Poncho green NAM

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.

Colour patch of 199th Infantry Brigade (Light). Design with thin edge.

Used Trousers, Men's, Cotton Wind Resistant Poplin OG 107 - first model. Size Small Long. Year of manufacture 1964.

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 M1 helmet with cover and elastic band. Liner Type I from 1964. The cover is from 1964. The helmet has a clearly visible heat stamp. Used, but in good condition.

Special Forces shoulder patch (without arc) from the Vietnam War. Variant with a hemmed edge.

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

Unused 5qt water bag. Contract 1968.

Hook M 1956 1st Pattern - Large

Used trousers (Trousers, Twill, Khaki With Hip Pockets). Size 28x33. Waist 68 cm, leg length from waist 104 cm. Year of manufacture 1957.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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