Vietnam war in-country hand embroidered patch measures approximately 2.3" by 4.7", used condition. RT MARYLAND was part of Command & Control Central (CCC). CCC was formed by MACV-SOG in late 1967, located in Kontum and operated in the Tri-border junction of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The primary mission of CCC was strategic reconnaissance gathering. Cross border, or “over the fence”, operations were invariably code named in the interests of secrecy, with missions into Laos being known as "SHINING BRASS" and later after 1968 as "PRAIRIE FIRE". Missions into Cambodia were also given code names and were initially known as "DANIEL BOONE" and later in the war this was changed to "SALEM HOUSE". The combat elements associated with CCC were used to reinforce and assist the recon mission. The first MACV-SOG recon teams were initially called "SPIKE TEAMS", each team usually consisting of 3 US SF members and 9 indigenous personnel. CCC fielded approximately 30 recon teams that were named after US States. Recon teams that got into difficulty could call for assistance from US-led reaction forces known as "HATCHET FORCES", these were of platoon size and consisted of 5 US SF members and about 30 indigenous personnel. "HATCHET FORCES" could also be used for ambushes as well as reinforcing recon teams when needed. Two or more "HATCHET FORCES" combined were termed as a "HAVOC" or "HORNET" force. Full SOG companies were called "SLAM" companies, Search, Location, Annihilation, Monitor (or Mission). The recon teams focused their energies on specific areas of the trail in order to obtain current up-to-date information on enemy construction, VC troop movements, supplies, etc. This information was often gained at great risk to the recon teams and transmitted to OP-34 ground studies branch at SOG Headquarters. A valuable addition to your Vietnam war military memorabilia collection. Worldwide combined shipment is welcome to save you money. Please visit my EAZYCOLLECTIBLES Store for more great war items. |