WWII US GI uniform advice requested

[Badluck Brody]

Ok I'm going to jump into a GI impression and would like both a combat uniform and also a sutable garrison uniform. If I'm correct, the Ike combo was often worn under the standard field jacket. which would allow this set...

http://onlinemilitaria.net/shopexd.asp?id=2363&bc=no

If not I would have to lean toward

http://onlinemilitaria.net/shopexd.asp?id=2528&bc=no

Any thoughts??

I would like to invest in a single set and build on. But the way typical supply runs who knows what was common!!!???

Thanks again

 

[Teekay44]

The Ike jacket was used as a dress uniform. The use of it as a layer in combat under the M43 jacket was extremely rare. The Ike was IMHO the uniform most of th GI's came home in. I believe that the 4 pocket service jacket was worn more during the war when a Class A was needed.

The wool shirt/pants was the standard combat gear in temperate climates. You see them in almost all the pictures of GI's from North Africa on to the end of the war. Those with leggings, service shoes (rough out or toe-caped), and a "41" field jacket was the standard combat wear for most GI. You can't go wrong with that for field wear.

The field jacket, no leggings (leggings were worn when on duty ie MP's), necktie and OS cap was worn for Class B. (toe-caped service shoes were worn when possible for this)

 

[DutchIndo]

The "Class As" believe it or not was actually a combat uniform ! The M-41 Field Jacket replaced the "Service coat" which like the "Ike" Jacket was used for Garrison. The basic wool shirt and trousers were used for both combat and Garrison. Boots were also used in both situations but one had a good pair and a field pair. Read through WPG website he spells alot of this out. The American was the best dressed / supplied soldier in WWII. Look at the limey his gear was Basic Basic.

 

[Badluck Brody]

Thanks!

I'll be going with the wool then for an easy cross over from garrison to field!!

Thanks for the push in the right direction everyone!!

 

[MrBern]

Keep in mind that the Ike jkt wasnt issued til very late in the war. So if youre doing a reenactmnt that takes place in `41-43, the uniform would be anachronous.

It was also a concern by the Quartermaster that troops preferred to wear the Ike jkt out for drinks, so they usually wouldnt wear them in the field or under combat coats.

BTW, are you doing the ETO or the PTO. You could get khakis & services shoes w/ gaitors & the WWI style helmet for a PearlHarbor or Phillipine Island impression.

 

[Badluck Brody]

excellent idea!!

Sounds like more trouble... I like it!!

 

[Story]

Ok I'm going to jump into a GI impression and would like both a combat uniform and also a sutable garrison uniform.

Do you plan to join a pre-existing reenactment unit?
The 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th ID seems to be in your area. Here's their uniform requirements page.
http://home.comcast.net/~30thhrs/equip/eqlist.html
You might want to contact them first.

 

[Badluck Brody]

actually

I have some buddies I grew up, with who just put together a unit. I believe this will be their 2nd or 3rd year... and since loyalty is the best policy!!

Thanks for the referral!