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 thick and cut into 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 . 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 Stronger and lighter materials such as Kevlar-based body armor eventually superseded the doron plate.