12" OAL, 7 1/2" straight clip blade with Orlando address on the left and "MICHAEL L. ELLIS" on the right, thick oval guard, grooved micarta grip, and leather Randall marked sheath. Notes from the consignor state that Michael L. Ellis is S/4 Michael L. Ellis (1946-1967), an infantryman with the 173rd Airborne Brigade who was declared missing (later upgraded to KIA) in the vicinity of Hill 875 during the Battle of Dak To. One of the heaviest actions in Vietnam, Dak To resulted in the operational loss of about 1/5th of the 173rd's men, with Hill 875 in particular very hotly contested between the American attackers and their very well dug in North Vietnamese Army opposition. The outcome was indecisive; the NVA was driven from the field and failed their immediate objective of destroying a major American combat element, but did accomplish their overall objective of drawing more American/South Vietnamese forces into the Central Highlands in preparation for the Tet Offensive. 3 members of the 173rd would earn posthumous Medals of Honor for the battle, and records indicate that Ellis himself posthumously received the Bronze Star with V Device for his actions on Hill 875.

Very good. The blade has been sharpened and polished, with the steel showing a gray patina and mild pitting; to be expected of unblued carbon steel deployed to a war in a jungle. Light scuffs and dings on the guard and grip, and staining, verdigris buildup, and some small cracks and tears on the otherwise very good sheath.