USMC M55 FRAGMENTATION VEST DATED 1980
HISTORY
The primary anti-fragmentation vest used by the USMC in 1980 was the Vest, Armored, M-1955 (2nd pattern), which was a staple of Marine infantry during that era, with some 1980-dated examples still in circulation before the introduction of the PASGT system. While the M-1955 was a Vietnam-era design, it remained in service until the adoption of the Personnel Armor System for Ground Troops (PASGT) vest, which was developed in the late 1970s and introduced to front-line service in the early 1980s.
USMC M-1955 Flak Vest (Early 1980s)
- Design: The 2nd pattern M-1955 used by the 1980s was often made of nylon rather than the earlier cotton poplin, with a "basket weave" pattern.
- Protection: It was designed to stop shrapnel and fragmentation from explosions, not rifle bullets. It featured internal pockets holding Doron (fiberglass plates) over the chest, upper abdomen, back, and sides.
- Features:
- 3/4 Collar: Contained ballistic nylon layers.
- Shoulder Ridge: A rope ridge was sewn into the shoulders to keep rifle slings from slipping.
- Closure: Zipper front with overlapping side panels.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
This Marine Corps fragmentation vest is in excellent condition with no rips, tears and with the zipper working, it is complete with plates. Dated 1980.