Nášivka MACV

Used Tropical Rucksack. Contract FSN 8465-935-6673. Year of manufacture 1968. Very good condition. One metal eyelet is missing, see photo. The backpack has two equipment straps.

AN/QSG-126 Inert/School Acoustic Detector AN/QSG-126 Detection Transmitting Set Acoustic. The detector was dropped from the aircraft to the suspected NVA/Vietcong site. Nice condition, stabilizing ailerons are still taped over with paper tape. Year of manufacture 1968. Shipping only within the EU. Sensor length is approx 76cm, weight approx 15kg without shipping container. Possibility to arrange personal collection.

M1 helmet liner manufactured by Firestone with commemorative 1st Cavalry painting and An Khe 1965 inscription.

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

Unused M6 bayonet from Milpar. Condition see photo.

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

Original Unused (NOS) Blood Chit South East Asia - West Central Pacific. Each copy has its serial number. Year of production 1967.

Unused 5qt water bag. Contract 1968.

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.

60s Vietnam War Vietnamese-Made US Army Branch Tape