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CAP, GARRISON, OD with Insignia and Piping.
Sometimes called an overseas cap (after its Great War predecessor) this item of headgear was made in olive drab wool serge, for those occasions where the
helmet was not necessary. Early war caps had an expanding box pleat in the top, which are pattern preferred for the D-Day period we depict. To simplify
construction and conserve material, the caps were re-designed very later in the war to have a square cut top. The edges of the cap were invariably piped
in the colour of branch of service
NECKTIE, COTTON, MOHAIR, KHAKI
With the adoption of the open necked service coat, the US Army adopted a black cotton tie for formal functions, however by 1940 this had become black
mohair which, by 1942 had become substituted for a light olive drab mohair finish. Photographic evidence suggests ties were never worn in combat
although General Patton was insistent that all soldiers in the 3d Army carried their ties and fines were issued for soldiers that refused to wear them. One
presumes his logic is that would smarten the troops up or give them a potential tourniquet. Fortunately, after Sicily, the 1st Division and Patton seldom
worked together.
SHIRT, FLANNEL, OD, COAT STYLE
Like the wool trousers, every GI received two wool shirts. The phrase coat style is because it opened fully at the front unlike the "pull over" predecessors
and had two breast pockets with button down flaps. The shirt came in two types - 'regular' and 'special', the only difference being the special had a gas
flap behind the buttons and gussets to protect against vesicant chemicals. Some shirts also have a pair of buttons underneath the collar intended as
fastenings for the gas hood. Many soldiers removed the gas flaps as they added thickness and bulk when worn with their Class A & B uniform.
UNDERSHIRT, COTTON, SUMMER, SLEEVELESS, OD
Like the under shorts, each GI was issued five singlets. These too, were initially white at the start of the war, but due to camouflage reasons, production
was changed to olive drab cotton. Original undershirts are available as are very good reproductions and, like the GI under shorts, the choice between
original and reproduction is left to the individual's scruples.
COAT, WOOL, SERGE,OD,18OZ
The Coat, Wool Serge, OD is also called the "service coat". In 1939 a design was approved for procurement in 1940 that was very similar to the Army
coat in use since 1926 -- an all purpose 18-ounce wool serge material coat that was intended for all uses. That is, the coat was to be worn in garrison as
part of a dress uniform and then the same garment was to be used in the field. To facilitate this dual use, the 1939 design of the coat was provided with a
"bi-swing back", a set of pleats that gave extended freedom of movement (photo, left). The coat was somewhat form-fitting, had a half-belt 1.5 inches
wide, and had two lower bellows pockets and two breast pockets. By the beginning of 1941 the Jacket, Field OD (M41 or Parson's Jacket) was in quantity
production and being issued to troops. That jacket marked a change in thinking so that functional clothing was to be used in the field, separate from
barracks, garrison, or dress uniforms. As a result the Coat, Wool Serge, OD or Service Coat was no longer seen as a field coat -- in effect becoming a dress
coat -- and the necessity for the pleated back came into question. It was suggested early in 1941 at the Office of the Quartermaster General (OQMG) that
the "bi-swing back" could be eliminated to improve the appearance of the garment and to decrease its cost of manufacture and use of scarce wool cloth
material. In June 1942 the "Revised Service Coat" was ready for issue without the side pleats in back and with simplified lower, inside pockets that were
flat instead of bellows style (since this was no longer a field jacket). The revised design had no belt.
The revised service coat of 1942 remained for use as a dress uniform for enlisted men around camp and on pass or furlough. It was noted that whenever
soldiers moved from a rear area to combat zones, the wool serge coat was left behind. This led to the adoption of the Ike Jacket in the ETO as a wool jacket
that could be used for both combat and rear area purposes. Although the OD wool Ike jacket was officially adopted in 1944 to replace it, the service coat
remained in use throughout the war and beyond, although rarely in forward areas.
