Skip to main content

Vietnam Veteran 173rd AIRBORNE BRIGADE Epoxy Buckle & Black Bonded Leather Belt





IThe brigade arrived in Vietnam on May 7, 1965, the first major ground combat unit of the United States Army to serve in the country.[24][25][26][27][28] Brigadier General Williamson boldly predicted on arrival that his men would defeat the Viet Cong quickly and that they "would be back in Okinawa by Christmas".[22] The 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division; the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division; and the 1st Cavalry Division quickly followed the 173rd into Vietnam, the first of what would eventually be 25 U.S. Army brigades to serve in the country.[23][28] As larger US Army commands were established in Vietnam, the brigade was assigned to the III Corps and II Corps tactical zone, which they would serve in for the next six years.[29] The brigade was put under the command of II Field Force, Vietnam.[30]


The 1st and 2nd Battalions, 503rd Infantry were the first Army combat units from the 173rd sent into South Vietnam, accompanied by the 3rd Battalion, 319th Artillery.[4] They were supported by the 173rd Support Battalion, 173rd Engineer Company, Troop E/17th Cavalry and Company D/16th Armor.[31] The 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment[32] and the 161st Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery[33] were attached to the brigade for one year in 1965.[34] Late in August 1966, the 173rd received another infantry battalion, the 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry from Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The 3rd Battalion, 503rd joined the brigade at Tuy Hòa Province in September 1967 following the former's activation and training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The 173rd was also assigned Company N (Ranger), 75th Infantry. At its peak of its deployment in Vietnam, the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) comprised over 7,000 soldiers.[35]


The brigade was the first unit sent into War Zone D to destroy enemy base camps, introducing the use of small Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols. On 8 November 1965, the 173rd took part in Operation Hump, just north of Biên Hòa on the outskirts of Saigon,[32] the capital of South Vietnam. They were ambushed by approximately 1,200 Viet Cong fighters, suffering 48 deaths. The unit fought in the Iron Triangle, a Viet Cong stronghold north of Saigon,[32][36] seeing many engagements with enemy forces during that time. They participated in Operation Crimp in 1966, a failed attempt to root out enemy forces from the Cu Chi tunnels.[37]


 



 


Specialist Six Lawrence Joel from the 173rd Brigade, receiving the Medal of Honor


The attached helicopter unit became the Casper Aviation platoon, befitting a separate infantry brigade as the only separate aviation platoon deployed in Vietnam. Casper platoon was part of the HHC 173rd Airborne Brigade and its members wore the brigade patch. The attached Assault Helicopter Company, the 335th AHC, the "Cowboys", deployed with the brigade all over Vietnam into mid-1968 and comprised the Airmobile capability along with the Caspers.[38] Soldiers of the brigade became involved in Operation Attleboro in fall of 1966, an operation that started out as a small search and destroy mission north of Saigon but eventually involved 22,000 troops from 21 battalions.[39] Soldiers of the brigade also took part in smaller humanitarian missions in between major combat operations.[40]


On 22 February 1967, the 173rd conducted Operation Junction City, the only combat parachute jump of the Vietnam War.[41][42] The operation saw three brigades controlling eight battalions dropped by helicopters and US Air Force aircraft into War Zone C, in Tây Ninh Province.[43] During the battle, the brigade operated out of the northeastern part of the war zone along with the 196th Infantry Brigade (Separate), as four other brigades from the 1st and 25th Infantry Divisions attempted to surround and destroy the 9th Viet Cong Division in the War Zone. The operation was a success, and the battered VC division fled.[44] In August of that year, the brigade received its distinctive unit insignia. The soldiers chose to have it contain a parachute and dagger to symbolize their participation in Operation Junction City and the other heavy fighting they had been through. The DUI was also inscribed "Sky Soldiers" as homage to the nickname that the Taiwanese soldiers had given them.[21]


 


 


 


This buckle is made in USA with durable epoxy finish on a brass/ox backing. Buckle is 2 1/2" X 4" and fits any 1 1/2" - 1 3/4" belt.


 


 


 


Shipping - $3.99


 


 


 


 

 

 







Isin: IOJ2T6W4LUJC

$60.55

  • Free shipping in US
  • Arrives:

  • Free 30-Day returns

In Stock

Sold by , Fulfilled by IBSPOT
Ships from USA

IBspot Buyer Protection

Shop confidently on IBspot, receive your item as described or your money back for eligible orders. Learn Program Terms

supported payment methods:Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay

GUARANTEED SAFE CHECKOUT

More seller options

Starting from

Compare all sellers
  • MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

    30 days money back guarantee, no additional fee charged.

  • EXCELLENT SUPPORT

    We provide 24/7 online customer support via email.

