Vietnam War American CIA Phoenix Program PRU (Provincial Reconnaissance Unit) Special Forces Beret With Unit Badge & Saigon Manufacturer’s Label. Sn 21449:5 Clothing

Vietnam War American CIA Phoenix Program PRU (Provincial Reconnaissance Unit) Special Forces Beret With Unit Badge & Saigon Manufacturer’s Label. Sn 21449:5 - 21449:5

The PRU Provincial Reconnaissance Unit was created in 1966, the PRUs were small teams of tough Vietnamese paramilitaries used to seek out and eliminate the Viet Cong Infrastructure as part of the Phoenix Program. Under the control of the province chief but armed and paid by the American CIA, they were successors to the short lived Counter Terror Teams (CTT) that had been formed in the early 60's to hunt down VC leaders. Often comprised of former VC (Hoi Canh) or men looking for revenge, PRU teams were frequently accused of atrocities. The Provincial Reconnaissance Units were integrated into the National Police in 1972. The PRU also acted as advisors to the US Army in the field. An original copy of an image of PRU members with American troops operating in Vietnam during the war is illustrated in image 1. This is an original PRU beret. The black serge material is clean and intact. The crown of the beret has size marking ‘57’ and a nice original Saigon maker’s label both protected by its original clear plastic cover. The beret has the embroidered colourful cloth badge of the PRU (illustrated). The price for this Vietnam war special forces piece no doubt a veteran’s bring back includes UK delivery. Sn 21449:5

£395.00