US Army Infantry in the Philippines 1941-1942

[huntssurplus]

Hello everyone,

 

Looking to put together an early war set of a US Army Infantry Soldier of the Philippine Division during the defense of the Philippines 1941-1942, which I believe is the first ground combat US Infantry saw during the Second World War.

 

Anyway I know the basic kit would probably be mostly WW1 made gear and the standard weapon would be the m1903, but was hoping I could get some help on a complete uniform, (helmet, clothes, field gear, weapons, etc) that the average US Infantry Soldier would be equipped with during ground combat with the Japanese.

Thanks,

Hunt

[P-40Warhawk]

The toughest part to find is actually the khaki shirt since they changed the design by the end of WWII. It has to be one without shoulder loops on it for enlisted soldiers.

[MattS]

On top a M1917A1 helmet, khaki uniform, field gear would be pretty standard (M1923 cartridge belt with M1910 canteen, first aid kit, suspenders, M1928 haversack, M1910 e-tool, and M1905 bayonet) and early service shoes with leggings on the feet. The movie "Bataan" came out in 1943 and seemed pretty accurate if you want to reference it.

[huntssurplus]

The toughest part to find is actually the khaki shirt since they changed the design by the end of WWII. It has to be one without shoulder loops on it for enlisted soldiers.

 

 

On top a M1917A1 helmet, khaki uniform, field gear would be pretty standard (M1923 cartridge belt with M1910 canteen, first aid kit, suspenders, M1928 haversack, M1910 e-tool, and M1905 bayonet) and early service shoes with leggings on the feet. The movie "Bataan" came out in 1943 and seemed pretty accurate if you want to reference it.

 

So what exactly would the Khaki uniform look like? Would the trousers be the same ones for the Khaki dress uniform? I guess one of the harder parts is trying to find 1942 and previous dated field gear.

 

Hunt

[MattS]

So what exactly would the Khaki uniform look like? Would the trousers be the same ones for the Khaki dress uniform? I guess one of the harder parts is trying to find 1942 and previous dated field gear.

 

Hunt

 

I'm not a khaki uniform expert, but I think the trousers were the same, just the earlier shirt was different as P-40 mentioned. Compare the officer and EM shirts in Post #4 and #12 here: http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/231999-1941-life-magazine-color-photos-of-us-military-uniforms/

 

Note the clipped corners on the EM shirt pockets and lack of shoulder straps.

 

As far as field gear, I'd say you're right.

[Moonlight Gecko]

As you mentioned, I think that most of the field gear used then was WW1 surplus. So it shouldn't be too hard to put together a general display. Also, the US Army's 31st Infantry and Philippine scouts used M1 Garand rifles if you want to go that route instead of the M1903

[P-40Warhawk]

I can't get to my collection at the moment or I would gladly post an example of the shirt.

[huntssurplus]

As you mentioned, I think that most of the field gear used then was WW1 surplus. So it shouldn't be too hard to put together a general display. Also, the US Army's 31st Infantry and Philippine scouts used M1 Garand rifles if you want to go that route instead of the M1903

 

Oh really? Didn't know that. Thought they would all still be using M1903's. So I guess that would mean it would be more appropriate to not have WW1 surplus belt then opposed to everything else?

 

Hunt

[huntssurplus]

I can't get to my collection at the moment or I would gladly post an example of the shirt.

 

Please if you can, post an example of the correct shirt, and maybe even the trousers if you have those too?

 

Thanks

Hunt

[huntssurplus]

 

I'm not a khaki uniform expert, but I think the trousers were the same, just the earlier shirt was different as P-40 mentioned. Compare the officer and EM shirts in Post #4 and #12 here: http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/231999-1941-life-magazine-color-photos-of-us-military-uniforms/

 

Note the clipped corners on the EM shirt pockets and lack of shoulder straps.

 

As far as field gear, I'd say you're right.

 

Great! Thanks! I'll probably end up posting a complete list of the items I Plan on getting once im done researching everything.

 

Hunt

[Moonlight Gecko]

Here's a good reference photo. 31st Infantry Regiment in the Philippines pre-Pearl Harbor. Garand M1 rifles with WW1 cartridge belts

[Moonlight Gecko]

another of same man.These photos were found online

[huntssurplus]

Thank you very much for the photos! Looks like the rest is standard khaki uniform and perhaps WW1 gaiters/leggings? So I guess practically any WW1 surplus could be used in theory, but perhaps the most accurate would be a nice mix of the two? Any ideas on what the cap is? Looks like it might be HBT or denim?

 

Would still like to see an example of the enlisted khaki unform of this time, especially the trousers!

 

Thanks!
Hunt