US 9th Infantry Regt Manchu Mile buckle

**3rd MANCHU** · 12-31-2012, 12:42 AM

What you have there is a cartridge belt buckle that was made for wear on the various types of cartridge/ammo belts used from the 1920's through the early 1940s. I have a good size collection of Manchu buckles and have one of these along with the 1926 original that is worn on the Sam Brown belt from that time period. I have acquired a good amount of info on these buckles and posted it on my web site here Manchu Buckle - C Co 3/9 MANCHU "The Chosen Few" .

I don't see these popping up very often. They are more rare then the 1926 originals which I have seen come up for sale more often then the cartridge buckle. That is a good find on your part.

**helmet2id** · 12-31-2012, 12:54 AM

Great information on this buckle - thanks - and welcome to the forum!

**MarkV** · 12-31-2012, 01:04 AM

Great looking cartridge belt buckle! I'm no expert on them - but thought I'd show you a later version of the buckles that are awarded for completing the Manchu Mile. Not sure if it changed since when I used to do it, but the requirement was to complete a 25 mile road march with full combat equipment in under 8 hours.

I earned mine back in 1990 at Fort Ord, Califirnia while assigned as the 9th Regiment Fire Support Officer with 2/8Field Artillery. It needs a little Brasso, I think!

**3rd MANCHU** · 12-31-2012, 04:35 AM

Thanks Helmet! Came across this forum while searching for buckles.
Mark, I earned mine in 88 at Ft Ord with C co 3/9. They do now have a new buckle to go with the ACU rigger belts that are now awarded to today's Manchus for completing the Mile. See attached a photo from my web site.

**MarkV** · 12-31-2012, 11:55 AM

Manchu - I love that new belt buckle!

**3rd MANCHU** · 01-03-2013, 10:55 AM

Mark, I believe this sounds like the buckle that is mentioned in item #2. I hope to confirm this in the near future.

**3rd MANCHU** · 01-03-2013, 11:04 AM

Here is my collection so far

**MarkV** · 01-04-2013, 12:57 AM

Wow, wht an amazing collection!! I'm going to keep looking for one of the ACU buckles - I don't have any contacts left with the 9th.

Who was the 3/9 Bn commander when you were there? It wasn't Ed Filliberti, was it? Chrck Swannack commanded 2/9 in the 90 timeframe - ended up a 2 star commanding 82d ABN.