Did US soldiers wear body armor in Vietnam?

Stanton: “Throughout the war, body armor was seldom seen on Army personnel, unless they were in mechanized units like the 11th Armored Calvary or were manning positions that required little movement.” The Armor, Body Fragmentation Protective, with ¾ Collar, better known as the M-69, was fielded during the Vietnam War.

What gear did soldiers carry in Vietnam?

US Infantrymen (grunts) carried either a rifle (M-16), or a machine gun (M-60, belt fed), or an M-79 grenade launcher. If the grunt was a radio operator (RTO-Radio Telephone Operator) he also carried a radio ON HIS BACK.

What marine unit saw the most combat in Vietnam?

The 27th Marines, 5th Marine Division, was airlifted out on 48 hours’ notice, with 3,700 Marines. In September, it became the first major combat unit to come home from the Vietnam War.

Why do they call it a flak jacket?

Protective vests called flak jackets were first used in World War II; the word “flak” comes from the abbreviated form of the German word Flugabwehrkanone, a type of antiaircraft gun. The original flak jackets were nothing more than nylon vests with steel plates sewn inside.

What is the difference between a bulletproof vest and a flak jacket?

Contrary to popular belief, flak jackets are not interchangeable with bulletproof vests. They are designed to protect against fragments from high explosive weaponry — like anti-aircraft guns, land mines, low velocity projectiles and grenades.

What rifle did Marines use in Vietnam?

M16. The M16 would become the standard service rifle for U.S. troops during the 1960s, seeing widespread use in Vietnam and largely replacing the M14. The weapon was in many ways revolutionary, though not without problems.

What weapons did Marines use in Vietnam?

Nearly all United States-allied forces were armed with U.S. weapons including the M1 Garand, M1 carbine, M14 and M16. The Australian and New Zealand forces employed the 7.62 mm L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle as their service rifle, with the occasional US M16.

Where did the 3rd Marine Division fight in Vietnam?

Danang Air Base
On 6 May 1965, the 3d Marine Division opened the Marine Compound at the Danang Air Base, Vietnam. The Division operated in Vietnam from this time participating in operations from Danang to Phu Bai to Quang Tri/Dong Ha Combat Base.

What is the most decorated unit in the Marine Corps?

2/5 is the most highly decorated battalion in the Marine Corps, and their motto, “Retreat, Hell!”, comes from the French trenches of World War I, when a Marine officer named Lloyd W. Williams was advised by a French officer to retreat and replied, “Retreat? Hell, we just got here!”

What did flak jackets look like in the Vietnam War?

Vietnam Flak Vest After experience with body armor in the Korean war, research continued to make flak jackets lighter and better. During the Vietnam War, many soldiers, Marines and Airmen received vests that would stop shrapnel, but not a bullet. In the Vietnam climate they were hot and uncomfortable, and felt heavy and bulky.

What kind of body armor did they use in Vietnam?

M-1952 Fragmentation Protective Body Armor The M-1952 Body Armor was developed during the Korean War by the U.S. Army and continued in use through the Vietnam War years. This was the flak vest most frequently issued to Army personnel during the Vietnam War.

Why did flak jackets get better over time?

After experience with body armor in the Korean war, research continued to make flak jackets lighter and better. During the Vietnam War, many soldiers, Marines and Airmen received vests that would stop shrapnel, but not a bullet. In the Vietnam climate they were hot and uncomfortable, and felt heavy and bulky.

What was the first flak vest in the US Army?

It was similar to the World War II vest-and-apron armor of the Air Corps. In 1950 the Army nylon armor was redesigned as a one-piece vest. That model was the design behind all modern flak vests, from Korea to Vietnam to today. Pfc. David W. Jackson, Company L, 5th RCT, 8th U.S. Army wearing USMC M1951 Doron-nylon vest, 27 September 1952.