Trousers, Man's, Combat, Temperate

The definitive guidebook for the US Army Special Forces during the height of the Vietnam War. This original FM 31-21 Special Forces Operations manual is dated June 3, 1965. It outlines the core doctrine of the Green Berets, focusing on Unconventional Warfare (UW), counter-insurgency, and the organization of Guerrilla Warfare behind enemy lines. A vital resource for historians and reenactors.

Genuine US Marine Corps "White Gear" set for Military Police. Vietnam War era. Includes cotton web belt with brass plate buckle, .45 mag pouch, and holster hanger. Used condition with authentic patina.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

A unicorn for vintage collectors and reenactors with larger heads: An original Vietnam War era US Army Field Grade Officer's Service Cap. This cap features the distinctive gold bullion oak leaf embroidery on the visor (commonly known as "Scrambled Eggs"), designating the rank of Major through Colonel. Manufactured by Berkshire De Luxe as a high-quality private purchase item. The size is an incredibly rare 7 3/4 (approx. 62 cm). Finding vintage headgear in this size is exceptionally difficult. Condition is excellent/very good.

A true museum piece for the Vietnam War collector: An original "DRAFT COPY" of the Preliminary Operation and Maintenance Manual for the Submachine Gun, 5.56-MM, XM177E2. Published by Rock Island Arsenal in July 1967, this provisional manual was issued in very limited numbers to Special Operations units (MACV-SOG, Navy SEALs, LRRPs) alongside the first batches of the weapon. Unlike standard field manuals, this "Draft" represents the weapon's testing phase in combat.

Shirt Man's, Cotton- Size 16 1/2 x 32. DSA Contract 100-68-C-1927. Navy. The "River Patrol Boat 518" patch is a reproduction.

Rare original Vietnam War era language aid issued to US Marines. "Leatherneck Fire Team Phrase Book". Foldable pocket guide containing essential phrases for patrols, interrogation, and village entry. Features phonetic pronunciation..

Unused Body Armor, Ground Troops, Variable Type vest with plates. Size Medium Long. Contract DSA 100-69-C-0548. Perfect unused condition. There is a small tear in the cotton fabric on the inside back see photo.

The vest was tested by the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam from January to May 1967, and although it was too heavy for foot mobile operations, it was recommended for personnel involved in escorting convoys and motorized patrols.