Vietnam Self-Defense Militia Pith Helmet Device

Name/Title

Vietnam Self-Defense Militia Pith Helmet Device

Description

A lightweight and thin, squared-shaped medal on the diagonal. The meal is red with a gold boarder all the way around and a gold star in the center. The star is surrounded by golden rays and a laurel crown and the letters 'DQTV' at the bottom. 'DQTV' stands for 'Dân quân tự vệ' or the Vietnam Self-Defense Militia.

Use

This pin was worn on the pith helmets of the Vietnam Self-Defense Militia. 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 1963 - circa 1975

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type

Inscription

Location

Bottom of pin

Transcription

DQTA

Language

Vietnamese

Material/Technique

Embossed

Update Date

March 10, 2025