A rare and highly collectible Vietnam War–era U.S. Marine Corps flight bag, distinguished by two original theater-made patches and clear personal attribution. Pieces like this—named, patched, and tied to a specific Marine Corps aviation unit operating in Southeast Asia—are exceptionally hard to find intact.
This flight bag is named to Wyatt B. Pedigo and features period, in-theater produced insignia on both sides:
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Obverse: UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS – MCAS Rose Garden, Nam Phong Thailand patch, paired with the name Wyatt B. Pedigo
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Reverse: MATCU-62 – MCAS Rose Garden, Nam Phong Thailand – “The Professionals” patch
The patches are key. MCAS Rose Garden (Nam Phong, Thailand) was a strategically important Marine Corps Air Station during the Vietnam War, supporting air operations throughout the region. The presence of theater-made patches—locally produced rather than stateside contract—adds a layer of authenticity and scarcity that advanced collectors prioritize.
Even more significant is the connection to MATCU-62 (Marine Air Traffic Control Unit). MATCUs trace their lineage to 1952, when Marine Corps air traffic control elements were reorganized into fully deployable tactical units. These units provided critical capabilities in combat zones, including:
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Surveillance radar
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Ground-controlled approach
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TACAN navigation
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Radio direction finding
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Control towers and communications
MATCUs supported real-world operations across the fleet and typically operated under Marine Air Base Squadrons or air station headquarters. In the early 1970s, the Marine Corps began consolidating these units due to personnel shortages, and by 1980 the last MATCU was decommissioned. No modern units carry their lineage or honors—making artifacts tied to MATCUs increasingly scarce and historically closed.
The bag itself shows honest, period wear, consistent with operational use, and retains strong character throughout. Named flight bags with verifiable Southeast Asia aviation ties—especially those linked to now-extinct units like the MATCUs—are among the most desirable Marine Corps aviation collectibles.
Details:
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Era: Vietnam War
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Branch: U.S. Marine Corps
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Air Station: MCAS Rose Garden, Nam Phong, Thailand
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Unit: MATCU-62
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Name: Wyatt B. Pedigo
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Features: Two original theater-made patches, named obverse, aviation utility construction
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Condition: Authentic vintage condition with age-appropriate wear, zipper tape on top of bag is separating slightly but does not affect the bag opening and closing, some small pock marks and minor stains are expected for its age.
- Measurements: Width: 18 inches, Height: 10 inches
A museum-level USMC aviation artifact—named, unit-specific, and tied to a discontinued Marine Corps capability. A true one-of-one piece for advanced collectors of Vietnam War, Marine aviation, and MATCU history.