Page 399 - (DK) Smithsinian - Military History: The Definitive Visual Guide to the Objects of Warfare

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▶ 1941 PACK
Date 1941
Origin US
Material Nylon, cotton
This small pack was used to hold US MARINE UNIFORM
rations and personal effects, while
the rolled sheet of camouflage
canvas formed half of a “pup” tent
when joined to a second sheet.

MAP OF SAIGON BASE AREA
Mitchell-pattern
camouflage issued
only to Marine Corps
ANGLE HEAD
FLASHLIGHT
PARACHUTE FLARE

◀ M1955 ARMORED VEST ▼ M14 RIFLE Designed to use the then- AND KIT
M1943 folding standard NATO round, the US
Date 1960s Date 1959
entrenching shovel M14 replaced the old M1 rifle.
Origin US Origin US The M14 possessed a fully
Material Fiberglass, plastic, nylon Weight 9 ⁄4lb (4.4kg) automatic fire capability and
3
The Doron-armored (fiberglass and Barrel 22in (55.8cm) was equipped with a larger
magazine. By the late 1960s,
plastic) vest—heavy and unsuitable Caliber 7.62mm it was replaced by the M16.
for tropical conditions—would have
little chance of stopping a bullet, Rear sight
but it was an effective defense
against shrapnel.
Flash hider

20-round
detachable Safety
magazine pin ring

◀ M67 GRENADES
Date 1960s
▼ M79 GRENADE LAUNCHER With a maximum range of 985ft
Date 1961 (300m), the M79 grenade launcher Origin US
bridged the gap between the hand Weight 1lb (0.45kg)
Origin US
grenade and the mortar. As well 1
Weight 6lb (2.75kg) as firing high explosive, the M79 Length 3 ⁄2in (89mm)
Barrel 12in (30.5cm) could fire antipersonnel, smoke, The M67 “baseball” grenade had
and illuminating rounds. Two were a notched-wire interior designed
Caliber 40mm Fold-down leaf
issued to each rifle squad. to fragment into many small
Range 985ft (300m) sight, graduated pieces on the detonation of its
to 1,150ft (350m)
high-explosive charge.
▼ M60 MACHINEGUN
Date 1963
Origin US
Weight 23lb (10.51kg)
1
Barrel 23 ⁄2in (59.9cm)
Caliber 7.62mm
Rubber pad
absorbs recoil The M60 was the US example of
Carrying
handle the general-purpose machinegun—
inheriting some design features from Fore sight
Feed cover the German MG42. It was widely
used by the US Marine Corps in
Heat shield
Vietnam and is still in service today.

Pistol grip Bipod (folded)