“Operation Cobra”

The Breakout from Normandy

Operation Cobra took place from July 25th to July 31 1944, beginning the breakout from Normandy and into greater France. Over the next month the Germans would launch Operation Lüttich in response, then be trapped in the Falaise Pocket before the Allies moved on to Paris in late August 1944. The campaign began in bocage country covered in densely packed hedgerows. In preparation for the campaign into the countryside, the 2nd Armored gave instruction for a mass camouflaging of uniforms, vehicles and equipment.

During refit units in the 2nd Armored sector were also issued limited-standard Frogskin Pattern HBT Two-Piece suits, in replacement of their standard HBT suits. The exact reason why predominantly the 41st AIR was the primary recipient of this uniform is unclear, however it is most likely that they just happened to be in the right place in the right time to receive the uniforms, as all units were undergoing re-issue after the invasion of France. They could have just as easily received standard HBT’s had the QM team gone through re-issue a few days earlier or later. These uniforms are also the subject of claims of friendly-fire incidents being the source of their withdrawal. While instances of friendly-fire are believable, this was not the cause of their removal. They were simply replaced during the next unit refit after the Normandy breakout had been concluded. The uniforms were already a limited-standard, so when it came time to replace the worn out issue they were simply issued new HBT’s of the standard variety.

The Frogskin uniform has become synonymous with the 41st Armored Infantry and the 2nd Armored during Operation Cobra and the hedgerow fighting. The most common look of the 41st infantryman was a complete suit, occasionally with a field jacket, or just the wool uniform if they opted not to wear their HBT’s. Some units in the 2nd Armored also took to camouflaging their Field Jackets for the operation as well.

  • White A or T-Shirt, OD A-shirt

  • Frogskin HBT Two-Piece Suit (No insignia)

  • OD Wool Shirt and Trousers (Secondary)

  • OD Field Jacket

  • Type II or III Service Shoes with Leggings

  • M1 Helmet with Liner

  • OD Helmet Net, 1/2” with Scrim

  • M1928 Cartridge Belt

  • M1924 or M1942 First Aid Pouch

  • M1910 Canteen Cover

  • Canteen and Cup

  • M1910 or M1943 Entrenching Tool and Cover

  • M1905 or M1 Bayonet and Scabbard

  • M1928 Haversack

  • Garrison Cap, Infantry w/ 41st DUI