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Early US & Ho Chi Minh
When I was first stationed overseas in then Indo-China I worked for two OSS agents, Archimedes Patti and Tony Poe (Wild Bill Donovan's men). I was a young Green Beret officer and was eager to learn as much as I could, especially from two guys that stayed in that area of the world after WWII.
One story of how Uncle Ho originally accepted our support and trust concerned Gen. Claire Chennault, the leader of the Flying Tigers shooting down Japanese aircraft for $500 a plane. Ho asked the OSS officer assigned for a number of signed photos of Chennault and a matching number of 1911 45 caliber pistols. He would use these to recruit top Vietnamese leaders to assist him in building his Viet Minh forces.
I sent four tours plus in Indo-China (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, both north and south. If I have any more stories I will add them later. I can't verify this story as the other persons are deceased, but I believe it to be true.
General Claire Lee Chennault at Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe, LA, public domain courtesy of US Army.
Biographical Details
Submitted From: Eden Prairie, MN
Primary Location During Vietnam: Da Lat, Vietnam 
Story Subject: Military Service
Military Branch: U.S. Army
Dates of Service: 1963 - 1975
Veteran Organization: none
Unit: 1st & 5th Special Forces attched to MAC-SOG
Specialty: 31542
Additional Locations During Vietnam: Labore, Thailand; Vientiane, Laos
Story Themes: General Claire Chennault, Green Beret, Ho Chi Minh, OSS, Read, Vientiane, Wild Bill Donovan
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