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In order to accurately portray the 28th Infantry Division, 110th Infantry Regiment, we have a basic set of uniform and grooming requirements for the reenactor. By participating with other World War Two reenactment units we hope to foster a larger spirit of cooperation within the living history groups, and continue to remember those who made such a great sacrifice for the United States. In this way we feel that we are honoring our veterans and doing justice to those who have already invested much in this hobby.

BASIC UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

M 1 steel helmet of World War II style with khaki webbed chin strap and World War II liner with leather strap in front. Flat red Keystone of correct size in front; camouflage net is preferred.

Trousers, M 1937, wool, mustard or olive colored, with enlisted man's open-faced belt buckle and webbed belt, khaki or olive colored.

Footwear U.S. Army issue brown leather ankle high ("low quarter") service shoes, smooth or rough side out. High top 2-buckle or paratroop types acceptable also, since a pair of leggings will cover them. Other non-military types may be worn if first approved.

COMBAT EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

Canteen and cup, World War 1 or 11 style, with cover, khaki. Either early aluminum or later black plastic cap is correct.

Meat can ("mess kit"), various patterns, with utensils and Meat Can Pouch, M 1910 or M1928 pattern, khaki.

Weapons M1 .30-cal. Garand semiautomatic rifle is the weapon of preference for the Infantry. It must be equipped with the M 1907 leather sling or one of approved webbed khaki slings (M 1923 or M 1).

M1903 thru M1903A3 .30-cal. Springfield rifle is acceptable. Again, it must be equipped with the M 1907 leather sling or one of approved webbed khaki slings (M 1923 or M 1).

M1 carbine with correct webbed sling and 15-round magazine (no "banana" clips) and full stock; i.e. no airborne folding stocks.

Bayonet M1905 and scabbard M3 (both 16" long). M 1942 bayonet .with plastic handle also acceptable. Plastic scabbard M3 more common, but earlier khaki scabbard M1910 alright. Shorter 10" long M 1 bayonet and olive drab plastic M7 scabbard are optional.

Browning Automatic Rifle (B.A.R.), .30-cal., and various models. Correct sling is also required. Bipod and carrying handle are recommended.

M1928 thru M 1 A 1 Thompson .45-cal. submachine gun with correct sling and 20- or 30-round stick magazines. Correct 10.5’’ barrel required for all semi-auto models.

M3 or M3A1 .45-cal. submachine ("grease") gun and correct sling. Correct barrel length (short) required for all semi-auto models.

M1911 or M1911A1 Colt .45-cal. semiautomatic pistol with russet colored belt holster.

* Note: If other than .30-cal. Garand or Springfield weapon is carried, the appropriate belt and cartridge pouches must be worn.

* Note: The above listed crew served weapons were carried by the Infantry Company. The appropriate support equipment is required.

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

Most of the following items are not required for reenactments or other events; however, they are useful items for better portraying the soldier, whether through having a more complete display for the public, having a dress uniform, or taking part in field exercises in encampments.

Shelter halves (2), khaki, light or darker olive shades, with the wooden folding or pieced poles and tent pegs. While originally de- signed for two men, it's sensible for each individual to acquire a complete set. Only metal button (not snap) connections are correct.

U.S. Army issue sleeping bag, wool, olive colored. If modern sleeping bags are used they must be kept hidden under at least one World War Two period blanket, wool, olive colored.

Overcoat, enlisted man's, wool, olive colored, double-breasted, with brass buttons.

Duffel bag, cotton, khaki or olive colored. Very practical for carrying personal gear and quite correct for the times.

Sweater or vest, wool, olive colored, of World War Two pattern. Post- war ones are alright, but should have correct buttons put on (the same kind as the shirt).

Overshoes, black rubber, 4 or 5-buckle. The Shoe Pac, M1944, is also a good substitute.

M1936 Field "Musette" bag or Gas Mask bag early or late war pattern, khaki colored. These are sometimes used instead of the Haversack.

M1936 Suspenders, khaki, webbed. Supports the Rifle belt and provides attachment points for the Musette bag.

Note: While herringbone twill clothing was worn by the soldiers in Northwest Europe, they are considered nonstandard items, and should only be mixed with the above stated wool items for field actions.

DRESS UNIFORM (Class "A")

M1939 coat, enlisted man's, wool, 4-pocket, dark olive. It is to be kept clean, with the following items as required: Keystone insignia at top of left shoulder, brass "U.S." collar disk on top right lapel, brass crossed muskets collar disk on top left lapel, 110th Regiment crests on both bottom lapels. Where applicable, rank insignia is on shoulder sleeves. Check about service chevrons. Theater Ribbons in line above left breast pocket. Proficiency medals awarded, on left breast, with Combat Infantryman’s Badge.

Necktie, khaki, cotton or wool.

Trousers, wool, dark olive (color matches the coat), with webbed belt. ~ -Shoes or boots, russet brown, clean (polishing preferred).

Garrison cap or Service cap (see elsewhere).

Garrison belt, leather, brown, enlisted man's ( optional).

ETO ("Eisenhower") jacket, wool, enlisted man s, olive, can be worn instead of Service Coat; insignia to follow same pattern.

Non Combat Uniforms

INSIGNIA REQUIREMENTS

Keystone patch to be red, with or without khaki trim. 110th Regimental Distinctive Insignia pins can be of any manufacture: screw-back, clutch-back or pin-back. Infantry brass disks are to be flat, not dished as on World War One disks. Rank chevrons are to be either olive drab on blue embroidered type, khaki on black woven type or olive drab felt on blue sewn type. No discharge ("Ruptured Duck") patches are to be worn.

GROOMING REQUIREMENTS

Hair length A reenacter’s hair should not touch the ears or the collar, with the hair in the back and sides to be tapered; in other words, no modern "styled" cuts. Side- burns to be no lower than halfway down the ear. Crew cuts are, of course, ideal.

Moustaches Facial hair (moustaches) is not recommended, but allowed. They are to extend no further than the corners of lips nor down over the upper lip. Absolutely no beards are permitted on those portraying U.S. Army personnel. Only those men portraying Partisans or civilians can wear beards. Similar requirements apply to women. When portraying women of the 1940's they are expected to have the appropriate hairstyle, clothing and grooming.

Eyeglasses correct 1940's style frames are expected. Check with current members or other HRS members for approved sources.

Note: (Despite the rigors of combat, most World War Two photos show men with short hair, and most are clean-shaven.)

Presenting a good impression of a WWII soldier requires ongoing research and effort. Remember as a reenactor we are honoring our Veterans and paying tribute for what they did for us. So we must strive for accuracy. Research from books and first person discussions is the best way to evolve your impression.