USAAF Kit

[B-24J]

There are some posts which talk about USAAF issued equipment, but here are five actual forms. Also, three images from the "Pilots' Information File".

The parachute was issued at the time of a flight. This, I believe, was also true of the oxygen bottle.

Co-Pilot B-24, 1944-45, North Africa - Southern Italy

John

 

[MPicciotto]

Simply Brilliant!!! Thanks for that. It confirms some of what I've seen in photos, answers some questions, maybe raises others. I'll be studying this post more closely when I'm more awake.

Matt

 

[Sgt Brown]

Surprised to see the issue of M1 Garands at all. M1 carbines to officers, yes. Garands, no. Same goes for some of the other newer equipment. On the other hand, this list is dated 1944. It has always been my understanding that "non infantry" personnel (like maintenance personnel, support troops, etc), were issued WWI leftovers like mess kits, canteens, M1923 packs, etc., and M1903 or M1903A3 rifles. Until the older stuff was used up, all the "good stuff" went to the troops on the front line.

Anyhow, my "junk on a bunk" display for my Sgt gunner is made up of leftover gear mixed with newer uniform items.

Tom

 

[cco23i]

AND don't forget many AAF types had model 1917 rifles for training.

Scott

 

[Stearmen]

Tommy Gun

It has always been my understanding that "non infantry" personnel (like maintenance personnel, support troops, etc), were issued WWI leftovers like mess kits, canteens, M1923 packs, etc., and M1903 or M1903A3 rifles. Until the older stuff was used up, all the "good stuff" went to the troops on the front line.
Tom

Here is my late father in England , 1944. He was first issued a M1A carbine, then the Thompson! Still not sure why a Sergeant in the AAF need a Tommy gun in Great Britain for! He was popular with his men on target practice days.

 

[scotrace]

Thank you for posting this!

 

[1961MJS]

Hi

Dad fired the Tommy gun before going overseas, and that's what they were issued on Guadalcanal in 1945 (no more Japanese then). Apparently no one actually fighting really like carrying the Tommy gun anymore by that time. A Carbine is probably half the weight of a Tommy gun, and the ammunition is half round for round also.

Later

 

[B-24J]

Here are a few more lists.

The Turner Field Exchange list of items are purchases prior to going overseas. There are three pages (Only the first one is shown here) all dated April 4, 1944. The other two pages are for a couple poplin shirts and more insignia. All the pages are the same list of items. I do not know why there were three separate purchases. They were rung up at the same time and all signed. Check out those prices!

The Individual Check List are front and back of the form. They are similar to the other forms I posted.

The Issue Record is also much the same as the previous forms. But it does show the A-2 as being issued.

After the Victory in Europe, my Dad ferried B-25s and C-47s to the U.S.

Note that he was issued B-10 jacket in 1944 and a B-15 after the war.

 

[B-24J]

M1 Garand in the USAAF

Tom (Sgt. Brown) commented above about the M1 Garand rifle appearing on one of the equipment lists.

Looking at the WW2 documentary "Memphis Belle" again ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm1_D5crgPk ) at 8:03 into the movie, a flight line guard looks to be shouldering an M1 Garand.

John

 

[dhermann1]

Wow, they talk about how the C-47 and the Jeep won the war for us. Clearly, we would have been in big trouble without the mimeograph machine!

 

[TomS]

Thanks for sharing. Very interesing...