M42 - Coat and Trousers, Parachute Jumper Modified for Operation Shingle (Anzio)
The 509th is seen here laying out their clothing and equipment to have spray painted at the Naples School Yard, Italy prior to Operation Shingle (Anzio).
Larry Trevisan displays the reinforced elbow and knee pads which were made from shelter half material. The tops of the knee and elbow patches are left open to form pockets so that felt padding as used in cargo bundles could be cut and slid inside to provide extra protection on rocky terrain. The uniform and equipment is also camouflaged in a pale olive green and black spray paint. Lt Col Yarborough outlined the need to reinforce the knees and elbows on the M42s and directed the unit to make modifications. These photos were taken to document his recommendations. While Larry Trevisan's uniform was modified early on prior to Anzio this was not broadly implemented until after Anzio in preparation for Southern France.
This is the uniform of B Company First Sergeant George Fontenesi who returned to the US after Anzio and served as an instructor at the Parachute School. It is on display at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. The pale green may be an Italian pale olive green paint since it is different than the zinc chromate green that was used later for Operation DRAGOON the invasion of Southern France
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