REMEMBERING VIETNAM

Overview:

     Over the course of the war in Vietnam, there would be changes to the US infantryman's uniform. Initially, the soldier's outfit was comprised of a t-shirt (originally white, later changed to Olive-Drab), a utility shirt (1st pattern), and utility trousers (1st pattern), along with socks and a pair of boots (which would also change over time). 

 

Fatigues:

     There were three patterns of utility shirts, as well as the utility shirts remaining from World War II, privately-purchased utility shirts, and poplin utility shirts. The utility shirt was worn over the t-shirt. All were either Olive-Drab or Tiger-Stripe. Information like the last name of the soldier, rank, branch of military, and company could be found on the sleeves or chest of the utility shirt.

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     1st pattern utility shirts differed in that they had a gap in buttons that allowed the white t-shirt to show through. This would prove problematic for soldiers while they were in the jungle, as it could give their position away. It was made of a cotton sateen fabric.

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     2nd pattern utility shirts differed in that they added pleats to the shirts. Changes were made to the button layout to expose less of the white t-shirt.

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    3rd pattern utility shirts differed in that they were meant to create a new "norm" for all branches of the military, as before the different branches had different appearances in uniform.

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    As a result of so many utility shirts being created, it was common to continue to see all varieties of uniforms during the war.

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     Utility trousers would also see many different models. However, there would only be two patterns for the trousers, and the poplin model as well.

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     The 1st pattern utility trousers had a cinch able waist, which would be removed in the 2nd pattern.

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     For special forces units, there would later be developed a new kind of uniform better suited to the environment, convieniently called the tropical uniform. This uniform would also go through various patterns.

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Socks and Underwear:

     Underneath the fatigues, an infantryman would wear a t-shirt and socks. However, infantryman often did not wear the boxers issued to them.

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     As a result of the climate, wearing the boxers became more of a headache than was desired, causing irritation and being generally uncomfortable. Bear in mind that these were the OG109 Drawers, Men's, Cotton, Thigh Length boxers, and not the Drawers, Cotton, Boxers, White which were extremely comfortable and worn in bootcamp.

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     Socks were a combination of materials. Wool, cotton, and nylon, the socks could tend to become uncomfortable, especially when combined with the extreme level of moisture in Vietnam. The geography - rivers, rice-paddies, and puddles from rain - would often leave soldiers with wet feet, and wet feet led to Jungle-Rot.

     

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Boots:

     As with the other parts of the uniform, the boots worn would change and adapt to the terrain of Vietnam over the course of the war. The first version of boot, the Service Combat M1948 Boots, had various models: Boots, Combat, Man's, Black Leather 1st Pattern, Boots, Combat, Man's Black Leather 2nd Pattern, and Jump Boots (designed specifically for Airborne units).

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     Another type of boot, the tropical boots, would be used. These boots were also present with soldiers who had fought in the tropical climate of the pacific during World War II. The early jungle boots had an issue with stitched soles, as, once again, the moisture would eventually cause them to break down.

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     The Tropical Combat Boots 1st Pattern had the sole and heel attached, leading to far less damage over time.

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     The Tropical Combat Boots 2nd Pattern would use more leather than nylon, as nylon was highly flammable.

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     The Tropical Combat Boots 3rd Pattern Vibram Sole adopted the Vibram Sole design. This design allowed soldiers to get better traction on the terrain in Vietnam, making hiking and humping gear easier.

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     The Tropical Combat Boots 3rd Pattern Panama Sole also made climbing the jungle easier, but also made it easier for mud to fall off the bottom of the boot.

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     As with the uniform, various patterns of boot would be seen during the conflict in Vietnam.

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