Blouse ERDL USN

USN jumper used. On the shoulder is the U.S.S. Newport News arch. Hong Kong and Vietnam patches on sleeves. See photo for used condition. Functional zipper. Size approximately S.

The U.S.S. Newport News (CA-148) moved from Norfolk on 5 September 1967 for a six-month deployment to Southeast Asia. She arrived at Da Nang, South Vietnam, on 9 October 1967 and became the flagship of ComCruDesFlot 3. She participated in attacks against targets in North Vietnam as part of Operation Sea Dragon. U.S.S. Newport News subsequently became involved in combat in Vietnam in 1968 and 1972.

M1 helmet liner with DUI 104th Cavalry Regiment decals on both sides. The original sweatband and straps are replaced with a simplified plastic liner. The liner has a dark green gloss lacquer finish.

A massive relic of electronic warfare in Vietnam: The AN/QSG-126 Detection Transmitting Set, Acoustic. This 15kg air-delivered sensor was designed to be dropped onto the Ho Chi Minh Trail to detect Viet Cong movement as part of the secret Operation Igloo White (McNamara Line). This is an Inert / Training example dated 1968. It remains in excellent condition with the stabilizing fins still taped for storage.

Original Vietnam War era Organizational Maintenance Manual for M16 and M16A1 rifles. Includes Repair Parts and Special Tools List. Dated September 1971.

A rare and identifiable piece of US Marine Corps history: An original M1 Helmet Liner used at The Basic School (TBS)in Quantico, Virginia. This is the institution where every Marine Officer is trained to be a rifle platoon commander. The liner features a high-gloss finish with a distinctive white tactical stripe and the TBS Unit Crest decal (reading "Esprit, Leadership, Knowledge"). The rear features a hand-painted roster number 350.

The essential reference guide for collectors of Vietnam War memorabilia, focusing specifically on the opposing forces. "Weapons and Field Gear of the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong" by Edward J. Emering is a high-quality hardcover book published by Schiffer Military History. It provides an in-depth look at the uniforms, equipment, and weapons used by Communist forces, making it a vital tool for authentication.

This T61-5 body armor, officially designated MIL-A-43197, represents a fascinating chapter in military equipment history. Developed in the mid-1960s, the T61-5 was designed to be a more ergonomic and flexible successor to the older M1952A model. Its innovative construction featured over 100 individual titanium plates, intended to provide superior protection and comfort.

Although it officially became the U.S. Army's standard-issue vest "on paper" in 1965, it never saw widespread adoption in reality. With the escalation of the Vietnam War, the T61-5 proved too expensive and complex to manufacture for mass deployment. The Army instead opted for a simpler, cheaper, updated version of the M1952A (the "3/4 collar" model).

Despite being an Army design, the T61-5 found its primary use elsewhere. It became characteristic equipment for the U.S. Navy's "Brown Water Navy" units operating in the rivers and coastal areas of Vietnam from 1966 onwards. It was also used by some U.S. Army mechanized infantry, armor, and armored cavalry units between 1969-1971.

Key Features:

• Official Designation: MIL-A-43197

• Common Name: T61-5 Composite Armor

• Standard Publication Date: Feb. 10, 1964

• Construction: Composite material with over 100 titanium plates

• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement

• Primary Users: US Navy ("Brown Water Navy"), US Army mechanized units in Vietnam

This vest is an exceptional and rare collector's item, documenting the push for innovation in personal protection during one of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century.

A unicorn for vintage collectors and reenactors with larger heads: An original Vietnam War era US Army Field Grade Officer's Service Cap. This cap features the distinctive gold bullion oak leaf embroidery on the visor (commonly known as "Scrambled Eggs"), designating the rank of Major through Colonel. Manufactured by Berkshire De Luxe as a high-quality private purchase item. The size is an incredibly rare 7 3/4 (approx. 62 cm). Finding vintage headgear in this size is exceptionally difficult. Condition is excellent/very good.