The uniforms worn by the U.S. Army during the Korean War were significantly influenced by the designs and materials used in World War II. Understanding the evolution of these uniforms provides valuable insight into the practical needs of soldiers in different combat environments. This article explores key aspects of U.S. Army field uniforms, drawing upon the established designs from the European and Pacific Theaters of Operations in WWII, which served as a foundation for the gear used in Korea.
European Theater of Operations
The European theater during WWII necessitated uniforms that could withstand colder, wetter climates. The U.S. Army developed several key pieces of field wear to meet these demands.
Field Jackets
Two primary field jacket designs were prominent: the 1941 and the improved 1943 model. The 1943 field jacket, pictured below, marked a significant upgrade. Constructed from a darker olive drab cotton-poplin, it replaced the earlier 1941 version. Key improvements included hidden buttons for better snag resistance and the addition of practical interior pockets. Furthermore, a detachable hood and a cotton-poplin liner enhanced its adaptability to varying weather conditions. An internal synching tie allowed for a closer fit, improving warmth and mobility. This jacket was also treated to be more wind- and water-resistant, crucial for the European climate. In contrast, the 1941 jacket, an olive drab cotton-poplin windbreaker, featured a wool flannel lining, a zipper closure, a roll collar, and slanted front pockets. Its looser, more economical design led to its adoption as a field replacement for the heavier service coat.
Overcoats
For extreme cold, the overcoat was essential. Made from a dense wool melton fabric with a soft surface, it provided substantial warmth.
Service Shirts
The standard service shirt was a button-up style made of olive drab wool flannel. It included two breast pockets and buttoned cuffs. The collar was designed for wear with a necktie, reflecting the more formal uniform standards of the time, even in field settings.
P1937 Trousers
Constructed from olive drab wool serge, the P1937 trousers were versatile, suitable for both service and field wear. These unlined trousers featured a button fly, diagonal side pockets, a single rear pocket, belt loops, and internal suspender buttons. Breeches, at this point, were largely relegated to mounted cavalry units, highlighting the shift away from traditional horse-mounted warfare.
M1943 Trousers
Introduced midway through World War II, the M1943 trousers were designed for improved functionality. Made from a darker shade of olive drab cotton poplin, they were unlined and featured adjustment tabs at the ankles and waist. This design allowed them to be worn over wool trousers in colder conditions, offering an adaptable layering system.
M1938 Leggings
Worn in conjunction with field service shoes, the M1938 leggings were made of khaki or olive drab cotton canvas. They were laced up the side and secured with hooks and eyelets, with an under-instep strap for a snug fit. The introduction of combat boots in 1943 gradually eliminated the need for leggings, reflecting advancements in footwear design and the decline of trench warfare, for which leggings had been partly intended. Puttees, another form of leg wrap, were also phased out for similar reasons.
Pacific Theater of Operations
In the Pacific theater, the U.S. Army encountered vastly different conditions, primarily hot and humid jungle environments. Camouflage was first utilized by U.S. troops in WWII in the Pacific, predating its use by Germans in Europe, although it was not widespread. Uniforms were often reversible, featuring a green color scheme for jungle environments and a tan scheme for beaches.
Jackets
For the Pacific, herringbone twill cotton was chosen for unlined olive drab jackets. This material was lighter and quicker-drying than wool, crucial in the humid climate. These single-breasted jackets had five buttons, two flap-secured breast pockets, and a roll collar designed to be worn open at the neck for better ventilation. While designated for jungle-desert combat, some herringbone twill jackets were also issued to troops involved in the Normandy Invasion, modified with added chemical agent protection, demonstrating the adaptability of these designs.
Trousers
Like the jackets, trousers for the Pacific theater were also made from herringbone twill cotton in olive drab. They were unlined, featuring a button fly, belt loops, and internal suspender buttons. A key feature was the inclusion of large flap-secured cargo pockets on each side, providing increased carrying capacity for soldiers in the field.
These WWII-era uniform designs, particularly the field jackets and adaptable layering systems, served as crucial precedents for the uniforms and equipment developed and utilized by the U.S. Army during the Korean War. The lessons learned in both the European and Pacific theaters directly informed the evolution of military apparel for subsequent conflicts.
