Normandy Impression

The Impression:

Uniform:

M1941 Wool shirt & trousers: The standard uniform of the U.S. Army in WWII. The version worn in Normandy by most troops was a simplified version of the M1937 uniform that used less fabric in some areas, but added gussets and flaps behind openings to prevent chemical weapons from reaching the skin.
M1941 Field jacket: This is essentially a civilian windbreaker that the Army adopted for field use over the service coat.
M1938 Leggings: These canvas gaiters kept water, rocks, and debris out of the boots.
Service shoes, reverse upper (“Roughouts”): Roughouts are a very basic combat boot that could be more easily treated to repel chemical weapons. They were also cheaper to produce than the previous service shoes with their shiny finish.
M1 Helmet

Field gear:

M1923 Cartridge belt: This ammunition belt could hold 10 loaded en blocs for the M1 rifle or 10 loaded stripper clips for the M1903 rifle.
M1936 Combat suspenders
M1936 Musette bag: Both the musette bag and the M1928 Haversack are visible on 325th glidermen in Normandy. It is believed that 1 and 2/325 wore musettes while 3/325 wore the haversack. This is due to the fact that 3/325 was originally part of the 401st G.I.R. but was split up by battalion and 1/401 became 3/325.
M1910 Canteen, canteen cup, & carrier: Metal and black plastic caps are both seen.
M1910 Pick mattock: The pick mattock was issued in smaller numbers than standard shovels. The M1943 Folding shovel would be more common on glider riders.
M1942 Carlisle bandage pouch

Weapons: