Equipment

As a new member, knowing what equipment you will need may seem daunting. We are here to help. No new member is expected to have all of the equipment right away. Many of us have been collecting the various parts of our "kit" for many years.We will try to explain the various uniform changes along the way, and inform you of what gear should be procured first, and which items are secondary.

Understand that the 101st Airborne (ABN) went through various periods where the issued equipment was different than the last period. When the 101st's companies were formed at Camp Toccoa (formerly Camp Toombs) in 1942 and all of the future paratroopers were issued a standard set of gear. As time progressed different gear was issued as changes in the Airborne, and the Army, were occurring constantly.

Your first order of business as a newly minted Airborne re-enactor is to get your basic military items. These include the items in List #1 below and are considered "US Army Standard Issue" which was issued to all Army enlisted personnel.

Period #1: Equipment assigned at Toccoa (Boot Camp) through transport to the ETO.

Clothing & Equipage Allowances

Clothing and Individual Equipment will be issued to Enlisted Personnel in accordance with “Table of Equipment No. 21” (AR 615-40) current Tables of Allowances, Tables of Organization, and Army Regulations . The following listed items of Clothing and Individual Equipment will be issued to newly Inducted Enlisted Men (or Enlisted Women) at “Reception Centers” without regard to season (data are from 1943) :

Clothing
5 Undershirt, Cotton, Protective, Olive-Drab
5 Drawers, Cotton, Khaki, Protective, Olive-Drab
2 Shirt, Cotton, Khaki
1 Necktie, Cotton, Mohair, Khaki
2 Trousers, Cotton, Khaki, Protective
1 Belt, Web, Waist, EM
2 Cap, Garrison, Khaki
2 Shirt, Wool, Olive-Drab
1 Coat, Wool, Serge, Olive-Drab
2 Trousers, Wool, Serge, Olive-Drab
1 Cap, Garrison, Serge, Olive-Drab
5 Pair, Socks, Cotton, Tan
3 Pair, Socks, Light, Wool, Olive-Drab
2 Jacket, Herringbone Twill
2 Trousers, Herringbone Twill
1 Hat, Herringbone Twill
2 Pair, Shoes, Service
1 Pair, Gloves, Wool, Olive-Drab
1 Pair, Leggins, Canvas
4 Handkerchiefs, Cotton, Olive-Drab
1 Jacket, Field, Olive-Drab
1 Raincoat, Rubberized, Dismounted
1 Overcoat, Wool, Melton, Roll Collar, Olive-Drab
1 Cap, Wool, Knit
1 Manual, Basic, Field (FM 21-100)
1 Liner, Helmet, M1
1 Helmet, Steel, M1
    Individual Equipment
1 Bag, Barrack
1 Can, Meat
1 Canteen
1 Cover Canteen, Dismounted
1 Cup, Canteen
1 Fork
1 Knife
1 Spoon
1 Tape, Cotton, Tag, Identification
2 Tag, Identification
1 Brush, Tooth
1 Razor, with 5 Blades
1 Brush, Shaving
1 Towel, Bath
2 Towel, Huck
1 Comb

Period #2: Fitted for ETO transport to the ETO

 

Period #3: D-Day (Mission Albany);

 

Period #4: Market-Garden Campaign

 

Period #5: Battle of the Bulge (Bastogne); and finally

 

Period #6: Post-Bastogne to the end of the war

   
   

 

 The following information is intended to remind our old members, and inform our new members, of the equipment need depending on which type of event we are attending. Essentially there are five main periods of time, in which we depict primarily three periods.

