Manual PAM 350-12 Guide For Squad leaders - 1967

An exceptional identified artifact from the Vietnam War helicopter war. This K-2B Cotton Flight Suit belonged to Aviator Nathan N. Withington, a pilot with the 191st Assault Helicopter Company (AHC). The distinctive "Yosemite Sam" patch identifies him as a member of the elite "Bounty Hunters" Gunship Platoon. The suit retains the original leather nametag and the manufacture label dated 4 April 1966.

Genuine US Military issue stainless steel canteen cup. Vietnam War / 1970s era production by West Coast Wire (W.C.W.). Butterfly folding handle. Heavy-duty stainless steel suitable for cooking over fire.

Genuine US Marine Corps Pattern 1956 Utility Trousers. OG-107 Cotton Sateen fabric. Distinctive round rear pockets. Waist 80 cm (approx. 31.5"). Used condition, one broken button.

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.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

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.

A classic piece of Vietnam War personal gear: The ERDL Camouflage Bib Scarf. Officially tagged as "INSIGNIA, BOS, SCARF, BIB-TYPE". This accessory was widely popular among troops (especially Special Forces and USMC) to prevent heavy gear straps from chafing the neck and to absorb sweat in the jungle heat. Made by Hallmark (Code G-23). Features snap button closure.

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.