From the 90th Division's Uniform and Equipment Standards WEB Page

The 90th Division accurately portrays the infantry man in his early war uniform as he appeared during the Normandy Invasion in June, 1944. The wool shirt and pants are olive drab (OD) and the web gear is a light OD. Light OD equipment, as opposed to the darker green later in the war, is desirable for our impression as it is indicative of early war equipment. Authenticity is a primary concern of our organization. Reproduction equipment is allowed but it must not be distinguishable from the real article. The following impression is of a squad rifle man and is our standard impression. Other impressions such as a B.A.R man or officer are also possible.

Note: If you are just getting started, don't worry about getting all the equipment exactly right before coming out for your first battle. We will help you by outfitting you with the things you don't have and will help you find the those things. Although authenticity is very important, we don't want it to deter anyone from getting started.

M-1 (required) *

1. Helmet,

The M1 helmet assembly consisted of an outer, pot-shaped steel body and an inner plastic liner. The liner had a suspension system that could be adjusted for a snug fit for individual sizes. More than 22 million helmet sets were made during WWII. Netting is not required.

2. Shirt, Flannel, OD (required)

The olive drab wollen shirt first appeared in 1934. It is a full button-up shirt with long sleeves and two breast pockets.

3. Suspenders, M-1936 (required)

These are used to support the cartridge belt and its attached canteen and first aid pouch. This equipment is collectively called web-gear.

4. Belt, Cartridge, Dismounted (required)

This is a ten pocket belt used to hold ammo clips for the M1 Garand rifle. It also serves as the attachment point for the canteen, first aid pouch and many other possible accessories.

5. Canteen and Cover, M-1910 (required)

The canteen is made of stainless steel and holds about 1 quart of water. The canteen cover is cotton lined and has a "lift the dot" fastener. A canteen cup which fits on the bottom of the canteen is not required.

6. Pouch and Packet, First Aid (required)

The canvas pouch is attatched to the front left side of the cartridge belt. The packet contains bandages and sulfa powder. Since the packet is out of sight it is not required.

7. Rifle, Garand M-1, or M-1903 (required)

Adopted about 1936, this is a .30 caliber, 8-round, magazine-fed semi-automatic designed by John C. Garand. It weighs 11.25 pounds including a full magazine, sling and oiler bottle in the stock. One feature disliked by the troops was that when the last round was fired, the clip would eject rather noisily which indicated to any one within earshot that the rifle was empty. The M-1903 Springfield Rifle may be substituted for the Garand in this impression.

8. Trousers, Wool Serge, OD, Light Shade, M-1937 (required)

These trousers are made of woolen serge light shade, featuring two vertical opening side seam pockets, two hip pockets, a button fly and a watch pocket on the right front waist-band.

9. Leggings, M-1938 (required)

Made of khaki duck material, leggins protected to soldier from getting dirt and sand in his low quarter service shoes.

10. Shoes, Service, Type II or III

Authentic shoes or boots are not required but are desirable. Redwing makes a modern shoe of very similar style that can be easily substituted. Several reproduction models are also available. Double buckle boots that were used later in the war are discouraged because you cannot where leggins with them.

11. Haversack, M-1928 (required)

This is the standard pack used early in the war. It had just enough room for a change of clothes, a poncho, shaving kit and a few K- rations. In the field we usually carry an MRE and a poncho. The haversack serves as the attachment point for the bayonet, meatcan and shovel.

12. Bayonet, M-1 and Scabbard M-7 (optional)

The bayonet is an optional piece of equipment

that really adds to an impression.

Bayonets may never be fastened to the rifle

during battle for safety reasons.

13. Pouch, Meatcan, M-1928 (required)

This is a small pouch attached to the outer flap

of the haversack and held the meatcan and the

knife, fork and spoon set. It is not required to

have a meatcan in the pouch, which is convenient

because it is just the right size to hold an MRE instead.

14. Entrenching Tool, M-1910 (optional)

This is a short non-folding shovel often referred to as the "T"- handle shovel. It is not required but really makes the impression complete.

This completes the list of basic equipment used by the 90th Infantry reenactor. Note that this is a Summer time uniform. Winter months will call for a few other garments like the 1943 field jacket or wool overcoat. The members of the 90th are happy to help anyone put together an impression.

*Much of the information here is directly taken from two sources, DOUGHBOY TO GI by Kenneth Lewis and U.S. ARMY UNIFORMS OF WORLD WAR II by Shelby Stanton.

[86th Blackhawk Home Page ]

[Who We Are] [Division History] [Reunions]

[Taps] [WWII-T/O] [WWI-WWII Information]

[ Internet Info ] [ Blackhawk Men ] [Badges & Medals]

[Directors/Officers] [ WW II History]

[ Blackhawk Photos ] [Veterans Information]

[Member Information] [Germany-Austria Tours]