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(above) The classic stenciled Marine Corps Emblem on the chest pocket of the 1941 pattern utility jacket. |
Prior to 1941, the Marine Corps did not have a specific field uniform. Marines in combat and field training wore the winter or summer service uniform, depending on the time of year, and geographic location. During the early battles of World War II, Marines in combat wore the summer service uniform with the World War I-style M1917A1 steel helmet.
The 1941 pattern utility uniform was standardized for wear on 7 November 1941. It was originally intended to be a general purpose work uniform to be worn over the service uniform for working parties, field day, etc. This uniform quickly supplanted the service uniform for field wear.
The 1941 pattern utility uniform was a two piece suit made of heavy sage green cotton herringbone twill. The jacket had three flapless pockets, one on the left chest, and two on the front hips. It was secured by three metal riveted buttons embossed with "U. S. Marine Corps." The trousers had a button fly with four pockets. There were several arrangements of pockets on the trousers, depending upon manufacturer.
The utility uniform had superior wearing and camouflage characteristics. It was well suited to conditions in the Pacific campaigns. Marines wore it for all evolutions, from field training to combat. As a consequence, the service uniform was reserved for formal occasions, liberty, leave, etc.
The environment that Marine lived in was harsh on uniforms and equipment. Utilities quickly faded to an aged appearance. Sometimes, Marines sped up the process by washing their clothes in sea water to give them a "salty" look.
In combat, they dispensed with everything that was not absolutely necessary. For example, leggings were often discarded. They were difficult to lace on when wet, took a long time to dry and chafed the ankles in the heat. Sometimes, Marines rolled up their trouser legs, but not always.
The following photos depict the 1941 pattern utility uniform as worn during World War II.
(above) A grim task–Marines on Saipan carrying a
dead buddy on a litter. USMC Photo |
(above) A Marine rifleman as depicted in a training manual, 1945 USMC Photo
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(above) Marines in action during the clearing of Garapan, Saipan-July 1944.
The lefthand Marine wears the light marching pack with M1910 entrenching tool.
The righthand Marine carries a lightweight gasmask bag and BAR bandoleer
USMC Photo
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(above) A USMC–HC rifle squad during a public demonstration,
August 2003.The wear standard field uniform with M1941 packs
configured as marching packs.
USMC–HC Photo
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(above) MajGen Allen Turnage, CG, 3rd MarDiv with members of his staff
on Guam–August 1944. This photo depicts the 1941 pattern utility uniform
as worn by Marine officers. USMC Photo
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(left) Sgt Timothy Hodge of the China Marines Living History Group.Sgt Hodge wears the 1941 pattern utility uniform with overseas cover. This cover was commonly called the "pisscutter." His 782 gear is displayed for inspection on his cot. Courtesy China Marines Living History Group. |
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