Historama Autumn Mail Auction #5

Israel: rare service pin of the 9th Palmach "Mechanized Attack Battalion" ("Gdud Pshita Memuchan"), 1948-49; 3g, 1.5x3cm. Aka the "Attack Battalion" ("Gdud Pshita") of the Negev Brigade. Formed June 1948 from "Negev Beasts" commando + 2 armoured jeep cpys, motorized infantry & halftrack company; absorbed "French Commando", foreign Jewish volunteers + veterans of Palmach sea force ("PalYam"), reaching 500 men incl 70 women by Fall 1948, commanded by Chaim Bar-Lev (future Chief of Staff). Unit fought in Negev region; Feb-Mar. 1949 reconnaisance missions prior to conquest of S. Negev & Eilat; after war, frontier guard duties; Sept. 1949 assigned to 7th Armoured Brigade.