US Medic Gear

Last Updated: October 28, 2008

US Field Gear Main Page


Original Medic Gear: This page offers standard issue equipment as issued to combat medics in WWII. You may notice that the gear is not marked or dated in any way. That is the same as the original items. Why there were no maker marks or dates is unknown, but that's how they were.
Additionally, medics frequently improvised their equipment. It was not uncommon to see medics substituting a musette bag with a shoulder strap for the medic harness. Yes, that's what "Doc" was wearing in B.O.B.. So don't stroke when you notice he's not wearing the harness seen below. Medics throughout the US Army improvised their gear, not just the guys in the 506th Easy Co. in case that's the next question....


Yoke Suspenders, Medic
Suspension system for US Army Combat Medics designed to carry 2 medical bags. These were also obtained and used by infantrymen in lieu of the M1936 suspenders since the wider shoulders offered better (and more comfortable) support. From watching period newsreels of the fighting in Normandy, it appears that it was hardly uncommon for infantrymen to wear these as well as medics.
Our reproduction is indistinguishable from originals with 2 exceptions: We lengthened the straps 4 inches so persons taller than Danny Devito can use them and we maker marked them. (Most originals are completely unmarked.)
$60.00



Rear of pouch, tied up on bottom

Bag, Medic
Carry bags for first aid supplies worn by Combat Medics. Each bag can be adjusted in size by means of a series of eyelets and a drawstring. Two bags were worn in conjunction with the medic suspenders. These are 100% identical to originals, made using the correct OD#3 canvas, eyelets, O-rings and black pressboard stiffeners in the side panels.
$50.00 each
Bags are approx 10''x8''x3'' when fully open.


Insert, Medic Bag, Type-1
Canvas insert for the medic bags; an extremely hard to find accessory. These are detachable inserts designed to be tied inside the bag and hold iodine & ammonia bottles, and a container of swabs. Large pocket is 3''deep x 6 1/2'' round, center pocket is 3'' x 4 1/4''.
$15.00 each


Insert, Medic Bag, Type-2
Same as the Type-1, except for carrying vials of various pills.
$15.00
Each loop is about 2'' round, pockets are 4''x2''.


Medic Equipment Set
Complete WWII Combat Medic harness as worn by Army infantry and airborne units.
$150.00

Includes:

  • One set of Medic Suspenders
  • Two Medic Bags
  • 2 Bag inserts, any combination
  • 2 Cantle Ring Straps (as of 22 Oct 08)


 

New Cantle Straps:
Worn across the front and rear of the body to keep the medic pouches from swinging when worn over or without a pistol belt.
19" long when fully extended.
Pair $15.00


 

New Litter Straps:
Used to help support the litter (stretcher) by spreading some of the wieght to the shoulders. Medics treated the wounded, and tried to get them out of the immeidate line of fire, but many litter bearers were regular troops detailed to help.
48" long when fully extended.
Pair $20.00

 

 

 

 

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