Toward the Front

U.S. Army “Doughboy” Field Uniform

This uniform was standard issue to all U.S. Army personnel during World War I. It was composed of a pair of breeches, a field jacket, a wool shirt, helmet, boots and puttees. Wool kept the soldiers warm in the cold European temperatures. Large pockets allowed for the storage of all types of items. The helmet is of British design; Americans did not have a helmet design at the outset of war. No insignias or patches were worn, save tags on the collar that denoted the specific branch and unit of the individual soldier and a rank insignia on the upper right arm. Overseas stripes were worn on the lower left forearm, each stripe denoted six months of service overseas.

From the Collections of the
First Division Museum at Cantingy