This item contributes to an understanding of the experience of family and friends of those who served in the war in Vietnam. Letters were crucial for maintaining morale, but they also carried the anxiety of the war, with soldiers sharing concerns about the conflict and news of friends wounded or killed.Envelope with red and blue striped boarder, Air Mail with boomerang above map of Vietnam and Australian Force Vietnam under.Mrs R.P.Matthews / 83 Akuma st / Kenmore / Queensland / Australia 4069. Postage stamp mark.airmail envelopes, wo2 r p matthews, robert palmer matthews, 34974, royal australian army ordnance corps, mail, communication, letter

This United States Air Force Tactical Air Command (TAC) insignia was collected by Warrant Officer Class 2 R P Matthews of the Royal Australian Army Ordnance Corps, who served in 161 (Independent) Reconnaissance Flight, Vietnam 22 Dec 1970 until 23 Dec 1971. Patches like this were worn on flight suits and jackets during the Vietnam era. Amongst the key functions of the United States Air Force TAC was commanding, organising, equipping, training, and administering assigned or attached forces. Small cloth badge. Blue (top) and red (bottom) embroidered shield divided horizontally by a wavy line. In the centre is a white sword with a red handle and yellow-gold wings. At the base is yellow text "TACTICAL AIR COMMAND" on a white banner.Tactical air command.wo2 robert palmer matthews, tactical air command, 34974, 161, ordnance, patch, badge, usa, american