U.S. WWII Assault Vest

The Assault Vest (sometimes called "Invasion Vests) was a short lived item issued specifically for the Normandy operation. The US Army had tested various configurations of such gear based on the British Commando vests in late 1943. A design was approved and rushed into production in early 1944 so that it would be available for the invasion.

In May 1944, limited numbers were issued 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 period photo to show one is use was taken in early July 1944 during the breakout battles. They were not a popular item with the troops.

Today, original examples are very rare and one of, if not the most expensive item of US WWII military equipment as they are specific to the D-day Landings. The majority one encounters are were never issued or worn.

The vests were made by several different contractors- J.A. Shoe, Tweedie and Harian in both OD#3 (the famous "khaki") and OD#7 canvas. 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, while our factories were transitioning to the darker color so this is hardly surprising. Historically, there is no meaning to one color or the other. This is a meaningless production variation, and has nothing to do with what unit they were issued to.


Made in USA

Setting snaps with the press. Each belt requires over 120 steps just to install snaps & grommets.	This is what the little black marks on US gear are for- yes, they are intentional. The marks indicate the corner of each fold so the pockets are the correct size and all parts align properly.	Sub-assemblies ready to be joined.
Sewing the main panels together. Pocket size is checked repeatedly.	Belts ready for grommets and final checks.	Test fitting each and every pocket with a charger clip.