Vietnam Veteran U.S. COAST GUARD Epoxy Belt Buckle - NEW In March 1965, the Coastal Surveillance Force was established and began Operation MARKET TIME, so named after the native boats using the waterways for fishing and marketing. This task force provided a single command to integrate sea, air, and land based units and coordinate U.S. Navy, and South Vietnamese naval units. Soon the Navy recognized the need for Coast Guard units to support this mission and on April 29th , President Lyndon Johnson committed the USCG to service in Vietnam under the Navy Department?s operational control and announced the formation of Coast Guard Squadron One (RON ONE). Initially, 47 officers and 198 enlisted were assigned to the newly formed Squadron and on 16 July, Division 12 of Coast Guard Squadron One departed Subic Bay, Philippines for Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam. It arrived on July 20th and began its security and surveillance patrol mission on July 21st. Throughout the war, OPERATION MARKET TIME units stopped many enemy vessels carrying supplies and men. The largest naval engagement of the Vietnam War was on 29 February 1968. Four trawlers attempted to penetrate the barrier. Of these, three were destroyed and the fourth retreated to the north. This buckle is made in USA with durable epoxy finish on a brass/ox backing. Buckle is 2 1/2" X 4" and fits any 1 1/2" - 1 3/4" belt. Shipping - $2.99