DOUGHBOYS: World War I-Photographs Page 2

Photographs Page 2

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This fellow is a Marine of the US Marine Corps. He wears the USMC's distictive wool forest green uniform, service hat, and Marine Corps model leggings. His service cap bears the Eagle, Globe and Anchor Insignia. During World War I, the USMC was attached to the Army's 2nd Infantry Division. The first Marines in France wore their forest green uniform, but was later replaced by the Army's olive drab service uniform. The Marines are famed for their assault in the Belleau Wood, July 1918.
These soldiers posing for an informal photo are officers, all of whom are 2nd Lieutenants. This photo was taken somewhere at a camp in the US. Note their leather leggings which were favored by officers. Also note the officers' service cap worn by the Lt. on the far right, and the dark braiding on his coat cuffs which signified that he is an officer.
This 2nd Lt wears the leather Sam Browne belt which was authorized for wear by officers overseas. The Sam Browne belts was worn by officers of the Allied Armies to distinguish them from enlisted soldiers. This was a rear echelon item which was not worn in combat. He also appears to wear an enlisted mans' service coat. Unlike enlisted men who were issued uniforms, officers were required to purchase their own uniforms. However, it was not uncommon for some officers to wear enlisted mens' uniforms. This was especially practiced by officers on the front lines in an effort to avoid sniper fire.
Here is another officer who is an Ordnance Lt. He wears a private purchase uniform, officers service cap, Sam Browne belt, and wool puttees. In France, puttees had replaced the various models of canvas leggings previously worn. The two chevrons on his lower left sleeve signify that he has served a total of 12 months overseas. Each chevron stood for six months of overseas service.
This photograph, taken somewhere in France shows a group of soldiers posing in front of a camoflaged truck. These soldiers are most likely from the motor transport corps. They wear a variety of headgear and uniform items. Some soldiers wear leather jerkins, mackinaws, sweater vests, coveralls, and raincoats. Headgear being worn are campaign hats, overseas caps, and M1907 winter hats.
This doughboy is armed with the M1917 revolver. He wears the wool M1917 service unifrom, puttees, and overseas cap. His accouterments for his revolver include a pistol belt, M1909 revolver holster, and three pocket carrier for the half moon-shaped revolver clips. On the back of the post card, this soldier predicts "we will go to Soveit Russia..."

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