Shirt, Sleeping, Man's - Medium - 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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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.

US mosquito net. Contract DSA-100-67-C-3732.

Medium Short, late Vietnam or early 70's dress, 101st ABN with hemmed edge, name tag and "army" silk.

Unused Armor Body ballistic shorts, Fragmentation Protective (For the Groin). Size 38 /Army) 44 (Navy). Contract DSA-100-4677. Unused condition. for collector's purposes only.

Used Field Pack, Combat M-1956.

Shirt Sleeping man sizing. S.

Bomber Jacket, Flying, Man's Intermediate, MA-1. Year of manufacture 1966. Size Large. Overall very nice condition. There are small holes in the knitting, see photo.

Trousers in ERDL camouflage. Material poplin. Unused condition. Contract No. 8249, DSA, DPSC, DIR or MFG. Unused stock condition.

Lightly used M1 helmet cover in Mitchel camouflage.

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.

Unopened C ration accessory pack.