505th PARACHUTE INFANTRY REGIMENT (Airborne Historical Association) HOME* MISSION STATEMENT* MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS UNIFORM STANDARDS* LINKS* VENDOR LIST* MESSAGE BOARD READING LIST* UNIT HISTORY* NEWS* SCHEDULE* JEEPS VETERAN PROFILES AND RESEARCH TIPS CLICK ON THE ABOVE LINKS TO ACCESS THESE PAGES

UNIFORM AND AUTHENTICITY STANDARDS


UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Every member of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment is expected to supply his own uniform and equipment impression.

Members wishing to assemble there impression should check with the unit authenticity officers regarding questions as to what is apropriate or before purchasing uniform or equipment items from a source other than those aproved on the list.

The primary function of the 505th PIR is public living history interpretation and as such compliance with authenticity standards is mandatory. Under extenuating circumstances waivers may be granted for non- aproved items.

• THE UNIFORM (M-1942 Parachutist Uniform "unmodified") The Basic Uniform impression of the 505th PIR is that of the Airborne Historical Association. This is to enable our members to maintain a uniform appearance and to assume the identity of other units at AHA events in which such alteration is warranted. for example members of the 505th have represented troopers of the 101st and 11th at veterans functions when so requested.
  This is not to say that M-1943 and M-1942 reinforced uniforms are discouraged. but a basic unmodified M-1942 uniform should be obtained first.



Troopers Peterson and Jones with Don Malarkey of E Co. 506th PIR (The Band Of Brothers).


• JUMP BOOTS: These must be brown. Corcoran jump boots are being made in this color under license by the ACME Boot Company and are availabe through several dealers. M-1951 field combat boots are not acceptible.



Three Pairs of jump boots. Origional Goodrich (left) Origional Corcoran (center) and reproduction Corcoran (right). Both the Corcoran and Goodrich type boots are available as reproductions.


A brand new pair of reproduction jump boots


• BOOT LACES: These may be brown of cotton or, for field purposes only, leather.



• M-2 OR M-1C PARACHUTIST HELMET: The M-2 Helmet is the variety having semi-circular or "D-ring" wire bales spot welded to the helmet shell. The M-1C has swivel-type bales. If possible the M-2 helmet should be aquired. A leather chincup should be used with the liner of these helmets. Vietnam period helmets or liners are not acceptible.



The M-2 Parachutist Helmet


The M-1C Parachutist Helmet


• CAP, GARRISON, od (Stock No. 73-C-18168 -- 73-C-18196): This is the standard "Overseas Cap". It is made of Olive Drab Wool and should have blue "infantry" piping.



Trooper Kimpton discovers that he has steped in something as Trooper Peterson lights up a cigarette. (note the hat devices on the left sides orf the overseas caps)


These are the types of hatpatches worn by Airborne infantry during World War II. (From left to Right) The first two are variants of the earliest type and were used through the Normandy Period to denote airborne personel only. The Glider troops had there own patch with a glider instead of the parachute. The last two patches were used by both airborne and glider personel. The third patch features a canopy with a glider superimposed on it all within a circle. It is apropriate for the time period of the Holland Drop and is embroidered in white thread on a blue background within a light blue circle. The last patch is representative of a late war hat device. The gliders embroidered on these last two types of patches should be oriented with the nose to the right (it is sewn to the left side of the cap) for enlisted personel. All members of the 505th PIR should have at least one of the Early "canopy only" patches.


The hat patches should be embroidered on a cotton twill backing with a "cut edge" as in examples A, B, and C. The modern style patch with a "mirrowed edge" as shown in example D is not acceptible.



PFC GARY KIETH