M42 jacket

The m42 jump uniform was the uniform used by paratroopers during the earlier and middle part of the second world war. This includes D-Day and the breakout from Normandy.

M42 Jump Uniform

The m42 was OD #3 and some specimens sometimes appear khaki despite the fact that upon issue it may well be a more greenish color. It contains four pockets with two button snaps on each. Due to the somewhat fragile nature of the uniform, however, the m42 was often reinforced with a thicker, more tough canvas on the elbows, crotch and knees. The m42 was worn by members of such prestigious units as the 101st Airborne and the 82nd Airborne. The m42 was eventually phased out in favor of the new m43 field uniform which was a darker green, OD #7. Despite this, various individuals chose to keep the m42 and several units kept it as their primary uniform, through personal preference, or to show veterancy. The Corcoran jump boots were also removed by the M43 Combat Boots. This particular change was ferociously challenged by the airborne, as the double-buckled cuff at the top of the boots could sometimes catch parachute static lines and seriously injure a jumper, though they also preferred the Corcoran boots for the status that they gave above regular infantry.