In 1968, PJs stationed from the 33rd ARRS in Naha, Okinawa were sent to Osan Air Base, Korea. They crewed the HU-16B Albatross. This was in response to the capture of the USS Pueblo. A number of PJs also started crewing the HH-43B Huskie helicopter at several bases in Korea. After three different TDYs to Osan, some PJ’s were transferred to Kunsan AFB, Korea on the Huskie. I don't know which base (Osan or Kunsan) this happened on, but at one point a belt buckle vendor asked to borrow the PJ Flash (Badge, today) for a mold for a belt buckle with the PJ flash on it. PJ John Rattlif did that and in turn got a Heritage belt buckle in return. Koreans were using brass whenever they could at that time as them were still melting down brass shells left over from the Korean War.
“While I cannot be sure, I think that maybe Heritage Buckles may have made chrome-plated brass flashes too from that belt buckle mold. However, my belt buckle with the PJ Flash is not a good reproduction, with the face of the angel blank, and the letters not well done. But, this may also have been one of their first runs, and I got it for a good price (free). I like it because of its history.” John Rattlif.
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I´m constantly searching for original challenge coins, moral and issued patches, badges and more. Please don´t hesitate to contact me if you are willing to sell something. I buy!