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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- including J.A. Shoe, Tweedie and Harian.
"Correct" Color: Assault Vests were made in both olive drab shade no. 3 ("khaki") and no. 7 ("od green"). The binding tape around the edges of the vest and pockets could likewise be made from either color. 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- it was simply a meaningless production variation, and has nothing to do with what unit they were issued to.
ATF's Vests: Made
from #10 cotton duck, with all the details of the
original. (Yes, we own one.) The assault vest was intended to replace the cartridge belt, suspenders and pack. The vest features grommets at the waist to attach canteens and first aid pouches, the entrenching tool was fastened to the upper rear flap (as on a Haversack), large upper and lower pockets at the rear for personal items, grenades pouches, and six cargo/ ammunition pouches.
One detail collectors may notice is that we had the peculiar Type 2B (ribbed) webbing made for the 5/8 straps. This was fairly unique to assault vests- if you ever examine an original, this is what one finds on them.
The markings are professionally applied and the ink is heat
cured for durability. It is water based and does
have the vinyl texture like some t-shirts.
Made in Kentucky with US materials and genuine Scovil and Stimpson hardware.
Made in USA
Sizing: Vests are over-sized to compensate for wearing a uniform underneath.
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