Home Home

The US Military Collectibles Of The Vietnam War - All wars produce a wide variety of homefront items. The Vietnam war was no different. However, the divisive nature of the conflict generated a larger amount of anti-war memorabilia than usual. Some of the products developed were very much in line with those created in previous wars.


This page provides photos that cover a wide range of items employed during the Vietnam war. The information allows the military collector or enthusiast the ability to identify items and to determine their present worth in the collectibles market.

This page is brought to you courtesy of MilitaryItems.com , we invite you to visit our website where we have a large selection of military antiques and collectibles available for sale.



VIETNAM WAR AMERICAN MILITARY FIELD GEAR

The combat field gear employed by US forces during the Vietnam war was greatly improved when compared to previous conflicts. Many of the experiences from the past were applied in the development of this equipment. Improvements in materials of construction made the egar more durable and practical.

US ARMY PARATROOPER RESERVE CHUTE (1965) - Of heavy duty nylon construction. The parachute comes with the main harness. It is wrapped and straps to the lower front of the soldier.

1969 US ARMY LAND MINE DETECTOR - Complete with the transit box. A plate containing miscellaneous information is placed in the front of the box. All mine detector components are housed inside.

1960'S TYPE GS/FRP-1 FLIGHT GLOVES - This is a set if gloves that was issued to jet fighter pilots during the Vietnam war. The construction consists of leather tops with cloth lowers.

VIETNAM WAR US ARMY THREE GREANDE POUCH - Of canvis construction. Consisting of three separate pouches with a cover that has two snaps. The back of the pouch is dated 1967 and has a contract number. - Coming soon.



VIETNAM WAR AVIATOR 1ST AID KIT - Of canvis construction. The top is black-ink stamped. The contents include a couple of bandages. Issued to aviators.


VIETNAM WAR RECOILESS RIFLE BORE SIGHT - The recoiless rifle was used extensively during the Vietnam war. Vehicle mounted as well as ground based. This is the scope used on the rifle.


VIETNAM WAR AVIATION POUCHES - Of nylon construction. This is a set of two pouches. The back has a series of snaps which allow the pouches to be secured to the inside of the aircraft.


VIETNAM WAR CLAYMORE MINE CARRYING BAG - The Claymore mine was widely used during the Vietnam war. The mines were carried in the bag shown here.




US AIR FORCE 1967 TYPE B-3A FLIGHT GLOVES - These gloves were issued to jet fighter pilots during the Vietnam war. All leather construction. Fairly thin for ease of maneuverability.

VIETNAM WAR 1968 FLAK VEST - The out shell is made of lightweight but durable nylon. A series of gromets with string are attached to the side, allowing the vest to be adjusted for size.

VIETNAM WAR US ARMY FOOD CARRIER - This is an insulated outer carrier with three aluminum containers that are placed inside. The containers have a wire handle. Two latches secure the main lid closed.

VIETNAM WAR EARLY M-16 AMMO POUCH - This is the OD canvis version of the ammo pouch. A single strap secures the front closed. Side straps are used to secure a grenade to each side.



VIETNAM WAR US ARMY MAGNETIC COMPASS - This is the standard compass issued to American troops during the Vietnam war. Complete with the lanyard.


VIETNAM WAR US ARMY RUBBER MATTRESS - Many of teh troops serving in the field in Vietnam were issued rubber mattresses to make their sleep more comfortable. Marked with white letters.


VIETNAM WAR US ARMY COMPASS POUCH - Of canvis construction. Olive drab color. A single metal snap secures the front closeure. Alice clip in back.


VIETNAM WAR LETRINE CANVIS WALL - This is the canvis wall that was placed around field letrines. A large white tag contains instructons on how to erect the structure. A very interesting collectible.




VIETNAM WAR RADIO HEADSET - This is a set of radio earphones. Wire structure. In the original issue box and complete with instructions.

VIETNAM WAR FIELD BELT - This is the standard utility belt issued to American armed forces. Heavy duty canvis construction with a series of gromets spread throughout.

VIETNAM WAR RIFLE CLEANER OIL - This is a can of rifle cleaner. Issued to all troops in the field. Used with the M-16 rifle and other automatic weapons.

VIETNAM WAR US NAVY SMOKE SIGNAL CARRIER - Dated 1967. This is the metal can the US Navy employed to store illumination flares. Up to 12 of them could be placed inside the can.



VIETNAM WAR .30 CAL MAGAZINE - This is a rifle magazine for the M-1 carbine. This rifle was used in the early days of the conflict. With a total capacity of 30 rounds. Banana style.