  • Fast Shipping

    One week domestic shipping. Global delivery to the US in 2 weeks.

scroll to top arrow
Vietnam Veteran 173rd AIRBORNE BRIGADE  Epoxy Buckle & Black Bonded Leather Belt

Vietnam Veteran 173rd AIRBORNE BRIGADE Epoxy Buckle & Black Bonded Leather Belt

$60.55





IThe brigade arrived in Vietnam on May 7, 1965, the first major ground combat unit of the United States Army to serve in the country.[24][25][26][27][28] Brigadier General Williamson boldly predicted on arrival that his men would defeat the Viet Cong quickly and that they "would be back in Okinawa by Christmas".[22] The 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division; the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division; and the 1st Cavalry Division quickly followed the 173rd into Vietnam, the first of what would eventually be 25 U.S. Army brigades to serve in the country.[23][28] As larger US Army commands were established in Vietnam, the brigade was assigned to the III Corps and II Corps tactical zone, which they would serve in for the next six years.[29] The brigade was put under the command of II Field Force, Vietnam.[30]


The 1st and 2nd Battalions, 503rd Infantry were the first Army combat units from the 173rd sent into South Vietnam, accompanied by the 3rd Battalion, 319th Artillery.[4] They were supported by the 173rd Support Battalion, 173rd Engineer Company, Troop E/17th Cavalry and Company D/16th Armor.[31] The 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment[32] and the 161st Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery[33] were attached to the brigade for one year in 1965.[34] Late in August 1966, the 173rd received another infantry battalion, the 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry from Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The 3rd Battalion, 503rd joined the brigade at Tuy Hòa Province in September 1967 following the former's activation and training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The 173rd was also assigned Company N (Ranger), 75th Infantry. At its peak of its deployment in Vietnam, the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) comprised over 7,000 soldiers.[35]


The brigade was the first unit sent into War Zone D to destroy enemy base camps, introducing the use of small Long Range Reconnaissance Patrols. On 8 November 1965, the 173rd took part in Operation Hump, just north of Biên Hòa on the outskirts of Saigon,[32] the capital of South Vietnam. They were ambushed by approximately 1,200 Viet Cong fighters, suffering 48 deaths. The unit fought in the Iron Triangle, a Viet Cong stronghold north of Saigon,[32][36] seeing many engagements with enemy forces during that time. They participated in Operation Crimp in 1966, a failed attempt to root out enemy forces from the Cu Chi tunnels.[37]


 



 


Specialist Six Lawrence Joel from the 173rd Brigade, receiving the Medal of Honor


The attached helicopter unit became the Casper Aviation platoon, befitting a separate infantry brigade as the only separate aviation platoon deployed in Vietnam. Casper platoon was part of the HHC 173rd Airborne Brigade and its members wore the brigade patch. The attached Assault Helicopter Company, the 335th AHC, the "Cowboys", deployed with the brigade all over Vietnam into mid-1968 and comprised the Airmobile capability along with the Caspers.[38] Soldiers of the brigade became involved in Operation Attleboro in fall of 1966, an operation that started out as a small search and destroy mission north of Saigon but eventually involved 22,000 troops from 21 battalions.[39] Soldiers of the brigade also took part in smaller humanitarian missions in between major combat operations.[40]


On 22 February 1967, the 173rd conducted Operation Junction City, the only combat parachute jump of the Vietnam War.[41][42] The operation saw three brigades controlling eight battalions dropped by helicopters and US Air Force aircraft into War Zone C, in Tây Ninh Province.[43] During the battle, the brigade operated out of the northeastern part of the war zone along with the 196th Infantry Brigade (Separate), as four other brigades from the 1st and 25th Infantry Divisions attempted to surround and destroy the 9th Viet Cong Division in the War Zone. The operation was a success, and the battered VC division fled.[44] In August of that year, the brigade received its distinctive unit insignia. The soldiers chose to have it contain a parachute and dagger to symbolize their participation in Operation Junction City and the other heavy fighting they had been through. The DUI was also inscribed "Sky Soldiers" as homage to the nickname that the Taiwanese soldiers had given them.[21]


 


 


 


This buckle is made in USA with durable epoxy finish on a brass/ox backing. Buckle is 2 1/2" X 4" and fits any 1 1/2" - 1 3/4" belt.


 


 


 


Shipping - $3.99


 


 


 


 

 

 







  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
  • Original/Reproduction: Original
  • Theme: Militaria

 

Processing Time

  • We process and ship orders Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
  • Most orders are processed within 1–3 business days, depending on product availability.
  • Processing time does not include delivery time, which varies based on your location and the product’s shipping origin.

Shipping Coverage

We currently ship to addresses within the United States only.

Products may ship from:

  • Our U.S. warehouses, or
  • Our international fulfillment centers (including Korea, Japan, China, Australia, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the EU).

Each product page clearly displays the “Ships From” location before checkout.


