Home > What they wore on D-Day
What did they
wear on D-Day?

This is one of the type five questions we are asked, year after year. Luckily, the answer is relatively straightforward. The troops on the beach and those parachuting inland were largely equipped the same as they were at any other point in the 1943-44 time frame.

If you are new to reenacting/ "living history", and have not already done so, find a unit before you buy an impression. You will not be allowed to participate in an event unless you belong to a unit and a reenacting organization. Few if any events permit "freelancing". Greaser's guide for Newbies is a good FAQ for those considering or new to the hobby.

Although US Army impressions are pretty straightforward, many units have certain requirements and may be able to assist you with "loaner gear" or have alternative sources for some items. A good place to start is the Reenacting Units and Organizations page.

The clothing and equipment worn for the Normandy Invasion was all standard issue for US Army soldiers, and only a few items were somewhat unique to that event. The lists below cover the basics of what was worn by troops landing on the beaches and glider troops ("infantry" for simplicity) and the paratroopers who landed inland. Most of the well known WWII US equipment was present for the invasion, with notable exceptions being M1943 Field Uniforms and the camouflage HBT's, both of which were not in theater until several months later.

The main items that were somewhat specific to the invasion of Normandy were the reinforced Jump Uniforms, Assault Vests (not worn by the airborne), gas brassards, and M7 Gas Mask Bags.
D-Day US Army Infantry (includes Rangers and Glider Troops)

Our US Infantryman Package is "D-Day" correct.

Infantry Uniforms:
-M-1 Helmet (most were "fixed bale": swivel bales did not become common until late 1944)
-Wool shirt and trouser
-Tank top or t-shirt
-M41 Field Jacket, Parsons Jacket or Tanker Jacket
-HBT's (2nd pattern)
-Service Shoes or Roughout Service Shoes with leggings
Many troops wore jeep caps, sweaters, long johns etc under their uniforms.

Basic Infantry Gear:
-Troops landing on the beach were issued M7 Assault Gas Mask Bags and Gas Detection Brassards.
-Assault Vest (some troops)
-Haversack or Musette Bag (any model)
-Cartridge Belt, BAR Belt, or Pistol Belt with ammo pouches for their respective weapon
-Canteen w/ Cover
-T-Handle or M1943 Shovel with carrier
-First Aid Pouch (any model)
-GP Ammo Bags were often used for added capacity
-Bayonet (for troops carrying M-1 Garands or Springfield rifles)

NOT correct for D-day:
-Camouflage uniforms
-M1943 Field Jackets or Trousers
-Combat Service Boots (a few were likely present but reenacting does not agree.)

D-Day US Army Paratroopers
 (includes 82nd, 101st, and Pathfinders)

Our US WWII Paratrooper Package is "D-Day correct".

Paratrooper Uniforms:
-M2 Paratrooper Helmet (M-1C's did not appear until 1945. Many troopers actually wore regular M-1 "Infantry" helmets with paratrooper liners.)
-M1942 Jump Suit, Standard or Reinforced (not all troops got their uniforms modified.)
-Wool Shirt (worn underneath the jacket)
-Jump Boots
-Many troopers wore jeep caps, A4 caps, sweaters, long johns, etc, under their uniforms.

Basic Paratrooper Fieldgear:
-Like the troops landing on the beach, most were issued M7 Gas Mask Bags and Gas Brassards.
-Musette Bag
-Combat Suspenders (any model)
-Cartridge Belt, BAR Belt, or Pistol Belt with rigger or ammo pouches for their respective weapon
-Canteen w/ Cover
-T-Handle or M1943 Shovel with carrier
-First Aid Pouch (any model)
-GP Ammo Bags were often used for added capacity
-M-1 Bayonet (for troopers with M-1 Garands or Springfield rifles.)
-Many troopers carried M3 Knives

Not Correct for D-day Airborne:
-M1943 Field Jackets or Field Trousers
-Combat Service Boots
Reference: These websites are useful for historical information about WWII Paratroopers.
WWII Airborne: Many, many original photos and unit information.
Trigger Time: Mark Bando's site has massive amounts of information on WWII Airborne.


US Marines:
The Marines did not hit the beach in Normandy. The only Marines present were the security details on US Navy warships and a few officers there as observers and liaisons.