  • Period #1: is the assigned equipment from Boot Camp through transport to the ETO.
  • Period #2: Fitted for ETO transport to the ETO through D-Day;
  • Period #3: Market Garden Campaign,
  • Period #4: Battle of the Bulge (Bastogne); and finally
  • Period #5: Post-Bastogne to the end of the war

 

   

PERIOD #1: Boot Camp (Standard Issue)

  6 pr underwear, white (boxers or briefs)
  6 pr T-Shirts (white or OD green, Tank or T-shirt)
  6 pr Socks, Wool, OD Green
   
   
  Mess Kit
   

PERIOD #2: Transport from NY through ETO Training

   

Perios #3: D-Day / Normandy (Operation Neptune)

06 June 1944 - 29 June 1944

IN VARIOUS POCKETS

1ea Drawers, Wool
1ea Undershirt, Wool
1ea Socks, Wool
1ea Coat, Parachute Jumper, M1942, Impregnated
1ea Trousers, Parachute Jumper, M1942
1ea M1C Helmet
1ea M1937 Trousers, Wool, OD
1ea M1937 Shirt, Wool, OD
1ea Corcoran Boots and Dubbing
1ea M1936 Combat Field Equipment Belt Suspenders, Lt OD
1ea Belt, Web, Waist, Lt OD
1ea Handkerchief, 2ea
1ea Dog Tags, 2ea
1ea Heat Units, 2ea
1ea M3 Trench Knife w/M6 or M8 Scabbard
1ea Garand Rifle, M1A1, or Individually Assigned Weapon
1ea M1905/M1942/M1 Bayonet (1903 Springfield or Garand)

INDIVIDUAL BASIC ITEMS

Field Bag (Musette Bag or 1928 Haversack)
M1936 Suspenders
M1936 Cartridge Belt
Carrying, Strap, GP Long
1st Aid Pouch
Spoon
Canteen
Canteen Cup
Canteen Cover
1pr Gloves, horsehide unlined
Lensatic Compass, Wrist or Pouch
2nd 1st Aid Pouch (Optional)

IN FIELD BAG
(Musette Bag or 1928 Haversack)

Raincoat
Toilet Articles
3 Light Wool Socks
1 Can Bore Cleaner
Bath Towel
2 Handkerchiefs
1 Can Oil
50 Sheets Toilet Paper

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

Sulfanilimide Powder
Shell Dressings, 2ea
Insecticide
1ea Roll Tape
1ea Pro Kit
Sulphaadiazine Tablets
1st Aid Packet, Parachute issue on Helmet
Halazone Tablets
3ea Rubbers
Cupric Sulfate Sponge

CHEMICAL WARFARE

Gas Mask
2 Eye Shields
Sleeve Detector
Cape
Protective ointment
Reference Card
Eye Ointment
Shoe, Impregnated

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Operation Market - Garden

17 September 1944 - 27 November 1944

 

Battle of the Bulge

19 December 1944 - 25 January 1945

 
   
  STANDARD EQUIPMENT CARRIED BY EACH PARACHUTIST

1. The following equipment will be carried by all parachutists.

1 Belt, pistol or rifle, dismounted
1 Boots, parachutist, pair
1 Canteen, cup and cover...on belt
1 Compass, lensatic or watch...on belt
1 Cap, wool knit
1 Drawers, wool
1 Field bag...Under parachute harness
1 Gloves, horsehide unlined, pair
4 Grenades, hand, frag. MkII...2 Waist pockets coat...2 hip pockets trousers
1 Handkerchief...Left chest pocket
1 Helmet, steel, M1, mod. (I think), w/liner
1 Knife, pocket, M2...Center chest pocket
1 Knife, trench, M3, w/scabbard M6...on belt
1 Matches, package
1 Mask, gas (If required)
1 Message book, pencil and maps...Right chest pocket
1 Parachute, T-5, complete
1 Pouch, first-aid and packet...on belt
2 Ration "K" (broken down)...Leg pockets
1 Raincoat...Loop over belt
1 Rope, parachutist, 30' x 3/8"...Looped on belt
1 Prophylaxis, mechanical, kit...Right chest pocket
2 Socks, light wool, pair...1 pair in field bag
1 Spoon, M/26...In canteen cover
1 Supporter, athletic (optional)
Tablets, chlorine or halazone...Left chest pocket
Tablets, bentadine (?)...Right chest pocket
2 Tags, identification, w/necklace
2 Tape, ankle (optional)
Tissue, toilet...Left chest pocket
1 Toilet set...Waist pockets
1 Tool, entrenching...On belt
1 Undershirt, wool
1 Uniform, parachutists, 2-pc.

