Original U.S. Vietnam War Named Republic of Korea Special Forces American-Issued Camouflage Uniform Jacket - Arthur Claude Irelan - Dated 1975
In stock
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Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. The South Korean government, under the administration of Park Chung-hee, took an active role in the Vietnam War. From September 1964 to March 1973, South Korea sent some 350,000 troops to South Vietnam. The South Korean Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force all participated as an ally of the United States. The number of troops from South Korea was much greater than those from Australia and New Zealand, and second only to the U.S. military force for foreign troops located in South Vietnam. The military commander was Lieutenant General Chae Myung-shin of the South Korean army.
This is a great Korean Special Forces camouflage jacket which was issued to an American soldier, who we believe to be Specialist Fifth Class Arthur Claude Irelan, Company D, 229th Aviation Battalion (Assault Helicopter) (Airmobile), 1st Cavalry Division. Irelan received the Soldier’s Medal for Heroism, the citation reading:
“The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier’s Medal to Specialist Fifth Class Arthur Claude Irelan (ASN: 222341768), United States Army, for heroism not involving actual conflict with an armed enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. Specialist Fifth Class Irelan distinguished himself by heroism on 21 July 1969, while serving as company clerk with Company D, 229th Aviation Battalion (Assault Helicopter) (Airmobile) at Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam. When Specialist Fifth Class Irelan saw approximately 17,000 gallons of JP-4 (turbine and jet engine fuel) burst in flames, he ran and observed several persons fleeing from the area because of the fear that three 20,000 gallon JP-4 tanks in the immediate area would explode from the intense heat. Through the dense smoke and intense heat, Specialist Fifth Class Irelan noticed a two and a half ton truck parked in the middle of the burning roadway. Although the interior of the truck was totally obscured by the dense smoke and flames, Specialist Fifth Class Irelan jumped into the cab and was able to start the engine and by hanging his body outside the vehicle, was able to drive it to safety. After securing the truck, he returned to the area to assist removing helicopters from the danger area. As a direct result of his quick thinking, prompt action, and courage, Specialist Fifth Class Irelan prevented loss of valuable government property. His concern for the welfare of his fellow soldiers and devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.”
The jacket has US ARMY and IRELAN nametape, and a set of Paratrooper wings over the left breast pocket, with an Air Assault badge on the left breast pocket, which was added later as it was not authorized until 1978. There is a stamp on the interior which appears to show a Size of 2 and a date of 1975.3 or March 1975.
Ready for display.
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