Special Forces Operations Manual FM 31-21 - 1965

Authentic Vietnam War era boonie hat in ERDL camouflage. The hat is in genuine, used condition, adding to its character.

This is not a standard issue piece – it is marked "BMU-1", referencing the specialized US Navy unit, Beachmaster Unit One. This unit was responsible for managing amphibious landing operations in Vietnam.

• Origin: Original Vietnam War Era

• Camo: ERDL (Leaf Pattern)

• Marking: BMU-1 (Beachmaster Unit One, US Navy)

• Condition: Used, authentic collectible condition

• Size: Fits approximately US 7 to 7 1/4 (approx. 56–58 cm)

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

Adapter Modification kit, Packboard, Radio Carrying to place the radio on Lightweight backpacks. The AN/PRC 25/77 radio was placed on the top shelf. On the bottom was a spare battery or KY 38 encryption device.

Hook M 1956 1st Pattern - Large

Unused manual insecticide sprayer. Contract DSA-700-67-C-5518/FSN 3740-691-1776. Year of manufacture: 1967.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

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.

Unused M6 bayonet from Milpar. Condition see photo.

11th Cavalry patch in black and green with cut edge.

Used M1956 suspenders from 1973. Inner side is not cotton but nylon. Size Large.