Unidentified cloth badge, Squadron 239 ?

[WRANGEL]

Hello Gentemen,

I bought this cloth badge this morning. I think it is an American patch but I have a hardtime identifying this badge. Does anyone knows what unit this is ?

Thanks. Cheers.

Bill

[ChrisW]

I'm not an expert on US patches, but this doesn't look American -- design, colors, materials/stitching. The bird looks like a kingfisher, which may suggest a naval/maritime aviation unit?

[Doc]

I agree with Chris. Doesn't look American to me, though of course I could be wrong. It just has the wrong feel. It appears oriental in origin to me. Doc

[WRANGEL]

Hi Chris, Hi Doc,

Thanks for commenting on the badge. You may certainly be right regarding this badge as not being American. I thought first that it could have been a USAF patch locally made somewhere, but I have no real idea of the original country of this badge. The only thing I am sure is that it is not French (although I bought the badge on a Paris fleamarket).

I agree with you Chris, the bird does look like a kingfisher, and I would not be surprised if the patch was for a naval or maritime unit as well. Since the bird seems to be in an attacking position and holding lightning in its claws I imagine that the unit is some kind of fighting or bombing squadron.

The construction of the badge does not look like an asiatic product (but I might be wrong). It is handmade. I think it is circa 1970-1980.

Cheers.

Bill

[WRANGEL]

Good evening Gentlemen,

thanks to a French correspondent this badge is now almost identified:

http://www.nhaydu.com/index_83hg_files/main_files/PhuHieuQLVNCH.htm

Apparently it is a Republic of Vietnam (1955-1975) Air Force unit, but no ideas if it's for a fighting squadron, a bombing squadron, an helicopter squadron or something else.

Cheers

Bill

[WRANGEL]

Good evening,

More news:

239th Helicopter Squadron 51st Tactical Wing 1st Air Division Da Nang

UH-1

Cheers

Bill