The last US battle flag flown during the Vietnam War was one of the highlights of a sale at Alexander Historical Auctions on May 25.
The lot realised $50,000 against a valuation of $20,000 - an increase of 150%.
 The flag was flown during peace talks at DaNang |
It was taken back to the US by a Colonel McCoid, who helped oversee peace talks in DaNang at the end of the war.
McCoid served in Vietnam between 1966 and 1973.
He was the last US soldier on the ground to leave after hostilities ceased (excluding those who remained stationed in Saigon).
The flag was acquired by the consignor directly from the sale of McCoid's estate.
Also included were certificates South Vietnam's president presented to the colonel, a 2nd Infantry Division patch and a blue and red patch that was probably worn in Korea.
The auction house described the lot as "a historic relic from a war which still stirs controversy at its very mention."
The symbolism of the US flag makes it a popular collector's item, particularly when it's tied to a significant event.
The US flag that flew above the first boat to arrive on the Normandy beaches on D-Day is up for auction at Heritage on June 12.
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