DRAWERS,COTTON,SHORTS, OD
According to the table of issue, every GI received five pairs of under shorts. Early in the war, they were white, but as the war progressed, and interests of
camouflage, they were produced in olive drab colour. They had three buttons at the waistband and had -in lieu of elastic tie fasteners for final
adjustment. While un-issued and reproduction underwear is available (and surprisingly comfortable) this is one area of authenticity we leave to the
individual's conscience!
BELT, WEB,WAIST, EM, M-1937
Every soldier was issued one of these trouser belts. At 1 1/4 inch width, the belt had a metal tip and an "open face" buckle, which is a design still in
service today. While "Closed face buckles", akin to those worn by officers, were sold at the PX, we insist on the "open face" type, which was more typical of
the type issued to the enlisted man.
TROUSERS, WOOL, SERGE, OD, LIGHT SHADE
On entering the service, every soldier was issued two pairs of wool or more accurately 18-ounce serge trousers. The trousers have two side seam pockets,
a watch pocket on the right front waistband and two rear hip pockets. Because they are made from a lighter shade material than the service coat and, to
differentiate them from the darker, later war production runs, they have earned the anachronistic term of "mustards" by collectors. The cut of the wool
trousers was improved following combat experience in North Africa, the most notably being the increase of the seat by two inches and the addition of an
anti-gas flap across the fly. Later runs had flaps covering the rear pocket opening and button and tab adjusters at the bottom of the leg.
SOCKS, WOOL, CUSHION SOLE, OD
There were two types of socks for the infantryman cotton and wool and every soldier was issued three pairs of each. While original socks are available,
modern military examples are acceptable and, longer lasting.
SHOES, SERVICE, COMPOSITION SOLE (TYPEII)
The Army approached World War II with the Type I service shoe - an ankle height, chromed, brown leather boot - with a toe cap and plain leather sole. It
quickly became clear that the service shoes soles quickly wore out and, consequently, were unlikely to withstand the punishment of combat. The
solution was the unimaginatively titled Type II service shoe, which featured a composite rubber tap (sole) and heel. In mid-1943, combat experience
revealed areas for design change, resulting in the creation of the Type III service shoe. Anachronistically called rough-outs by collectors to describe their
appearance, they were constructed with the flesh side of the leather on the outside of the shoe, which was easier to break in, more comfortable and, in
theory, capable of absorbing dubbing and gas proofing pastes more easily. Unfortunately, the shoe tended to absorb water equally well. This problem
would also afflict the M-1943 combat boot, which used the Type III as the basis of its construction.
OVERCOAT, WOOL, MELTON,OD,ROLL COLLAR, 32OZ
The overcoat was a double-breasted wool garment with two slash side pockets, epaulettes and a buttoned half-belt in the back that could be loosened to
allow the wearer greater manoeuvrability. It originally had brass buttons, but in 1942, the buttons were replaced with plastic to conserve materials.
While it was very smart, unfortunately, it wasnt particularly effective as a combat garment, being stiff, tight fitting and heavy (especially when wet)
while the length of the coat tended to impede movement when marching or fighting. As such, it was to be replaced by the layering system of the M-1943
combat uniform and consequently was relegated to use with the service uniform and formal dress. However, shortfalls in the production of the M-1943
combat uniform and lack of warm clothing meant that stocks of overcoats had to be rushed to Europe for the winter campaign.
Sometimes called an overseas cap (after its Great War predecessor) this item of headgear was made in olive drab wool serge, for those occasions where the
helmet was not necessary. Early war caps had an expanding box pleat in the top, which are pattern preferred for the D-Day period we depict. To simplify
construction and conserve material, the caps were re-designed very later in the war to have a square cut top. The edges of the cap were invariably piped
in the colour of branch of service
NECKTIE, COTTON, MOHAIR, KHAKI
With the adoption of the open necked service coat, the US Army adopted a black cotton tie for formal functions, however by 1940 this had become black
mohair which, by 1942 had become substituted for a light olive drab mohair finish. Photographic evidence suggests ties were never worn in combat
although General Patton was insistent that all soldiers in the 3d Army carried their ties and fines were issued for soldiers that refused to wear them. One
presumes his logic is that would smarten the troops up or give them a potential tourniquet. Fortunately, after Sicily, the 1st Division and Patton seldom
worked together.
