1968 Contract, M-R, 4th Model Jungle Fatigue Jacket, USN, Short-Sleeve Custom, Used

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1968 Contract, U.S. Navy 4th Model Jungle Fatigue Jacket from the Vietnam War era.

This is a pretty interesting piece.

 

On the chest are a name tape reading “CHWALTNEY C.R.” and a “U.S. NAVY” tape.Additionally, sewn onto the left sleeve is a locally made “ROAD RUNNER” patch from the U.S. Naval Support Activity Saigon (commonly known as NSA Saigon) during the Vietnam War era.

Furthermore, the 4th Model—which was originally long-sleeved—has been modified to short sleeves, a modification that’s typical of items used in the field. This piece is packed with the unique charm of military uniforms actually used in Vietnam—a charm that could never have been achieved with standard-issue gear.

The inner label reads:

COAT, MAN'S, COTTON W/R RIP-STOP
POPLIN OG 107, CLASS 1
DSA 100-68-C-2403
TELLICO MFG. CO.

is printed.

It is a 4th Model made from 100% cotton OG-107 ripstop fabric, part of the “68” contract—meaning it was procured in fiscal year 1968. This model can be considered the definitive form of the jungle fatigues that symbolize the Vietnam War.

The size is the highly sought-after MEDIUM-REGULAR. The tag specifications are Chest 37–41 inches / Height 67–71 inches. Above all, what makes this particular piece special is the left sleeve.

Sewn onto it is a “ROAD RUNNER” patch from the U.S. Naval Support Activity Saigon (NSA Saigon). It is a locally made patch produced in Vietnam or Thailand, and the patch itself shows significant signs of wear.

Naval Support Activity Saigon was a key U.S. Navy support organization established in May 1966, providing extensive support to Navy units deployed across the II, III, and IV Corps Tactical Zones in South Vietnam.It handled everything from the supply of ammunition, weapons, and communications equipment to the transport of personnel and supplies, the repair and maintenance of boats, and the operation of base facilities. It played a vital role in providing logistical support from the rear to the U.S. Navy’s combat units during the Vietnam War, including coastal surveillance units, the River Patrol Force (which operated PBRs), and the Mobile Riverine Force.

Particularly around 1968, NSA Saigon’s support network expanded significantly, with numerous detachments deployed across the region. Transporting thousands of metric tons of supplies by water each month and also conducting air transport, it became a massive logistics network that made U.S. Navy operations in South Vietnam possible.

The fact that this jungle fatigues jacket features a locally made patch from NSA Saigon is fascinating in itself, but this particular piece has been further modified into a short-sleeved version.

Considering that it was actually worn in the tropical climate of Vietnam, this is an extremely practical customization; it strongly conveys the freedom and practical focus unique to Navy field units, setting it apart from standard Army jungle fatigues.

The name tape on the chest, the “U.S. NAVY” tape, and the NSA SAIGON “Road Runner” patch all blend seamlessly with the garment, and we treat them as original, original-fit pieces that have been attached since the time of issue.

Condition: USED. There is overall fading, wear, and signs of use from wear, but no noticeable major stains or extensive repairs are visible. The sleeves have been customized to short sleeves. This was a customization frequently preferred by Navy personnel and is rarely seen among Army or Marine Corps soldiers.

 

1968 contract, 4th Model, MEDIUM-REGULAR, U.S. NAVY labeled, NSA SAIGON “ROAD RUNNER” locally made patch, and custom short sleeves.

This is a garment that cannot be simply categorized as just “Vietnam War-era jungle fatigues.”

The charm of a piece like this lies in the fact that every single patch and every stitch tells the story behind the garment. It makes you feel how a mass-produced, issued item, once it passed into the hands of a single soldier and was used in the field, transformed into a jacket that is one of a kind in the world.This is a special piece I highly recommend to anyone looking for a Navy-issue, locally made in Vietnam jungle fatigues that truly conveys a sense of its actual history of use. Please note that since this is a used item, returns are not accepted.

Size (Flat Measurements)

Shoulder width: 47 cm; Chest
width: 61 cm;
Length: 79 cm;
Sleeve length: 24 cm

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