L Company 109th Infantry Regiment 28th Infantry Division (Recreated)

One of the big problems with entry into re-enacting is the cost of the uniforms and equipment that is needed for participation.  We understand that it may take some time for a new member to acquire the proper outfit.  However, we do expect that all members of the group will adhere to the guidelines we set.  The very best advice is to refrain from buying anything until a more experienced member of the group can help you obtain the appropriate uniforms and equipment.

Dress, Uniform, & Equipment Regulations

All uniforms and equipment are subject to the approval of the Authenticity Officer. Members should check for approved sources of required and optional uniforms and equipment.

The following list is provided for members intending to portray military personnel. Participating civilians, such as French Resistance forces, should discuss any purchases with the Authenticity Officer.

The following list is not inclusive. Members are encouraged to purchase and display or utilize relics and reproductions. All impressions and displays are subject to the final approval of the Authenticity Officer.

Building an impression takes time and care.  Members should upgrade their impressions as experience and money permit.  In some cases, loaners are available.  There are no weapons or footwear available for loan.

 Link to WW II US Army Regulations for MARKING CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT 

Required:

M1 steel helmet of World War II style with khaki chin strap and World War II liner with leather strap. (A helmet shall be worn at all events. This regulation is intended for the protection of members.

Garrison (overseas) cap, wool, and olive drab without piping, or with light blue Infantry piping.

Optional:

Distinctive insignia of the 109^th Infantry regiment for the garrison cap.

Cap, knit, M1941, w/bill for wear under helmet. (jeep cap or Radar hat).

The following list of clothing is required for most of the events. However, the group may commit to an event that requires other types of uniforms. The Authenticity Officer will assist members to obtain, at reasonable cost, items that may be required at such events.

Original clothing is typically available in small sizes. Sizes above 36 inches in the chest and 34 inches in the waist are expensive and are usually only available as reproductions. All personnel should check with the Authenticity Officer about designs of all original and reproduction uniforms.

Required:

Shirt, wool, enlisted personnel.

Trousers, field, wool, mustard.

Belt, web, trousers, khaki or olive w/enlisted man's open-faced belt buckle (brass or black).

Field jacket, or M1941 or M1943. M1941 is preferred.

Leggings, canvas, khaki, 8-lug. (Most adults require size 3R. Personnel with large ankles and calves should look for larger sizes. Larger sizes are typically available only as reproductions.)

While the following uniform parts are optional, all personnel should consider them a necessity for winter activities outdoors.

Optional:

Overcoat, men's, enlisted, wool, light olive color, double breasted, w/brass buttons.

Poncho or raincoat of approved type.

Gloves & scarf, wool, olive colored.

Sweater or vest, wool, olive. Modern issue five button sweaters are acceptable for tactical events only.

Undershirt, olive. (Crew neck or tank top.)

Herringbone twill uniforms (HBT) were available, but were typically worn by noncombatant troops for fatigue duty. The Authenticity Officer should be consulted about the use of HBTs for particular events.

Eyeglasses should be correct for the 1940's, either original or modern styles that are consistent with the styles of the 1040's or earlier. No plastic frames will be permitted. Please check with the Authenticity Officer for approved models and sources of those models. Vintage issue glasses are available at reasonable cost. Lenses in any frame should be of a high impact resistant material.

Goggles are permitted as part of a soldier’s equipment. They should be of the type approved for infantry and mechanized infantry. The Authenticity Officer should be consulted.

Required:

Boots, service, brown leather. High top two buckle or paratroop types are acceptable if covered with leggins. Rough outs are preferred as these were the most commonly issued boot in the ETO.

Optional:

Overshoes, rubber, five buckle. (Worn over regulation boots in wet weather modern surplus is acceptable).

Shoepacs, artic

All equipment should be khaki in color. Originals are now very rare. Reproductions are more reasonably priced. Check with you the Authenticity Officer for the best prices and quality.

Required:

Belt, cartridge, M1923, khaki, ten pockets.

Pouch, first aid, khaki (one or two snap).

Canteen, cup, & cover, khaki. (Early aluminum or later black plastic caps are both correct).

Optional:

Haversack, M1928.

Suspenders, M1936

Bag, M1936 (Musette bag).

Meat can (mess kit) with utensils and meat can pouch.

Tent, shelter, half, khaki or olive w/buttons, folding or jointed poles, & wooden stakes. (Only tent halves that use metal buttons are permitted. Snaps were developed after the way. Recent issue shelter halves are available at reasonable cost. Care should be taken to insure that dates are not visible on shelter halves that are not vintage).

Bag, Sleeping, M1944, wool with cover.

Bag, duffel, khaki or olive.

Bag, laundry. (blue denim, khaki, or olive cotton)

All members must have qualified on any weapon they use in the field. The M1 rifle or Springfield M1903 series are approved weapons for all enlisted personnel. Other weapons must be approved by the Authenticity Officer in advance of an event. Blank firing weapons (non-guns) must be approved by the Authenticity Officer in advance of an event for both authenticity and safe operation.  In no cases will members lend firearms to another member.  Any member without a proper firearm will portray a combat medic.

All automatic weapons and other restricted weapons must be registered with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and be accompanied by the proper tax stamp & document. The appropriate authorities will be notified immediately if any member fails to produce proper documentation upon request. No exceptions.

Under no circumstances is an edged weapon to be removed from its scabbard at an event. The only exception is at the order of the Commandant, at a parade or other dress function.

Only authorized personnel shall allow members of the public to handle or examine firearms.

In all cases, weapons must be equipped with the proper accoutrements. For instance, only russet brown leather holsters are appropriate for the WW II era M1911 pistols and revolvers. Black issue holsters were not adopted by the US Army until the 1950s.

Rifle, semiautomatic, M1 caliber 30-06. (preferred for enlisted impression)

Rifle, Springfield, bolt action, M1903 through M1903A3, caliber 30-06 w/sling. (alternate for enlisted impression)

Sling, leather M1907 or khaki. (required for all shoulder arms)

Optional:

Carbine, M1, caliber .30 w/corect khaki sling.

Bayonet, M1905 & scabbard, M3 (10' or 16').

Browning Automatic Rifle, .30 caliber.

Submachine gun, automatic, 45 caliber Thompson, M1928 through M1A1, w/correct sling and 20 round stick magazines. No long barreled models.

Pistol, Semiautomatic, 45 caliber Colt, M1911.

Revolver, 45 caliber, Smith & Wesson, M1917.

Revolver, 38 caliber, Smith & Wesson, M19xx.

Holster, revolver or semiautomatic, required for all side arms.

From time to time, the 109^th Infantry (recreated) will issue ribbons for participation at events or for service. No individual may wear any US military decoration that he or she did not earn as an active member of the US Armed Forces.  No Exceptions.