2. Following additional equipment will be carried by Officers:

1 Binoculars, M-13...Over shoulder or on belt
1 Carbine, cal..30, M1A1 (except field Off)...On belt in scabbard
1 Case, canvas, dispatch...Over right shoulder
1 Flashlight, TL-122-A...Left leg pocket
1 Map, template M2...Dispatch case
1 Pistol, auto., cal..45 (Field O's. only)...On belt in holster
1 Pocket, double web.w/clips (Field O. only)...On belt
2 Pocket, mag., carbine, cal..30, M1A1 (except field Officers)...On belt
Whistle, thunderer...Left chest pocket
 

Uniform Reference

Uniform Reference

We have had customers requesting information about what the US Army soldiers and US Marines wore during WWII. We wrote this page to answer some of those questions. Listed below are tables showing basic (non-specialized) descriptions of uniforms and equipment, along with our itemized prices for those reproductions. Customers are advised to seek ensemble packages for uniforms listed on other pages in this website. Please let us know if you wish us to expand this list.


Regular U.S. Army Soldier Invading France June 1944, including Rangers.
Item Description Price
Helmet, M1, Complete We do not offer. Try links page.
Jacket, Field, Od $275.00
Shirt, CC, Wool, Od $129.99
Trousers, Wool, Light shade $199.99
Belt, Web, Waist, Light Od $20.00
Undershirt, Athletic, Od $24.99
Drawers, Cotton, Od $24.99
Sox, Cushion Sole, Od $10.00
Leggings, Dismounted, M1928 $42.00

Shoes, Service, Reverse Upper, or
Shoes, Service Russet

$219.99 to
$249.99
Haversack, M1928 $134.99
Belt, Cartridge, M1928 $97.99
Cover, Canteen, Dismounted, M-1910 $34.99
Canteen and Cup $18.00
Carrier, Shovel, Intrenching, M-1910 $19.99
Tool, Intrenching, M1910 $38.00
Bayonet and Scabbard, M1 We don't offer. Try links page.
Pouch, First Aid Packet, M-1942 $18.00
Dummy, First Aid Packet, M-1942 $22.00
Mask, Assault We don't offer. Try links page.
Bandoleer, Rifle Ammunition $10.00
Below items are optional.
Jacket, Herringbone Twill, Dark or Light shade (Dark shade req'd for Ranger Impressions) $120.00
Trousers, Herringbone Twill, Dark or Light shade (Dark shade req'd for Ranger Impressions) $120.00
Vest, Assault We don't offer. Try links page.

Parachutist circa June 1944 (Operation Neptune).
Item Description Price
Helmet, M2 or M1C, Complete We don't offer. Try links page.
Ensemble, Jumper, Parachute, Overlord $385.00 2pc set
Shirt, CC, Wool, Od $129.99
Trousers, Wool, Light shade $199.99
Belt, Web, Waist, Light Od $20.00
Undershirt, Athletic, Od $19.99
Drawers, Cotton, Od $25.00
Sox, Cushion Sole, Od $10.00
Boots, Jumper, Parachute $199.99
Bag, Field, Canvas, Od, M1936 $65.00
Suspenders, Field, Od, M1936 $48.50
Belt, Cartridge, M1928 $97.99
Cover, Canteen, Dismounted, M-1910 $34.99
Canteen and Cup $18.00
Carrier, Tool, Entrenching, M-1943 $39.99
Tool, Entrenching, M1943 We don't offer. Try links page.
Bayonet and Scabbard, M1 We don't offer. Try links page.
Pouch, First Aid Packet, M-1942 $18.00
Dummy, First Aid Packet, M-1942 $22.00
Mask, Assault We don't offer. Try links page.
Bandoleer, Rifle Ammunition $10.00

