Korean War Era Combat Uniform Questions

[huntssurplus]

Hello,

I am looking to possibly put together a Korean War era combat uniform. Mods I put this is uniforms but i am not entirely sure where to put it because it includes field gear as well. I am only in the reasearch stage right now and i am looking in to putting together something that could be seen throughout the entire conflict. Now I already know that there should be a mix of WW2 gear as well as Korean War era gear. As well as that the m45 suspenders as well as upper and lower pack were used, but i am wondering what else was used. Was the M1 garand still the most standered weapon? Did they still use the wool trousers throughout the entire war? Was the M1 helmet chinstrap clips common during the war? What kind of field jacket was used. These are just some of the questions I am asking. I looked online but it seems there isn't close to as much information on the Korean War as there is for WW2 so any and all of your help is appreciated.

 

Thanks.

Hunt

[patches]

Here's a superb topic that answers your questins Hunt.

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/270146-korean-war-field-uniform/

[268th C.A.]

Shelby Stanton has a book as well, US Army Uniforms of The Korean War. Its worth the cost. (WW2 & Vietnam also) Korea is even almost forgotten with Military collectors. I will pick up nice Korean War dated items when I stumble on them. There usually cheap because they don't have 1941-45 on them. (LOL) I encourage young collectors to get it while they can as WW2 prices have soared since Pvt. Ryan collectors came into the picture. Everyone wanted a piece of WW2. Supply and demand has sent prices up. Actually 1950-1951 gear is much rarer, as you know most of the WW2 gear was readily available and was more likely to have been there than a Korean War dated canteen and cup. So its up to you as to what you will present. I have most all my gear dated 1951 including shelter half , pack and such. Start with the WW2 stuff you already have and swap it out with Korean War gear as you find it. Have fun with it, and good luck!

[Captainofthe7th]

I think Patches link will help you quite a bit and 286th recommendation to get Stanton's book is good. That's a must. I have the WWII and Korea editions and refer to them frequently. They will never not be useful.

 

Korean War is confusing for uniforms as there was so much variety, but it means you can get away with a lot.

 

Your other best bet is to start looking through period photos. That's your best resource to determine the proper GI appearance.

 

Rob

[Rakkasan187]

I will echo what both members have said and can only add that Shelby Stanton's uniform book series on WW2, Korea, Vietnam and Cold War volumes are well worth the investment...

 

I have a complete Korean War set up for a paratrooper in the 187th ABRCT for the Musan Ni jump. A lot of different variations of uniform and gear was utilized by the 187th but HBTs, wool pants, field jackets, parkas are some of the clothing items needed. The M1 Garand was still very much part of the weapons utilized in addition to the carbine. The fully automatic version was quite popular amongst the troops, as well as the B.A.R.

 

Korean era displays and exhibits show a good mixture of uniforms and equipment...

 

Leigh

[MattS]

Couple of tips, sewn-on chinstraps on the M1 helmet were seen early and the green clips appeared in 1951. M1 Garand with M1 bayonet (not the M5 which came out after the war) was standard for riflemen. Uniforms and web gear were mixed as stated. I don't have Stanton's book, but I have flipped through a copy and it is a good one.

[Captainofthe7th]

Couple of tips, sewn-on chinstraps on the M1 helmet were seen early and the green clips appeared in 1951. M1 Garand with M1 bayonet (not the M5 which came out after the war) was standard for riflemen. Uniforms and web gear were mixed as stated. I don't have Stanton's book, but I have flipped through a copy and it is a good one.

 

 

Beware of the green clips. I think this a debate similar to 'swivel bales at Normandy.' I have seen one photo of what might be green clips in Korea and it was mid/late 1953 if I recall.

 

Rob

[MattS]

Better to go with sewn on straps then I guess, I was unaware of the debate and have no interest in getting involved in it now.

[huntssurplus]

Thanks guys for all your help! Ill check out that book and the thread!

 

Hunt

[Captainofthe7th]

Better to go with sewn on straps then I guess, I was unaware of the debate and have no interest in getting involved in it now.

 

 

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/119566-clamp-on-strap-in-korea/

 

 

There we go. I knew I'd find it. So -- green clamps -- used in Korea? Yes. At least in this one helmet had them.

 

Rob

[MattS]

Always nice to have photographic/video evidence on your side in these debates!

 

Back to the OP, I think I used a M43 field jacket on the mannequin, but it's been a few years (2010 for the 50th Anniversary).