M42 - Coat and Trousers, Parachute Jumper, Modified for Operation Dragoon (Southern France)
This photo provides a good close up view of the elbow and knee reinforcings unique to the 509th PIB. They were developed prior to Operation Shingle (Anzio) and were added to more M42s prior to Operation Dragoon (Southern France). They were made from shelter half material and have a distinct stitch pattern. They could be sewn on all four sides but most commonly they were sewn leaving the top open so that felt pads cut from griswold bags could be inserted and removed as desired.
Alex Peters poses prior to departure for Southern France. This shows the knee reinforcings with open tops. Also note the white reinforcement stitching around the lower jacket pockets and the cargo pockets. This was hand stitched with heavy cotton thread as used on parachute webbing. This was done to keep the pockets from blowing out from the violent opening shock of the T-5 parachute. Typically, hand grenades were carried in the lower jacket pockets. The left skirt of his jacket is bulging due to a bandoleer being sewn with the same white cotton thread to the inside lower edge to carry cigarettes and D-Ration Bars. Also note the zinc chromate green and flat black camouflage spray painted to better match the foliage they would see in Southern France.
Winfred Eason wears a modified M42 showing a better view of the stitching of the bandoleer inside the lower skirt of the jacket. The American flag is made of oil cloth cut down from an armband version and hand stitched or clothes pinned in place. 509th Pathfinders wore the American Flag but cut the top of a sock off and wore it over the American Flag to conceal it in the dark and make it visible if and when needed. After the first day of the invasion American Flags began to disappear since the French knew the Americans had arrived and it made a target on their shoulders.
Alex Peters and Gallegos Martin pose in Southern France. Camouflage was applied with a spray gun used for painting vehicles. For Southern France wore their uniform and had a box placed over their head. They would then go before the painters with arms out stretched, one painting the flat black and the other painting the zinc chromate green. (Warning Zinc Chromate Green is hazardous to your health). The patterns and width of the spray varied widely but generally followed a crisscross pattern offsetting the Xs to one side of the other so as to appear random. Field gear would be laid on the ground and sprayed seperately.
James Pearson and Joe Roybal. While their uniforms are camouflaged, there does not seem to be any other modifications.
James Cubley provides another view of the reinforced elbow and knee pads.
Roger Darringer shows another good view of the reinforced stitching and bandoleer.
An original M42 Coat, Parachute Jumper on display at the Airborne and Special Operation Museum showing the camouflage zinc chromate green and flat black as spray on for Southern France. While original photos appear heavily camouflaged the paint will fade quickly after regular wear, dirt, sweat, rain, crossing streams etc.
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