Book "The B-52 Tips - Combat Recon Manual"

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

Parka M51 (Field Jacket) in unused condition. Contract QM (CTM) 10442 - C - 61 from 1961. Size Small Short.

Pack of disposable earplugs. Production 1962. For collecting purposes - functionality is not guaranteed.

Used Armor Body ballistic shorts, Fragmentation Protective (For the Groin). Size 36 (Army) 44 (Navy). Contract DSA-100-4677. The zipper is functional. Condition as shown in the photo. For collector purposes only.

Unused M7 bayonet from Imperial. Used M8A1 scabbard from TWB.

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.

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.

Gas mask case XM 28 in original packaging.

Used ERDL Coat, Man's, Tropical. On the shoulder is a patch 2nd B, 75th Infantry Ranger/Airborne. Above the pocket is a Basic parachutist badge. Size Medium Regular. Year of manufacture 1968.

Used blouse (Coat, Man's, Cotton, Wind Resistant Rip-Stop Poplin). Size Medium Long. Contract DSA 100-68-C-2821. Army and name patch are "in country made". The Special Forces shoulder patch is a regular Army issue. Blouse has several repairs see photo.

Very nice beret with flash 3rd Special Forces Group and badge. Flash has a thin edge. The beret is size 6 1/4. Production 1973.