SHIRT, FLANNEL, OD, COAT STYLE
Like the wool trousers, every GI received two wool shirts. The phrase coat style is because it opened fully at the front unlike the "pull over" predecessors
and had two breast pockets with button down flaps. The shirt came in two types - 'regular' and 'special', the only difference being the special had a gas
flap behind the buttons and gussets to protect against vesicant chemicals. Some shirts also have a pair of buttons underneath the collar intended as
fastenings for the gas hood. Many soldiers removed the gas flaps as they added thickness and bulk when worn with their Class A & B uniform.
UNDERSHIRT, COTTON, SUMMER, SLEEVELESS, OD
Like the under shorts, each GI was issued five singlets. These too, were initially white at the start of the war, but due to camouflage reasons, production
was changed to olive drab cotton. Original undershirts are available as are very good reproductions and, like the GI under shorts, the choice between
original and reproduction is left to the individual's scruples.
COAT, WOOL, SERGE,OD,18OZ
The Coat, Wool Serge, OD is also called the "service coat". In 1939 a design was approved for procurement in 1940 that was very similar to the Army
coat in use since 1926 -- an all purpose 18-ounce wool serge material coat that was intended for all uses. That is, the coat was to be worn in garrison as
part of a dress uniform and then the same garment was to be used in the field. To facilitate this dual use, the 1939 design of the coat was provided with a
"bi-swing back", a set of pleats that gave extended freedom of movement (photo, left). The coat was somewhat form-fitting, had a half-belt 1.5 inches
wide, and had two lower bellows pockets and two breast pockets. By the beginning of 1941 the Jacket, Field OD (M41 or Parson's Jacket) was in quantity
production and being issued to troops. That jacket marked a change in thinking so that functional clothing was to be used in the field, separate from
barracks, garrison, or dress uniforms. As a result the Coat, Wool Serge, OD or Service Coat was no longer seen as a field coat -- in effect becoming a dress
coat -- and the necessity for the pleated back came into question. It was suggested early in 1941 at the Office of the Quartermaster General (OQMG) that
the "bi-swing back" could be eliminated to improve the appearance of the garment and to decrease its cost of manufacture and use of scarce wool cloth
material. In June 1942 the "Revised Service Coat" was ready for issue without the side pleats in back and with simplified lower, inside pockets that were
flat instead of bellows style (since this was no longer a field jacket). The revised design had no belt.
The revised service coat of 1942 remained for use as a dress uniform for enlisted men around camp and on pass or furlough. It was noted that whenever
soldiers moved from a rear area to combat zones, the wool serge coat was left behind. This led to the adoption of the Ike Jacket in the ETO as a wool jacket
that could be used for both combat and rear area purposes. Although the OD wool Ike jacket was officially adopted in 1944 to replace it, the service coat
remained in use throughout the war and beyond, although rarely in forward areas.
DRAWERS,COTTON,SHORTS, OD
According to the table of issue, every GI received five pairs of under shorts. Early in the war, they were white, but as the war progressed, and interests of
camouflage, they were produced in olive drab colour. They had three buttons at the waistband and had -in lieu of elastic tie fasteners for final
adjustment. While un-issued and reproduction underwear is available (and surprisingly comfortable) this is one area of authenticity we leave to the
individual's conscience!
BELT, WEB,WAIST, EM, M-1937
Every soldier was issued one of these trouser belts. At 1 1/4 inch width, the belt had a metal tip and an "open face" buckle, which is a design still in
service today. While "Closed face buckles", akin to those worn by officers, were sold at the PX, we insist on the "open face" type, which was more typical of
the type issued to the enlisted man.
