1969 Vietnam War US Marine Corps ERDL Jungle Tunic -
This is a USMC jungle tunic. As issued during the Vietnam war. Of rip-stop material construction.
With four pockets of which the two upper pockets are slanted. Hence the nickname for the shirt
"Slant pockets". ERDL pattern camouflage. The front was closed via the use of green, plastic buttons.
the same type were used to secure the flaps in the pockets shut. Two buttons were provided per
pocket. When the tunic was buttoned up, a flap was provided to cover the buttons from being exposed.
Earlier uniforms had exposed buttons but it was found that they could snag easily in the vegetation
of the jungle.
ERDL pattern is a camouflage pattern developed by the United States Army at its Engineer Research & Development Laboratories (ERDL) in 1948, but first issued to elite reconnaissance and special operations units in early 1967, during the Vietnam War.
The pattern consists of 4 colors printed in an interlocking pattern.
It was initially produced in a lime dominant colorway, consisting of large organic shapes in mid green and brown, black branches, and light green leaf highlights. Shortly thereafter a brown dominant scheme (with the light green replaced by light tan) was manufactured. The two patterns are also known as "Lowland" and "Highland" ERDL respectively.
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This page is a recognition and identification guide for US military uniforms employed.
during the Vietnam war. The uniforms covered include combat and dress types. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out specific
points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my US uniform worth?".
A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the uniforms is
reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth
of the military uniforms in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated
to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military antiques and
collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
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The upper pocket shows the letters "USMC" on the pocket itself and the EGA on the pocket flap.
While the tunic featured here does not have any patches, there are some instances when they were
sewn to the jacket. In most cases they were unit patches.
The tunic retains the two original tags. They are both of white color with black letters. The
tag near the neck area reads as follows:
X-tra Small regular
Chest: .. to 33 inches
Height: 67 to 71 inches
8415-945-7561
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The second tag is located in the bottom section of the tunic. It contains the following
information:
coat, man's, combat, tropical,
contract No. DSA100-69-C-1722
Alpha Industries Inc.
Instructions Label
1. Wear as outer garment in tropical areas
2. wear outside of trousers
3. Front closure can be opened for ventilation and
should be closed for protection against insects.
4. Sleeves are provided with adjustable cuffs to
permit sleeves to be rolled up.
5. A drain hole is provided at the bottom of each
pocket to allow water to drain out.
6. Coat can be hand laundered. Make sure all soap
is thoroughly rinsed out.
7. Coat is made longer than normal in order that
load carrying equipment does not cover pockets.
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This Vietnam War US military collectible may be currently
reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because
the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with
the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item.
Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of
the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other military US uniforms of the Vietnam war, you can do so by going
to our US uniforms of the Vietnam war
identification guide.
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