Uniforms, Gear and Weapons
1940-1945 Era
The United States Marine Corps purchased much of its gear under separate contracts than the other services due to the unique mission requirements of the Corps. This is reflected in some of the vast differences, not only in style but also in color, of the Marine gear of the period.
Combat Utilities, P1941. The standard WWII Marine combat uniform, approved as a general issue replacement for the blue denim and khaki field uniforms in November 1941, and issued in mid - 1942. It was two piece and made of sage-green herringbone twill (HBT) cotton. The jacket had three pockets, one upper and two lower, without flaps or closures. On the upper pocket was stenciled in black, the USMC insignia: an Eagle, Globe and Anchor, with the legend 'USMC' above it. The jacket was loose fitting and closed by four blackened steel buttons with 'U.S. MARINE CORPS' in relief. The trousers had two front slash pockets, two rear patch pockets and a watch pocket, with buttons the same design as those on the jacket. An issue cap was made of the same material, often being worn reversed underneath the M1 helmet.
Combat Utilities, Camouflage, P1942. The camouflage uniform was made very similiar to the sage green HBT, except the material was printed with a reversible green to brown camouflage pattern. The first issue of the camouflaged HBT uniform, in mid-1943, was to Marine Corps Raider units and scout snipers. By late 1943, the camouflage was being worn by some infantry units.
Undershirts and Drawers. Part of the standard uniform issue was white undershirts and drawers. It was a common practice, although not regulation, to dye the underclothes a forest green or brown color, for camouflage purposes.
Combat Boot, 'Boondocker'. The standard WWII Marine combat boot was made of rough-side-out leather and black composition rubber soles, and called the 'boondocker'. The standard issue was two pair. These ankle-high boots were generally worn with khaki canvas leggings.
M1941 Field Jacket. The standard issue field jacket to all the services throughout WWII until replaced by the model 1943 field jacket.
M1 Helmet. The standard issue helmet, from mid-1942 onwards, was the M-1941 (better known as the M-1). The manganese steel shell was worn over a hard plastic liner of identical shape. The camouflage helmet cover, first worn at Tarawa in late 1943, was made of HBT material and had a reversible green to brown pattern designed for use in tropical environments.
Poncho, Camouflage. The camouflage poncho was first issued in 1943. It was made of double weight material with a green camouflage on one side, and brown on the other. The poncho could also be used as a makeshift shelter.
Tent, Shelter Half. Each Marine was issued one shelter half, one pole, five pegs and one guy line. Up until late 1943, only khaki shelter halfs were issued. After late 1943, camouflage shelter halfs began being issued, but only to new troops or as replacements to damaged halfs.
Web Gear. The standard issue web gear for the Marines in WWII after mid-1942 consisted of the M1928 cartridge belt, model 1941 Marine Corps belt suspenders (designed to support the weight of the cartridge belt and the pack), canteen and cup with cover (often worn in pairs, one on each hip), first aid packet and pouch, mess gear (consisting of a meat can with cover and knife, fork and spoon), a pack (model 1941) consisting of a haversack and knapsack, a blanket, an entrenching tool - shovel (M1912 T-handle or M1943 folding shovel - issued after late 1943) or pick mattock. Although issued, the service gasmask was rarely carried.
Original Uniform Examples and Resources:
Circa-1944 US Marine Infantryman
Rank Structure and Insignia of the United States Marine Corps (WWII Era)
Special thanks to:
Laurent Mirouze and Europa Militaria for "World War II Infantry: In Colour - Photographs"
Guido Rosignoli and MacMillan Publishing for "Army Badges and Insignia of World War 2"
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