TROUSERS, WOOL, SERGE, OD, LIGHT SHADE
On entering the service, every soldier was issued two pairs of wool or more accurately 18-ounce serge trousers. The trousers have two side seam pockets,
a watch pocket on the right front waistband and two rear hip pockets. Because they are made from a lighter shade material than the service coat and, to
differentiate them from the darker, later war production runs, they have earned the anachronistic term of "mustards" by collectors. The cut of the wool
trousers was improved following combat experience in North Africa, the most notably being the increase of the seat by two inches and the addition of an
anti-gas flap across the fly. Later runs had flaps covering the rear pocket opening and button and tab adjusters at the bottom of the leg.
SOCKS, WOOL, CUSHION SOLE, OD
There were two types of socks for the infantryman cotton and wool and every soldier was issued three pairs of each. While original socks are available,
modern military examples are acceptable and, longer lasting.
SHOES, SERVICE, COMPOSITION SOLE (TYPEII)
The Army approached World War II with the Type I service shoe - an ankle height, chromed, brown leather boot - with a toe cap and plain leather sole. It
quickly became clear that the service shoes soles quickly wore out and, consequently, were unlikely to withstand the punishment of combat. The
solution was the unimaginatively titled Type II service shoe, which featured a composite rubber tap (sole) and heel. In mid-1943, combat experience
revealed areas for design change, resulting in the creation of the Type III service shoe. Anachronistically called rough-outs by collectors to describe their
appearance, they were constructed with the flesh side of the leather on the outside of the shoe, which was easier to break in, more comfortable and, in
theory, capable of absorbing dubbing and gas proofing pastes more easily. Unfortunately, the shoe tended to absorb water equally well. This problem
would also afflict the M-1943 combat boot, which used the Type III as the basis of its construction.
OVERCOAT, WOOL, MELTON,OD,ROLL COLLAR, 32OZ
The overcoat was a double-breasted wool garment with two slash side pockets, epaulettes and a buttoned half-belt in the back that could be loosened to
allow the wearer greater manoeuvrability. It originally had brass buttons, but in 1942, the buttons were replaced with plastic to conserve materials.
While it was very smart, unfortunately, it wasnt particularly effective as a combat garment, being stiff, tight fitting and heavy (especially when wet)
while the length of the coat tended to impede movement when marching or fighting. As such, it was to be replaced by the layering system of the M-1943
combat uniform and consequently was relegated to use with the service uniform and formal dress. However, shortfalls in the production of the M-1943
combat uniform and lack of warm clothing meant that stocks of overcoats had to be rushed to Europe for the winter campaign.
| Insignia for the Service Uniform |
Each of the various arms and services of the Army of the United States has its own distinctive marks
and insignia. These were worn to aid unit recognition and to breed and esprit de corps among the
men. The insignia authorised for wear upon the Winter Service Coat has been defined with the
following in mind
That the insignia reflect the adopted identity of the unit
That the insignia reflect the honours awarded to that unit circa June 1944
That the insignia in no way implies that the individual has engaged in combat or that the individual
has awards for wounds or for valorous conduct. This third criteria is especially important as the unit
feels that it would he dishonourable to veterans to wear such awards
ARM OF SERVICE INSIGNIA
The HAT CORD. The colour of the hat cord is used to distinguish the arm of service to which a soldier
belongs. For the infantry the colour is Sky Blue. The 'cord' is worn as piping around the Garrison Cap.
We base our displays on the soldier of the 16th Infantry Regiment before D-Day. While we
wear insignia pertinent to the unit at that time unit citations, fourragare, rank insignia,
etc, we do not wear awards for valour.