VIETNAM WAR USAF SHOOTING RANGE SIGN - A metal sign with white paint as background. Warns individuals that they are entering a shooting range for the US Air force.

VIETNAM WAR USAF IN-FLIGHT FOOD - This is an example of some of the food that was served to soldiers as they were being transported from the US to Vietnam. Several cans of food housed in a cardboard box.

VIETNAM USAF SUN GLASSES - This is a set of sun glasses that was issued to personnel of the US Air Force. Instructions are printed on a piece of paper and attched to the lenses. Comes with plastic case.



VIETNAM WAR ERA MX993-A/U FLASHLIGHT - This is a gray plastic body flashlight. A white cone is attached to the top as a means for the soldier to direct traffic or an aircraft.


US ARMY FLASHLIGHT - This is the standard flashlight issued to soldiers in the US armed forces. Manufactured by Usalite. Type MX-991/U.


US ARMY PORTABLE LIGHTING - This is a portable lighting device. Used for various purposes such as construction at night, security, etc. Complete with wooden transport case.


US ARMY ENTRENCHING TOOL - This is the standard entrenching tool issued to the US Army soldiers. Complete with the canvis carrying case.




US ARMY SPECIAL FORCES RAFT - This is an inflatable raft used by US Army special forces and other personnel.


US ARMY STAR NAVIGATION TOOLS - This is a plastic navigation guide that was used by soldiers in the field. Complete with the black plastic case.


US BICENTENNIAL PEPSI TRAY - This is a drink tray that was manufactured by the Pepsi company. Of metal construction.


US NAVY CLINOMETER GAUGE - This is part of the controls of a US Navy ship. The device indicated the degree at which a ship tilts while in the water.




US MILITARY PACKS AND BACKPACKS



US ARMY COMBAT BACKPACK - This is an early US Army special forces backpack. Complete with the aluminum frame. The pack rested in the bottom section. Room was available to strap items.


US ARMY EARLY COMBAT BACKPACK - This is an early US Army special forces backpack. Complete with a square metal frame. Small size made it maneuverable.


US ARMY SMALL COMBAT BACKPACK - This is the backpack that was used in the early days of the war. It was a leftover from WWII. Small size.


US ARMY M-1961 BUTT PACK - This is the pack that was used by soldiers going in short patrols. The pack attached to the back of the utility belt.




1970 US ARMY BUTT PACK - This is the pack that was used by soldiers going in short patrols. The pack attached to the back of the utility belt.



US MILITARY INERT ORDINANCE AND WEAPONS


The Vietnam war was a very extensive military action. During its duration the US military forces employed a large variety of shells, grenades, and other munitions. This section of the website reviews some of the items that were employed.

US AIR FORCE MODEL 106 PRACTICE BOMB - This is a US Air Force practice bomb. Hollowed metal construction.


US AIR FORCE 30MM DUMMY ALUMINUM CARTRIDGE - This is a dummy 30 mm cartridge. Aluminum construction. Blue color. Marked at base.


US AIR FORCE 30MM PRACTICE ROUND - This is a dummy 30 mm round. Not Marked.


US ARMY 40MM HE PRACTICE ROUND - This is a dummy 40 mm High Explosive practice round. Nicely Marked with yellow letters. Blue tip.




US ARMY 30MM PBM88 PRACTICE ROUND - This is a dummy 30 mm practice round. Nicely Marked PBM88 with white letters. Blue tip.


US ARMY 40MM M169 PRACTICE GRENADE - This is a dummy 40 mm practice grenade. Nicely stmped on bottom and marked with white letters. Blue tip.


US ARMY 30MM PGU PRACTICE ROUND - This is a dummy 30 mm practice round. Nicely Marked PGU-16/A with white letters.


US ARMY 40MM PLASTIC PRACTICE GRENADE - This is a dummy 40 mm practice grenade. Nicely stmped at projectile with black letters. Blue tip.




US ARMY 30MM PGU PRACTICE ROUND - This is a dummy 30 mm practice round. Nicely Marked the base. The mid body has a plastic insert.


US ARMY 30MM PGU PRACTICE ROUND - This is a dummy 30 mm practice round. Screw type bottom.


US ARMY 40MM ARMOR PIERCING PRACTICE GRENADE - This is a dummy 40 mm practice grenade. Not marked. Armor piercing type with the plastic body.



US MILITARY BOOTS AND SHOES



VIETNAM WAR US JUNGLE BOOTS - This became the standard soldier's combat boot in the 1960's. The bottom section was made of black leather. The upper is a green canvis with leather enforced eyelets.


