On 23 March 2016, the 5th Special Forces Group brought back a piece of history by switching back to their original crest worn during the Vietnam Era.  The Group’s Commander, Col. Leahy, noted that the change was designed to honor the 786 Special Forces soldiers killed during Vietnam.

2016 also marks the 55th anniversary of the 5th Special Forces Group.  In 1961 the group wore a solid black flash but in 1964 they added the yellow and red stripes to symbolize the 1st and 7th Special Forces Group as well as the unit’s service in Vietnam.  In 1984 the flash was reverted back to the original solid black flash.

Old Flash

 

5SFG_flash

New Flash

5th-Special-Forces-Group-Flash