Flash 1st Special Forces Group

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

Original Unused (NOS) Blood Chit South East Asia - West Central Pacific. Each copy has its serial number. Year of production 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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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.

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 blouse OG 107 Rip-Stop, size. M-R. The blouse is more used, but in decent condition. It has a few small holes and is repaired in one place see photo. There is an interesting "armband" on the blouse. The combat patches are cut-edged, lightly polished from ironing and washing.

Used OG 107 (Utility Shirt) with 82nd Airborne Division lieutenant patches. Above the 82nd Airborne patch is a Ranger arch. Shirt is used but in nice condition. Personal number stamps are visible on the inside. The name tag is blackened in marker. The shirt is starched and ironed. Chest circumference 102cm. Sleeve length from shoulder is 60,5cm. Sleeve length from underarm is 50cm.

Cover for field bottle M 1967. The prints are plastic. Stock condition. All covers are dated 1968.