Question about M113 tanker?

[momaw nadon]

I have a question about one of the figures that comes with the M113 APC. Maybe some armor guys can answer this question. I want to know what is the figure wearing vest/jacket wise that has the pistol on his chest? What are those things above the pistol? And would this figure be accurate for Vietnam era? Thank you for any help.
momaw nadon

[krieglok]

Just as a guess, not knowing too much about Viet nam era web gear, I might say they are spare clip holders for the M1911...

TJ

[Rylau]

Hi guys; The M-79 grenade launcher guy also carried a 45, otherwise he would not have had a defensive weapon. Bob

[momaw nadon]

Thank you guys for the information. I couldn't find anything Nomax or aircrew survival vest that looks like this figure. It almost looks like an added plate or something like it strapped to the chest. Thank you for the information on the CVC helmet, but I'm not going to use it myself. I have some extra one from 21st C surplus store that I think would be more accurate for a Nam era M113 crew member. Thank you guys again for the help.
momaw nadon

[Threetoughtrucks]

The vest on the VN figure is the standard "flak" vest. The vest wasn't a bullet proof garmet, just meant to stop shrapnel. It was heavy and thick. Wherever possible, shirts were not worn under the vest, just too heavy and sweat made it even more heavy. The pockets above the black .45 holster were for extra clips for the .45.

BTW, I believe I still have my "flak vest" buried in my bunker. I wore it with a .45 the entire year I was in VN, and like a few sourviers, I just didn't want to part with it and shipped it home. It was a size too small for me, but you gotta make do with what you can get. Some protection was better than none.

TTT