101st Airborne Gear

During the formation of the World War II Airborne units, and in particular the 101st Airborne, there existed 5 distinct periods of uniform transitions. See the tables below for the time period you are portraying at any particular event.

 

Induction Stage

The depiction below is that of a memorandum distributed at the Camp Lee, VA recruit reception center in 1942. This si one of the few list examples of the items issued to recruits upon their arrival for basic training (Bootcamp).

 

RECRUIT RECEPTION CENTER
1303d SERVICE UNIT
OFFICE OF SUPPLY OFFICER
CAMP LEE, VA.

IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS TO:  ALL NEWLY INDUCTED MEN

        1.    In this building you will be issued clothing and equipment, FOR WHICH YOU ARE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE, in case of loss or damage. The items are listed below, in the order of their issue. Item marked with a double asterisk (**) will be issued you in your company. Items marked with one asterisk (*) are issued you upon your arrival in camp.

ITEMS

**2 Tags, Identification 2 Trousers, Herringbone Twill
*1 Raincoat 1 Hat, Herringbone Twill
*1 Shaving brush 1 Liner, Helmet w/ 1 Neckband
*1 Tooth brush       and 1 headband
*1 Comb 1 Cap, Garrison, O.D.
*1 Razor w/5 blades 2 Caps, Garrison, Khaki
*2 Towels, huck 1 Cap, Wool, Knit
*1 Towel, bath 1 Meat Can
*2 Barrack bags 1 Knife
5 Drawers, Cotton 1 Fork
5 Undershirts, Cotton  1 Spoon
2 Shirts, Wool, O.D.    4 Handkerchiefs, Cotton
2 Shirts, Cotton, Khaki  1 Tape for Ind. Tags, Cotton
1 Jacket, Field 1 Canteen
2 Trousers, Wool, O.D. 1 Cover, Canteen
2 Trousers, Cotton, Khaki  1 Cup, Canteen
1 Pr. Leggins 1 Manual, Basic Field
1 Pr. Gloves, Wool.  2 Neckties, Mohair
1 Belt, Web, Waist  3 Pr. Socks, Wool, Light
1 Coat, Serge, O.D.    5 Pr. Socks, Cotton, Tan
1 Overcoat, Wool O.D. 2 Pr. Shoes, Service
2 Jackets, Herringbone Twill  
   

        2.    As you pass along; the issue line all items will be carefully checked and all that you are not required to wear at that time will be placed in your barrack bags. Upon completion of the issue you will be assembled in the Assembly Room of the warehouse and all items issued you will be  checked by an Officer from your company to make certain that you have received all that you are entitled to, NO CLAIM CAN BE MADE AFTER LEAVING THIS BUILDING ---THINK--- 

        3.    Items requiring alteration should be taken to the Tailor Shop in this building upon completion of the issuing of your property. All clothing should be tried on as soon as possible and ill-fitting items exchanged between 1:00 and 2:00 P.M. the fol1owing day after completion of all processing.

        4.    Your appearance as a soldier is largely up to you --COOPERATE! 

 
RICHARD H. HARDING
Captain, QMC.,
Supply Officer