U.S. M1956 Entrenching Tool Cover

The U.S. M1956 intrenching tool cover is an entrenching tool carrier that was widely used by the U.S. Army and the USMC during the Vietnam War. This carrier was part of the M-1956 Load-Carrying Equipment (LCE) system. It was designed to carry the folding M1943 entrenching tool or the multi-purpose M1951 combination shovel/pickax. 

Key Design Specifications

• Main material: Made of heavy, sturdy olive drab (OD7) cotton canvas.
• Reinforcements: Features eight robust metal rivets to reinforce the side seams.
• Front side: Equipped with a leather-reinforced bayonet hanger with metal eyelets. This allowed soldiers to mount their M6 or M7 bayonet directly onto the front of the shovel carrier.
• Back side: Equipped with two slide clips (ALICE/M1956 clips) to securely attach the carrier to a pistol belt or backpack.
• Closure: Uses a sturdy, single metal snap fastener to prevent the heavy steel shovel from falling out. 

Historical Value & Identification

Original production markings from that era are stamped on the back of the carrier. These stencils state the official name ("Carrier, Intrenching Tool, M-1956"), the Federal Stock Number (FSN), and contract dates between 1959 and the late 1960s. In the later stages of the Vietnam War, this canvas model was gradually replaced by lightweight, quick-drying nylon covers for tri-folding entrenching tools.