Vietnamese Marines Patch — Embroidered Patch Thủy Quân Lục Chiến — Republic of Vietnam Marine Division They were known as the "Blue Dragons" of the South — the Republic of Vietnam Marine Corps, one of the most feared and respected fighting forces in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. This patch carries the identity of a marine force that fought with extraordinary courage alongside American Marines from the Mekong Delta to the DMZ. The Republic of Vietnam Marine Corps (Thủy Quân Lục Chiến) was established in 1954, modeled after and trained by the United States Marine Corps. Starting as a single battalion, the force grew into a full marine division of approximately 14,000 troops organized into brigades and marine battalion landing teams. VNMC units fought in some of the war's most intense battles, including the defense of Saigon during the 1968 Tet Offensive, the 1972 Easter Offensive at Quang Tri, and the final desperate defense of South Vietnam in 1975. Vietnamese Marines were known for their aggressive fighting spirit and served as the strategic reserve of the Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces. The VNMC was dissolved following the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Perfect For: VNMC veterans, USMC Vietnam War veterans who served alongside Vietnamese Marines, Vietnam War historians, and collectors of international military insignia. The spirit of the VNMC lives on — Thủy Quân Lục Chiến.
