The standard combat uniform of the United States Army during World War II was not a single, monolithic entity but rather an evolving ensemble of garments tailored to different operational environments and changing wartime needs. Understanding the Full Us Army Combat Uniform requires exploring its variations across the European and Pacific Theaters of Operations.
In the European Theater, the US Army combat uniform was largely defined by practicality in temperate and colder climates. Key components included field jackets designed for layering and protection against the elements. The M-1943 field jacket, pictured below, represented a significant improvement over its predecessor, the M-1941. Introduced in a darker olive drab cotton-poplin, the M-1943 phased out the earlier model with enhanced features. It was a single-breasted design with concealed buttons, incorporating two internal pockets, a detachable hood, a cotton-poplin liner, and an internal waist synch for a more tailored fit and improved warmth. Crucially, it offered better wind and water resistance compared to the M-1941. The 1941 version, in contrast, was an olive drab cotton-poplin windbreaker-style jacket lined with wool flannel. It featured a zipper, a roll collar, buttons, and slanted front pockets. Its looser fit and economical construction led to its adoption as a field replacement for the service coat.
Complementing the field jackets were other essential uniform items. Overcoats, constructed from thick wool melton, provided substantial warmth in colder conditions, although specific details are not pictured here. Service shirts, button-up garments made of olive drab wool flannel, featured two breast pockets and buttoned cuffs. Their collars were designed for wear with neckties, reflecting a degree of formality even within the combat uniform system. For trousers, the P1937 trousers, crafted from olive drab wool serge, were standard for both service and field duty. These button-fly, unlined trousers included diagonal side pockets, a single rear pocket, belt loops, and internal suspender buttons. Breeches at this time were relegated to mounted cavalry units, highlighting the changing nature of warfare. Later in the war, the M1943 trousers were introduced, made from unlined, darker olive drab cotton poplin. These trousers featured adjustment tabs at the ankles and waist and were designed to be worn over wool trousers in colder weather, adding a layer of adaptability to the combat uniform. Leg protection in the European theater initially involved M1938 leggings. These khaki or olive drab cotton canvas leggings were worn in conjunction with field service shoes. Laced up the side and secured with hooks and eyelets, they also featured an instep strap. However, the introduction of combat boots in 1943 rendered leggings obsolete, reflecting the evolution of footwear and field gear. Puttees, also previously used, were phased out earlier due to the shift away from trench warfare.
In the Pacific Theater of Operations, the US Army combat uniform adapted to the hot and humid jungle and island environments. Camouflage made its initial, albeit limited, appearance for US troops in WWII in the Pacific, a response to German camouflage usage in Europe. Pacific uniforms were often reversible, featuring a green color scheme for jungle terrain and a tan scheme for beaches, though these are not pictured. Jackets and trousers in the Pacific were primarily constructed from herringbone twill cotton. This unlined olive drab cotton fabric was chosen for its breathability and quick-drying properties, a significant advantage over wool in the tropical climate. The herringbone twill jacket was a single-breasted design with five buttons, two flap-secured breast pockets, and a roll collar intended to be worn open at the neck for ventilation. While designated as a jungle-desert combat outfit, some herringbone twill jackets were also issued to troops involved in the Normandy Invasion, modified with chemical agent protection, showcasing the adaptability of uniform components. The herringbone twill trousers mirrored the jacket in material, featuring an unlined construction, button fly, belt loops, and internal suspender buttons. A key distinguishing feature was the inclusion of large, flap-secured cargo pockets on each side, providing increased carrying capacity essential in jungle warfare.
The full US Army combat uniform in WWII, therefore, was a dynamic system, reflecting both theater-specific adaptations and ongoing improvements in design and materials. From the wool-based, layered uniforms of Europe to the breathable cotton twills of the Pacific, the US Army prioritized functionality and adaptability to equip its soldiers for diverse combat conditions.
