Description: Your browser does not support JavaScript. To view this page, enable JavaScript if it is disabled or upgrade your browser. Vintage original Vietnam war in-country machine-embroidered patch, size is 3.5" by 2.3". A great find for any military collectible enthusiast. The 23rd Infantry Division, commonly known as the Americal Division, was a U.S. Army division that served during World War II and the Vietnam War. It is one of the few U.S. Army divisions that was created outside the continental United States, and it is most notably remembered for its service in Vietnam, including both its operational achievements and the controversies it faced.Formation and World War II Service Creation: The Americal Division was formed on May 27, 1942, in New Caledonia, an island in the South Pacific. It was unique in that it was created by combining several separate units already in the South Pacific, rather than being formed in the U.S. and then deployed. Naming: The division's name, "Americal," was derived from a contraction of "America" and "New Caledonia," reflecting its origins. World War II Operations: The Americal Division saw significant combat during World War II in the Pacific Theater. It participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign, the liberation of the Philippines, and the Battle of Leyte, among others. The division earned a distinguished combat record during the war.Vietnam War Service Reactivation: The Americal Division was reactivated in September 1967 during the Vietnam War. It was the largest division to serve in Vietnam, comprising three brigades spread across the I Corps Tactical Zone, which was the northernmost military region of South Vietnam. Area of Operations: The division operated primarily in the northern provinces of South Vietnam, including Quang Ngai, Quang Tin, and Quang Nam, which were areas of intense conflict due to their proximity to the Ho Chi Minh Trail and the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) supply lines. Key Operations:Operation Wheeler/Wallowa: A series of search and destroy missions aimed at disrupting NVA and Viet Cong forces in the Quang Nam and Quang Tin provinces.Operation Muscatine: An operation focused on the Quang Ngai province, a stronghold for the Viet Cong, intended to pacify the region and reduce enemy activity.Operation Frederick Hill: The division was involved in operations to secure the mountainous regions and key routes, disrupting enemy logistics and movements.Controversies My Lai Massacre:Incident: One of the darkest moments in U.S. military history occurred under the command of the Americal Division— the My Lai Massacre. On March 16, 1968, soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, under the Americal Division, massacred between 347 and 504 unarmed Vietnamese civilians in the hamlet of My Lai in Quang Ngai Province.Aftermath: The massacre was initially covered up, but it was later exposed, leading to widespread outrage and a significant investigation. Lieutenant William Calley, a platoon leader during the massacre, was court-martialed and convicted for his role in the atrocities, becoming one of the few soldiers held accountable. Impact on Public Perception: The My Lai Massacre significantly tarnished the reputation of the Americal Division and contributed to the growing anti-war sentiment in the United States. It also raised serious questions about military conduct and accountability during the war.Deactivation and LegacyDeactivation: The Americal Division was deactivated on November 29, 1971, as part of the U.S. drawdown in Vietnam. Its personnel and equipment were reassigned to other units.Legacy: While the division had a distinguished service record during World War II, its legacy is often overshadowed by the My Lai Massacre during the Vietnam War. The division's service in Vietnam is remembered for both its contributions to military operations and the tragic events that occurred under its command.Conclusion The 23rd Infantry Division (Americal) played a significant role in both World War II and the Vietnam War. However, its history is marked by both military successes and the severe blemish of the My Lai Massacre, which serves as a reminder of the complexities and moral challenges of war. Despite its controversial history, the division's contributions to U.S. military operations are an important part of American military history. For any unsatisfactory reason, item can be returned within 30 days for full refund of purchase price. For more selection, please visit our eBay store. Thanks! 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Price: 11.95 USD
Location: Midway City, California
End Time: 2024-11-24T13:46:19.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0.95 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: 20%
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Country of Manufacture: Vietnam
Modified Item: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: Vietnam
Theme: Militaria
Original/Reproduction: Original
Conflict: Vietnam (1961-75)