Manual PAM 350-12 Guide For Squad leaders - 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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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.

Rare original XM3 "Clothes Pin" bipod for the M16 rifle. Manufactured by Colt (marked 62122). Vietnam War era. Complete set with zipper pouch and cleaning kit.

A highly desirable Technical Manual (TM 9-1005-249-14) dated August 1966. This manual is a treasure trove for early Vietnam War collectors. It covers the maintenance and repair of the M16 and XM16E1 rifles, but its primary value lies in the inclusion of the XM148 40mm Grenade Launcher. The XM148 was an experimental, failure-prone predecessor to the M203, used briefly by US Special Forces. Original documentation for the XM148 is extremely scarce.

Rare "Sage Green" Cotton Sateen field shirt. Contracted by Marine Corps Supply Activity but features "ghost marks" of removed USAF rank insignia. Size 15/33. Unique cross-branch item.

A highly collectible, named US Army ERDL Jungle Jacket with outstanding provenance. This jacket comes from the estate of a Special Forces (Green Beret) soldier named Norton, whose service spanned from Vietnam to the 90s. It features original, period-applied insignia: Special Forces SSI with Airborne Tab, "NORTON" and "U.S. ARMY" tapes, and embroidered collar rank/branch (Infantry). The jacket is in "Salty" / Combat Used condition, featuring honest wear, fraying on the collar, and holes in the sleeves, giving it an undeniable "been there" character. Fits like a Medium-Regular.

Genuine US Government Issue Khaki Shirt. Cotton construction with quarter-length (short) sleeves. Size Medium. Brand new in original factory packaging (NOS)..

A pristine pair of Vietnam War era Jungle Trousers in the iconic ERDL (Engineering Research & Development Laboratories) camouflage. This represents the highly desirable "Green Dominant" (Lowland) colorway. Made from the correct 100% Cotton WR Poplin fabric tailored for tropical environments. These trousers are in Unissued / NOS (New Old Stock) condition – crisp fabric, vibrant colors, and perfect tags. Size Small - Long.

A superb example of the scarce Rubberized M3 Medical Bag (Instrument and Supply Set No. 3). Manufactured by Eastern Canvas Products Inc., this waterproof variation was standard issue during the Korean War and early Vietnam era. Unlike many surviving examples, the rubberized fabric on this bag is supple and free of dry rot, and all zippers are fully functional. The kit comes loaded with vintage medical supplies, including boxed muslin bandages, Johnson & Johnson gauze, and a highly collectible glass bottle of Norwich Aspirin. Disclaimer: All contents are expired and sold for display/collectible purposes only.

A pristine collector's piece from the Vietnam War era: USGI M17A1 Field Protective Mask. The mask itself is New Old Stock (NOS) and remains sealed in its original foil packaging. Markings indicate a June 1969 Cure Date and Jan 1972 Pack Date. The set comes complete with the canvas carrier, M1 Eyelens Outserts, and the waterproofing bag. Size Medium.

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.

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.

Museum-grade K-2B Flight Suit. 11th Air Assault Division (Test) patch (1963-65). MACV Combat patch. Named to CPT Gale. The birth of Air Cavalry history.