Introduction
In December 1966, the division was deployed to Vietnam, and it was the only significant U.S. combat unit to conduct operations in the Mekong Delta. The 60th battalions took part in both Riverine operations and “jitterbug tactics” which involved precise timing of airmobile insertions near enemy units.
In 1970, the 9th Infantry Division was the first to be withdrawn from Vietnam and returned to Ft. Lewis, Washington, where its battalions were deactivated.
The 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment operated from Tân Trụ, 7 km east of Tân An, and was responsible for patrolling the Vàm Cỏ Đông river using Boston Whaler boats.
(All images credits to http://www.2nd60th.org/)
2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry.
Below are pictures taken by Randy Curtin in Tan Tru (2/60th Infantry), Combat correspondent for the Old Reliable newspaper.
Karl F. Bantin
This jungle jacket is attributed to SGT Karl F. Bantin, B & D company, 2nd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division.
It’s featured in the Awards and Decorations section, under “The Soldier’s Medal” in Old Reliable magazine, 29 January 1969 edition, page 7.
Citation below:
“2d Bn. 60th Inf. Sgt. Karl Bantin, Co. B on a recon in force mission in Long An Province on Nov. 3”
And the roster from http://www.2nd60th.org/
Jungle Jacket
The jacket itself is early 2nd jungle jacket pattern, nomenclature tag read DSA 100-1398 made by Bonham Manufacturing Co Inc., October 1965.
A prime example of wartime reused/repurposed shirt.
Featured:
- Vietnamese hand-embroidered name tape.
- Machine-embroidered CIB badge.
- Typical PX Purchased U.S. army tape.
- 1st pattern U.S. made subdued on twill 9th Infantry Division SSI and ranks.
The previous owner said the uniform comes from Travis Air Base base, TAFB had a surplus store outside where loads of nice Jackets showed up
This is where the serviceman returning from Vietnam would dump their fatigues and put on their Class As uniforms.
Source
- http://www.2nd60th.org/
- Collectors information (especially Jack, Sam, Jig, Alan)
- The Old Reliable magazine
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