Why Vietnam Veterans Wear Hats and Shirts with Unit Slogans

Many Vietnam veterans donrsquo;t just wear hats and shirts with unit slogans to show off or for discounts. These symbols hold deep personal and unit pride. Veterans wear them to find and connect with other brothers in arms, sharing stories and camaraderie. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this practice and share some personal anecdotes.

Why Vietnam Veterans Wear Hats and Shirts?

Far from being mere fashion statements, these hats and shirts carry significant emotional and mental weight for veterans. Itrsquo;s about showing pride in the unit they served and remembering their comrades. Wearing these symbols can initiate a sense of community and shared experience in reunions, militaria events, or encounters with fellow veterans.

Wearing Hats More Common Than T-Shirts

Hats are more frequently worn by Vietnam veterans compared to t-shirts. The author himself has never worn a military unit t-shirt. Instead, symbols are often seen as hats, particularly those that feature combat patches or insignias. The author, for instance, never wears t-shirts because he needs them to have pockets to hold cigars, a common accessory among veterans.

A Personal Experience: Wearing a Viet Vet Hat in New Hampshire

A memorable encounter occurred when the author wore his Viet Vet hat into a hotel in New Hampshire. As he passed a man in the hallway, that man remarked, ldquo;Boy, you guys sure helped us out a few times. My thanks to you.rdquo; The man was part of the 199 LI, and they were OPCON ( operable control) to some units in the 199th. This connection was formed through shared experiences of search and destroy missions and even a rescue operation during an ambush on Route 320. The encounter ended with a friendly chat over coffee, underscoring the importance of these symbols in rekindling bonds.

Wearing Unit Pride on Windshields

In addition to wearing hats, many Vietnam veterans feature unit insignias on their windshields. For example, the author has a decal of a rearing black horse, which represents the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse). These decals, while seemingly obscure to the general public, serve as a signal to fellow Vietnam veterans. They recognize each other instantly and can engage in meaningful conversations, which are often filled with shared memories and experiences.

Searching for a Decal to Represent the Authorrsquo;s MOS

Currently, the author is in the process of obtaining a decal that represents his Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) in Vietnam, which was armor crewman. The decal would feature ldquo;11Erdquo; and would be placed on the back window. Such a symbol would allow fellow Vietnam tankers to quickly identify each other, just as the Blackhorse decal does.

The Meaning Behind These Slogans

These symbols and slogans are more than just wearable statements; they represent a shared history, a bond formed in combat, and the legacy of a brotherhood forged in the crucible of war. They serve as a way to carry on the legacy of those who have served and to honor the memory of fallen comrades. By wearing these symbols, veterans do much more than just look cool or stand out; they honor the sacrifice and shared hardships of their fellow service members.

Conclusion

For Vietnam veterans, wearing hats and shirts with unit slogans is not just a habit but a deeply meaningful practice. It helps them find and connect with others who understand their experiences, and it serves as a constant reminder of their shared proud heritage. The next time you see a Vietnam veteran wearing a hat or shirt with a unit symbol, take a moment to recognize the special bond and shared history that symbol represents.