Republic of Vietnam Naval Officer's Coat - Hải quân Việt Nam Cộng hòa

Republic of Vietnam navy Officer's double-breasted coat, commander rank, 

 circa 1960s, RVNHS Archive.

 

                  In recognition of the upcoming 42nd anniversary of the Battle of the Paracel Islands (January 19th-20th, 1974), we wanted to post one of the Republic of Vietnam Navy items from the RVNHS Archive. This double-breasted naval officer's coat features three gold rows on each cuff, signifying the rank of commander. A "Viet-nam" arch is present on the shoulder, and the coat was made by a military tailor in Saigon. Coats of this type were less commonly worn than the white canvas dress or fatigue uniforms, but period photos exist showing such coats in use by officer's in all branches of the Republic of Vietnam naval service.

 

Republic of Vietnam naval officer in double-breasted coat with family at the Pan-American Airlines terminal in Saigon, circa 1960s, RVNHS Archive.

 

Republic of Vietnam naval officer cadet in double-breasted coat in New York

(Empire State Building in background), 1970, RVNHS Archive.

 

Nhựt Văn Nguyễn (left), Republic of Vietnam navy veteran, commander, in replica double-breasted officer's coat at a memorial event in later years.