Item Description
Original Item: One-Of-A-Kind. The Counterinsurgency Support Office was established on Okinawa in 1963 to supply clothing, weapons and equipment to Special Forces operating in Vietnam. Principally run by Ben Baker, the office issued standard and untraceable (sterile) gear as well as locally developed items such as the bolo knife, the indigenous rucksack, tiger stripe fatigues and Viet Cong style black pajamas.
The SOG Bolo was sourced by Conrad B. (Ben) Baker of the Counter-Insurgency Support Office also known as CISO. Baker was named the Deputy Chief of CISO in June 1963. He also designed the famous SOG Bowie Knife. The Bolo was a shorter replacement for the US Issue Machete and was based on traditional Asian designs, sometimes called a banana knife. The Bolo was often worn stuffed in the rucksack along the spine to protect the wearer.
This bolo itself was never used as an intended weapon or tool, this was simply used as a presentation award. This was awarded to a Sergeant Ed Buchli, who served in Vietnam from 1967-1968, but we have been unable to locate any of his service information, making for a great research project.
The blade is in very good condition and is still extremely sharp so handle with care. The original leather thong is still attached at the end, although it is heavily cracked. It is etched on one side with:
SGT. ED BUCHLI
VIETNAM
1967 1968
This is a wonderful example of a seldom seen presentation award! Comes ready for further research and display.
Dimensions:
Blade length: 11 1/4”
Blade Style: "Bolo" Machete
Overall length: 16 1/8”
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