Republic of Vietnam Marine Division
The Republic of Vietnam Marine Division was part of the armed forces of South Vietnam. It was established by Ngo Dinh Diem in 1954 when he was Prime Minister of the State of Vietnam, which became the Republic of Vietnam in 1955. The longest-serving commander was Lieutenant General Le Nguyen Khang. In 1969, the VNMC had a strength of 9,300, 15,000 by 1973, and 20,000 by 1975.
First Marine battalion marches through Saigon, October 1956
Vietnamese Marine Corps Headquarters, Saigon, March 1966
A U.S. CH-46 from MAG-36 drops off South Vietnamese marines into Hue on 23 February 1968
South Vietnamese marines during training at Song Than base camp
Republic of Vietnam Airborne Division
The Vietnamese Airborne Division or VNAD was one of the earliest components of the Republic of Vietnam Military Forces. The Vietnamese Airborne Division began as companies organized in 1948, prior to any agreement over armed forces in Vietnam. After the partition of Vietnam, it became a part of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam. This division had its distinct origins in French-trained paratrooper battalions, with predecessor battalions participating in major battles including Dien Bien Phu and retained distinct uniforms and regalia. With the formation of an independent republic, the colonial paratroopers were dissolved, however regalia and aesthetics alongside the nickname "Bawouans" would be retained.
Paratrooper Hoàng Ngọc Giao (the 5th Airborne Battalion), 1967.
Recruitment poster of the Republic of Vietnam Airborne Forces
A 12-Year Old Child Soldier of the Airborne Division Holds a M79 Grenade Launcher.