VIETNAM WAR 1962 US MARINE CORPS PARATROOPER BOOTS - This is a very interesting pair of boots. Similar design to the WWII Paramarine. Of leather construction. ough out style. - Coming soon.


US ARMY CORCORAN COMBAT BOOTS - All leather construction. Black color. Leather laces. Black soles. This is an early set of boots. Corcoran tags are sewn to neck area.



AMERICAN SURVIVAL AND SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

The Vietnam war saw the birth of special operation forces such as the Green Beret. These forces relied on highly skilled individuals to carry out and complete missions with the use of just a few men. These individuals were physically fit and required specialized equipment to use out in the field.

VIETNAM WAR US ARMY INSERTION RAFT - The nature of the combat in the Vietnam war required the use of small teams to conduct operations. they employed tools such as this insertion raft to carry out their missions.


VIETNAM US NAVY PILOT SURVIVAL LIFEJACKET - Due to the heavy use of anti-airctaft weapons by the enemy during the war, pilots had to be outfitted with special equipment such as this lifejacket in case of being shut down.


VIETNAM WAR USAF ORANGE BEACON - Of plastic construction. The beacon light has a domed clear lense. A metal hook attaches the light to a lifejacket or survival vest. Orange color makes it easier to see.


US AIR FORCE PILOOT SURVIVAL BEACON - This is an improved beacon light. Of rectangular shape and heavy duty plastic construction. The light is much brighter and flashes in intervals.




US AIR FORCE SURVIVAL BEACON - This was issued to Air Force personnel in the event that the pilot was shut down over the water. Plastic body. Gray color. Domed lense.


VIETNAM WAR DESALTER SURVIVAL KIT - This is part of the survival equipment issued to pilots who flew over the ocean. The de-salter was dragged behind the survival raft.


1961 US ARMY LOAD BEARING GEAR - This is one of the earlies load bearing gear setups. The ammo pouches hold M-14 magazines. The utility belt has extra snaps down the middle.


VIETNAM WAR INTRUDER DETECTION DEVICE - This is part of a set of intruder detection equipment. These sensors would be buried in the perimeter of the bases.



AMERICAN BRIEFCASES AND SUITCASES

No matter the timeframe in which the war occurs soldiers have a basic need to carry personal belongings and paperwork from point A to point B. This section of the site is dedicated to showing some of the items that were employed to facilitate the transportation.

VIETNAM WAR US LEATHER BRIEFCASE - This is a brown leather general purpose briefcase. Employed by officers and enlisted personnel performing office work. Hard shell construction.


VIETNAM WAR USAF LEATHER BRIEFCASE - This is a soft shell construction briefcase. Thin style. Zippers extend 75% of the entire surface of the briefcase. Leather covered handle.


VIETNAM WAR B-4B TYPE SUITCASE - This is the field suitcase issued to most troops during the war. Rubber or canvis construction. Large side pocket.


VIETNAM WAR US AIR FORCE NAVIGATOR TOOL - This is the M-105 navigation tool. Consisting of an aluminum base with a clear plastic cover. Rubber construction carrying case.




1963 US AIR FORCE PILOT FLIGHT BAG - This is the canvis construction bag issued to pilots so they could carry their flight equipment and perosnal belongings.

1972 US AIR FORCE PILOT FLIGHT BAG - This is a canvis construction bag. Dated 1972. A main zipper ensures the bag is kept in the closed position.


AMERICAN COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT OF THE VIETNAM WAR

Advances in the field of electronics translated into better communications for the battlefield. Some of the radio and communication equipment employed during the Vietnam war was re-issued from World War Two and the Korean war. However, a good percentage of it was newly developed for this conflict.

VIETNAM AN/PRT-4A SURVIVAL RADIO - Dated 1967. This is a radio issued as part of the survival equipment in Air Force aircraft. Missing the battery. Radio AN/PRT-4A.


VIETNAM WAR US AIRCRAFT HEADSET - This is a heavy duty set of military headphones. Gray color. Control box attached to large clip which is secured to the flight suit.


VIETNAM WAR RE-ISSUED EE-8 FIELD PHONE - This field telephone was originally developed during WWII.


VIETNAM WAR US RADIO UNIT - This is a vehicle mounted radio unit. Control C-435/GRC tagged. Back has connectors. Front has a series of dials.




VIETNAM WAR US RT-159 SURVIVAL RADIO - This radio was issued as part of a survival kit in aircrafts. The antenas pull out and rotate.


VIETNAM WAR US INTERPHONE DEVICE - Used by the US Army Signal Corps. It is a switchbox SA-142 A/GSA-6.


