Comes with a hand-signed C.O.A.

Size: 11 × 17 inches

This incredibly rare and museum-grade artifact is an original Vietnam War 101st Airborne Division flag. During the Vietnam War, smaller 101st Airborne Division emblem flags—often referred to as guidons or unit identification flags—played a critical role in base camp designation, unit pride, and morale. These compact flags typically featured the iconic "Screaming Eagle" insignia and were flown near command tents, hooches, or motor pools to identify the presence of a specific 101st unit, especially within larger forward operating bases or firebases. Due to the highly mobile and decentralized nature of combat in Vietnam, these flags were also used temporarily when setting up mobile command posts in the jungle or during helicopter insertions to mark landing zones for unit cohesion and quick identification. Unlike larger garrison flags, these emblems were lightweight and portable, making them ideal for the swift and adaptive strategies employed by airborne troops operating in hostile terrain. They became symbolic rallying points for soldiers, serving both a practical and emotional purpose in the chaos of war.

This particular smaller 101st Airborne emblem flag shows clear signs of field use, adding to its historical value. The fabric exhibits expected wear from exposure to the harsh conditions of Vietnam, with slight fraying along the edges and fading in areas where the sun and elements took their toll. Most notably, there are two improvised holes cut directly into the fabric on the right side—likely made by soldiers in the field to secure the flag quickly to a pole, tent frame, or vehicle using wire or cord. These field modifications speak to its practical use in a combat zone, where speed and adaptability were often essential. The wear and field alterations not only confirm its use in an operational setting but also serve as a tangible reminder of the airborne soldiers who carried it with them into the dense jungles and unpredictable terrain of Vietnam.

Rendezvous with Destiny: The 101st Airborne Division’s Valor and Legacy in the Vietnam War:

The 101st Airborne Division, known proudly as the "Screaming Eagles," played a vital and heroic role in the Vietnam War, continuing its legacy of courage and adaptability that had been forged in the crucibles of World War II. As airmobile warfare evolved to meet the unique demands of jungle combat in Southeast Asia, the 101st transformed from a parachute infantry division into one of the most effective air assault forces in modern military history. Officially re-designated in 1968 as the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), the unit brought a new form of strategic mobility to the battlefield, allowing rapid deployment of infantry forces by helicopter into some of the most difficult and dangerous terrain in Vietnam. The division’s motto, “Rendezvous with Destiny,” was made manifest daily as its soldiers undertook missions of extreme difficulty with unwavering resolve.

Arriving in Vietnam in late 1967, the 101st Airborne was soon thrust into the heart of conflict. One of its earliest and most defining engagements came during the Tet Offensive in 1968, where elements of the division were deployed to defend and retake key positions under sudden and violent attack by the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong. It was during this time that the 101st proved its mettle in urban and jungle warfare alike, notably in the defense of Hue and subsequent operations to stabilize the embattled region. As the war intensified, the division took part in some of the most grueling and complex campaigns in the Central Highlands and A Shau Valley, areas known for treacherous topography, dense foliage, and enemy entrenchment.

Operation Nevada Eagle, launched in May 1968, was one such campaign, aimed at securing the Thừa Thiên Province and cutting off enemy supply routes. The 101st engaged in nearly constant combat, clearing villages, sweeping jungle trails, and enduring relentless ambushes and booby traps. Their efforts crippled enemy logistics and bought critical time for South Vietnamese stabilization efforts. Perhaps the most iconic chapter in the division’s Vietnam service came in May 1969 with the assault on Hill 937, later immortalized as the Battle of Hamburger Hill. Located in the A Shau Valley near the Laotian border, this brutal ten-day battle saw the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment of the 101st engage in relentless uphill combat against a deeply entrenched and determined NVA force. The battle was a testament to the grit and valor of the Screaming Eagles, fought under ceaseless artillery, rain, and machine-gun fire. Though the hill was eventually captured, the operation became symbolic of the larger strategic debate surrounding the war, highlighting both the bravery of the American soldier and the toll of attritional warfare.

Despite the challenges, the 101st Airborne Division continued to operate with distinction throughout the conflict, participating in numerous operations including Operation Apache Snow, Operation Texas Star, and Operation Jefferson Glen, the last major U.S. ground combat operation in Vietnam. These campaigns were not only tactically demanding but strategically significant, as they sought to dismantle enemy strongholds and protect key infrastructure in South Vietnam. The division was frequently deployed to reinforce hotspots and respond rapidly to intelligence reports of enemy movement, a capability made possible by its airmobile transformation and mastery of helicopter assault tactics.

Beyond combat, the Screaming Eagles also engaged in pacification and civil support programs, helping to rebuild schools, provide medical aid, and restore a sense of security to war-torn villages. The dual role of warrior and humanitarian demonstrated the division’s commitment not only to defeating enemy forces but also to winning the hearts and minds of the Vietnamese people. As the U.S. began to draw down its presence in Vietnam in the early 1970s, the 101st remained among the last major divisions to leave, completing its withdrawal in 1972 after five years of continuous combat operations.

The legacy of the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam is one of honor, sacrifice, and unyielding bravery. More than 20,000 members of the division were wounded during the war, and over 4,000 gave their lives in service to their country. Their actions in the dense jungles, steep valleys, and remote highlands of Vietnam cemented their place in military history as warriors who met every challenge with grit and gallantry. From the battle-scarred ridges of Hamburger Hill to the isolated outposts of the Central Highlands, the Screaming Eagles lived out their creed with every operation: to never quit, to never accept defeat, and to never leave a fallen comrade behind. Their story in Vietnam is not only a chapter in the annals of war, but a tribute to the enduring spirit of American soldiers and their unwavering commitment to freedom.