M69 Fragmentation protective body armour vest

Place Asia: Vietnam
Accession Number REL29777.006
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Personal Equipment
Physical description Nylon ballistic cloth
Maker L W Foster Sportswear Co Ltd
Place made United States of America
Date made c 1969
Conflict Vietnam, 1962-1975
Description

M69 olive green nylon covered fragmentation vest containing a ballistic nylon filler sealed in a waterproof vinyl plastic casing. The filler consists of 12 layers of ballistic nylon cloth in the front and upper back, 10 layers in the back with an additional two layers, 15 centimetres wide, up the spine, and six layers in the collar. A set of plastic stiffeners is inserted under the fifth layer of ballistic nylon. The vest is encased in a layer of Oxford cloth, and incorporated into the outer shell are two expandable breast pockets with concealed press-stud closure. Above each pocket is a strip of cotton webbing with grenade hanger loops. Shoulder straps are sewn onto each shoulder and secured by plastic buttons. The vest has a zipper closure at the front covered by a flap with press-studs. Each side is secured by elastic lacing. Two labels are sewn inside at the back and contain the maker's details and instructions for use.

History / Summary

Worn by Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and United States Air Force (USAF) flying personnel, as well as army personnel