US Army Vietnam MX991/U Flashlight

The US Army Vietnam MX991/U Flashlight is a standard issue right-angle flashlight used by American military personnel during the Vietnam War. Manufactured in accordance with military specifications, this model features a durable olive drab plastic body and a distinctive right-angle design, which permits hands-free operation by attaching the flashlight to a uniform or equipment. It operates using two D-cell batteries and includes a switch for standard or signaling light modes. The MX991/U is equipped with a belt clip, lanyard ring, and a compartment for spare colored lenses, typically red or blue, used for signaling and night vision preservation. Its water-resistant housing and rugged construction made it suitable for field conditions. This flashlight served not only as a reliable source of illumination but also played a role in communication and map reading tasks under low-light situations. The MX991/U remains a notable artifact of US military equipment from the Vietnam War era.