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US Special Forces/Korean Special Forces Uniform???


Rakkasan187
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Rakkasan187

I picked this up about 10 years ago in a thrift store, It was only $2.00 so I figured why not. I have never seen anything like this before and I was intrigued by the combination of US/Foreign insignia on this shirt. I don't know much about the shirt, except for the US insignia, SF patch, CIB, Master Parachutist and Rigger Patch. I recently found the Bat patch is that of the ROK (Republic of Korea) 11th Special Forces Brigade. The other pacth over the name tape is a mystery. Some one a long time ago siad it may be Philippine Jump wings but I don't have any idea. I figured the experts here could shed some light on this unique uniform. The US Army tape looks to be Korean or SE Asian made, and the tags on the inside of the shirt are in some form of Oriental Characters. The collar has pin marks where pin on rank might have been attached at one time. Which country I am not sure. Take a look and see what you all think and I look forward to hearing your replys. I would also like to know if there is any information about the Soldier's name out there if he was in fact US Special Forces. The name is SWIATOCHO

 

post-5554-1248745471.jpg

 

post-5554-1248745539.jpg

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Rakkasan187

This is the last picture. I hope that Kammo-man and Bob Chatt, and some of the other Cammo Gurus out there can take this apart and really give some good feedback as to what I have here. It is not my area of expertise, but I wanted to share it with you all.

 

post-5554-1248746407.jpg

 

I hope this is a good and interesting uniform. :w00t:

 

Leigh...

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What you have there is a South Korean Waves pattern uniform. According to the tag it was made in 1979 and definitely has a military acceptance tag. The jump wings over the right pocket are Philipines master jump wings. Unusual, I've never seen a uniform like this with US insignia. Looks like the insignia was put on a long time ago.

 

I will add that this pattern was used by several different nations (including Guatemala and Ethiopia). Yours is definitely South Korean made for their army.

Arch

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The paratrooper wing below the rigger wing is actually a Taiwanese Special Forces wing.

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Vietnam Veterans Database

Name: SWIATOCHO CASIMIR

Branch: ARMY

Rate: E06

Rank: STAFF SERGEANT

MOS: 11F

MOS Title: Infantry Operations And Intelligence Specialist

Entered: 6509

Discharged: 870831

Service Number:

State: PUERTO RICO

Race: CAUCASIAN

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The paratrooper wing below the rigger wing is actually a Taiwanese Special Forces wing.

Yep....you are correct. However, they look similar.

c3_1.jpg

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These last 2 pictures are a little large so I'll load them seperate.

 

post-5554-1248746182.jpg

Leigh...

 

According to Osprey - Elite Series 22 World Special Forces Insignia this is a South Korean 11th Special Forces Brigade pocket patch.

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Jeffrey Magut

A very nice jacket and great insignia. In case anyone doubted its authenticity, here's Sgt. Swiatocho wearing the insignia circa 1980...

post-121-1248819541.gif

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Rakkasan187

Jeffrey,

 

You RULE!!!!!!

 

That is so awesome to have pictures that go with the uniform. Incredible. I can't thank you enough for posting these. This is truly incredible.

 

Leigh...

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Manchu Warrior

So, were these guys attached to the ROK army? Just curious because when I was stationed in Korea, not that I was any kind of high speed soldier like SF, we might be on the same range with ROK units but we never crossed trained with them. To be honest with you this never made much sense to me since there was always the threat of war with the knuckleheads on the other side of the 38th parallel. By the way great uniform and great photos to go along with it. :thumbsup:

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Absolutely amazing uniform and provenance!!!!! That is awesome!!!

 

Someone had told me that USSF guys didn't wear indigenous uniforms after the Vietnam era. Guess this proves that theory wrong!

Arch

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Rakkasan187

I am grateful for all the guys (and gals) out there on the Forum who have posted comments on some of the items I have posted. To know that there are members out there who research items, assist with provenance, or are just there to lean on and lend an ear when someone is unsure of what to do with a collection, or to help in hard times is great. I am proud to be a member of this fantastic organization and I salute you all. Thank you again..

 

MSG Leigh E Smith Jr

US Army (retired) 84/05

 

 

:salute:

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Absolutely amazing uniform and provenance!!!!! That is awesome!!!

 

Someone had told me that USSF guys didn't wear indigenous uniforms after the Vietnam era. Guess this proves that theory wrong!

Arch

 

 

Arch, that happened right here on this Forum. We had a former GI swear on a stack of Bibles

that USSF guys did not wear foreign uniforms post Vietnam. As I recall he was also Special Forces qualified and "had never seen it." In fact he got downright snippy about it.

 

I think someone finally pulled up a set of Thai Tigerstripes that contradicted him. But here we have proof positive. Live long enough and you will see it all.

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Arch, that happened right here on this Forum. We had a former GI swear on a stack of Bibles

that USSF guys did not wear foreign uniforms post Vietnam. As I recall he was also Special Forces qualified and "had never seen it." In fact he got downright snippy about it.

 

I think someone finally pulled up a set of Thai Tigerstripes that contradicted him. But here we have proof positive. Live long enough and you will see it all.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: You are absolutely correct. That is why I love this forum!!

Arch

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