Manual PAM 350-12 Guide For Squad leaders - 1967

A genuine vintage pocket patch for the 1st Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, nicknamed the "Blackhawks". This unit saw extensive heavy combat in Vietnam acting as the "eyes and ears" for the Americal Division. This patch features the highly desirable "Cut Edge" construction (non-merrowed) and a "Snowy Back" reverse, hallmarks of US-made insignia from the Vietnam era (pre-1968). It is in used condition, showing signs of having been removed from a uniform.

Set USMC Summer Uniform boat, tie, shirt (later production) and trousers. See photo for sizes. Price is for the whole set.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

CIB colour patch used.

Two pieces of M1956 Universal Small Arms Ammunition Pouch 2nd Pattern. Used condition - some metal parts are covered with oxidation, which can be cleaned. The pouches have nice colors and visible stamps.

Original wrapped short-sleeved shirt. Size Medium.

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.

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.