USMC Force Recon 1957 - 1964

[vietnammarine]

Our reenacting unit - 3rd Marine Division Reenacting Group, is mainly oriented on history of regular Marine units (especially 1/9 Marines and 3rd Force Recon) during the Vietnam War between 1965 - 1971. Part is also involved in research on Marines under command of SOG/NAD.

 

Recently we are playing with idea to put together also impressions for Force Recons prior to the Vietnam war. But except the book from Col.Mayers, biography of Col.W.Fox, 1st Sgt Hamblen, Sgt Mjr Jacques and some additional brief information and scarce photos in Ospreys and around the web there does not seem to be much.

 

I think we were able to identify the basic field gear for end of 50´s as follows:

- Cover: Helmet & camouflage cap

- Uniform: P44 camouflage jacket, P42 camouflage trousers with USMC belt, Jump boots (brown)

- In 60´s also the standard Utility uniform and cap

- Weapon: M3A1 SMG

- Equipment: M45 belt, M3 3-cell ammo pouch, M45 Field dressing pouch, Ka-Bar knife w/ flare, M41 haversack

 

Can somebody give us any further advise? Or do you maybe have pictures you would be willing to share?

 

 

Thanks.

 

Martin

[redjoshman]

From what I have seen in my research of the development of Marine Recon is similar to what you have but there are some differences.

I have rarely seen them in helmets except early on when working with the with the Tank Recon Marine units in the 1952-1953 time period.

 

Camouflage caps you rarely see. Mostly just P44 caps and later P58 Caps. What you also see a lot of is Camouflage Bandanas.

 

Uniforms: Depending on the Occasion you see either modified P44 Uniforms(the butt pocket removed though that is not always the case) or the full P44 Camouflage uniform. The boots would be the USMC Combat Boots, either high or low tops. You also see Converse All stars.

 

Weapons: Mostly the M1 Rifle being used. The M3 carbine or M3A1 SMG was by section leaders. BARs also pop up being used.

 

Equipment: Rarely if ever packs. Cartridge Belt with Jungle FAP and 1 canteen is standard for guys with M1 Rifle. Those with M3 Carbine or M3A1 SMG would have pistol belt, 1 canteen, 1 FAP, and 1 ammo pouch for their weapon.

 

 

 

Some awesome Pictures:

http://www.forcerecon.com/images/50s/aribsb.gif

 

http://www.forcerecon.com/images/50s/aribsg.gif

 

http://www.forcerecon.com/images/50s/aribsh.gif

 

http://www.forcerecon.com/images/50s/arinspection.gif

 

http://www.forcerecon.com/images/50s/arsubbunk.gif

 

http://www.forcerecon.com/images/50s/argreenfish1.gif

 

http://www.forcerecon.com/images/50s/ar53b.gif

 

 

Also awesome website:

http://www.grunt.com/corps/scuttlebutt/mar...n-history-1950/

 

Also check out the early section of this book:

http://books.google.com/books?id=-O6cTPcW6...50s&f=false

 

 

 

Hope this helps,

Josh

[Bob Hudson]

Did you check out the 1958 USMC !st Force Recon Co. skydiving tests photos at http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ind...howtopic=127156 which includes this and photos

 

 

and google book by Major Bruce F. Meyers, "Fortune Favors the Brave"

 

http://books.google.com/books?id=hzGE2X2kE...p;q&f=false

[vietnammarine]

Thanks for inputs first of all.

 

The Force Recon web pics I know, but the Grunt link is superb. Thanks a lot Josh.

 

I wish I knew earlier there is some text on this topic in Force Recon book too. I had a stupid impression it´s just about the modern days.

 

The skydiving topic on this formu I know also as the book of Major Meyers. It´s actualy book which has attracted us to pre-Nam period. The stories about developments of "everything" the SF and SEALs started to use after Marines tested are amazing.

 

I would like to share also few pictures, found them over the internet and don´t remember exactly where so I hope the owners would not mind:

 

- Credit goes to Mr.Gene Cooper

- I think originaly this picture comes from Force Recon Association, but can´t find it now.

 

I will try to scan few more pics from several books, maybe there is somebody else interested too.

 

Martin

[Cpl. Punishment]

Of all Vietnam era special forces, I cannot seem to find much of anything regarding Marine Force Recon in Vietnam. I have a large Force recon group to a 1st Force Recon Company vet, and I have a lead on more of his belongings. The family informed me they have his knife from overseas, it has a hollow handle that screws off for storage. Any idea of what knife this may be? I am guessing maybe a Randall 18?