Flash 22nd Special Forces Aviation Detachment

Unused Blouse Coat, Man's, Cotton W/R Rip-stop Poplin, OG 107. Size XL Regular. Year of manufacture 1968 - 1969.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

PILOT Survival Knife. Producer Camillus NY. Year of manufacture 1967. The knife is in very nice condition. The sheath is in stock condition with the blade wrapped in paper.

Blouse in ERDL camouflage. Worse condition with most of the original patches. Labels missing but size is Medium - Regular. Blouse comes from the estate of a Special Forces member named Norton who served in the US. Army from Vietnam to the 1990s.

Unused folding shovel manufactured by AMES. Year of manufacture: 1969. Packaging year of manufacture: 1970.

Used Vietnam USMC White Pistol Belt Set. The set includes a belt, a magazine pouch for Colt 1911 pistols, and a holster attachment.

Privately purchased beret from Morry Luxenbberg Co. New York. The plastic cover of the label still bears the original price tag. Unused condition. Size 7 1/8. The beret comes from the estate of a Special Forces member named Norton who served in the US. Army from Vietnam to the 1990s.

Used M1967 mag pouches for 20rnd magazines for M-16. Mag pouches are in used condition but complete with straps and a working undamaged plastic clasp.

CIB colour patch used.

Used Coat blouse, Men's, Tropical. Rip-Stop material. Size Small Short.

Meal, Combat, Individual B-3 Unit. The can of cheese spread is damaged and has stained the bottom lid of the box. See photo for condition.