Viet Cong captured uniform with provenance

[CodyK25]

I just purchased this set yesterday from a small local antique store. The black “pajamas” came with a note that says “captured from VC. Feb 1976 iron triangle oper. “Cedar Falls” by B co. 4th batt. 503 INF. 173d Airborne Brigade (John Yakshe)”. In my research I found that cedar falls actually occurred in January 1967. Is this something that can discount the provenance? I printed out a picture of Mr. Yakshe to display with the uniform. Are the black pajamas even real? Thank you for the help!

[CodyK25]

I should add they are TINY, I think they could fit a small 10 year old here in the states

[Cobra 6 Actual]

1976 versus 1967 … looks like a simple transposition of the last two digits. Nice find!

[CodyK25]

Thank you!

[dave peifer]

i agree,look fine to me.they have what i've always called,tag eye buttons..................dave

[CodyK25]

The buttons are bigger than the holes on it😆I am quite happy that it is real and the provenience looks good too! Thank you both!!

[jlhworks]

That's a superb and hard to find VC main force set. 66-67 sounds like the right period for it, I have a very similar/identical one captured at the same time. There is also one on the Australian War Memorial's site from that period

[gwb123]

I agree with the above... looks good.

[CodyK25]

Thank you both! For the price and where I found it I was a little concerned that it was not original. Thanks again! 

[CodyK25]

Do you all think it would be possible to find out how he got the silver star and bronze star that you can see in the picture of him?

[CodyK25]

I believe I found how he received his bronze star seen in the picture:

 

16 January 67

173d Unit Digs out Viet Cong By S&S Vietnam Bureau SAIGON –

The paratroopers were within 29 yards of the enemy. The enemy, a reinforced Viet Cong platoon, were well-armed with automatic weapons and fought from trenches, bunkers – reinforced with railroad ties – and spider holes. Lt. Daniel J. Severson, of North Vale, N.J., led his platoon against the heavily fortified positions shrouded under the canopy of dense jungle in the southern portion of the Iron Triangle. Earlier in the day, B Co., 4th Bn., 503d Inf., 173d Airborne Brigade, had been on a search and destroy mission. Severson’s platoon spotted the communists. The Americans fought from bunker to bunker for 20 minutes before withdrawing to allow air strikes on the VC positions. The paratroopers later searched the area and found five VC bodies. They also found tunnels which honeycombed the area, connecting bunkers and spider holes. Some of the tunnels had as many as five levels. Seventy-eight assorted weapons, including a 60mm mortar and a large supply of ammunition was found. The tunnels also contained food, medicine and clothing. The commander of the 173d, Brig. Gen. John R. Deane, Jr., who had observed the firefight from his heli-command post, landed nearby to congratulate company commander Capt. John S. Yakshe of Allentown, Pa., and his men for doing a “real fine job.” Dean presented several Bronze Stars with “V” Device (for valor) on the battlefield. The recipients included Yakshe and Severson. Gen. Deane 

[Cap Camouflage Pattern I]

Great set, looks original from what I know. I agree with Dave Peifer, that style of button was very common on clothing made in South Vietnam at the time (so of course it was used on Viet Cong made uniforms as well). This one is very closely modeled after a North Vietnamese uniform, which was typical of VC uniforms. I'm just splitting hairs here, but typically when people use the term "black pajamas" they are referring to the traditional áo bà ba which can resemble pajamas is less structured, with no collar, bare cuffs, and simple pockets open pockets, if any at all.

[CodyK25]

So what I have is a VC uniform. Thank you for the clarification!