II Field Force Vietnam
Worn from:
8 October 1966 - 30 April 1971.
The crusader's sword (the "Sword of Freedom") was
suggested by the shoulder-sleeve insignia previously
authorized for the United States Military Assistance
Command, Vietnam and the United States Army, Vietnam.
The one diagonal refers to the numerical designation
of the II Field Force. The sword, in "piercing" the red
area, alludes to the constant probing of enemy territory
and positions and the driving back and crushing of enemy
forces. The colors red, white, and blue are the national
colors of the United States, and the colors yellow and
red are those of Vietnam. The colors blue, red, and yellow
are also those of the three major combat arms: Infantry,
artillery and armor. The silhouette of the shield is shaped
like a battle-ax to symbolize the smashing power of the I
Field Force and the constant combat readiness of its personnel
to engage the enemy. The battle-ax shape, in itself, is also
an additional I Field Force identification. Headquarters was
located at Nha Trang. Major United States forces under II
Field Force, Vietnam control included: The First Cavalry
Division; the Fourth Infantry Division; Third Brigade,
Twenty-fifth Infantry Division; First Brigade, 101st Airborne
Division; and the 173rd Airborne Brigade.