Doron plate is a strong fiberglass-based laminate that was first used by the United States Marines as personal body armor for infantry in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.[1] The plates were approximately 3.2 mm (1⁄8 in) thick and cut into 130 mm (5 in) squares, then inserted into pockets on a nylon vest that covered the front and back portions of the torso as well as the shoulders.[2] The vest weighed approximately 3.6 kg (8 lb). The plates consist of fiberglass filaments bonded together with resin under pressure. The plates could be molded to fit the contours of the chest or back.[3]

In May 1943, the Dow Company discovered the technology for the doron plate, because a shortage of metal during World War II had stimulated research into non-metallic forms of body armor.[4] The doron plate could not stop direct fire from rifle and machine gun bullets, but was effective at stopping debris, shrapnel, and up to .45 ACP FMJ pistol bullets.[4]

The plates were named after General G. F. Doriot who was chief of the Research and Development Branch, Office of the Quartermaster General of the Army during World War II.[5] The doron plates were used in the Korean War in the M-1951 and T-52-2 vests, and in the Vietnam War in the M-1955 vests. Stronger and lighter materials such as Kevlar-based body armor eventually superseded the doron plate.

References

  1. ^ Bull, Stephen. Encyclopedia of Military Technology and Innovation. (Greenwood Press: London) (2004) p. 19.
  2. ^ Long, Allen. "New Clothing for Fighters". Science News Letter (February 21, 1953) p. 122.
  3. ^ King, Ludlow (March–April 1953). "Lightweight Body Armor". The Quartermaster Review. Archived from the original on 15 July 2016.
  4. ^ a b Military Handbook: Survivability, Aircraft, Nonnuclear, Airframe Volume 2. The Department of Defense (1983)
  5. ^ "Armored Vest Fact Sheet". Office of the Quartermaster General. 1952. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023.
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