USMC Camo Airborne Jumpsuit ?

I've never heard of them, but then again I'm not the expert. Webby?!

I saw this the other day and nearly spat my brew at the screen in shock. As far as I'm aware there was no such thing as a camouflage M1942 uniform and this replica is a pure fantasy creation. If it turns out to be based on fact then I'd actually be really interested to know more about the history of it.

The primary thing against the likely hood of this being based on something real is that the M1942 was an army uniform so calling it "USMC" is wrong straight away. Now the US Army did as many will be aware produce two of their own camo uniforms using a pattern which as far as I can see is pretty much identical to the USMC pattern (which was reversible with a brown toned pattern on the other side) but these uniforms were the one piece coverall design which was tested in Normandy by the 41st Armored Infantry and a little later a two piece HBT uniform. The design wasn't particularly successful in Europe due to it being mistaken for the many WH and SS patterns that were present on the battlefield.

Hmmm, the clue's in the name really isn't it? USMC, US Marine Corps.....pretty sure they jumped off boats, not out of planes.

Hmmm, the clue's in the name really isn't it? USMC, US Marine Corps.....pretty sure they jumped off boats, not out of planes.

Ah but it's airsoft - hell you'll find players buying dot '44 FJ Jump smocks - even though they were being made at Ravensbruck, but not issued each to their own i guess.

USMC Paratroopers did exist during WW2, the bulk of the training was carried out at Camp Gillespie, California from 1942 onwards. The program ran until December 1943 with around 3000 men passing jump training without any fatalities, when the decision was made that a parachute role was not required in addition the the Corps' main mission. Some of the parachute units formed did fight but no combat jumps were ever made and the bulk of those in training at the time of the termination of the program were posted to the 5th Marine Division.

Really? That's interesting. Bet they weren't issued with USMC camo jumpsuits though!

Bet they weren't issued with USMC camo jumpsuits though!

You can bet your arse they weren't!

Since seeing this thread appear I've done a little bit more browsing through my library and the internet and so far I have found no mention of a camo version of the M1942 uniform. The only WW2 US camo uniforms I can find reference to are the two US Army versions (the coverall and the two piece HBT) and the US Marine Corps reversible P42 fatigues which was based on the preceding green P41 uniform.

I would imagine that there would have been an airborne element to any planned invasion of the Japanese mainland but as to what uniforms would have been worn by the paratroopers I cannot say. By 1945 the M1942 uniform was but a memory in Europe having been replaced by the M1943 combat suit. I can't imagine the M1943 was deemed suitable for a summer/autumn invasion of Japan and my guess would be that the standard US Army uniform for the Pacific (I believe the HBT jacket and trousers?) with some modifications would likely have been utilised.

I just received my jump suit from this guy (not the camo version!)....Its great, excellent quality couldn't ask for more for my first jump suit.

If im honest..i kinda like the look of the camo version, but im not gonna buy it.

Tell you what, that kinda camo is great in English deciduous woodland. You could get it just for it's effectiveness, but not for authenticity.

I have a couple of books at home, one that lists all the issued equipment that US forces used and the other is a book on the development of the uniforms and even shows experimental and rejected uniforms and this isn't in it.

S

Tell you what, that kinda camo is great in English deciduous woodland. You could get it just for it's effectiveness, but not for authenticity.

I have a couple of books at home, one that lists all the issued equipment that US forces used and the other is a book on the development of the uniforms and even shows experimental and rejected uniforms and this isn't in it.

S

I've never been convinced that that pattern was actually much good, but I guess the proof would be in the pudding so to speak. With a little imagination I guess I can see it being quite good in a summer setting especially with sunlight coming down through woodland cover.

If I were to buy a uniform in that camo it would have to be the HBT jacket and trousers and badge it up 2nd Armored Division (41st Armored Infantry).

See ATF's army camo uniform page here for some great period photos:
http://www.atthefront.com/us_uni_camo.htm

Was'nt there an idea of a pacific game next year or somthing ?

We've toyed with the idea but it's quite a stretch as most people will have to get new kit. Except Yith.

The camo is very good, especially in mixed deciduous oak or birch woodland. Certainly works better than Brit DPM!

Webby's got a comparison picture somewhere.

I think its somewhere in the Kit Pic thread.

I was tempted by one of his standard reinforced M1942s and badging it up 82nd as it appears to have 82nd style leg ties on it. If they're as good as you say then at £62 all in it's almost got to be done.

Myself and a friend both got our M42's from this guy as well, great quality and the seller himself is very helpful, highly recommended!

The team i'm part of is tempted to get the cammo m42's for our modern load out, as we would certainly stand out!

Another company making the same thing
Note the bloke with the flame thrower and the B&W picture at the bottom of a bloke wearing the suit on a bike

Only neither of those uniforms in the pictures are M1942 Paratrooper uniforms. The top one is a Marine P42 uniform in a well known wartime USMC promotional photo and the second picture is the Army HBT uniform, the straight jacket pockets being the dead give away.

The top one is a Marine P42 uniform in a well known wartime USMC promotional photo

Are you sure? That photo is usually accepted as being the one example of the camo M42 that was proposed for the airborne marines.
It was trialed and that photo is thought to be one from the trials. The press stud closing in each corner of the slanted pocket flap is oft quoted. Not easy to see on this shot but on the originals and blow ups it is reasonably clear.

I'd never heard that myself but that doesn't mean to say it's not a possibility, seems to me this is a great topic to do some digging on, I'd be really interested to find out that there was indeed a cam jump suit even if it was only ever a trials piece of kit. As you say it's very hard to tell from that picture as it's so small and I'm damned if I can find a larger one anywhere. I'll have to take a look up in my loft for some of my older WW2 related books, I know there's a larger version on that picture up there some where.