Our only concession to authenticity is the wearing of a single regimental crest on our
garrison caps as marks of recognition and respect to the men of the 16th Regiment.
and insignia. These were worn to aid unit recognition and to breed and esprit de corps among the
men. The insignia authorised for wear upon the Winter Service Coat has been defined with the
following in mind
That the insignia reflect the adopted identity of the unit
That the insignia reflect the honours awarded to that unit circa June 1944
That the insignia in no way implies that the individual has engaged in combat or that the individual
has awards for wounds or for valorous conduct. This third criteria is especially important as the unit
feels that it would he dishonourable to veterans to wear such awards
ARM OF SERVICE INSIGNIA
The HAT CORD. The colour of the hat cord is used to distinguish the arm of service to which a soldier
belongs. For the infantry the colour is Sky Blue. The 'cord' is worn as piping around the Garrison Cap.
We base our displays on the soldier of the 16th Infantry Regiment before D-Day. While we
wear insignia pertinent to the unit at that time unit citations, fourragare, rank insignia,
etc, we do not wear awards for valour.
Our only concession to authenticity is the wearing of a single regimental crest on our
garrison caps as marks of recognition and respect to the men of the 16th Regiment.
Metal INSIGNIA.
Two brass discs worn upon the upper lapel of the Service
Coat also serve to indicate ARM of service. One disc shows
"U.S." for the regular army, the other depicts a pair of
crossed rifles to designate infantry.
DISTINCTIVE INSIGNIA.
Each regiment has a heraldic crest, which describes its
heritage and ancestry. The 16th Infantrys crest was
approved in 1926 and has a background of blue and white
vair, taken from the mediaeval coat of arms for the town of
Fleville, which the unit captured in WWI. The crossed
arrow and bolo represents the units involvement in the
Indian wars and suppression of the Philippine insurrection
respectively. At the centre bottom is a representation of a
five bastioned fort, which the unit adopted from the badge
of the Fifth Corp whilst serving under them in Cuba. The
regimental crests were to be worn on the garrison cap and
both lapels of the service coat; however, this peacetime
nicety fell by the wayside, presumably to free industry and
materials for more productive contributions to the war
effort. At the end of hostilities, the tradition of regimental
crests resumed, with German companies being used to
meet initial demand. We allow one crest to be worn on the
garrison cap as a mark of recognition and respect to the
men we represent. This is our only permitted concession to
authenticity.
Two brass discs worn upon the upper lapel of the Service
Coat also serve to indicate ARM of service. One disc shows
"U.S." for the regular army, the other depicts a pair of
crossed rifles to designate infantry.
DISTINCTIVE INSIGNIA.
Each regiment has a heraldic crest, which describes its
heritage and ancestry. The 16th Infantrys crest was
approved in 1926 and has a background of blue and white
vair, taken from the mediaeval coat of arms for the town of
Fleville, which the unit captured in WWI. The crossed
arrow and bolo represents the units involvement in the
Indian wars and suppression of the Philippine insurrection
respectively. At the centre bottom is a representation of a
five bastioned fort, which the unit adopted from the badge
of the Fifth Corp whilst serving under them in Cuba. The
regimental crests were to be worn on the garrison cap and
both lapels of the service coat; however, this peacetime
nicety fell by the wayside, presumably to free industry and
materials for more productive contributions to the war
effort. At the end of hostilities, the tradition of regimental
crests resumed, with German companies being used to
meet initial demand. We allow one crest to be worn on the
garrison cap as a mark of recognition and respect to the
men we represent. This is our only permitted concession to
authenticity.
AMERICAN DEFENCE SERVICE MEDAL
Issued to military personnel on ACTIVE federal service of 12 months or longer and
who in discharge of such service served at ANY time between September 8d 1939,
and December 7th 1941. Ribbon: Yellow with narrow red white and blue stripes near
the edge. The ribbon is worn on the left breast, above the pocket nearest the collar
AMERICAN THEATRE CAMPAIGN MEDAL
For service in WWII OUTSIDE the continental United States. Ribbon: Blue with
narrow red white combination of narrow black and white stripes representing
Germany, and narrow red and white stripes representing Japan. near each end. The
ribbon is worn above the left breast pocket next to the American Defence Service
Medal.
EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL
The European-African-Middle Eastern (EAME) Campaign Medal was awarded to
personnel for service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater between 7
December 1941 and 8 November 1945 under any of the following conditions:
(1) On permanent assignment.
(2) In a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 days
not consecutive.
(3) In active combat against the enemy and was awarded a combat decoration or
furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or
independent force that he actually participated in combat.
Issued to military personnel on ACTIVE federal service of 12 months or longer and
who in discharge of such service served at ANY time between September 8d 1939,
and December 7th 1941. Ribbon: Yellow with narrow red white and blue stripes near
the edge. The ribbon is worn on the left breast, above the pocket nearest the collar
AMERICAN THEATRE CAMPAIGN MEDAL
For service in WWII OUTSIDE the continental United States. Ribbon: Blue with
narrow red white combination of narrow black and white stripes representing
Germany, and narrow red and white stripes representing Japan. near each end. The
ribbon is worn above the left breast pocket next to the American Defence Service
Medal.
EUROPEAN-AFRICAN-MIDDLE EASTERN CAMPAIGN MEDAL
The European-African-Middle Eastern (EAME) Campaign Medal was awarded to
personnel for service within the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater between 7
December 1941 and 8 November 1945 under any of the following conditions:
(1) On permanent assignment.
(2) In a passenger status or on temporary duty for 30 consecutive days or 60 days
not consecutive.
(3) In active combat against the enemy and was awarded a combat decoration or
furnished a certificate by the commanding general of a corps, higher unit, or
independent force that he actually participated in combat.
PRESIDENTIAL UNIT CITATION.
This represents the citation awarded
to both the 1st and 2nd Battalions for
the Sicily campaign of July/August
1943.
The device is a blue ribbon set in a
gold coloured metal frame of laurel
leaves. It is worn above the right
breast pocket centred over the flap
button
This represents the citation awarded
to both the 1st and 2nd Battalions for
the Sicily campaign of July/August
1943.
The device is a blue ribbon set in a
gold coloured metal frame of laurel
leaves. It is worn above the right
breast pocket centred over the flap
button
FOURAGERRE
This was awarded to the regiment by the French
government for its service during World War One. All
members of the regiment are authorised to wear it
looped upon the left shoulder, as per regulation. It
consists of a single cord, braided and knotted, of dark
green and scarlet threads terminated at the shoulder
end with a buttonhole and at the free end by a ferret
of metal..
This was awarded to the regiment by the French
government for its service during World War One. All
members of the regiment are authorised to wear it
looped upon the left shoulder, as per regulation. It
consists of a single cord, braided and knotted, of dark
green and scarlet threads terminated at the shoulder
end with a buttonhole and at the free end by a ferret
of metal..
| 1ST DIVISION SHOULDER INSIGNIA. This is the Divisional Patch, Located on the upper part of the outer half of the left sleeve of the service coat. It was also authorised to be worn on the overcoat and field jacket . The top of the patch was to be 1/2 inch below top of the shoulder seam Click patch to see WW2 Patches |
BADGE FOR QUALIFICATION IN THE USE OF ARMS
Issued as a Result of qualification in weapons designated as the principle
arm.
The weapon is indicated by a bar attached below the badge. The badge is
attached to the left breast pocket flat, above and centred upon the
button. It is worn centred between the left edge of the pocket flap and the
button if worn in combination with the drivers' badge.
Rifle, Machinegun, B.A.R, Pistol, Grenade, Carbine, Bayonet,
Flamethrower
Issued as a Result of qualification in weapons designated as the principle
arm.
The weapon is indicated by a bar attached below the badge. The badge is
attached to the left breast pocket flat, above and centred upon the
button. It is worn centred between the left edge of the pocket flap and the
button if worn in combination with the drivers' badge.
Rifle, Machinegun, B.A.R, Pistol, Grenade, Carbine, Bayonet,
Flamethrower
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