Pacific Theater Regular U.S. Army Soldier.
Item Description Price
Helmet, M1, Complete We do not offer. Try links page.
Jacket, Herringbone Twill, Dark or Light shade (M41 style HBT fatigues for earlier campaigns) $120.00
Trousers, Herringbone Twill, Dark or Light shade (Dark shade req'd for Ranger Impressions) $120.00
Belt, Web, Waist, Light Od $20.00
Undershirt, Athletic, Od $19.99
Drawers, Cotton, OD $25.00
Sox, Cushion Sole, OD $10.00
Leggings, Dismounted, M1928 $42.00
Shoes, Service, Reverse Upper, or
Shoes, Service Russet
$194.99 to
$229.99
Haversack, M1928 $134.99
Belt, Cartridge, M1928 $97.99
Cover, Canteen, Dismounted, M-1910 $34.99
Canteen and Cup $18.00
Carrier, Shovel, Intrenching, M-1910 $19.99
Tool, Intrenching, M1910 $38.00
Bayonet and Scabbard, M1 We don't offer. Try links page.
Pouch, First Aid Packet, M-1942 $18.00
Dummy, First Aid Packet, M-1942 $22.00
Mask, Assault We don't offer. Try links page.
Bandoleer, Rifle Ammunition Coming soon.

U.S. Marine Corps. Pacific Theater WWII and Korean War
Item Description Price
Helmet, M1, Complete We don't offer. Try links page.
Cover, Helmet, Camouflage $25.00
Jacket, Utility, Green, USMC, P41 $120.00
Trousers, Utility, Green, USMC, P41 $120.00
Belt, Web, Waist $20.00
Undershirt, Cotton, USMC We don't offer. Try links page.
Drawers, Cotton, USMC We don't offer. Try links page.
Sox, Cushion Sole, OD $10.00
Leggings, USMC $38.00
Shoes, Service, Boondocker $194.99
Haversack, USMC $90.00
Suspenders, USMC $29.99
Belt, Cartridge, USMC $97.99
Cover, Canteen, USMC $25.00
Canteen and Cup $18.00
Carrier, Shovel, Intrenching, M-1910 $19.99
Tool, Intrenching, M1910 $38.00
Bayonet and Scabbard, M1 We don't offer. Try links page.
Pouch, First Aid Packet, M-1910 $18.00
Dummy, First Aid Packet, M-1942 $22.00
For Korean War add:
Parka, M1948 (Fishtail)
Overshoes, Rubber, 5-buckle

We don't offer. Try links page.


Korean War Era Regular U.S. Army Soldier
Item Description Price
Helmet, M1, Complete We do not offer. Try links page.
Jacket, Field, M-1943 $220.00
Shirt, CC, Wool, Od $129.99
Trousers, Field, Cotton, OD $140.00
Belt, Web, Waist, Light Od $20.00
Undershirt, Athletic, Od $19.99
Drawers, Cotton, OD $25.00
Sox, Cushion Sole, OD $10.00
Boots, Service, Composition Sole $239.99
Pack, Field, M1945 with Suspenders We do not offer. Try links page.
Belt, Cartridge, M1928 (OD#7 shade) We do not offer. Try links page.
Cover, Canteen, Dismounted, M-1910 (OD#7 shade) We do not offer. Try links page.
Canteen and Cup $18.00
Carrier, Shovel, Intrenching, M-1943 (OD#7 shade) We do not offer. Try links page.
Shovel, Intrenching, M1943 We don't offer. Try links page.
Bayonet and Scabbard, M1 We don't offer. Try links page.
Pouch, First Aid Packet, M-1942 (OD#7 shade) We do not offer. Try links page.
Dummy, First Aid Packet, M-1942 $22.00
Below items are optional.
Jacket, Herringbone Twill, Dark (During warmer months) $120.00
Trousers, Herringbone Twill, Dark (During warmer months) $120.00
Parka, M1948 (For colder climates) We do not offer. Try links page.

Just as a point of trivia, the following was cited from The Quartermaster Review May-June 1945, "Data compiled for millions of inductees shows the following to be the actual measurements of the "average" newcomer to the Army as he appears at the clothing counter of a reception center: 5' 8" tall; 144 pounds in weight; 33 ¼" chest measurement; 31" waist measurement. From the tariff tables showing the frequency of size issues it is found that the sizes most frequently issued are a 7 to 7½ hat, number 9 gloves, a 15 shirt with a 33" sleeve, a 36 regular jacket, a pair of trousers with a 32" waist and a 32" leg length, size 11 socks, and size 9-D shoes. These figures may be taken to indicate the size of the "average American young man."
   

UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT

Personal Equipment

The primary impression of the 101st is that of an Airborne trooper in WWII. However, we have an optional 327th Glider impression available for those who are working on assembling their airborne impression or for those who wish to portray another integral part of an Airborne Division, the Glider Infantry Regiment.

There exist three levels of uniform and equipment requirements, and a fourth optional level. The fourth level, while not required, will complete the impression satisfactorily, and is recommended for those who are exceptionally serious about their impression.

Levels One, Two, and Three must be verified by an Officer, the Quartermaster and one witness at the yearly Soldier School in order to qualify for completion of the Level.

All clothing and equipment must be kept serviceable. All shirts, jackets and coats are required to have Division insignia on left shoulder and rank insignia on both arms if applicable.


Level 1: D-Day Impression

Combat Clothing (Airborne)

Coat, Parachute Jumper, M1942*
Trousers, Parachute Jumper, M1942
Boots, Parachutist, Russet
Cap, Garrison ("Overseas Cap"), Khaki, Cotton or OD, Wool with infantry piping
Undershirt, OD OR T-shirt, White
Tags, Identification ("Dog Tags"), notched, with neck chain and extension
Belt, Web, Waist, M1937, khaki w/EM open buckle
Gloves, Horsehide, Riding, M1938 or M1942
Cricket
Brassard, Gas Detection

*M42 Jump Jacket should have 101st ABN patch on left shoulder, early style dog chain preferred, NO 48 star flag.

Combat Clothing (Glider)

Coat, Field, M1941
Trousers, Wool Serge, EM, M1937
Shirt, Wool Serge, EM
Shoes, Service, Reverse Upper
Leggings, M1938
Cap, Garrison ("Overseas Cap"), Cotton or OD, Wool with infantry piping
Undershirt, OD OR T-shirt, White
Tags, Identification ("Dog Tags"), notched, with neck chain and extension
Belt, Web, Waist, M1937, khaki w/EM open buckle
Brassard, Gas Detection

*M41 Jacket should have 101st ABN patch on left shoulder.

Field Equipment

Helmet, Steel, M1C or M2 w/liner (khaki webbing) and leather chin cup* (Airborne)
Helmet, Steel, M1 (Khaki webbing) (Glider)*
Netting, Helmet, 1/2" weave
Packet, First Aid, Parachutist
Bag, Canvas, Field, M1936 ("Musette Bag"), khaki (Airborne)
Haversack, M1928 (Glider)
Suspenders, Belt, M1936, khaki
Cover, Canteen, M1910, khaki
Canteen, M1910 or M1942 (aluminum or stainless steel)
Cup, Canteen, M1910 (aluminum or stainless steel)
Pouch, First Aid, M1910, M1924, or M1942, khaki
Cover, Entrenching Tool, M1943, khaki OR Cover, Entrenching Tool, M1910
Tool, Entrenching, M1943 OR Tool, Entrenching, M1910
Tent, Shelter, Button, w/ ropes & pins (both halves required)

*Helmet should have 502nd PIR ID (2" Heart on both sides, with "click" to right of heart) for Airborne and 327th GlR ID (2" club on both sides, with "click" to the --- of club) for Glider.

Weapons Related

Knife, Fighting, M3 w/ M8 or M6 Scabbard

ONE OF THE FOLLOWING (select based on weapon carried)

Belt, Cartridge, M1923, khaki
Belt, Automatic Rifle, M1937, khaki
Belt, Pistol, M1936, khaki with the following:
Bandoleer, Cotton, OD, M1 (for Garand)
Pouch(es), Magazine, Riggers Made (For Carbine or Garand) (ABN Only)
Pouch(es), Magazine, Thompson, 20-rd, or 30-rd Khaki
Weapon, Shoulder Fired. M1 Garand is Primary Rifle (See Approved Weapons List)
Bayonet if required (See Approved Weapons List)

Upon completing Level One, members are awarded the airborne cap badge or glider cap badge and are able to participate in the rank structure.

