This guide is a reference for all collectors and aviation enthusiasts who want to know more about the C-1 Survival Vest of W.W. II

In June of 1943, the AAF began work on a new and unique survival kit in form of a wearable vest. By December, 1943, 3,000 vests designated as 'Vest Type Emergency Kit' were procured for combat testing by the Fifth, Tenth, Eleventh, Fourteenth Air Forces, and The Air Transport Command. Early testing was also conducted in Florida from January to June 1944. The vest were covered by Specification 3206, established on January 11, 1944, and was standardized on May 3, 1944. By December 1944, 200,000 Type C-1 vests were on order with 16,000 units already delivered. The vest weighed 11 pounds with all components, it was designated to replace the Parachute Back-Pad and Seat-Pad kits. It was also intended for use with the Type C-2 life raft, and the components were designated to integrate well. The upper chest pockets were slanted outward on the prototype and early contracted or 2nd variation vest, these vest had button pockets. The 3rd variation vests had upright pockets, with snaps to secure. The prototype vest did not have pocket #16 for insect repellent. There were at least six different manufactures producing the C-1 under at least nine contracts. This kit was the first to include an illustrated instruction booklet. These vest were used in WWII and the Korean war! Some vests were reportedly used in the early stages of Vietnam! The completion of this kit is the dream of many of todays collectors!

During the early testing there were some problems found with some of the components such as: A C-1 vest that was taken into a Florida swamp for testing, none of the matches in the waterproof container would light, because the Antifreeze fluid from the compass in the containers lid had leaked into the match compartment below. Two other difficulties arose in connection with the use of this vest. First: that of getting various items back into the proper pockets or into the plastic boxes out of which they have been taken. Second: that of wearing it under heavy equipment such as flyer's armor (flak vest), etc. Pending the production of a standard case in which the kit can be carried, it is suggested that the standard Musette Bag can be used. Keep items in the proper pockets if possible, and keep the flaps buttoned shut. Items which will not go into the pockets from which they came (such as a half empty, wet box of .45 shot cartridges) will have to be put into another pocket of the vest or into a pants pocket.   

In the sping of 1945, A 'streamlined' Configuration was authorized to include:

Rations - 1 Can, Fishing Kit, First Aid Kit, Flares, Fire Starting Equiment, Cartridges, Water Bag, and Mirror. Some vest were sent empty to Base Depots, and Personel Equipment Officers were in charge of determining what items the vests would have in them. Other vest were sent to Depots in either partially assembled, or were full and complete! Numerous items made especially for the C-1 Vest found there way into the ealier B-2 and B-4 Kits. Some other vest were issued to crewmembers at time of departure, In India one vest issued to B-29 crewmen containded a 'Pointe Talkie' native phrasebooklet, paper blood chits without serial numbers, probably printed in India, rayon-cloth maps, Chinese paper money, and on the front of the vest, on both sides of the opening, were two sewn on rows of about forty Indian one-rupee silver coins. These vest were turned in after a flight, along with the .45 pistol. Another item that was used was a vinyl pouch containing a folded map, and a small escape and evasion compass. In some cases components were mysteriously disapearing from the vests. Complete inspected vest had the pockets sewn shut with red thread, or wire, the threads were then sealed with an AAF marked lead seal, this was to insure that the componets were not tampered with.

For more information please see the about me page for a link to the C-1 Vest Collectors Site!