The uniforms worn by the United States Army during World War II were crucial for equipping soldiers for diverse environments, from the cold European winters to the humid Pacific jungles. These uniforms evolved throughout the war, adapting to the changing needs of combat and climate. This guide explores the key uniform components used in the European and Pacific theaters of operations.
European Theater of Operations
The European theater demanded uniforms that could withstand cold and wet conditions. Several key items were essential for the American soldier in this region.
Field Jackets
Two primary field jacket designs were utilized: the M-1941 and the M-1943. The earlier M-1941 jacket was a windbreaker-style garment made of olive drab cotton-poplin lined with wool flannel. It featured a zipper, button closures, a roll collar, and slanted front pockets. Designed to be loose-fitting and economical, it replaced the service coat in field conditions.
The M-1943 field jacket, introduced later in the war, was designed to improve upon its predecessor. Constructed from darker olive drab cotton-poplin, this jacket was more wind- and water-resistant. It incorporated hidden buttons for a cleaner front, two interior pockets for added utility, a detachable hood for varied weather protection, and a cotton-poplin liner for warmth. An internal synching tie allowed for a more tailored fit, enhancing comfort and mobility. The M-1943 effectively phased out the M-1941 as the standard field jacket.
Overcoats
For extreme cold, soldiers were issued overcoats made from wool melton. This dense, thick fabric with a soft surface provided significant warmth in harsh winter conditions.
Service Shirts
The standard service shirt was a button-up style made of olive drab wool flannel. It featured two breast pockets and buttoned cuffs. The collar was designed to be worn with a necktie, although ties were not typically worn in combat situations.
P1937 Trousers
P1937 Trousers, crafted from olive drab wool serge, were versatile trousers used for both service and field duty. These unlined trousers featured a button fly, diagonal side pockets, a single rear pocket, belt loops, and internal suspender buttons. Breeches were by this point largely relegated to ceremonial use, primarily by mounted units which were becoming increasingly rare.
M1943 Trousers
Introduced mid-war, M1943 trousers were designed as an improvement for field wear. Constructed from a darker shade of olive drab cotton poplin, these trousers were unlined. Adjustment tabs at the ankles and waist allowed for a customizable fit, and they were designed to be worn over wool trousers in colder climates for added insulation.
M1938 Leggings
M1938 Leggings, made of khaki or olive drab cotton canvas, were worn in conjunction with field service shoes. These leggings laced up the side and were secured with hooks and eyelets, featuring an instep strap for a snug fit. With the introduction of combat boots in 1943, leggings became obsolete for troops equipped with the new footwear. The shift away from trench warfare also rendered puttees, an earlier form of leg protection, unnecessary.
Pacific Theater of Operations
In the Pacific Theater, the focus shifted to uniforms suitable for hot, humid jungle and island environments. Camouflage was first adopted by US troops in WWII in this theater, although it was not widespread. This was in part to distinguish themselves from German forces who were already using camouflage in Europe. Pacific uniforms were often reversible, featuring a green scheme for jungle terrain and a tan scheme for beaches.
Jackets
Jackets designed for the Pacific were made from herringbone twill cotton. This unlined olive drab fabric was chosen for its breathability and quick-drying properties, a significant advantage over wool in tropical climates. The single-breasted jacket featured five buttons, two flap-secured breast pockets, and a roll collar designed to be worn open at the neck for ventilation. While designated for jungle-desert combat, some herringbone twill jackets were also issued to troops involved in the Normandy Invasion, treated for protection against chemical agents.
Trousers
Trousers for the Pacific theater also utilized herringbone twill cotton in olive drab for the same reasons of breathability and quick drying. These unlined trousers had a button fly, belt loops, and internal suspender buttons. A key feature was the addition of large flap-secured cargo pockets on each side, providing extra carrying capacity essential in jungle warfare.
