Clothing and Equipment

      In the reenacting hobby, the words “authenticity” and "accuracy" are used and play a very crucial part to the impression. It is important that everything that is worn, used, or do in this hobby should be authentic and accurate to the time period.  For World War II, there are still many original items available and in the past 10 years, quality reproductions have become available.  There is much to learn about uniforms and equipment of World War II.  Even though an item may be Army issue, "green" and has US stamped on it, does not indicate that the article is appropriate for the impression.  Do not visit the local surplus store expecting to find World War II uniforms and equipment.  Even though it is an M-1 Helmet, does not mean it is a World War II M-1 helmet (there is a difference).  Therefore, before a participant begins to purchase items necessary for the impression, seek assistance from one of the other members of the unit.  This way, money will not be wasted on items that can not be used (a mentor will assist in this project).  It will cost less to do it right the first time than to try and get by with something that is not correct and that can not be used.

      Authenticity and accuracy are defined as having the correct uniforms and equipment, and not the “it's close enough” or "nobody will notice" attitude.  All uniforms, equipment, and weapons will be appropriate to the 7^th Infantry Regiment, 3^rd Infantry Division during their service in World War II up to June 1, 1944.  Any modifications of the standard uniform and equipment will be made accordingly for each specific event and time frame being portrayed.  The impression that is being portrayed is that of the average line soldier or "grunt", this is not an "elite specialty" unit.

      The following listed uniforms and equipment is the essentials required for the basic impression.  This may seem like a lot of equipment and uniforms, and it is.  But it is the basic kit of what the soldier would have had issued to him.  If the participant is new to the hobby, it is not necessary to everything for the first event. However, the participant will need to have the basic field items, which would be the olive drab (OD) wool uniform, service shoes (ankle high boots), leggings, jacket, web gear, rifle, and helmet. Other items may be acquired as they are found.  The good thing about Army items is that they were all dated.  All World War II items need to be dated prior to 1944 for purchase and use. Some items that are dated later can be used but the participant must know what they are and some that some things dated 1944 can not be used.  Research is the key to this hobby.  The Cottonbalers have experienced people that are more than willing to assist.

Uniforms

      As a rule, the olive drab (OD) "Class B" wool uniform is worn. The participant should eventually get two sets of the OD wool uniforms; one for the field and one for dress.  The HBT (cotton herringbone twill) fatigue uniform is only worn on certain work details. With the selection of reproduction uniforms available, not to mention original uniforms, it should be no problem putting together a complete kit of US uniforms.  Although originals are available, if the participant is a large person (42 chest, 38 waist or above) they will probably only find reproductions in those sizes.  All jackets and shirts will have the 3^rd Infantry Division patches on the left sleeve.  The patch should be approximately 1/2 inch from the shoulder seam vertically oriented on the sleeve with the blue bar facing to the front.

Note:  Appendix 3 will suggest "first purchase" items.

QTY                ITEM

1                                            Belt, trouser, OD 3 (khaki) web w/ open frame buckle

1                      Cap, Garrison (Overseas), OD wool w/ infantry blue piping

1                      Cap, Service, OD with enlisted brass eagle cap badge

1                                            Coat, service, OD wool,

1                      Necktie, khaki

1                      Jacket, Field, M-1941 pattern (repros available)

1 pair               Leggings, M-1936 Army pattern

1 pair               Service shoes, garrison, russet

1 pair               Service shoes, field "rough outs

                        (Note:  service shoes are russet brown ankle high boots with no hooks)

2                      Shirt, OD wool, enlisted pattern (repros available)

6 pair               Socks, OD cotton and/or wool,

2 pair               Trousers, OD wool serge, M-1937 (repros available)

2                                            Undershirts, tank or "T" type, OD and white cotton

2                      Under drawers, short, five button fly, OD or white cotton

1 set                 Enlisted Brass for service coat (one “US” Disc and one Infantry Disc)

2 pair               7^th Infantry Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia (Unit Crest)

7                      3^rd Infantry Division Patch - cut OD edge (eventually you will need divisional insignia for all shirts, service coats, overcoats, and jackets)

Identification Tags (Dog Tags)

There are numerous styles and subtle changes made to dog tags from World War II through Vietnam. The main difference is the use of a "notched" tag or of a "regular" tag. The notched were used from WWII until about 1964 when the regular tag was adopted. All tags are based on 5 lines of information with a maximum of 17 characters / spaces per line.

WWII "Notched" Pattern

In World War II, the Army Service Number consisted of 8 digits based on status (Regular is 1, National Guard is 20, and Drafted is 3) and geographic location (5 for 5^th Service Area - Indiana is a part of this area). Also of importance is the fact that there is no Rhesus factor on the blood type ( + or - ) as this technology did not exist at the time. For religious preference, the tags were marked C (Catholic), P (Protestant), H (Hebrew) or left blank for no preference. The notch was designed so that the dog tag was held securely in the embossing machines.  It had nothing to do with "teeth", etc.

WWII Style 1 (November 1941 to July 1943)

WWII Style 2 (July 1943 to March 1944)

WWII Style 3 (March 1944 to April 1946)

ID Tag Tables, Courtesy of Trey Moore, Moore Militaria, Stafford, TX.

Most participants will normally use the World War II style 1.  Consult the unit commander or mentor regarding information for the Identification Tag.