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US Army 1969 Major Dress Uniform - SHAPE
This is an American Army dress uniform. Dated 1969. Vietnam war period. Of nylon construction. Four
pockets with highly scalloped flap shapes. Metal, golden buttons bearing the image of the US Army eagle
are employed to close the front. Matching buttons, but smaller in size, are employed to secure the
flaps of the pockets shut. Bronze color officer bands are sewn to each sleeve. They are done in very
rich material. The body of the tunic is of dark blue color.
This uniform was used for special evening events, graduations and parades. It has multiple ribbons and
insignia.
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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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SHAPE Badge
The Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) badge is secured on the right upper pocket. It is
of enamel construction and is in the shape of a shield. The design consists of Green enamel background with two crossed swords in the center.
The words "Vigilia Pretium Libertatis". Sun rays on the background. Beautifully constructed badge. SHAPE was the central military command
of NATO.
This insignia was introduced in 1951 under the direction of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the first Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR).
It has since become a symbol of NATO's commitment to collective defense and peacekeeping.
While not exclusive to the U.S. Army, the SHAPE insignia is worn by U.S. Army personnel assigned to NATO's Allied Command Operations. It signifies
their role in multinational defense efforts and their commitment to the principles embodied by SHAPE.
The rank of Major is embroidered in bullion and placed on shoulder boards. They are attached to the shoulders
via the use of snaps. High quality construction. Two Major oak leaves are found. One on each end of
the shoulder board.
This is a tailor made uniform. Officers had the ability to purchase custom made uniforms. The tailor who
manufactured the item placed its own production tag. it is interesting to note that the uniform was
made in Germany. More than likely when the soldier was stationed in the area. This is known as a theater
made uniform.
The original tailor tag remains in the uniform. It contains the following information:
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Custom tailored
Duncan's
Military Service Company
31 Rotebuhlster
Stuttgart Germany
establ. 1852
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One of the pockets has a proficiency award. These awards were given to individuals for successfully
completing training in a variety of weapons. The example show here was issued for training in:
carbine,
Sub-machine gun,
Rifle
Pistol-D.
5th Dragoon Regiment Badge
The other upper pocket in the uniform has a round metal badge. The design consists of a
silver ring inscribed with "COLONEL GENERAL" and the date "1668". A unicorn rearing on its hind
legs, positioned before a shield bearing the arms of Lauzun (tiercé en bande d'or, de gueules et d'azur).
A scroll at the base with the inscription "5e DRAGONS".
This design pays homage to Antonin Nompar de Caumont, Duke of Lauzun, the regiment's first Colonel General.
The unicorn symbolizes purity and strength, while the shield reflects the heraldry of Lauzun.
The ribbns are made of cloth and are sewn to of the uniform. This design makes it more streamline than the
ones made of metal. From top to bottom, left to right, the ribbon bar is composed of the following:
- Bronze Star,
- American defense service
- Asiatic Middle eastern Campaign,
- Asiatic Pacific campaign with 4 stars,
- WWII Victory medal,
- Army of occupation,
- American defense,
- Armed forces reserve medal,
- Philippine liberation,
- Unknown,
- Philippines Presidential Unit Citation
The soldier started service during WWII and continued onto the Vietnam war.
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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