Chicken Plate

The chicken plate is the body armor worn by helicopter crew members, particularly door gunners and pilots, during the conflict. These vests were typically improvised using readily available materials and were not official military-issued armor. The "Chicken Plate" was a vital piece of equipment that provided some protection against small arms fire and shrapnel, reflecting the resourcefulness and ingenuity of aviators seeking to enhance their safety in the challenging conditions of the Vietnam War.