BUAER Flak Vest & Shorts Set – Vietnam War Era U.S. Navy & USMC Helicopter Crews

Like-new M-65 parka. Manufactured in 1969. Manufacturer: Alpha Industries. There is a small hole (approx. 3 mm) on one sleeve, see photo. Overall perfect, almost unused condition. Size: Medium Long.

Patch 199th Infantry Brigade (Light). Black and green. Background twill. Unused condition.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

Unused M7 bayonet from Imperial. The M8A1 scabbard is unused from PWH.

Used trousers, men's, cotton wind resistant ripstop poplin. Size Small Long. The trousers have one stain on the thigh, see photo. Overall good condition.

Used buttstock for M16A1 rifle. First model without cleaning shaft - only with rubber boot. Used condition with no cracks or damage.

Nice 5-quart water bag. Slightly used condition. The bag and container were manufactured in 1968.

XM3 bipod for M-16 rifle. With pouch and cleaning kit. Manufacturer Colt.

Used M1956 holster for two magazines for the Colt 1911 pistol. The holster has been repaired, see photo.

Special Forces shoulder patch (without arc) from the Vietnam War. Variant with a hemmed edge.

Used pants (TROUSERS, MAN'S, COTTON, WIND RESISTANT). Rip-Stop material. Year of manufacture 1969. Size Medium Long. Trousers have one small hole on the leg. Overall very nice condition.