Further thoughts by Bob Miller:
Marion,
Just some further thoughts regarding the Sea Bee patch inquiry. I know when I was in (1968 to 1971), it was quite common for the guys to collect and trade all sorts of gear. Many collected military patches or insignia much like police and firefighters do today. When my platoon was stationed with a platoon from 2nd Company, 7th ROK Marines about 12 miles south of Danang, we traded our USMC brass belt buckles for their aluminum with were stamped with the ROK insignia and small enameled pins with their logo on it (I still have mine). These items could be traded to Air Force guys for gear that we couldn't readily get through our regular supply chain. On numerous occasions, we worked with the Sea Bees and they were very well supplied and very gracious in helping us out. We were always scrounging for parts for our equipment or getting them to machine, forge or fabricate stuff we needed to keep our equipment running. One thing about engineers, regardless of the branch of service, is the sense of camaraderie which is why March 17th is celebrated as the Engineer birthday. While our Battalion was headquartered in Chu Lai, we shared the compound with the headquarters of the 26th Army Engineers (Way of the Victors). In later years, Cathy and I attended Engineer Birthday Balls at the O Club at Ft. Belvoir which at the time was where Marine Corps Engineer Officers attended the Senior Engineer School. It was always a great time.
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"