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U.S. Assault Vests
Last Updated: November 10, 2009
U.S. WWII Assault Vest:
Combat vest issued to assault troops for the Normandy landings. In May 1944, these were issued in limited numbers to troops of the 1st, 4th, and 29th Infantry Divisions as well as the 2nd Ranger Battalion. They proved hot, heavy and impractical and it appears that most had been discarded ("lost") within a month of the landings. I believe that the latest known original photo shows an infantryman wearing one in early July during the breakout battles. They were not a popular item with the troops.
These vests were made in both OD#3 (the famous "khaki") and OD#7 (the much maligned and disgraceful"olive drab") canvas. This situation has caused serious migraines amongst the color match nazis. The few original photos of the vests in use show what appears to be a nearly even mix of the two colors. They were made in the spring of 1944, after the factories were transitioning to the darker color so this is hardly surprising. Historically, there is no meaning to one color or the other. If some moron tries to tell you that green ones were "ranger only kamo" and khaki was made for the 4th ID because it was the General's favorite color, he's a crackhead. This is a meaningless production variation. Additionally, it appears that their issue was erratic. In the photos of troops loading onto their boats for D-day, perhaps one in five men are wearing vests. If your unit commander (president, fuhrer, commune director, etc) deems it necessary that everyone wears green vests, that's his choice, but it is "bullshithistory". Thus, pick the color you think prettiest. They're both "right."
Our OD#7 (green) vests will be "transitional" meaning they will be made from green canvas, but the binding tape on the edges and some of the straps will be khaki. Originals came in every combination imaginable so far as canvas and strap color relationships are concerned. Do not get squirrely and start squealing at us to make you a special one with all matching green tape, or half khaki straps and half camo or any other nonsense. This is it.
ATF's Vests: Made from water repellent #10 cotton duck, with all the details of the original. This new generation features much improved and more realistic markings made via stencils like originals rather than hand stamps. The ink is screened and heat cured for durability. It is water based and does not have the vinyl texture like some t-shirts. Maker marks may vary. All vests are marked "Harian 1944.
Sizing: Vests are oversized to compensate for wearing a uniform underneath.
Order your normal chest size! It appears that a lot of guys are "wanting a little extra room" so they buy big. These vests are already oversized! Worse, if it is too big for you, it will look like crap since the adjustment to the chest is minimal. It will pucker, overlap and sag on you like a kid wearing a GLAD bag. If you wear a 44, order a "Large" not an XL or XXL. Unless you intend on becoming pregnant in the near future...
Price: We've had several characters whine...in both directions. Think it's too high? Try making one. Know how much time these take? Made in USA isn't cheap. That's why Walmart now owns China...
Our price is too low? Must be a problem with the vests? Not that I know of. The only other repros worthy of note are made in LA (or Mexico, not sure) and they cost $400. Go for it...
Size markings are stenciled in
just like originals (except for size XXL)
All webbing is shuttle loomed reproduction or original stock.
All vests are marked Harian 1944. The size and font are not identical to originals. For those on the warpath about this; a tip. Our thread has a poly core. It will fail a blacklight or burn test. Simple.
All markings are now silk screened with water based ink and heat cured.Assault Vest, OD#3 ("khaki"): $175.00
Availability
Size markings are done in stencil like many originals.
The Olive Drab #7 is auththentic U.S. government fabric.
All markings are now silk screened and heat cured rather than simply ink stamped.
The new vests are marked with authentic maker marks for added realism.
With our new generation of field gear we are striving to duplicate the originals as closely as possible. This is due to customer demands, not any intent on our part to defraud anyone.
Assault Vest, OD#7 ("O.D. Green "): $175.00
Availability
Place Order Here
430 Rose Ln.
Columbia, KY 42728PHONE: (270) 384-1965
TOLL FREE: (866) 213-3946
FAX: (270) 384-1443Copyright At the Front/CNS, 2002
