Japanese Body Armor in World War II

Consequently, U.S. troops called it turtle armor, while the Japanese called it tortoise armor.

Body Armor: During the years 1938 to 1940 several types of body armor were proposed and made.

One bang out mounted a light machine gun and had small wooden wheels.

In this photo from the National Archives and Records Administration, we see an Imperial Japanese Army bulletproof vest set known as the Type III. This Japanese armor set included a metal leg shield that severely limited the mobility of the soldier wearing it.

The Type III body armor, showing the dome-style steel helmet and the leg protection (far right). Image: NARA

This was called the Tortoise Armor.

Interest in this project ceased in about 1940 and further research was abandoned.

Penetration: Tests have shown that these shields will resist penetration by .30 caliber ball ammunition at 100 feet.

In this digital photograph, we see a U.S. Marine testing a turtle shell style of armor used by Japanese snipers in the Second World War. Japanese soldiers used light armor throughout the war — especially on the Japanese home islands. This style of armor could offer protection from shrapnel and low velocity rounds.

This example of the Japanese “turtle shell” body armor was captured by U.S. Marines on Saipan, summer 1944. Image: NARA

However, some damage may be brought on by flaking (chipping).

These shields have been penetrated readily by .30 caliber AP ammunition at up to 200 yards.

Some have described the Japanese rifle shields as sniper equipment.

In this photo we see a United States Marine with a Japanese turtle shell cape that was designed to stop bullets and was also capable of stopping flak and debris.

A U.S. Marine poses with a captured Japanese turtle shell armor (the Japanese called it tortoise armor). Image: NARA

An example of the Japanese armored vest was tested at Aberdeen Proving Grounds during July 1943.

The Aberdeen report concluded that The ballistic properties of this armor were reported to be excellent.

A. P. Webster and Lt. Comdr.

In this photograph we see a Marine testing the captured Japanese armor.

The captured Japanese turtle shell armor covered the Marine shooter testing it in the prone position. Image: NARA

E. L. Corey of the Research Division of the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery.

It can be incorporated into the standard life jacket or the Marine Corps utility jacket.

The armor adds about four pounds to the weight of the garment and increases its bulk very little.

In this rare photo, we see a Chinese soldier of the National Revolutionary Army using an armored shield captured from a member of the Manchukuo Imperial Army which was under the control of the Imperial Japanese Army. The Manchukuo Imperial Army was the ground force of the military of the Manchukuo, a puppet state established by Imperial Japan in Manchuria, a region of northeastern China.

A Nationalist Chinese soldier poses with a rifle shield captured from the Imperial Japanese Army in July 1944. Image: NARA

In wearing the jacket comfort and freedom of movement are not adversely affected.

The armor was designed primarily for protection against fragments.

Field trials of the armored Marine Corps utility jacket are being carried out.

In this photograph we see a Japanese armored plate that was tested by the United States for its resistance to bullets.

Testing the rifle shield used by the Japanese army during World War II showed its vulnerability to American ammunition. At 100 yards, .30-caliber ball ammunition caused “spalling.” Image: NARA

At least part of this reduction is considered attributable to the wearing of armor.

(4) Body armor prevents about 74 percent of wounds in covered areas.

The M-12 weighed in at 12 pounds, using aluminum plates sewn into a nylon vest.

Shown here is the Type II body armor. It was potentially worn by snipers.

Shown here is the Type II body armor. It was potentially worn by snipers. Image: NARA

The T-65 Apron provided additional protection for the groin.

Consequently, M-12 vests were intended for use by mine-sweepers and ordnance removal specialists.

When the war in Korea began, there was a sudden call for body armor among U.S. troops.

comparing Type II and Type 3 Japanese body armor

Two styles of Japanese WWII body armor are compared in this image. The type III (on left) featured leg protection, although it is unknown if this was intended to be used “on the move”. Image: NARA

The too-heavy M-12 was issued as a stopgap until lighter designs could be created.

During 1952, the Army produced the M-1952 Body Armor, Fragmentation Protective.

captured Japanese armored vest

This Japanese armored vest was captured on Tarawa in November 1943. This photo shows the three small armored plates that overlapped inside the vest in a fish scale style. Image: NARA

Japanese sniper shield testing

The Japanese rifle shield was absolutely no match for U.S. .30-caliber armor-piercing ammunition. Note the clean penetrations at 200 yards range. Image: NARA

captured Japanese bulletproof vest

A U.S. Marine inspects a captured Japanese bulletproof vest. While not truly bulletproof, the body armory may have given the wearer limited protection in combat. Image: NARA

US soldiers wearing body armory in Korean War

U.S. soldiers wear the M-1952 armored vest in Korea during the Korean War. It’s development was influenced by captured Japanese body armor in WWII. Image: NARA