M 51 Fishtail Parka Korean War ~ Vintage Store Clochard92.com Army M 51 Fishtail Parka Military MOD coat Vintage 50s Green 1972 US Military M 51 Fishtail Parka Jacket Size Medi Gem RARE VINTAGE US ARMY M 1951 FISHTAIL SHELL PARKA JACKET TALON ZIPPER SZ Vintage M 1951 M 51 M51 Fishtail Parka (XL) w Liner & Hood Korean. Rare Vintage US Army M 51 Fishtail Parka. Comes with Removable liner or not and is in Used Excellement of Good Condition. Each are different. This jacket come with and without a hood Details History: At the advent of the Korean War, The US Military needed a True Extreme Cold Weather Parka that was modular, ie removable exchangeable liner and Hood. The M 51 was created and issued to both the US Army and Marine Corps ground troops. (Fishtail name comes from the Tail cinching). After Korea, the Parka underwent changes and was designated M 65. Any Parka used for Extreme Cold is a bit oversized and easy to move in and can vent well, so as not to perspire. The shell is 80% cotton. Designed to fit over layers. Cotton, in extreme cold works incredibly well as an outer layer as it vents out excess moisture vapor (much like Gor Tex) and is strong yet light. It doesn't rain in the arctic then freeze, so it works well. Button in liner, either frieze or poly fill, drawstring waist, and hem, (to regulate warmth) Snap flap closure side pockets are wool lined as hand warmers. 3 4 length front zipper (Brass) with a snap closure storm flap over the zipper keeps drafts out. Available is the US M 51 M 65 hood that is blanket wool lined. In the 1960s UK, the fishtail parka became a symbol of the mod subculture