VIETNAM WAR US ARMY MULTIMETER - Used by the US Army Signal Corps. This is a US Army multi-meter. Employed to repair and tune radio equipment.


VIETNAM WAR US ARMY PT4 EXPERIMENTAL RADIO - Created by the US Army Signal Corps. This is a US Army experiemental radio. Hands free operation. Attaches to M-1 helmet.





AMERICAN BOOKS AND PAPERWORK OF THE VIETNAM WAR

This section of the site is dedicated to illustrate and analyze the publications that were produced by the American military in support of the war effort. Items covered include unit histories, military training manuals, in-country publications, etc.

VIETNAM WAR US IN COUNTRY BOOK - This is one of the books that was issued to new troops. Explains various aspects about the country.


1972 US ARMY FORT LEONARD WOOD YEAR BOOK - This is a class book, similar to a yearbook, that was purchased by soldiers from the graduating classes.


VIETNAM WAR M-16 CARTOON TRAINING MANUAL - This is the manual that was issued with the M-16 rifles when they were first introduced.


RIFLE 5.56 MM TRAINING MANUAL - This is the manual that was issued with the M-16 rifles. Shows multiple graphics and photos of the rifle.




PHILLIPINES COUNTRY TRAINING MANUAL - This is the manual that was issued to soldiers traveling to the Phillippines.


1965 US ARMY BAR TRAINING MANUAL - This is the manual that was issued to soldiers that used the Bowning Automatic Rifle. Dated 1965. Contains multiple illustrations.


1965 STEVE CANYON ARTWORK - This is a print of the TV and comic book character Steve Canyon.




MILITARY AND CIVILIAN PERSONAL ITEMS OF THE VIETNAM WAR

Every war has a number of items that are produced as souvenirs that are sold to soldiers or their families. Also, there are a wide variety of products that are designed to indicate the person belonging to a particular branch of service or unit. This section provides a list of such items.

VIETNAM WAR US ANTI-DRAFT POLITICAL BUTTON - The draft was a very divisive issue during the Vietnam war. This is a metal button against the draft.


US MARINE CORPS CLASS RING - Of Sterling construction. EGA is displayed in teh front. Reads United States Marines around EGA.


VIETNAM WAR US SOLDIER DESK TROPHY - Of pewter construction. Depicts a special forces soldier. Issued to soldiers as a token of appreciation.


VIETNAM WAR US ARMY CUSTOM BELT BUCKLE - This is a customized unit division belt buckle. Depicts a dragon in the front.




VIETNAM WAR US AIR FORCE RING - Of Sterling construction. This is a class ring with a red stone. One side shows an eagle clutching a shield.


VIETNAM WAR US AIR FORCE RING - Of Sterling construction. This is a class ring with a blue stone.


US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS WALL PLAQUE - All wood construction in the shape of the front of a castle. Dated 1968 to 1970. Shows Company logo.


US ARMY VIETNAM WAR LIGHTER - Manufactured by the Zenith company. One side has a naked lady engraved. The other shows a date range and saying.




VIETNAM WAR USMC RECRUITING POSTER - Shows an EGA on one side. Dated in the 1970's. Smaller size poster found at recruiting stations.


VIETNAM WAR US ARMY RECOGNITION PLAQUE - This is a plaque given by the Korean government in appreciation for services rendered.


US AIRCAFT CARRIER LIGHTER - This is a US cigarrette lighter with a light yellow body. The image of an aircraft carrier is placed in the front.


US ARMY HELICOPTER ROTOR SOUVENIR - This is a US UH-1 Huey helicopter rotor converted into a presetation trophy. Issued by the 17th Combat Aviation group.




US ARMY POW BRACELET - This is a US Army prisoner of war bracelet. Bearing the name of the soldier and date.


1967 US ENGRAVED ZIPPO LIGHTER - The Zippo lighter was highly sought after by American troops. This is a Zippo lighter.


1960'S US AIRFORCE MASTER PILOT WINGS ORNAMENT - The trophy shown here is a large set of Master pilot wings. Manufactured from Aluminum.


1960'S US AIRFORCE PILOT STEIN - This is a stein purchased by Air Force personnel while serving in Germany in the 1960's.




US ARMY PAGODA TROPHY - This is a wooden sign that was given to a soldier in recognition of services rendered. Dated 1970.


US AIR FORCE FIGHTING SQUADON COFFEE MUG - This is a coffee mug that has been decorated with the logo of a fighter squadron from the Air Force.


US ARMY M-48 TANK TRAINING DEVICE - This is a brass representation of the turret of an M-48 tank. More than likely manufactured by the tank factory.






 
© 1997 - 2016 MilitaryItems.com - All rights reserved.