Original Item: Only One Available. Nha Trang Air Base was a French Air Force, Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF), United States Air Force (USAF) and Vietnam People's Air Force (VPAF) (Khong Quan Nhan Dan Viet Nam) military airfield used during the Vietnam War. It is located on the southern edge of Nha Trang in Khánh Hòa Province.

In August 1965, the first echelon of the Division to depart for Vietnam was the Advanced Liaison Detachment composed of 32 officers and men. The Detachment arrived in Vietnam two days later. Beginning on 14 August, for six days, the Advanced Party of 1,040 officers and men left Ft. Benning and, along with their equipment cargo of 132 tons, including nine UH1-B helicopters, were deployed by C-124 and C-130 aircraft of the Military Airlift from the Warner Robins Air Force Base at Macon, GA. Flying via Travis Air Force Base, CA. Hickman Field, Hawaii and Clark Air Force Base, Philippines; they arrived in intervals at Nha Trang between the 19th and 27th of August 1965. Joining with the Advance Liaison Detachment, they established a temporary base camp near An Khe, 36 miles inland from the coastal city of Qui Nhon.

This is an attractive example of a Locally Procured Vietnamese-Made Bush Hat (aka “Cowboy” Hat by GIs). These were popular with U.S. and Army Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) Forces all throughout the war. As the United States Military did not issue the now popular “Boonie Hat” until approximately 1967, many U.S. personnel acquired their own through local indigenous Vietnamese Tailor shops, street vendors, etc. The practice of buying Vietnamese-Made items privately for use by U.S. personnel continued to the end of U.S. Involvement in Vietnam.

This particular example is in stunning condition, being made of classic Khaki heavy material, with each side of the brim turned up and secured by button snaps on either side. The interior features a sweatband and crown binding made of bright red and brown vinyl (You can’t get any more 1960s than that!). The cap is roughly a size 7 ⅛, and displays beautifully! It appears to have accumulated very little wear from either wear or storage.

Comes ready for research and display.