Posted 13 years ago
stepback_a…
(363 items)
The canvas pouch was made to carry a round,metal, ammo drum. In this case it was used by Viet Cong paymaster, who made the mistake of walking into an ambush conducted by Team 3 of the 1/101st LRRP in June of 1967. When searching the pouch, two American grenades, and many Paistre, or Vietnamese currency were found inside. The U.S. soldier, named Jim, saved a few of the Paistre. At the time, he and his friends split the find. After years of storage he decided to part with some of his souvenirs. The battleflag was captured in 1969 in the Phan Thiet area, by another vet named Walt, who was an advisor, Team 126, with the ARVN Airborne. Several NVA soldiers surrendered and their equipment was searched. The flag was found folded inside a rucksack.
Love the war stories attached to they items. Where do you find these vets?
About ten years ago, I put a Wanted War Souvenirs note at a local VFW post, and met some of the veterans through the ad. I made some purchases from a Vietnam vet on eBay. After knowing him for over a year, he put me in contact with other vets he served with, sometimes they had items to sell, sometimes they didn't. I like to know the history of the pieces I collect, so I would always ask if they wouldn't mind telling me how the item was aquired. Sometimes they would be very detailed and sometimes they could hardly remember where or how they got the piece.
I started collecting WW II German and Japanese memorabilia back in the mid 1970's when you could still get a double decal German army helmet for $100.00. I started collecting Vietnam, both U.S. and NVA because it is still low priced, and somewhat easily available. Thanks for looking.
Thats great Step-back!