1952: Improved Body Armor

In times of war, Marines need to be quick, flexible and accurate in returning fire, which requires highly reliable equipment. In the early 1950s, Marines realized that their current body armor was too heavy, and requested a more lightweight and mobile solution.  
 
The Naval Medical Research Laboratory developed an armored vest made of heavy nylon cloth with a new plastic compound.  
 
After a series of rigorous tests, 2,500 new vests were sent to the frontline units of the 1^st Marine Division in Korea. 
 
In the years since, Marines' body armor has been continually updated and advanced. Improvements like these illustrate the Marine Corps' ongoing commitment to the safety of each Marine.