buzzard517 Posted July 15, 2013 Share #1 Posted July 15, 2013 I recently picked up this field jacket. I thought it was an M65, but could not find a date. As you can see, the tag says T-63-5. Is this a field trial/predecessor to the 65? It bears the SSI of US Army Alaska with Airborne tab. Over the right breast pocket is a patch that says "Tomahawks". Any thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craig_pickrall Posted July 23, 2013 Share #2 Posted July 23, 2013 I would guess that the T-63-5 is for a field test done in 1963 and that is pattern number 5. Does it have a hood with zipper in the collar? If not then it probably has nothing to do with the M65. They may have been testing various weights and types of material. The results of this test may have contributed to the design of the M65 but it isn't the same pattern ( I think ). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patches Posted July 24, 2013 Share #3 Posted July 24, 2013 The coat was worn before the 172nd Infantry Brigade was formed as we would see the 172nd Infantry Brigade patch rather than U.S. Army Alaska. The 23rd Infantry unit at that time would be the 4th Battle Group 23rd Infantry, soon to be renamed 4th Battalion 23rd Infantry. The Airborne tab? I can honestly say that puzzles me, it would only be in the Spring of 1965 that the now 4th Bn 23rd Inf had a airborne component, it's C Co (ABN). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RustyCanteen Posted July 24, 2013 Share #4 Posted July 24, 2013 I concur with Craig, can we see some more photos of the coat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buzzard517 Posted July 24, 2013 Author Share #5 Posted July 24, 2013 I'll try to get some more pics up tonight. I wish I could say with certainty that there's a hood in the collar, which I think there is, but I just don't remember. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
korea drab Posted July 25, 2013 Share #6 Posted July 25, 2013 http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/10503-m65-field-jacket/ Look there,you will find an identical trial jacket posted.Please do better pictures of it and post them in that section.Its a pre run M-65 field coat.Nice rare find Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now