Pineapple Army 21st Infantry 'Gimlet' Regiment at Schofield Barracks, T.H. 1921-1941

[Salvage Sailor]

Aloha Everyone,

 

These photographs are part of a large collection that belonged to a member of the 21st Infantry Regiment. He served at Schofield Barracks, Territory of Hawaii during the 1930's. It may be possible to further pin the year down by examining the uniforms, vehicles and backgrounds in the photos.

 

I'll be posting some large images, and then some details of the photos to further illustrate the typical uniform & kit of a US soldier stationed in Hawaii prior to the December 7th, 1941 attacks. Contrary to the 'spit & polish' legend engendered by such Hollywood films as "From Here to Eternity", you'll see that there was a relaxed atmosphere within this regiment at Schofield Barracks. Duty in Hawaii was pleasant, with a great emphasis on athletics during a soldiers off hours.

 

Several of the locations will be familiar to those of us who have tromped around Kunia, Wahiawa, Schofield and the surrounding environs. For example, this first series of photos of the rifle range looks just like it does today, only the uniforms & weapons have changed. Many of the permanent barracks and buildings in the photos also still exist at Schofield Barracks. I may try to match up some of the scenes with present day photos but for now, let's see how the US Army lived in the Islands prior to the Second World War.

 

 

[Salvage Sailor]

Some details of the range

 

A Corporal with field glasses

 

 

Soldiers on the firing line with markers on their shirts, one in a pith helmet

 

 

 

The entire firing line

 

 

 

The right side of the firing line

 

 

 

Closeup of the Range instructors

 

 

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Senior non-coms on the range (note the target in the rear)

 

 

 

Closeup of the group and the Sergeants

 

 

 

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The 21st Infantry Regiment Band on Parade

 

 

 

Closeup of the Band with the Regimental Crest on the bass drum.

 

 

 

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Drill formation

 

 

& a closeup of the Sergeant

 

 

 

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Inspection outside of the 21st Infantry Barracks Quad

 

 

Detail of the ranks

 

 

 

Inspection arms

 

 

Inspection Arms - closeup

 

 

This one is a bit blurred, the photographer moved when he shot it

 

 

[Salvage Sailor]

Another view of the rifle range

 

 

[Salvage Sailor]

Bivouac - Morning Colors in the field

 

 

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Armorers with .30 caliber browning belts

 

 

 

 

Details of the tent equipage, pegs, washbasin, etc.

 

 

 

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Camp street - check out the soldier in the coverall wearing slippers (sandals to you mainlanders). There are several photos of the Soldiers wearing slippers to come.

 

 

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Summer uniforms, leather lace up boots, garrison hats

 

 

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Camp life

 

 

[Salvage Sailor]

Athletics in the field to kill time

 

 

 

Closeup - check out the Corporal with the baseball glove playing catch

 

 

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Back at the barracks

 

 

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'B' Company, 21st Regiment Boxers with their seconds before a 'Smoker'

 

 

 

The PFC's

 

 

and the Athletes in Army athletic gear

 

 

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Dark shirts with ties, khaki breeches with belt, puttees, shoes, campaign hat

 

 

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Same uniform of the day, Corporal & PFC with 21st IR DUI's

 

 

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Summer dress uniform

 

 

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Khakis

 

Anyone who knows the 25th ID will recognize these interiors, the doors & window are still inside the breezeways of these historic buildings at Schofield.

 

 

 

Khakis - closeup

 

 

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Back in the field - working uniforms

 

 

 

closeup

 

 

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Outside the barracks

 

 

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Riding pants and laceup boots

 

 

 

closeup

 

 

[Salvage Sailor]

Cleaning up

 

 

[Salvage Sailor]

Exterior and Parade Ground, 21st Infantry 'Gimlet' Barracks quad

 

 

 

[Salvage Sailor]

Soldier posing outside, but what's that in the background?

 

 

 

The football team & some good old Army mules.