Shipping Methods & Estimated Delivery

 

Shipping Method Estimated Delivery Cost
Free Shipping (US) 5–10 business days Free, available on eligible items
Standard Shipping (US to US by Item) 5–10 business days $6.50 for the first item, $2.00 each additional
Standard Shipping (From US Warehouse by Weight) 3–7 business days Starts at $6.50, increasing by $2 for every additional 4 oz (0.25 lb) up to 1 lb, then by $4 for each additional pound beyond 1 lb.
Extended Delivery (Ships from Overseas Warehouse) 10–20 business days $14.50 for the first item, $2.00 each additional

Shipping costs vary by product weight, quantity and origin. Exact rates and delivery estimates are displayed on each product page and confirmed during checkout.

Free Shipping

We offer free standard shipping on select products or during promotional periods. Availability of free shipping will be displayed on the product page and at checkout. 


Carriers

We primarily use USPS and UPS for U.S. deliveries. Items shipped from international warehouses may be handled by partner carriers depending on the country of origin.


Import Duties & Taxes

All import duties and taxes for goods imported into the United States are included in the product price. There are no hidden fees or additional charges at checkout.


Tracking & Notifications

Every order is fully trackable. You will receive a tracking number via email once your order ships. If your order ships in multiple packages, each package will have its own tracking number. If you don’t receive a shipping confirmation immediately, your order is still being processed and will arrive within the estimated timeframe shown at checkout.

You can track your shipment anytime using the Track Your Order page on our website.


Order Changes & Cancellations

If you need to modify or cancel an order, please contact our customer support team as soon as possible. Orders can only be canceled before they ship. Once shipped, cancellations are not possible, but you may request a return after the item is delivered.

Contact: support@ibspot.com


Item Not Received

If your tracking number shows “Delivered” but you haven’t received your package:

  1. Check with your local USPS or UPS office.
  2. Confirm that the shipping address provided was correct.
  3. If the issue remains unresolved, contact support@ibspot.com for assistance.

Damaged or Lost Parcels

If your package arrives damaged or fails to arrive, please contact us immediately. For deliveries to P.O. boxes, ibspot is not responsible for damage caused by weather, temperature, or theft.


Customer Support

For any questions about shipping, tracking, or delivery, our customer support team is here to help.

Email: support@ibspot.com

We’re always happy to help.

Please read our policy carefully before making a purchase.
We aim to ensure every customer has a smooth and transparent experience with ibspot.com.


Order Cancellation Policy

Customers may request to cancel an order before it has been shipped.
Once the package has been shipped, cancellations are no longer possible; however, you may still request a return after receiving your order.

How to Request a Cancellation

You can contact us through:

Please submit your cancellation request as soon as possible after placing the order to allow us to process it before shipment.


Return Policy

We accept returns for most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.

To be eligible for a return:

  • The item must be unused, in the same condition as received, and in its original packaging.
  • A tracking number must be provided to confirm the return shipment.

Non-Returnable Items

Certain products cannot be returned, including:

  • Perishable goods (for example, food, flowers, newspapers, magazines)
  • Intimate or sanitary goods
  • Hazardous materials or flammable liquids/gases
  • Gift cards
  • Downloadable software
  • Some health and personal care items

Partial Refunds (If Applicable)

Partial refunds may be granted in specific situations, such as:

  • Books with obvious signs of use
  • Opened CDs, DVDs, software, or vinyl records
  • Items not in their original condition, damaged, or missing parts not due to our error
  • Items returned more than 30 days after delivery

How to Return an Item

To initiate a return, please contact us at support@ibspot.com with your order number and details about the product you wish to return.
Our team will provide you with return instructions and a prepaid return label.


Shipping Cost for Returns

Please contact us before returning any item.
We will provide a free return shipping label.

If a return is sent back without prior contact or without our provided label, we cannot be held responsible for return shipping costs.

For items valued over $75, we recommend using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance.
We cannot guarantee that we will receive your returned item if shipped independently.


Refund Processing

Once your return is received and inspected:

  • In-store returns are refunded to the original form of payment or issued as a gift card.
  • Mail-in returns using our prepaid label are refunded to the original payment method within 3–5 business days after we receive your return.

Please allow:

  • 5–7 business days for the return to reach our Returns Center.
  • An additional 3–10 business days for your bank to post the refund to your account.

Damages, Issues & Claims

Please inspect your order immediately upon receipt.
If you receive a defective, damaged, or incorrect item, contact us right away at support@ibspot.com.
We’ll evaluate the issue promptly and make it right.

Product Claims

Before purchasing, please review product details carefully.
If there is a problem with your order upon arrival, visit our Support Center or contact us directly to arrange return shipping or replacement.


Exchanges

We do not process direct exchanges.
The fastest way to get what you need is to return the original item and place a new order once your return is accepted.


Return Address

IBSPOT Return Center
15 Sawmill Ln
Dover Plains, NY 12522
United States


Customer Support

Our support team is available 24/7 to assist with cancellations, returns, or general inquiries.

Email: support@ibspot.com
Contact Form: Contact Us page

Oops!

Sorry, it looks like some products are not available in selected quantity.

OK

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Disclaimer: Statements made, or products sold through this website, have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.