M-60 Machine Gunner Embroidered Garage Patch “Pig Humper” Vietnam, Panama, Desert Storm, US RANGER – 4″ X 2″ with Merrowed Edge

Description

M-60 Machine Gunner Embroidered Garage Patch “Pig Humper” Vietnam, Panama, Desert Storm, US RANGER – 4″ X 2″ with Merrowed Edge

The M60 later served in the Vietnam War as a squad automatic weapon with many U.S. units. Every soldier in the rifle squad would carry an additional 200 linked rounds of ammunition for the M60, a spare barrel, or both. The up-gunned M113 armored personnel carrier ACAV added two M60 gunners beside the main .50 caliber machine gun, and the Patrol Boat, River had one in addition to two .50 cal mounts.

During the Vietnam War, the M60 received the nickname “The Pig” due to its bulky size. Vietnam’s tropical climate harshly affected weapons, and the M60 was no exception. Its lightweight made the gun damage easily and critical parts like the bolt and op rod wore out quickly. Even so, soldiers appreciated the gun’s handling, mechanical simplicity, and effective operation from a variety of firing positions. Navy SEALs used M60s with shorter barrels and no front sights to reduce weight further. Some SEALs had feed chutes from backpacks to have a belt of thousands of rounds ready to fire without needing to reload.