Capital Military Assistance Command
The shoulder sleeve insignia was authorized on 29 July 1969 and is
described as follows:
DESCRIPTION
On a hexagon 2-1/4 inches overall in width and 3 inches overall in
height, the vertical sides 1-13/16 inches in length, divided saltirewise
into two unequal ultramarine blue areas and two equal scarlet areas, the
saltire divisions lines issuing from the two lower corresponding angles
of the hexagon and intersecting 7/8 inch from the upper angle, a
vertical unsheathed Crusader's sword, point up, with white blade and
yellow hilt, between in base two white five-pointed stars (of a size
inscribed in a circle 5/8 inch in diameter) one point up, the vertical
axis of each star coinciding with the saltire division lines and the
center of each star 13/16 inch from the two lower corresponding angles
all within a 1/8 inch white border.
SYMBOLISM
The Crusader's sword point up, with white blade and yellow hilt appears
on both the shoulder sleeve insignia of the United States Army Vietnam
(on an ultramarine blue base) and of the United States Military
Assistance Command Vietnam (on a scarlet base). The sword, a symbol of
strength and courage, refers in this instance to the Capital Military
Assistance Command and with the ultramarine blue and scarlet base
provides a link with USARV and USMACV as the superior headquarters. The
white five-pointed star is a United States symbol and is also similar to
that of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam; the two stars placed on
either side of the guard of the unsheathed sword refer to the constant
and combined effort of the United States and the Army of the Republic of
Vietnam in protecting Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam. The scarlet
color also represents the Artillery which provides surveillance and
counter measures against enemy rockets and mortar attacks, the blue
color referring to the Infantry which continually patrols in and near
Saigon to prevent enemy infiltration and ground attack.
Source: The Institute of Heraldry
Capital Military Assistance Command - Signal Section
The collar insignia was a creation of the CMAC Signal Section and
although worn was never authorised.
DESCRIPTION
Crossed semaphore flags, the symbol of the Signal Corps overlaid with a
122mm Rocket symbolising the Defence of Saigon.