US Mitchell Pattern Camouflage helmet cover & band

[PaulW]

Hi, wondered if this one looks OK?

Had a look on the US militaria Forum and found a thread indicating that the Contract No (DSA 100 69 C 1921) is for the 'fiscal year 1969' (i.e could have been made from late 1968 onwards according to one contributor).

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/foru...contract-list/

Even though my focus is WW2 I saw one of these at a recent UK show, thought it looked great and after getting home and thinking about it realised that there was 'another hole' in my collection that needed one of these to fill it! Really like this camouflage pattern.

Regards, Paul

[PaulW]

Helmet band

This is an unissued batch of Vietnam War era helmet bands, according to the seller.

Grateful for any opinions on these bands.

[Ron P]

The helmet cover is 100% good and as far as I can see so are the helmet bands. Regards, Ron.

[earlymb]

Yes, both seem to be good. The helmet bands are harder to find than the covers though; post-Vietnam ones have a small reflective strip sewn to the back (easily removed by unscrupulous sellers).

[PaulW]

Ron/ earlymb,
many thanks for taking a look, much appreciated!

When I get them together (cover is coming from UK E-Bay, band is from US E-Bay!) I'll have to think about what to tuck in the helmet band, 'Vietnam style' !

Best regards, Paul

[PaulW]

A few more, some quite surprising!

[lew]

I just love how absurd some of the helmet accessories are. Thanks for posting those.

[PaulW]

Somehow it seemed 'wrong' not to have a 2nd pattern 'high cut' helmet cover as well. This one from a 1970 contract.

My understanding is that the higher central recess allowed the helmet cover to be pulled on tighter.

[PaulW]

The Type 1 helmet cover on a 1944 dated WW2 shell. I understand that WW2 shells were still in use in the Vietnam conflict.

The Type 1 cover seems to suit the WW2 shell slightly better as WW2 shells have a slightly higher dome than the post-war M1 helmets.

Regards, Paul

[DennyB]

This is a unpublished photo of a friend of mine that served in the RVN with the Marines ( Infantry) for two-13 month tours and an extension 1966-1968. He said that their issued gear was WWII vintage when he first arrived and he traded his, plus money, to an ARVN for the more modern gear.

[DennyB]

Here he is again in December 1966. I am not sure why not all are wearing jungle fatigues. He is 2nd from the left. As you can see from the notations, they took high casualties.

[PaulW]

Thank-you for showing those Denny.

Some interesting information too ref the early Vietnam kit situation.

Regards, Paul