Re: Vietnam Zombie - Costume started **PICS**
Quote:
Originally Posted by BornKIlr View Post
In the meantime, I've started on the uniform. Unless I find an inexpensive Vietnam jacket replica, I'm gonna have to use this ERDL camo jacket I already had. I figure only military-philes or vets will know the difference.
I appreciate the input, but as I mentioned in my previous post, I'm going to have to make due with this jacket since I already had it. Can't see spending 40-60$ on a replica that I am going to tear up and probably only use this one time. I do have an authentic Mitchell pattern helmet cover from 69 and replica OD pants and jungle boots. As for the grenades, I have several lemon style but will be carrying the baseball style also because they double as flasks to carry my Capt. Morgan's. I also will be carrying an M72 LAW rocket launcher, M79 grenade launcher and M7 bayonet that will make it more recognizable as Vietnam era.
I know this would never fly at a re-enactment, but figure it'll be OK for a con.
That isn't a ERDL pattern camouflage jacket. It is M81 Woodland. They are very close though. Woodland has larger blotches and different tones.
I was wrong about the name tapes. Subdued black lettering embroidered on green cotton weave is correct by 1968. However the ones on your blouse are not Vietnam era.
Your ammo pouch is LC-1 which didn't come on the scene till 1973.
M1956 Load Carrying Equipment (LCE) and to a lesser degree M1967 Modernized Load Carrying Equipment (MCLE) are approipriate for this 1968 impression.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M-1956_Load-Carrying_EquipmentFor a grenadier impression the M79 Grenade Carrier Vest would be appropriate. So would carrying the 40mm grenade in the OD green cotton or grey plastic bandoleers they came packaged in. But the disposable bandoleers are probably harder to find.
As an infantry grenadier you would be armed with a M1911A1 .45 Automatic pistol in a M1916 holster.
Due to the heavy load of 40mm ammunition I find it unlikely that the blooper man would carry the additional weight of a M72 LAW.
Wouldn't the two 1 quart canteens on your cartridge belt carry plenty of rum? I have never been bothered at DragonCon about bringing my own booze. Plenty of people carrying backpacks around which are loaded down.
I see you are in North Carolina. There are plenty of surplus and gear shops in the Ft. Bragg area. I would call around and ask. Though it is getting harder and harder to find the Vietnam era uniforms and gear but it can still be had and had cheap.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
