Original U.S. Vietnam War USMC Signed Theater-Made 1st Marines Flag Signed by 45 Marines with FMF Guidon Flag - Presented to C.O. Captain Robert Knowles - 16 x 25½” & 10 x 13½”

Original Items. One-of-a-Kind Group. Some Marines serve with honor. Others lead with distinction. Captain Robert C. Knowles, Jr. did both—under fire, in the mud, and against the odds. From the rice paddies to the rugged highlands of Vietnam, Knowles earned the deep respect of his men and the admiration of his commanders for his relentless drive, tactical brilliance, and exceptional courage in combat. Between September 1966 and October 1967, he held a series of critical leadership roles within the 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force (FMF). During this time, he served as a Rifle Company Commander, Assistant Battalion S-3, and ultimately as Battalion Operations Officer (S-3)—a role that required extraordinary skill, clarity, and leadership under pressure.

Whether coordinating large-scale operations or commanding Marines in the field, Captain Knowles consistently delivered results. His performance at the battalion level was described by his superiors as “truly exceptional,” and his leadership proved vital across more than a dozen major operations, including ARCARDIA, TETNAIDA, SHASTA II, INDEPENDENCE, STONE, LAFAYETTE, EARLY, DANYON, UNION, BROWN, CALHOUN, and PIKE.

In the chaos of combat, Knowles stood steady. He led from the front, often under intense enemy fire, guiding his Marines with a calculated mix of tactical precision and aggressive momentum. He displayed a mastery of combined arms coordination, consistently outmaneuvering and overwhelming Viet Cong forces. His leadership resulted in decisive victories and the rout of enemy forces time and again.

A tireless leader, he was known to work 18-hour days without pause—refining communications, improving artillery support, and ensuring that every Marine under his command was trained, protected, and ready. His superiors praised his “amazing versatility, professional ability, and great personal courage.”

This is an outstanding theater-made unit flag made and presented by men of the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division and presented to Captain Robert C. Knowles, Jr.. The flag has a fantastic hand-sewn cartoonish depiction of a Marine with his iconic camouflage wear, with the 1st Marine Division insignia sewn to denote 1st Battalion and 1st Marines. This flag has great tassels and a header with tie strings at the ends. This flag measures 16 x 25½” and is an outstanding example which needs to be framed!

Also included is a great Marine Corps FMF unit flag, used by marines during the Vietnam War. It measures 10 x 13½” and represents Company A, 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. This set should absolutely be framed together!

There are a few pages of printed research included, but there is much more to be found in your own research. 

A fantastic group of 1st Marine flags from Vietnam, ready for display!