Uniforms and Equipment of U.S. Military Advisors in Vietnam

Adapter Modification kit, Packboard, Radio Carrying to place the radio on Lightweight backpacks. The AN/PRC 25/77 radio was placed on the top shelf. On the bottom was a spare battery or KY 38 encryption device.

Cover for field bottle M 1967. The prints are plastic. Stock condition. All covers are dated 1968.

XM3 bipod for M-16 rifle. With pouch and cleaning kit. Manufacturer Colt.

M1 helmet liner manufactured by Firestone with commemorative 1st Cavalry painting and An Khe 1965 inscription.

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• Historical Status: Superseded, cancelled in 1972 with no direct replacement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

Nice 5-quart water bag. Slightly used condition. The bag and container were manufactured in 1968.

Used trousers, men's, cotton wind resistant ripstop poplin. Size Small Long. The trousers have one stain on the thigh, see photo. Overall good condition.

Blouse in ERDL camouflage. Colour is between Brown and Green dominant. Size S-R. One pocket has a USN marking on the other one with the name sprayed on. Very nice condition.

Like-new M-65 parka. Manufactured in 1969. Manufacturer: Alpha Industries. There is a small hole (approx. 3 mm) on one sleeve, see photo. Overall perfect, almost unused condition. Size: Medium Long.

Unused manual insecticide sprayer. Contract DSA-700-67-C-5518/FSN 3740-691-1776. Year of manufacture: 1967.