World War II US Army Combat Equipments

by Gordon L. Rottman, Adam Hook (Illustrator)

Overview

A soldier's “web gear” is as important to his ability to live and fight on the battlefield as are his clothing and weapons. In World War II the US Army issued equipment items that had originated in 1910, though modified and augmented in the 1920s and 1930s, and again during the war itself as a result of combat experience. This book describes and illustrates the great majority of the personal equipment provided for infantry riflemen, GIs armed with other weapons and their ammunition-bearers, officers, and medics. In addition to the web gear itself it covers canteens, mess kit, and first aid items; weapons-related and other specialist items; the long struggle to produce a practical backpack; bivouac and shelter gear, and the most commonly carried tools. The text also explains the basics of materials, colors, markings, nomenclature, and weights for the guidance of collectors. It is illustrated with wartime photos and color close-ups, and the wide-ranging color plates specially prepared for this book offer more than 130 images.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781472814265
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication date:	02/25/2016
Series:	Elite , #210
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	64
File size:	39 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Gordon L. Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969–70 and subsequently in airborne infantry, long-range patrol and intelligence assignments until retiring after 26 years. He was a Special Operations Forces scenario writer at the Joint Readiness Training Center for 12 years and is now a freelance writer, living in Texas.
Gordon L. Rottman entered the US Army in 1967, volunteered for Special Forces and completed training as a weapons specialist. He served in the 5th Special Forces Group in Vietnam in 1969–70 and subsequently in airborne infantry, long-range patrol and intelligence assignments before retiring after 26 years. He was a Special Operations Forces scenario writer at the Joint Readiness Training Center for 12 years and is now a freelance writer, living in Texas.
Adam Hook studied graphic design, and began his work as an illustrator in 1983. He specializes in detailed historical reconstructions, and has illustrated Osprey titles on subjects as diverse as the Aztecs, the Ancient Greeks, Roman battle tactics, 19th-century American subjects, the modern Chinese Army, and the history of fortification. His work features in exhibitions and publications throughout the world.

Table of Contents

Glossary /Introduction: development – nomenclature and designations /Materials and fittings – standardization and issue – British-made US issue items /Equipment categories [NB within each chapter, anything between 5 and 15 separate items will be listed, described and illustrated]: Belts – Ammunition carriers – Canteens and covers – Mess gear – First aid items – Backpacks – Carrying bags – Weapons holsters&cases – Bivouac equipment – Tools&carriers – Instruments (flashlights&compasses) – Miscellaneous equipment /Bibliography