M42 jacket
Encyclopedia
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
.
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 units 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.
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. This includes D-Day
D-Day
D-Day is a term often used in military parlance to denote the day on which a combat attack or operation is to be initiated. "D-Day" often represents a variable, designating the day upon which some significant event will occur or has occurred; see Military designation of days and hours for similar...
and the breakout from Normandy
Normandy
Normandy is a geographical region corresponding to the former Duchy of Normandy. It is in France.The continental territory covers 30,627 km² and forms the preponderant part of Normandy and roughly 5% of the territory of France. It is divided for administrative purposes into two régions:...
.
M42 Jump Uniform description
The M42 was Olive Drab #3 and some specimens sometimes appear khakiKhaki
This article is about the fabric. For the color, see Khaki . Kaki, another name for the persimmon, is often misspelled "Khaki".Khaki is a type of fabric or the color of such fabric...
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
Imperial Schrade
Imperial Schrade Corp. was an American knife manufacturer of hunting knives and pocketknives. Existing in various forms, the company was the eventual consolidation of the Schrade Cutlery Company, founded in 1904, and the Imperial Knife Company, founded 1916. In 2004 the company stopped making...
Presto utility switchblade
Switchblade
A switchblade is a type of knife with a folding or sliding blade contained in the handle which is opened automatically by a spring when a button, lever, or switch on the handle or bolster is activated A switchblade (also known as an automatic knife, pushbutton knife, switch, Sprenger, Springer,...
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 units 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
U.S. Army M-1943 Uniform
The U.S. Army developed the M-1943 Uniform Ensemble beginning in 1942 to replace a variety of other specialist uniforms and some inadequate garments, like the OD Cotton Field Jacket...
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.
Also see
- Eisenhower jacketEisenhower jacketThe Eisenhower jacket, or "Ike" jacket, is a type of military uniform blouson, or shortened coat, terminating in a waistband.-Overview:...
- Flight jacketFlight jacketThe flight jacket, or bomber jacket is a garment originally created for pilots, which eventually became part of popular culture and apparel. In the First World War most airplanes did not have an enclosed cockpit, which necessitated a garment that could keep pilots sufficiently warm...
- Denison smockDenison smockThe Denison smock was a coverall jacket issued to Special Operations Executive agents, the Parachute Regiment, the Glider Pilot Regiment, Air Landing Regiments, and other Commonwealth airborne units, to wear over their Battle Dress uniform during the Second World War.The smock was initially worn...
- British smock used by paratroopers - KnochensackKnochensackKnochensack was the nickname for German parachute jump smocks designed to wear over a paratrooper's equipment made for the Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger during World War II. They were made in a variety of camouflage patterns and made from tough cotton material.There were several models in use in 1936,...
- German smock