As I get older the less importance I place on the monetary value of items. At fifty-four years of age I notice I’m beginning to place a much higher value on things that hold deep meaning for me.
I can think of only a few every day carry (EDC) items I own that fit this category—my wedding ring, a trusty Swiss army knife, my Dad’s last driver’s license, a lapis lazuli worry stone, my 1918 Elgin trench watch, and a Montagnard bracelet.
What is a Montagnard bracelet?
If you’ve never heard of the Montagnard bracelet and don’t know the story behind them here’s a short snippet of their history from Grok:
A Montagnard bracelet is a traditional piece of jewelry crafted by the Montagnard people, indigenous ethnic groups from the Central Highlands of Vietnam, also known as the Degar. These bracelets are typically made from brass or aluminum, hand-forged into a rigid, cylindrical band that fits snugly around the wrist or upper arm. Often intricately engraved with tribal motifs, symbols, or personal insignias representing clan affiliations, spiritual beliefs, or warrior status, they serve both as adornments and cultural artifacts. The craftsmanship involves hammering and etching the metal by skilled artisans, resulting in a durable, expandable design that can be adjusted for fit, embodying the resourcefulness of Montagnard metallurgists who have honed this skill for generations.
Historically, Montagnard bracelets gained prominence during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s, when they became powerful symbols of alliance and loyalty between the Montagnard tribes and U.S. military forces. The Montagnards, who allied with American Special Forces—particularly the Green Berets—and the CIA against North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces, exchanged these bracelets during fraternal induction ceremonies as tokens of unbreakable brotherhood and mutual respect. Soldiers like journalist Ralph Blumenthal received them in rituals that mirrored tribal initiations, forging bonds that transcended cultural divides. Even celebrities such as John Wayne were gifted unetched versions during the filming of The Green Berets, wearing them lifelong as emblems of honor; these artifacts now rest in museums or private collections, evoking the era's complex alliances.
Today, Montagnard bracelets endure as cherished heirlooms and commercial items, available through authentic vendors on platforms like Etsy and eBay, where they support Montagnard artisans in the U.S. diaspora. Often handmade by Vietnam War veterans like those training modern Special Forces, they carry layered meanings: symbols of resilience for the persecuted Montagnards, who faced reprisals post-war and now number over 200,000 refugees in America; mementos of wartime camaraderie for veterans; and versatile jewelry for civilians, sometimes used in weddings or daily wear for their timeless durability and subtle clinking sound. Authentic pieces are verified by measurements and engravings, preserving a legacy of cultural exchange amid ongoing efforts to honor Montagnard contributions.
I was lucky enough to find my bracelet on eBay. The authentic ones are getting more and more difficult to find. This one is made of solid brass smelted from actual bullet casings and is covered in the traditional Montagnard tribal markings.
Honestly, now that I find myself planted firmly in the middle of life with all of its challenges and ups and downs, like never before, I feel the need to have the courage and strength of a warrior.
Surely, there are certain days for us all that feel like we're fighting intense battles. This Montagnard bracelet is a sort of talisman that somehow gives me just a few ounces more courage to face whatever I’m up against—and who doesn’t need that?
All for now. Thanks for reading.
