Soldiers of the brigade became involved in Operation Attleboro in fall of 1966, an operation that started out as a small search and destroy mission north of Saigon but eventually involved 22,000 troops from 21 battalions.[39] Soldiers of the brigade also took part in smaller humanitarian missions in between major combat operations.[40]

On 22 February 1967, the 173rd conducted Operation Junction City, the only combat parachute jump of the Vietnam War.[41][42] The operation saw three brigades controlling eight battalions dropped by helicopters and US Air Force aircraft into War Zone C, in Tay Ninh Province.[43] During the battle, the brigade operated out of the northeastern part of the war zone along with the 196th Infantry Brigade (Separate), as four other brigades from the 1st and 25th Infantry Divisions attempted to surround and destroy the 9th Viet Cong Division in the War Zone. The operation was a success, and the battered VC division fled.[44] In August of that year, the brigade received its distinctive unit insignia. The soldiers chose to have it contain a parachute and dagger to symbolize their participation in Operation Junction City and the other heavy fighting they had been through. The DUI was also inscribed "Sky Soldiers" as homage to the nickname that the Taiwanese soldiers had given them.[21]

This buckle is made in USA with durable epoxy finish on a brass/ox backing.  Buckle is 2 1/2" X 4" and fits any 1 1/2" - 1 3/4" belt.