The Uniform Guide

Here we will explain uniform and equipment standards for our organization. Listed below are a tiered series of items that are necessary to portray an infantryman of the 41st AIR. The first tier is the minimum requirements, and should be used as a reference of what to purchase should you be starting out. The tier also lists everything you will need to portray the 41st AIR for any of the events we do. These lists were created based on TO&E’s (Tables of Organization and Equipment) of what men were issued, combined with photo references of what they actually went into battle with. As you build out your collection to include items of other tiers, you can then reference the campaign pages of what troops traditionally wore specific to those events. These tiers are not an exhaustive list, but primarily use a standard rifleman as the example.

Tier Able

This allows for a basic Rifleman impression appropriate for all events the 41st portrays, beginning with Sicily

• Canteen and Cup, M-1910

• Canteen Cover

• Cartridge Belt, Dismounted, M-1928

• First Aid Pouch, M-1924 or M-1942

• Entrenching Tool, M-1910 and Cover

• M1 Helmet and Liner

• Cotton Undershirt*

• Type II or III Service Shoes

• OD Wool Shirt

• OD Wool Trousers

• Enlisted Trouser Belt (Open Face Buckle)

• Leggings, M-1938

• Garrison Cap, Infantry

• 2nd Armored Shoulder Sleeve Insignia**

• 41st Armored Infantry Regiment DUI Pin***

*Cotton Undershirt - White T-Shirts are the best option, and can be picked up locally. There are construction differences between a shirt in a three-pack from Target and those from the 1940’s, however for our purposes we do not scrutinize that detail. White and OD A-Shirts (tank tops) are available at most reproduction vendors. OD T-Shirts are NOT approved (more on that later).

**The 2nd Armored used an OD edge from 1940-1947, those are appropriate for wear. From 1947 to 1955, the edge was darkened and became a blue-green. From 1955 to 1995, that darkened edge had the “Hell on Wheels” tab added. ONLY the OD edge WWII era patch is approved for wear, and available at most reproduction vendors.

***The 41st changed their Distinctive Unit Insignia after the war, taking the quote from Col. Hinds “Straight and Stalwart” and added the scroll to the bottom of the crest. These DUI’s are post-war, and can by identified by a dark blue background and the “Straight and Stalwart” Scroll. Post-war DUI are NOT approved. The proper insignia is light blue, with no scroll.

Tier Baker

This completes the basic Rifleman impression, most appropriate for Normandy and beginning of the Siegfried Line Campaign

• Helmet Net, OD, 1/2” (Standard Size)

• Helmet Scrim*

• Entrenching Tool M1943 and Cover

• M1928 Haversack

• M1936 Combat Suspenders

• Bandoliers

• Field Jacket, M1941

• Knit Cap (Jeep Cap)

• Mess Kit w/ Pouch

• Sewing Kit

• M1 Bayonet and Scabbard (10”)

• HBT Suit - Two Piece (Dark or Light Shade)

• HBT Suit - Two Piece (Frogskin Camouflage)*

• M1 Ammunition Bag

• M3 Lightweight Gasmask Bag

• Complete Pup Tent**

* Specific to Operation Cobra and the Normandy Breakout

**2 Shelter Halves (1st or 2nd US Army Pattern), 2 Ropes, 2 Pole Supports & 10 Stakes make a complete tent

*Carlisle Bandage Tins for the First Aid Pouch. Tins appropriate for all events, Waxed Cardboard Bandage Kits appropriate for Late-War

**M1A1 Gas Mask Case appropriate for Sicily events

***16” Bayonet and Scabbard appropriate for Sicily and Early Normandy events

**** If carrying an M1 Carbine instead of Garand. Two Carbine Pouches are standard.