the sleeves shortened.   Since it is MIUW instead of IUWG this might be a post war uniform.  

 

 

Uniform IUW Div 13-19  (6).jpg

Uniform IUW Div 13-19  (7).jpg

Uniform IUW Div 13-19  (5).jpg

Uniform IUW Div 13-19  (4).jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...