Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is a fantastic Vietnam War Special Forces presentation bolo machete connected to the legendary Counterinsurgency Support Office (CISO) and the elite 4th Mobile Strike Force Command, commonly known as the “MIKE Force.”

The Counterinsurgency Support Office was established on Okinawa in 1963 to provide specialized equipment, clothing, and weapons for U.S. Special Forces operations in Southeast Asia. Under the direction of Conrad B. “Ben” Baker, CISO became famous for developing and supplying some of the most recognizable equipment associated with covert and unconventional warfare during the Vietnam War.

CISO provided both standard issue and “sterile” untraceable equipment for Special Forces personnel operating in Vietnam. Among its most famous contributions were tiger stripe camouflage uniforms, indigenous rucksacks, Viet Cong style black pajamas, specialized knives, and the now legendary SOG Bowie Knife.

The CISO bolo was another specialized piece developed during this period. Designed as a more compact and practical alternative to the standard U.S. issue machete, it was inspired by traditional Southeast Asian cutting tools sometimes referred to as “banana knives.” The shorter design made it better suited for jungle operations, and Special Forces personnel often carried bolos secured inside or along their rucksacks, where they could also provide additional protection along the wearer’s back.

This particular example was not a field-used cutting tool but instead a specially prepared presentation piece awarded to 1st Lieutenant Lionel Hector for his service with the 4th Mobile Strike Force. Presentation pieces such as this are exceptionally desirable because they connect an artifact directly to a specific soldier, unit, and moment in history.

Lieutenant Hector served as Executive Officer of A-401 and Adjutant of B-40. Research indicates that he served as an S-1 Personnel Officer with B-40, 4th Mobile Strike Force Command, during 1969.

The blade is beautifully etched with the 1st Special Forces Command insignia along with the dedication:

TO 1LT LONEL (GREEK GOD) HECTOR
XO A-401 ADJUTANT B-40
FROM THE OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE
4TH MOBILE STRIKE FORCE
FOR OUTSTANDING SERVICE FROM
28 DEC. 68 TO 30 MAY 69

The spelling of “Lonel” instead of Lionel appears intentional, possibly representing a nickname or inside reference among the men of the unit.

The 4th Mobile Strike Force was part of one of the most unique and important Special Forces programs of the Vietnam War. Known as MIKE Force, these units operated alongside indigenous soldiers recruited and trained through the Civilian Irregular Defense Group (CIDG) program. Led by U.S. Army Special Forces personnel and supported by members of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam (AATTV), MIKE Force units conducted rapid reaction missions, reconnaissance, border security, and counterinsurgency operations.

These teams represented what is now known as foreign internal defense: working directly with local partner forces to train, advise, and conduct operations in challenging environments.

Unlike standard issued equipment, this presentation bolo was preserved as a commemorative award recognizing Lieutenant Hector’s contribution and leadership during his service with the 4th Mobile Strike Force. Its direct inscription provides the type of provenance collectors seek, tying the artifact to a named Special Forces officer, a specific unit, and a documented period of Vietnam War history.

A rare and highly personal Special Forces artifact connected to CISO, MIKE Force operations, and the unconventional warfare history of Vietnam. An outstanding addition to any Special Forces, MACV-SOG, Vietnam War, or edged weapons collection.