Description:

THE LAST AMERICAN COMBAT FLAG USED IN THE VIETNAM WAR
A startling relic of a desperate war, the last American combat flag used in the Vietnam War, evacuated by an officer and hero of three wars from DaNang on March 29, 1973. The 52" x 34" two-sided flag bears sewn stars and yellow fringe, with a rolled and sewn hoist through which the supporting carrying staff or pole once passed. The flag is in excellent condition. This flag was returned to the U.S. By Colonel Chester Bailey McCoid (1923-2000) who had a life-long and very distinguished career with the 82nd and 101st Airborne. Wounded before even leaving his aircraft on D-Day, he nevertheless parachuted with his men to fulfill his mission. He later served in Korea, as an exchange officer with the Navy, and on the General Staff at the Pentagon before being posted to Vietnam in 1966 where he would ultimately spend 51 months over three tours. He would command 101st Airborne airmobile cavalry and advise generals before heading the American Element of the Four Party Military Commission (Region Two), overseeing American interests in negotiations between all parties to the conflict and the American withdrawal from Vietnam. On March 29, 1973 Col. McCoid left Vietnam, the last ground force soldier to serve in the field (outside Saigon) in that country. The flag offered here is the flag taken by McCoid from his field headquarters in DaNang following the final negotiating session of the war. The flag was obtained at an auction of McCoid's estate by our consignor. McCoid was also recognized in Congress by speeches entered into the record by Rep. Ike Skelton of Missouri and Rep. Sam Gejdenson of Connecticut, both of whom confirmed that McCoid was the last ground soldier to serve outside Saigon. Also included are two award documents presented to McCoid by South Vietnam's president NGUYEN VAN THIEU, 1972 and 1973, a 16" x 14" blue and red flag with 2nd Infantry Division patch at center, gold fringe and two ctton ties on the fringe (likely from McCoid's service in Korea), an unknown orange armband, and a pillow case with Asian lettering, purpose unknown but which may have once contained the American flag. Also present is contact information for a family member, obtained by our consignor. A historic relic from a war which still stirs controversy at its very mention.

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May 25, 2016 10:30 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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