Senior United States Army officer (1912-2005) who designed the U.S. Army's parachutist badge, paratrooper or 'jump' boots, and the airborne jump uniform. He is known as the ‘Father of the Modern Green Berets.’ Impressive official Yarborough U.S. Special Forces Combat Knife, serial no. 0426, the first-ever serial-numbered combat knife issued to the Green Berets, signed on either side of the blade in gold ink by its namesake, William P. Yarborough. Beginning in August 2002, every soldier who graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course, part of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, was issued the Yarborough Knife with its own serial number and signed a special record book along with the most elite members of the United States Army. Designed by Chris Reeve in collaboration with William Harsey, the knife measures 12.5″ in length with a 7″ spear point blade (elite CPM S35VN steel with a KG Gun-Kote finish) and a gripped canvas Micarta handle. Includes the matching Harsey/Reeve certificate of authenticity dated to July 21, 2003, which is signed and inscribed by Yarborough. In fine condition.
Accompaniments include: a “Special Forces Association, Chapter XXXVII” medallion; a Blackhawk nylon tactical sheath; a cloth “United States Special Operations Command” storage bag; a copy of an article on the Yarborough knife; and various newspaper articles on Yarborough.
