Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a very nice example of the Vietnam War Era U.S. Air Force Jet Pilot's Survival knife by Camillus, with a rare early issue 6" blade. It comes complete with its original leather scabbard, which is in worn condition but still has what we believe to be the original whetstone in the front pouch. The knife was originally designed in 1957 as a joint issue between the Navy Weapons Bureau and the Marbles Arms Company. As originally designed it had a 6”, saw back blade.

This example is stenciled on the back of the sheath with Laundry number F-4126, identifying it to Harold Edward Fischer Jr., AFSN: AO-2204126. Colonel Harold Edward Fischer Jr. was a United States Air Force fighter pilot and flying ace of the Korean War. He accrued 11 victories in the war. He is also one of the two flying aces to be Prisoners of War during the war. He was released in 1955 and continued to serve in the USAF until 1978. During the Vietnam War, Fischer was assigned as an air force advisor to the Republic of Vietnam Air Force at Bien Hoa AB, South Vietnam, from September 1971 to October 1972. Fischer served mainly as a helicopter pilot and flew more than 200 missions over South Vietnam.

In 1962, the knife was modified by reducing the blade to 5” in length. The post-1962 knives were produced by the Camillus Cutlery Company and Milpar during the Vietnam Era. These knives were initially issued to Naval Air Crews but saw service with airmen in all branches of US military service. The knife was issued with a leather scabbard that had a pouch on the front for a sharpening stone. The Pilot Survival Knives were favored by Special Forces and other Special Operations Personnel.

The blade is in very good condition, with light wear from the scabbard, use, and sharpening. It still has much of the original finish, and the blade still has the original profile on the edge, which is still quite sharp. The stacked leather grip is in very good shape, and the "nut" pommel just has a bit of finish loss.

The scabbard is in fair condition, with the securing strap and snap entirely gone, and the belt loop being cut down on the sides. There is definitely some deterioration around the edges as shown. It still has the original whetstone with a functional pouch.

A very nice identified example of the rare 6" blade Vietnam War Pilot's Survival knife, complete with scabbard and ready to display!

Fischer’s Vietnam War Legion of Merit Citation reads:

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Harold Edward Fischer (AFSN: AO-2204126), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, Air Force Advisory Team THREE, and Advisor to the Commander, 3d Air Division, Vietnamese Air Force, Republic of Vietnam from 6 September 1971 to 6 September 1972. In these important assignments, the leadership, exemplary foresight and ceaseless efforts consistently demonstrated by Colonel Fischer resulted in significant contributions to the progress and effectiveness of the Vietnamese Air Force Improvement and Modernization Program. By his superior management of the Advisory Team and his skillful advice and assistance, the 3d Air Division assumed a major portion of the air support missions for all of Military Region III. Three major military operations were conducted in this region and Cambodia with Vietnamese air power being a critical factor in their success. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Fischer reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Dimensions:
Blade length: 6”
Blade Style: Clip-point "Bowie" with Sawback
Overall length: 10 1/2”
Crossguard: 2 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 6 1/2 + Belt Frog