1134 PANAMANIAN DEFENCE FORCE FLAG 1983-1989.

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This item SOLD at 2023 Dec 03 @ 11:21UTC-5 : EST/CDT
Category Firearms & Military
Auction Currency USD
Start Price 100.00 USD
Estimated at 200.00 - 300.00 USD
3x4' double applique insignia and gold letters on red field, gold fringe, 2 large brass grommets. Panamanian defense force ceased to exist after the 1989 American invasion of Panama in operation “Just Cause” to remove Manuel Noriega. This flag was probably a souvenir by American GI. The Panama Defense Forces (Fuerzas De Defensa Panama) were created in 1983 by General Manuel Noriega upon his promotion to that grade in August. The command had originally been the Panamanian National Guard which was largely a military police force. Noriega's original intent was to make them a professional military army to protect the Panama Canal along with the US Army units stationed in that nation. In October 1989, some units of the Defense Forces attempted a coup against Noriega and were defeated and Noriega turned against an election that was held to depose him. However, in December 1989, the US military invaded the nation due to Noriega being wanted for drug trafficking and other issues capturing Noriega and installing a more democratic government and constitution. The Panama Defense Forces were then disbanded. They were replaced by the National Police which remains today. The Panama Defense Forces had at its height of strength, four infantry battalions, eight infantry and military police companies as well as some support units including a civilian militia. Also, under control of the PDF were the Fuerza Policia (Police Force) which was charged with law enforcement and highway patrol plus transit police for the cities. The flag bears the Coat of Arms of the Panamanian military. The date October 11, 1968 relates to the Panama military coup that took place at that time. Then President Arnulfo Madrid angered his military through transfers and reorganizations causing some officers to consider deposing him. On October 11th, Major Boris Martinez and Lt. Colonel Omar Torrijos Herrera offered the presidency to two men, including the sitting Vice President Raul Arango. They declined so the coup set up a governing board, repealed all civil rights and the Constitution of 1946. Supporters of President Madrid took to the streets in small guerrilla formations attacking places in the country. In late February 1969, another coup led by Colonel Torrijos toppled the governing board with the support of then Major Manuel Noriega. Torrijos defeated all threats, was promoted to general and ruled Panama until he turned it over in 1978 (but he retained control of the National Guard). While ruling the nation, Torrijos sought to get control of the Panama Canal and negotiated with U.S. President Jimmy Carter finally signing a treaty in 1977. Torrijos died in a mysterious plane crash on July 31, 1981. In which the chief suspect for that remains the CIA. It had been intended for a series of fellow military officers to succeed him and Noriega was on that list. The Coat of Arms has the date of the 1968 coup and a slogan (“All For the Country” in Spanish) plus crossed rifles and a sword. The flag dates between 1983 and late 1989 when the force was disbanded. CONDITION: very good overall. (02-19982-7/JS). $200-300.