USMC Beach Landing Marker Light – 1964 – Vietnam Era – Turnsignal Co.

Genuine Vietnam War 5-Quart Collapsible Canteen / Flotation Bladder. Dated 1968. Made by Trenton Textile. Clear vinyl bladder. Unissued / Mint condition..

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

Genuine 1970 Vietnam Era M-65 by Alpha Industries. Features desirable aluminum Scovill zippers and "ghost patches" from removed insignia. Includes matching 1970 liner in good condition.

Genuine 1970 dated Rip-Stop Jungle Jacket. Features 101st Airborne Division patch (merrowed edge), Senior Army Aviator wings, and nylon name tapes. Size Medium-Short..

Genuine USGI triangular handguards for the M16A1 rifle. Complete set (Left & Right halves) with integrated aluminum heat shields. Unissued NOS condition. Perfect for retro builds.

Authentic 1967 US pilot's survival life raft. Type LRU-3/P by Rubber Fabricators Inc. Holds air. Includes original Sea Anchor. Sold as a collector's display item only.

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 1968 dated Vietnam War Jungle Boots. Panama sole pattern. "Spike Protective" steel plate. Made by HI-PALS. Rare Size 12R. Mint/Unissued condition with original tag.