US Marine units in Vietnam

[Carbine]

My USMC in 'Nam-look is almost finished, but I still have a small dilemma.
Did the USMC wear any kind of unit patches? If so, were they located in the same manner as the US Army's and where can I get them? Moore Militaria only seems to have US Army patches in stock.

Also, any other major differences between the US Army and USMC loadouts?

I currently have the following: 3rd. pattern fatiques, M1 w/ Mitchell cover, M1955 frag vest, M1961 suspenders, M1956 belt, M1967 buttpack and canteen covers.

Thanks!

[Dalleer]

Well , one of the major differences in the US army and USMC "loadouts" were the suspenders that formed the load carrying system. Now the US army had LC1 - belts with the M1956/etc. suspenders whereas the marine corps used the older WWII - era M/1941 suspenders with the M/1936 belt. Of course there were exceptions to this rule in the USMC as well , apparently. So if you really want to look like USMC , just get the M/1941 suspenders with your normal LC1 - belt.

And to my knowledge the USMC did not wear division patches in the same manner as the army did. It would seem that the same rule pretty much goes on today as well. Although I've seen all sorts of various "marine division" patches sold around the American websites , but at least in the various pictures (from Iraqi freedom etc.) I haven't seen anyone wearing em'.

And let me guess , getting ready for FPJ 6 ?

[Carbine]

FPJ yes, and 'Nam in July.

I did a little reading on the M1961 suspenders and they were a successor to the M1941 system. It also seems they were often worn under the frag vest.

[Dalleer]

Like I said , "exceptions to the rule". So all the more reason for you to just stick with the M/1961 suspenders.

And , what you've got on your side when it comes to looking like Vietnam- era USMC is , that those days the US army and the marines didn't have any major differences in their looks. I mean , just compare it to today's situation.

EDIT: And if you really wish to nitpick , I guess you could try to find a M1 'Mitchell' helmet cover with the EGA - insignia on it. That would surely distinguish you as a marine , but finding a cover like that wouldn't be that easy..

[FallenAngel]

US Marines don't wear unit patches or tabs. IIRC they also didn't wear any name tapes either until after an Army general made an issue of it during the GW.

[b33f]

US Marines don't wear unit patches or tabs. IIRC they also didn't wear any name tapes either until after an Army general made an issue of it during the GW.
A bit unhandy not no wear them, no?

[Ripper]

The Marines issued the M1941 haversack in place of the M1956 buttpack.
They also used the single mag M-14 pouch that attaches to the M1961 belt via snaps instead of the Army issued M1956 universal pouch. Most marine issued gear was of the M1910 style attachments, using the wire hangers instead of alice clips. The gear was all worn low on the hips so that the Fragmentation vest could be worn over the suspenders. The vest has additional attachment points for extra gear to be hung from it when worn with the LBE.
Also in common use was the Korean war vintage triple grenade pouch. It hangs from the belt and lashes to the leg like a modern thigh shingle. It could carry 2 grenades in each pocket.

[flanker7]

Try this website

http://www.thevietnam-database.co.uk/

[cmdrfire]

To my knowledge Marine units in Vietnam didn't use any form of unit patch or insignia. Their jungle jackets were Army-issue and thus lacked an EGA, and the Marines didn't use name tapes.
As for equipment... My loadout is based on a mix of what's described in The Proud Bastards and Guns Up!... basically consists of M56 harness and belt with a mix of M56 ALICE-clip gear and the older wire-hanger gear... I use a Universal Ammo Pouch (ALICE), an M1911 two-mag holder thing (ALICE), canteen holder on hooks, M7 bayonet on hooks, M56 butt pack (second pattern) and an M54 frag vest, and an ammo bandoleer... on the helmet I also have a Mitchell pattern liner but the older pattern ones from WWII were common in USMC units also.
In case you're curious, link to my stuff here:
http://www.cmdr-fire.co.uk/main/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=phpBB2&file=viewtopic&t=38

[Twombles375]

I too am slowly working on my USMC 'nam impression. From the research I have gathered I can answer to this. US Marine did not wear any type of divisional patches, nor did they wear name tapes or branch tapes like perviously said. Some how ever did write there last name on the left breast pocket, right above were the nametape on modern uniforms are now worn. They would write it with either a pen or marker. They also had metal ranks on there collars like they still do now. A lot of combat marines, who were caught in the field for prolonged times would usually write graffiti on there mitchel covers to express them selfs in some way. If you watch a couple of movies, or do some research you can pick up some good phrases or poems to put your cover. Get some bugjuice too ;)