M42 jacket
The M42 jump uniform was the uniform used by U.S. paratroopers during the earlier and middle part of World War II. This includes D-Day and the breakout from Normandy.
M42 Jump Uniform description
The M42 was Olive Drab #3 and some specimens sometimes appear khaki despite the fact that upon issue it may well be a more greenish color. It contains four pockets with two button snaps on each, along with a unique dual-zippered knife pocket on the upper chest designed to contain a Schrade Presto utility switchblade pocketknife. Due to the somewhat fragile nature of the uniform, however, the M42 was often reinforced with thicker, tougher canvas on the elbows, crotch and knees. The M42 was worn by members of such prestigious formations as the 101st Airborne and the 82nd Airborne. The M42 was eventually phased out in favor of the new U.S. Army M-1943 Uniform which was a darker green, OD #7. Despite this, various individuals chose to keep the M42 and several units kept it as their primary uniform, through personal preference, or to show veterancy.
The Corcoran jump boots were initially replaced by the M43 Combat Boots. This particular change was ferociously challenged by the airborne, as the double-buckled cuff at the top of the boots could allegedly sometimes catch parachute static lines and seriously injure a jumper, though they also preferred the Corcoran boots for the status that they gave above regular infantry.
See also
- Eisenhower jacket
- Flight jacket
- Denison smock - British smock used by paratroopers
- Knochensack - German smock