President Ho Chi Minh Badge

Name/Title

President Ho Chi Minh Badge

Description

A thin, circular badge with a side-profile of Ho Chi Minh and the word 'chủ tịch hồ chí minh' in gold foil. 'Chủ tịch hồ chí minh' translates as 'President Ho Chi Minh.'

Use

Badges given by and worn by the Democratic Republic of Vietnam or North Vietnam to show support for Ho Chi Minh as President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (1945-1969). Collecting the large and varied variety of propaganda materials, medals, equipment, clothing, and other items used and carried by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War was a common practice by American servicemen serving in the region.

Context

This piece was picked up and collected by James "Doc" Pueschel during his service during the Vietnam War. A Navy corpsman attached to the 1st Marine Division, 3rd Battalion, Mike Company during the Vietnam War, Pueschel was one of many Navy medical personnel attached to a Marine unit. Ultimately only in country 75 days (March 17 -June 1, 1968) Pueschel was attached to Mike Company, tasked with protecting truck convoys along Route 9 to and from Khe Sanh Combat Base. On May 31st, 1968, a booby-trapped M-16 set off an explosion that tore through the company. After the explosion and sustained firefighting with the Viet Cong, backup arrived, and Pueschel was medevac'd with all the Mike Company marines. Mike Company took 100% casualties, with their Navy corpsman taking four injuries while attempting to patch men up during combat.

Collection

James "Doc" Pueschel Collection

Acquisition

Accession

2024.43

Source or Donor

Paula Pueschel

Acquisition Method

Donation

Made/Created

Date made

circa 1945 - circa 1969

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Inscription

Location

Bottom of badge

Transcription

chủ tịch hồ chí minh

Language

Vietnamese

Translation

President Ho Chi Minh

Material/Technique

Embossed

Update Date

March 24, 2025