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.

Unused manual insecticide sprayer. Contract DSA-700-67-C-5518/FSN 3740-691-1776. Year of manufacture: 1967.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

USAF Coverall, Flying, Man's, Very Light K-2B flight suit in perfect condition. The jumpsuit has a unit patch and name tag on the shoulder (Withington, Nathan N. The jumpsuit is from 1966.

Used 1Q field bottle from 1969. The cover has a cotton trim.

Unused Waterproof Backpack Bag, Waterproof, Clothing. Date of manufacture 1967 and 1968.

M1C paratrooper helmet. The metal plate has a heat stamp with the number 629. The metal plate has two surface cracks on the back that do not go through the plate. The liner was manufactured in 1974. The helmet cover has various inscriptions on it.

Unused Tropical Combat Uniform (Coat, Man's, Cotton W/R RIP-STP POPLIN OG 107). Size Large Regular. Unused condition. Contract DSA 100-69-C-1362.

Used MC-1 knife. Manufacturer: Schrade/Walden. Good condition. The blade spring does not work and the blade must be opened manually.

Used Blouse Coat, Man's Combat, Tropical 3rd pattern. Size Medium Regular. The blouse is sewn with "in country-made" patches. US tape. Army and name tag are directly sewn into the uniform. The 1st Air Cavalry patch is mass-produced in a color with a thin border, additionally dyed to a darker shade. The jacket has a few stains and holes see photo.