Original Item: Only One Available. A very nice example of a rare 1st Pattern Jungle Fatigue Blouse, dated 1964, with all original insignia! This jacket is of the desirable 1st Pattern, which was based on the WWII U.S. M-1942 Paratrooper Jump Jacket. The jungle fatigue featured exposed buttons, waist adjustment tabs, and epaulettes. It was constructed of poplin cotton.

This jacket has insignia which indicates that the original owner was most likely an advisor serving under MAC-V (Military Assistance Command-Vietnam) assigned to South Vietnamese Army Forces during the early phase of the war.

The insignia is a mix of U.S. Manufactured and “incountry” Vietnamese made pieces. Of note is the full color name tape that is bilingual (English and Vietnamese), above that are Vietnamese-made South Vietnamese Army Jump Wings. Above the left breast is a U.S. Parachutists Badge and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge. The MACV Shoulder Sleeve Insignia is Vietnamese Made. All insignia is original to the jacket, and shows signs that it has been sewn in place, and worn. The insignia sewing does not look “new”, as there are many unscrupulous dealers who commonly add insignia to these uniforms.

The jacket is in very good condition, complete with all tags and buttons. Size is marked “Medium-Short”, and the DSA contract date is 1964. The original owner’s name, Gilet, is written inside the coat in two places, along with a partial service number. We have not conducted any research on the original owner, but there is enough here to get started and be put in the right direction possibly if one so desired.

This is a fantastic piece of Vietnam War History! An attractive and rare uniform, ready for display!

Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 9.5”
Shoulder to sleeve: 22.5”
Shoulder to shoulder: 18”
Chest width: 19”
Waist width: 19”
Hip width: 20.5”
Front length: 30.5"

Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV)
U.S. Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) was a joint-service command of the United States Department of Defense. MACV was created on 8 February 1962, in response to the increase in United States military assistance to South Vietnam. MACV was first implemented to assist the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) Vietnam, controlling every advisory and assistance effort in Vietnam, but was reorganized on 15 May 1964 and absorbed by MAAG Vietnam to its command when combat unit deployment became too large for advisory group control. MACV was disestablished on 29 March 1973 and replaced by the Defense Attaché Office (DAO), Saigon. The DAO performed many of the same roles of MACV within the restrictions imposed by the Paris Peace Accords until the Fall of Saigon.

The first commanding general of MACV (COMUSMACV), General Paul D. Harkins, was also the commander of MAAG Vietnam, and after reorganization was succeeded by General William C. Westmoreland in June 1964, followed by General Creighton W. Abrams (July 1968) and General Frederick C. Weyand (June 1972).