Vietnam // PAVN / Tuy Hoa Airport - 1970
Little is known about the history of this Viet Cong flag. It was acquired as a GI bringback through private purchase in 2007. It is stated that this flag was captured by a US Army PFV from a VCI (Viet Cong Infrastructure) soldier during combat in Phu Yen Province outside the city of Tuy Hoa in August of 1970.
However, ever since President Clinton normalized relations with Vietnam in 1995 there has been a lively trade in all types of war souvenirs, including flags, that all have the look of the pre-1975 items, although made for the Vietnamese war souvenir market. These commemorative NVA and VC flags are currently being made for parades and victory anniversary celebrations in Ho-Chi-Minh City. Presumably for Vietnamese veterans, now growing nostalgic and seeking a memento of service, a unit color or a victory or moral flag.
It is highly likely that these are made by the same shops and firms and possibly the same people using the same fabrics and techniques who made them in the 1970s. It would not be difficult for these to pass into the collector's market.
Sales Description
The translation of the text is "for the Liberation of Tuy Hoa City- resolve to destroy enemy camps and Tuy Hoa Airport 1970. Stated to have been captured by a US Army PFC (private 1st Class) from a "Viet Cong Infrastructure Soldier" during combat in Phu Yen Province outside the city of Tuy Hoa in So VN's Military Region II in Aug 1970. Based on date and the way this is worded I would say this was taken by a US advisor to the Phoenix Program. They were the ones that came up w/ the term VCI. Regular PFCs never used that phrase.
ZFC Collectible Flag
No Description
