114th Avn Co.

[JOHN JONES]

Recently borrowed a half decent camera, to snap a few pictuures
for insurance records.

Robin Miller was issued this 1st Patt JJ, during his 1st tour with the
unit 1963 - 64. At that time it had full colour insignia to include cobra
pocket patch and MACV ssi.

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[JOHN JONES]

He took the jacket back during his 2nd tour 1967 -68, and by that time
subdued was in vogue. The local convent near the airbase, taught the
orphan girls ' home skills', to include sewing. Robins colour insignia was
stripped off and handsewn items attached, the Armour branch tab was
replaced by a crossed rifles version Robin brought from the states.

The body of the jacket was also narrowed and shortened to Robins taste,
the small brass pin is a local made indicator that the Gun plt pilots got after
their 1st confirmed kill.

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[historyguy]

Having a decent camera makes a big difference, doesn't it? (I borrowed one last weekend as well.)

It's nice you obtained the details on the insignia. Subdued on a 1st pattern does look out of place.

That 114th patch is cool, though, even if it is subdued!

Thanks for sharing with us.

[Beau Brummel.]

Very, Very nice John!

Any photos of it in wear as I know that's your forte.

Many thanks for posting It here.

Yours, Guy.

[JOHN JONES]

Andy / Guy, You are welcome.
I will check my pics, but I do not remember seeing this one featured.
Robin told me he took very few pictures during his last tour, although I am sure
a few were taken of him His 67/68 tour was his 3rd in the Delta region,
so he pretty much knew the Vinh-Long / Can Tho / Soc Trang area like the back of
his hand. His 2nd tour being with the 336th AHC, as the Gun plt commander.

What with numerous combat assaults and command meetings, tourist shots
were low on the agenda. If Robin got time to attend the company ' cook -outs'
he wore one of the party shirts supplied by the base shop. ( VIET )
These came in Green / white / blue / and a sort of pink / peach.
The girls at the convent applied initials, then pretty much else you wanted.
The Gun platoon, of course went for a Cobra ready to strike.

Cheers,
John.

[JOHN JONES]

This is the nearest photo I could find, a later style but the same insignia ' load '.
Robin had several sets, the better ones he kept for meetings at Battalion
and the more worn for combat, they took quite a hammering at the laundry.
Robin related that when guys rotated out, they left any decent sets for replacements, also any loose insignia,
despite its low local cost, I have evidence of 're-use' on several items in my collection.

This picture was taken in late 1967, but you will notice Robins door gunner has
aquired an earlier pattern jacket, with Gold/black U.S.Army tape.

Cheers,
John.