What did Vietnam soldiers put on helmets?

One way they did this was by writing graffiti on their helmets. The helmet was for the soldier, after all, a uniform item provided by the government. To deface it meant defacing government property while at the same time violating the rules of wearing the uniform properly.

Why did soldiers put cards in their helmet?

All four card suits were used for ease of identification of regiments within the airborne division following the confusion of a large scale combat airborne operation. It was not unheard of for U.S. soldiers and Marines to stick this card in their helmet band as a sort of anti-peace sign.

What gear did Vietnam soldiers carry?

US Infantrymen (grunts) carried either a rifle (M-16), or a machine gun (M-60, belt fed), or an M-79 grenade launcher. If the grunt was a radio operator (RTO-Radio Telephone Operator) he also carried a radio ON HIS BACK.

What does Beaucoup Dinky Dau mean?

crazy and off the
The title of the book comes from a mispronounced and Americanized French phrase, beaucoup dien cai dau, meaning crazy and off the wall.

What does the ace of spades mean in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, the ace of spades (death card) was thought by some to put a scare into the superstitious enemy and were left behind on dead enemy bodies after a firefight. Other soldiers used the card as a morale booster – wearing it proudly on helmets to show they were tough and fearless warriors.

Why did American soldiers wear nets on their helmets?

The United States Army often utilized nets to reduce the helmets’ shine when wet and to allow burlap scrim or vegetation to be added for camouflage purposes.

How much gear did Vietnam soldiers carry?

What did Vietnam Soldiers carry? 1 Helmet – 5 lb., 2 Boots – 2 lb., Poncho and liner 3 lb., Entrenching tool (shovel) – 5 lb., M-16 ammo – 14 lb., 3 Rifle – 7.5 lb., 4 Machete – 3lb,. Sandbags (empty) – 4 lb., Water – 12 lbs. Adds up to 79 + pounds.

What do soldiers write on helmets in Vietnam?

Many photos recorded phrases and remarks written on soldier’s helmets, ranging from mottos such as “In God We Trust” to satirical musings like “Born to Kill Die .” Vietnam….A Sky Trooper from the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) keeps track of the time he has left on his ‘short time’ helmet, while participating in Operation Pershing, near Bong Son.

Why do Vietnam soldiers Doodle on their helmets?

Part of any soldier’s equipment at the time included a helmet, called a steel pot by the troops and officially known as the M-1 helmet. U.S. soldiers in 1972 wearing M1 helmets. The soldiers of Vietnam, being products of a time when the nation’s youth struggled to assert their individuality, started doodling on their helmets to express themselves.

Why did Vietnam soldiers wear M1 helmets?

For the troops on the ground, Vietnam was a humid hell filled with enemies and a people barely considered human. Part of any soldier’s equipment at the time included a helmet, called a steel pot by the troops and officially known as the M-1 helmet. U.S. soldiers in 1972 wearing M1 helmets