(Click a photo above and jump to that piece)
NOTE: I've decided to place all the various headgear on one page instead of listing them by pattern. It should make it easier to browse the photos.
This hat is an example of the Vietnamese Marine Corps Dense (VMD) pattern, one of the first issued and a fairly rare pattern. I bought this hat while I was in the Marine Corps in 1985. Having no idea about the various patterns or values, I'd wear this hat while out in the field in the desert. I've got several photos of me wearing it while toting my M-60 machine gun. To this day, this is still one of my favorite boonie hats.
A better look at the brass grommets on the side. You can also see the strange way the hat was sewn together... a mix match of pieces that were put together with no apparent pattern.
The inside of this hat, including the brim are all done in a heavy OD cotton fabric. The stitching is all done in a heavy cotton tan thread. The size of this hat is about 7-1/4. There are no markings inside...
Again, another hat I picked up while in the Marines back in 1986... I love the color of this hat. The lime green, tan and black are striking. The size is about 7 1/4. There are no markings or tags which leads me to believe this was made from a shirt or pair of pants, although there are no creases or shadows in the fabric that would indicate that. The material is Late War Lightweight.
The inside of the hat was made from the same material so in effect, it can be turned inside out and worn. Because the fabric is Late War Lightweight, this hat is very comfortable to wear. It breaths well and has nice floppy brim that covers the neck and face from the sun.
I found this helmet at a local surplus store back in 1981. It was actually used in a display behind the counter and the owner wouldn't sell it. But after pestering him for months he finally let it go for (I think) $25.00. I remember it was a lot of money for me (in high school, making $2.90 an hour) but well worth it. The Playboy Bunny patch on the side was the big draw. I have a feeling this was a souvenir helmet as there is hardly any obvious use on the fabric. Granted it is faded, but there are no nicks or rips around the rim, and there is no way that hand sewn patch would of held up in the bush.
Here is a close up of the Playboy patch sewn on the side. It must of taken hours to sew this thing. The white thread has faded to a soft yellow and the backing is a black cotton twill. The helmet cover is your typical Tadpole Sparse.
Several people have suggested that it could of been a movie prop... which it very well may have been. However, Viet Nam movies back in the late 1970's were not very popular as it was still a taboo war to talk about. The Deer Hunter comes to mind, but either way, movie prop or souvenir bring back, its still a very cool piece and one of my favorites.
I love the way the stripes are separated down the middle of the helmet... It's give it a great effect.
The liner and sweatband are both dated 1968. As you can see, it's just your average helmet liner. Nothing fancy.
This John Wayne Dense hat was
purchase with several other tiger stripe items back in 2000. It was actually "thrown
in" because it was beat up and used. It has the classic design and certainly has a
"Been there, done that" look to it. The veteran I acquired this from was with
5th Special Forces Group (Abn), 1st Special Forces, Bunard, Viet Nam ~ July 1969 Det
A-344. Other items of his will be noted as the appear within the web site.
The underside of the hat shows the real wear and tear it's been subjected to. A very salty look and unfortunately, I don't have any shirts or pants to match the fade and wear.
As you can see by the small tab sewn into the band, it's marked M. Size is actually about a 7.
This is another boonie I purchased while in the Marine Corps, 1985. The size is about 7-1/4. There are no markings or tags. The Marine I bought this from was actually a Captain when I got it. He had moved up the ranks and from Sergeant, made Warrant Officer. At some point in the 1970's he got his Commission. He was a Maintenance Officer when I knew him which may explain the rank sewn to the front.
The vents on this boonie are made of soft Aluminum and have been pounded flat. They go completely thought the liner as can be seen in the photo of the inside.
The lining in it is a heavy OD Green. It's a strange cotton material... it's not the typical soft fabric like US uniforms were made of but more of a shiny twill. Possibly a local fabric...
Here is a close up of the Warrant Office rank sewn on to the front. The gold thread has faded over the years and turned into a soft pink.
