American M43 Jacket

American M43 Jacket

The U.S. Army's M1943 uniform was a combat uniform manufactured in windproof cotton sateen cloth introduced in 1943 to replace a variety of other specialist uniforms and some inadequate garments, like the M1941 Field Jacket. It was used through the remainder of World War II and into the Korean War.

The uniform was tested in Italy in 1943 by the 3rd Infantry Division but some GIs claim that non-combatant officers and enlisted personnel would use their position in the rear to get the new uniform, delaying the ultimate field testing in Italy for some time longer. This, along with shipping delays after D-Day kept this uniform from widespread use in Europe until late 1944. After D-Day, Paratroopers were issued complete M1943 uniforms, and infantry units began getting the uniform parts here and there.

Paratroopers were generally the only ones to modify the uniform, as they would sometimes add their own trouser cargo pockets. They kept their older "Corcoran" paratrooper boots instead of the new M43 buckle boots because they were less likely to snag on their parachute when it deployed.

Quality repro of the US M43 Jacket.

Features:

• Four front pockets
• Reinforced pockets
• Adjustable cuff
• Button up neck cover
• Button up front
• Drawstring waise

Please note: The M43 jacket was originally designed to be worn with a matching padded liner, because of this, these outer shells are made larger to incorporate them and the extra winter layers worn underneath. Due to this, you may wish to take a size or two down from your regular size.