Level 2: Operation Market Garden to Berlin

Combat Clothing

Jacket, Field, M1943
Armband, 48 Star Flag, Pin-On Type
Trousers, Field, M1943 (rigger-modified)

Winter Clothing (Bulge & Later)

Cap, Wool Knit, M1941 ("jeep cap")
Sweater, Wool, High Neck (5 button), w/correct WWII-style buttons
Scarf, Neck, Wool, (may also be made from a wool blanket)
Gloves, Wool, OD, Leather Palm

Miscellaneous Field Gear

Can , Meat (mess kit), M1910, M1918, M1932 or M1942
Poncho, OD
Wire Cutters, M1936, w/case
Compass, Wrist OR Compass, Lensatic, Marching w/ case
Sheet, Cotton, White (2)
Blanket, Wool, OD, M1934
Roll, Sleeping, Blanket OR Bag, Sleeping (Arctic M-1942, Half Zip M-1944, Mountain M-1945)
Bag, Duffel, OR Bag, Barracks

Upon completion of Level Two, the member receives the Regimental Oval and automatically receives the rank of Private First Class in accordance with Article II.

Level 3: Class A Impression

Coat, Wool Serge, 4-Pocket (Preferred), OR Jacket, Field, M1944
Trousers, Wool Serge, EM, M1937
Shirt, LS, Wool, OD#3
Tie, khaki, cotton or mohair
Cap, Garrison ("Overseas Cap"), wool, OD, with infantry piping

Upon completion of Level Three, the member receives the Parachutist Badge (jump wings) or Glider Badge to be worn on the dress uniform only. Unless other rank is held, the member is also assigned the rank of Corporal in accordance with Article II.

Level 4 (not required, but will complete the impression)

Watch, Hack or Ordnance
Flashlight, TL 122 (-A), (-B), (-C)
Boots, Combat, M1943, 2-Buckle
Overcoat, Wool Melton, OD
Case, Jump, for Carbine, M1A1, khaki or OD (ABN Only)
Holster Assembly, Parachutist's Rifle "Griswold Bag" (ABN Only)
Holster, Hip, .45, M1916
Holster, Shoulder, .45, M3 OR Holster, Shoulder, .45, M7
Bag, General Purpose (GP or Ammo Bag)
Disc, Helmet, Luminous
Goggles, All Purpose, Polaroid
Case, Map/Dispatch, M1938, khaki
Binoculars, M3, w/case, M17
Knife, Pocket (switchblade), M2
Mask, Gas, Training, M2A1, w/"Kidney" bag
Mask, Gas, Assault, M5, w/case, rubberized
Rope, Parachutist's, (3/8" x 25', white cotton)
Panel, Drop Zone Marker, A1-140B, w/case
Footlocker, Plywood, OD
Pick-Mattock, w/case. OD or khaki
Web Gear, OD#7, including:
Cartridge or Pistol Belt (as described in Level 1)
Pouch, First Aid, M1942
Suspenders, Belt, M1943
Pack, Combat, M-1944 (Musette)
Cover, Canteen, M1942
Cover, Entrenching Tool, M1943
Case, Wire Cutters
Uniform, Parachute Jumper, "show quality" (ABN Only)
Vest, Life, B4
Parachute, T5, w/ reserve (ABN Only)

Again, Level Four Requirements are not mandatory. However, it is hoped that members will take into consideration that this equipment will create an accurate Airborne / Glider impression, and will strive to obtain as many items listed herein as possible.

Approved Weapons

Individual Served:

U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, M1, (Garand)
U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, M1903A4 w/ M73B1 Scope (Sniper)
U.S. Carbine, Caliber .30, M1 OR M1A1
WWII Configuration (No bayonet lug or Type 3 rear sight)
Rifle, Automatic, Browning, M1918, M1918A1 OR M1918A2 (BAR)
Sub-Machinegun, M1928, M1, OR M1A1 (Thompson)
Sub-Machinegun, M3 OR M3A1 (Grease-Gun)
Pistol, Automatic, Cal .45, M1911 or M1911A1
Pistol, Revolver, Cal .45, M1917
Pistol, Revolver, Cal .38, M10 (Victory Model)

*First Rifle to acquire and carry is the M1 Garand. This is the PRIMARY Weapon.

