M1A1 Vietnam

[reconbob]

I just gave away my shoulder patch book - any ideas?

Bob

[Dpedersen]

Could it be this?

[reconbob]

Boy, that was quick. I am sure that's it.

[Mk VII]

He'd better have something more than just the liner to protect his head.  

[inertord]

On 1/23/2025 at 5:28 PM, reconbob said:

I just gave away my shoulder patch book - any ideas?

Bob

First TSMG photo that I have seen with a soldier carrying a cleaning rod. 

[68coupe]

I had to look twice. He has the buttstock removed.

Karl

Edit: I wonder what the sling is attached to at the rear?

Edited January 26, 2025 by 68coupe
Added question

[Countryboy77]

On 1/26/2025 at 12:25 PM, 68coupe said:

I had to look twice. He has the buttstock removed.

Karl

Edit: I wonder what the sling is attached to at the rear?

It seems the sling ( if you can call it that) is just a piece of strap looks sewn on. Imagine he sewed a choker or collar for the rear.Look how thin it is.Lets play where's Waldo and see what's off in this photo.Stock missing but still a stock screw in place.Im guessing he carried a cleaning rod for stuck cases ,occasional squib? Not a bad idea really but on your chest?

Edited January 27, 2025 by Countryboy77

[john]

Looks like that pack on his helmet strap is tied on to protect the left ear, maybe preserve hearing?

Looks like a well worn box of playing cards or pack of smokes but could be a compress?

[Mk VII]

Looks like a first-aid dressing to me. 

[Stampcollector]

Its probably not, but! Looks like 50 round box of .45acp. Maybe empty box for some reason. But they had 20 round boxes for G.I. right.

[pitfighter]

It is interesting to see the M1A1's with their stocks removed.

I always felt the stocks were too long for most combat scenarios, especially if you're a smaller framed individual, shorter arms at least.

Though if it were me I'd have cut the stock, shortening it, not removed it -

But what do I know warm and cozy in my house in the wonderful US, this cat exsisted in a state of perpetual war.

[john]

Had a good friend who was there in 67-68. He drove a deuce and a half humping ordinance out to fire bases.

He didn't trust the M-16 they issued as he thought the small bullets were inadequate to stop any enemy he might encounter, so he bought a '28 Thompson from someone headed home for $20 cash. It came without a butt stick and he had three mags in a pouch. It had no finish left so he kept it covered with oil.

He test fired it once and kept it clean but never used it in action.

He said he thought about bringing it home (could have registered it in the amnesty) but sold it for $30 when he left.

[Rekraps]

On 1/26/2025 at 11:43 AM, Mk VII said:

He'd better have something more than just the liner to protect his head.  

Do you know how hot it was! My father told me that soft caps were the norm...

[rpbcps]

On 1/26/2025 at 6:25 PM, 68coupe said:

I had to look twice. He has the buttstock removed.

Karl

Edit: I wonder what the sling is attached to at the rear?

Possible solution..

[Mike Hammer]

This photo was discussed not that long ago as I recall identifying the soldiers outfit that Bob had requested.