The winter service uniform was the Marine Corps' standard uniform for wear in garrison, on leave and liberty and for all occasions when the utility uniform was not prescribed. It was worn from September–April in most temperate locations.
This uniform was in the traditional forest green color specific to the Corps, giving it the nickname, "greens." Forest green service uniforms were first adopted by the Marine Corps in 1912. Prior to World War II the service uniform was worn not only in garrison, but also in field training and combat.
Many of the young men who joined the Marine Corps, especially in the early part of the war, assumed that the standard uniform was dress blues. But Headquarters, Marine Corps instructed all units to cease issuance of dress blues on 6 August 1942 for the duration of the war. Marines who already had a set of blues were allowed keep them until worn out. After that date, any Marine who wanted a set of blues had to buy them.
This uniform consisted of a semi-form fitting four-pocket blouse with matching green trousers. The khaki shirt and field scarf were worn under the blouse. The garrison belt, also called "the fair leather belt," was also worn by enlisted Marines with greens. This belt had a heavy brass buckle that sometimes proved useful in bar fights. Officers wore either a green cloth belt with brass buckle, or the Sam Browne belt when wearing their swords.
The Marine in the above photo is wearing the winter service "A" uniform. This was the complete uniform with blouse. Commanders could authorize removal of the blouse for wear on duty. This was called the winter service "B" uniform. "B's" were not supposed to be worn on leave or liberty.
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(left) SgtMaj Gilbert "Hashmark" Johnson poses with Chesty, the mascot of Montford Point Camp, Camp Lejeune–early 1945. He wears the winter service "B" uniform with barracks cover. USMC Photo |
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The winter service uniform was also often worn for ceremonies, parades and other activities. Cartridge belts, weapons and sometimes helmets were prescribed as part of the uniform of the day.
The Marine at left wears winter service "ables" with cartridge belt, bayonet and rifle for close order drill.
He wears the overseas cover with his uniform.
USMC Photo
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(left) A sergeant of the 1st Marine Division under arms wearing winter service "ables." He wears forest green on scarlet rank insignia and one service stripe. USMC Photo |
Enlisted Marines received an initial seabag issue of uniforms and equipment when they first shipped into the Corps. For the duration of their service, all reissue and replacement of uniforms and equipment was without cost to them. Officers received a small initial allowance when they first joined the Marine Corps to purchase required uniforms. Thereafter, officers were required to buy uniforms at their own expense.
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(left) MGySgt Lou Diamond wearing the khaki shirt with necktie. Of note is the collar clasp behind his tie. This was an issue item in the pre-war Marine Corps. Its was discontinued by a HQMC letter of instruction dated 14 February 1942. After that date, wear of the clasp was at discretion of commanders. The collar clasp was called "the battle pin." Neckties were known in the Corps as "field scarves." USMC Photo |
The enlisted winter service uniform was made of heavyweight kersey wool. Officers were permitted to purchase uniforms in optional fabrics, such as gabardine, and wool serge. All Marines took great pride in their appearance and uniforms were tailored to the individual Marine.
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(left) MajGen Graves Erskine, USMC Commanding General, 3rd MarDiv
This official portrait was taken after the Iwo Jima campaign. The General wears a fine, officers' quality winter service uniform with overseas cover. Of note is the French Fourragere worn on the left shoulder. As a former member of the 6th Marines in World War I, MajGen Erskine was authorized to wear this award throughout his career. He retired in 1953 as a General.
USMC Photo
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"Down the huge parade ground they marched, erect as one man. For the first time, they felt the full thrill of the title they would carry for the rest of their lives. Past the reviewing stand Beller barked, "Eyes Right!" and he flashed his silver saber to a salute. The band struck up the Marine's Hymn. The standards of the battalion and platoon dipped and the colonel returned the salute. To a man their hearts thumped, bursting with pride beneath the neat green uniforms. They had paid with sweat, with humiliation, and a few tears for the name they had. They were Marines now …and would be until the day they died."
Battle Cry
Leon Uris
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(left) Sgt Thomas "Dixie" Rock,
China Marines Living History Group.
Sgt Rock wears the winter service uniform with the issue overcoat. In accordance with Marine Corps regulations, he wears the garrison belt on the outside of his overcoat.
Courtesy China Marines
Living History Group
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(left) Marines of the 5th MarDiv waiting for the last bus from Oceanside to Camp Pendleton–1944. The Marine at left wears boondockers with his greens.
The other two Marines wear low quarter service shoes. All three wear regulation issue gray wool socks.
The Spearhead–Volume 1
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(left) A pre-war 81mm mortar squad during live fire. Both Marines wear the winter service uniform with 782 gear. They also wear the French Fourragere, indicating they belong to either the 5th or 6th Marines.
USMC Photo
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