**Pistol does not count toward Level One Weapon Requirement.

***M1C and M1D Sniper rifles are not approved for use as they entered the ETO during Occupation, not before V-E Day.

Crew Served:

Machine Gun, Caliber .30, Light, Air Cooled, M1919A4 OR M1919A6
Launcher, Rocket, Anti-tank, M1, M1A1, M9, OR M9A1 (Bazooka)

**Recoiless Rifles are not approved for use as they entered the ETO in late March 1945 and first saw combat at the end of April 1945 with the 17th ABN.

Bayonets:

For U.S. Rifle, Caliber .30, M1 (Garand Only)

Bayonet, M1905, 16"
Bayonet, M1905E1, 10"
Bayonet, M1942, 16"
Bayonet, M1942E1, 10"
Bayonet, M1, 10"

   
   

Individual Item Descriptions & Buying Guide

Coat, Parachute Jumper, M1942  
Trousers, Parachute Jumper, M1942  
Cap, Garrison, OD Serge Wool or Khaki Cotton In February 1941 a new cap, based upon the World War I overseas cap, was standardized, eliminating the issue of the service cap. The service cap remained an optional item authorized for purchase and wear.  The new cap came in both olive drab wool serge and khaki cotton to match the service uniforms.  In June 1942, the specifications for the cap were modified slightly so that the body of the cap was slightly higher in the back.  Upon becoming branch qualified, each soldier was required to add appropriate branch colored piping to the edge of the side curtain of the cap. Since Fox Co. was airborne infantry, the correct color is light blue.
Helmet, M1 and M1C

After extensive research and development in 1940 and 1941, the Ordnance Department in cooperation with the Infantry Board and private industry developed a new steel helmet.  The body of the helmet was standardized in June 1941 as the M1.  It was made from a single piece of Hadfield Manganese steel with a stainless steel rim butted and spot welded in front. Spot welded to each side was a fixed stainless steel wire chinstrap loop.  The helmet was painted inside and out with an olive drab paint mixed with a cork aggregate, and two-piece khaki web chinstrap was stitch to the loops.  Because the paint did not adhere well to the stainless steel rim, it was changed to Manganese in 1944, and the butt of the rim moved to the back of the helmet.

The M1 helmet was designed to have a separate liner with a white rayon suspension system similar to that used in football helmets of the time.  The initial liner was made of two fiber shells glued together and covered with varnished cloth.  Use of the liners in the field quickly showed that they absorbed moisture and lost strength and durability.

In July 1941, the Quartermaster Department began the process of finding a suitable plastic Helmet, Steel, M1 liner for the M1 helmet.  In February 1942, a molded, resin impregnated cloth helmet lined was adopted and contracts let for immediate production.  The new liner had a suspension consisting of three loops of herringbone twill cotton tape riveted to the sides and tied together with a cord in the center. A leather and cloth headband was clipped to the suspension and could be sized adjusted with a buckle.  There was also an olive drab cotton neck band that snapped into the back of the suspension, and a russet leather chinstrap that attached to an interior stud on each side towards the front.

   
Uniform, Herringbone Cotton Twill

In May 1941 it was announced that the blue denim fatigue uniform would be phased out and replaced with an olive drab, herringbone cotton twill (HBT) uniform. The new uniform was single breasted with five black metal tack buttons in front, plus a waist band with two additional buttons. The jacket also had a notched lapel with a fall collar, and two patch-type breast pockets with a split pleat in the center and a flap secured by a single metal tack button.

The uniform was intended for both a fatigue and field use. In November 1942, and improved version was released.  Based on field experience, the breast pockets were made larger with a bellows gusset on the outer edge, and the waist band was eliminated.  Treated with an anti-vesicant compound, HBTs were also used as chemical protective garments, particularly during the Invasion of France in June 1944. In March 1943, a specification change was made, changing the color of HBTs to a darker Olive Drab Shade 7.

Either a hat or cap of the same olive drab herringbone twill cotton material could be worn with the HBT uniform.  The hat was generally worn for fatigue while the cap was intended for wear as a work cap by mechanics and others performing similar duties, but it also became popular as a combat field cap used by troops serving in the Pacific Theater.

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

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