‘Marine’ Infantry-Grunt, In Vietnam:
USMC / RVN, M56 Utility, (300 Basic Infantryman):
I feel I need to explain something about the “US Marine” part of the collection. I do not claim to be the know-it-all guy, or be correct on every aspect of the uniform presented. But I did have the pleasure of meeting and knowing some WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War Veterans, just by living near them, and relations, and friends of theirs; I’ve liked every one of them, but most have passed now. And stuff may be hard to find, and I’m not that rich, so there is obviously some inprov, I’m have been lucky to know these people, and they affected my life in the core, since.
Some of them may have been only 130-140 pounds, or 5’5” tall, doing work that a 265-pound, 6’4” guy of today wouldn’t do, especially hours on end. I read about some top sports figures, real athletes, that realized they were famous and rich, but the level they really wanted, you can’t find in a sport; it was the Marine Corps. Another wanted to be in the Army's Special Forces Group, Rangers, Airborne, Sailors or SEALs, and Airmen who did Air-Rescue, Coast Guard Emergency Rescue Teams, and realized what the real pride is: Accomplishing their service to their country. We need to think about what they have accomplished in the service and out, and we also need to respect the costs and the price they paid.
We need to teach a bit more History in our schools about their beginning and how they have kept war from our shores; the price has been very high indeed. The cold-weather jacket was a stateside thing till one was shipped overseas without receiving the proper tropical gear, and that was adapted for a short term. Marines understand shortages, obsolete, hand-me-down gear, the leftovers, and don’t blink; they are unlike any other service in America, and they are always at the front; they prefer it that way. They know it’s not what you can get from your community, but what you can give; that makes the difference
If you’re a historian, I urge you to follow some of the YouTube veteran stories; they are all worth listening to, too. Or if you're thinking of enlisting, it would do you good to have an idea you're getting involved in; it’s not about the fighting; it’s a brotherhood few understand, or have witnessed too. If you want more, books are still real good; read them. One of the best, and that I read in high school, was “With the Old Breed”, but there are many others; I read a lot when I was young, and at sea, 9 months a year. If you're a modeller, their diagrams and artistry are great and often very detailed, and you’ll get some background on what your vehicle did that you are making. And, very nearly every one of the “Marine” uniforms I have gathers…look the same: the Green Dress, and the Utilitys; they were the same look for many years…a way to simple thig, practical like the corps itself.
USMC (311 Rifleman), Fatigue Shirt, RVN:
USMC (2533 Radio Telegraph Operator) RTO, Jungle Fatigue, RVN:
Note: ( There was the 2531 Field Radio Operator as well). In Vietnam, the radio of choice was the PRC-25, a battery-operated, backpack-carrying affair. We can assume he had one. I didn’t have one then, but have a fw I may show here later.
Marine, ERDL ‘Poplin’ Jacket, RVN (8541 Scout-Sniper):
Note: Angled pockets were the normal design.
Marine 1970s Example (Infantryman):
Marine 1970s Example #3 Infantryman:
The uniform has a straight or squared-off-pocket production jacket.
Marine 1970s Example #4 Grenadier:
