Authenticity and Impression Standards
F Co. 329th RCT 83rd Inf. Division
In order to more accurately portray the men of F Co. 329th RCT 83rd ID, the following uniform and
grooming standards are provided. These standards will be employed in a manner to allow for a
certain degree of individuality, yet maintain a level of uniformity within the group. All of the
standards below have been thoroughly researched and are documented. In the event that changes or
deviations are made from these standards, there will be a consensus among the group to allow or
disallow the change or deviation. Any and all changes or deviations will be based on sufficient
documentation and research and should be brought to the group before they come to the field.
Basic Uniform (EM):
M1937 EM Wool shirt and trousers - worn under the HBT's or mixed and matched. Basic uniform
required, usually good to have several sets.
2nd Model HBT or fatigues
M1941 Field Jacket - a good starter uniform that is acceptable for Fco through the war, they got
them at Camp Atterbury and in original photos it is a mix of 41’s and 43’s.
M1943 field jacket - this is the preferred combat jacket as it was the jacket issued to F Co. upon
embarkation to Europe.
Combat Jacket, winter, or Tanker Jacket. We know from photos, veterans’ accounts, and
documentation that these were issued to F Co.
White or OD (not brown) T-shirt or tank top style undershirt.
Jeep cap (knit) or HBT cap (billed or "Daisy Mae")
Shoes, Service, Reverse Uppers, Composition sole. Or rough – outs should be worn with the
Model 1938 army leggings. (Not Marine Corp or Navy leggings) Basic requirement. The shoes
should be properly dubbed, or water proofed.
M1943 Double - Buckle boots, acceptable for events post October ‘44, to the end of the war. These
shoes should be properly dubbed, or water proofed as well.
Socks should be OD wool US Army issue and/or Red Cross issue socks.
Dog Tags are to be WW2 notched style with appropriate chain, beaded chain, or rayon cord. (M-
1940 dog tag chain preferred)
US Army ground (M1) model steel pot helmet (front seam, swivel bale). Nets were not widely used
in F Co; however they should be the OD small hole with elastic band. Horizontal bars for NCOs as
per regulations.
Undershorts and thermal undergarments are left to the discretion of the member as long as they do
not detract from the overall impression.
All insignia on combat uniforms (if any) should be properly located as per the Army regulations of
the period - F Co veterans agreed that very little insignia was worn in combat. However, out of
reverence it is acceptable to wear said insignia on combat/field uniforms.
Combat Equipment for Riflemen (web gear and field gear):
M1928 Haversack with canned meat pouch, correct pattern mess kit and silverware (knives can be
flat style until a cast or bakelite handle knife can be acquired).
M1936 Combat Suspenders – Restricted for officers, medics, and other specific impressions.
Carlisle bandage pouch (and bandage if desired, but fill it with some kind of tin for a good look)
M1943 Folding shovel w/cover, pick-mattock w/cover, or axe w/cover - F Co was not issued the T-
handle shovel (OK for generic early war impressions)
WW2 issue (or repro) dismounted canteen, cup and cover - only one was allowed per man in F Co.
M1923 10 pocket cartridge (Garand) belt worn alone with shovel, canteen, bayonet, and bandage
attached or in combination with the M1928 haversack or M1936 combat suspenders. Most F Co.
veterans did not use the cartridge belt for holding ammo. They did, however use it to hold the other
gear.
6 pocket ammo bandoleer (s) for the M1 rifle - at least 2 per man. These were issued when the
food trucks came up to the front. At the end of the chow line, the veterans tell us they grabbed two,
whether they needed them or not.
M1905E1 (10" cut-down) or M1 (10" manufactured) rifle bayonet with scabbard. Avoid foreign
manufactured models – US issue only!
M3, PAL, or other documented infantry fighting knife - worn in addition to bayonet and in a proper
scabbard. The M3 was primarily issued to weapons crews. The PAL could be picked up at a PX.
(OPTIONAL)
Shelter half, button style not snap. It should have the proper folding poles, wooden pins, and hemp
rope.
M6 Gas Mask bag (3 snap light weight service gas mask bag), and mask if desired; the bag is useful
when storing personal items.
Compass pouch for NCO’S. (OPTIONAL)
Mustard wool blanket is highly recommended.
Wool sleeping bag with cover is also acceptable.
Cold weather:
Wool Great coat
Army issue mustard wool sweater, not modern issue type; or see below for Red Cross and home-
sent items
Any additions of scarves, knit caps, gloves, etc. to ones impression will be regular infantry issue,
Red Cross issue or appropriate 40's style civilian "care package" items
Red Cross sweater vest and scarves were very prevalent in the ETO.
Rubber or canvas overshoes can be original or repro as long as they are the proper 4-strap style.
Personal Items:
Any items carried or displayed should be documented as original or reproduction and appropriate
for an infantryman to have carried. The use of these items is encouraged as it adds significantly to
our impression
Eyeglasses should be of a 40's style whether military issue or civilian
Watches should be of 1940’s style, not modern sports watches.
Officers Combat Uniforms (as it differs from EM):
It is at the officer’s discretion as to the wearing of rank insignia
Wool shirts should be officers' style with epaulette straps or private purchase/tailored
Helmets should have vertical painted bar per regulations, front insignia is at the officer's discretion.
Officers Combat Equipment (as it differs from EM):
M1928 packs are acceptable and are the officer's choice
M1936 Combat suspenders and M1936 Musette Bag
M1923 Ammo pouch for the 1911A1 .45 cal pistol
M1936 Pistol belt
M1938 map case if desired
Compass pouch
M1916 Holster for M1911A1 .45 cal pistol
Weapons:
Riflemen will carry the Cal .30 M1 “Garand”
M1903A3 rifle, F Co veteran’s research revealed that there was one of these rifles per company in
the sharpshooter capacity.
Officers may carry the M1 rifle or M1 carbine with the M1911A1 .45 ACP.
Thompson SMG's are correct for either officers or NCOs, as their issue regulations were vague,
however the equipment carried should be as issued for the weapon and appropriate US manufacture
(not British), i.e. 5-cell pouches with 20 round magazines.
Along with their crew served weapon items, heavy weapons crews will carry the M1911A1 .45
ACP and/or the M1 carbine. Heavy weapons support will carry the M1 rifle
In formation, the M1911 .45 ACP should be carried only by officers and NCOs (Staff Sgt. and
above) or by weapons crews. In tactical situations, the .45 was widely carried by all ranks.
M1 carbines used by officers and weapons crews will be proper infantry models without the
bayonet lug.
M1919 A4 with tripod and T&E.
M1918 BAR with proper supporting equipment.
Dress Uniform Suggestions:
F. Co 329th RCT was issued Eisenhower Jackets upon departure for England. 4 pocket tunics are
acceptable for other impressions (i.e. you have a 4 pocket with existing insignia) but the Ike Jacket
is more correct for our mid-to-late war impression.
Overseas caps should be blue piped or plain for EM and appropriate piping for officers and
medical personnel - all insignia should be properly placed.
All members should have a clean set of wool’s for Class A, and Class B uniforms with Division
Patch and appropriate rank.
For class B, you should consider cap toe service shoes, as they will come in handy with other
impressions.
Khaki class B uniform.
EM or officers' garrison hat of proper style and color with correct device for the impression -
campaign hats were NOT in use by this point in the war.
Only appropriate medals and ribbons are to be worn so as not to offend the real recipients of these
awards. I.E. IF YOU DID NOT EARN IT, DO NOT WEAR IT!
Dress uniforms should be pressed according to regulations and all insignia should be properly
located.
Dress shoes should be low quarter, smooth surface leather shoes or Type 2 cap toe service shoes.
Grooming standards:
Hair should be cut (trimmed) in a 1940's style. It must be trimmed to the nape of the neck and around
the ears so as not to touch the ears or collar
Sideburns can be no longer than mid-ear
Mustaches are discouraged, but if absolutely necessary, should be trimmed to 1940's military style.
All mustaches must be trimmed above the upper lip line. It cannot extend past the edge of the mouth
more that ¼ inch and cannot drop down around the corners of the mouth
Other Impressions:
F Co is becoming a premier unit in world war two reenacting. We are in charge of many events and
are invited to other premier events. It is for this reason that all members should make an attempt to
get the following items for specific events.
D-Day Impression
Required Items:
Gas Brassard, can be either cloth or paper.
M5 Invasion Gas Mask Bag, black rubber, repro or original.
M1941 field jacket
M1928 pack
Rough-outs
Optional:
Plastic rifle bag,
M1926 USN life belt.
Assault Vest, preferably in OD#7, but OD#3 is acceptable.
Medical Personnel
The helmet should be painted with 4 white circles, with a red cross in each. They should be on
each corner: front, rear, and sides.
They should carry Medical suspenders with medical bags attached. Cantle and litter straps are left
to the discretion of wearer. However, they should be purchased from a quality vendor, either AT
THE FRONT or WW2 IMPRESSIONS, or ORIGINALS.
2 Medics arm Brassards; Original or quality repros that have the proper markings on the back. One
for combat uniform and one for Class A and B. It is up to his discretion to wear it on combat
uniform.
A litter or stretcher (at the discretion of the carrier) research shows that the members of the 83rd’s
band were litter bearers in combat areas.
Any medic should carry original Bandages or quality repros to use.
But do not exceed the level of the basic, Pvt.’s in the medical Corp were not supposed to do certain
things. For help on this see the senior medic.
Dress uniform for medics
Ike or four pocket, with appropriately piped overseas cap.
Placed on the left arm should be a Medical arm Brassard.
No one is allowed to wear a combat medics badge unless they earned it.
For help with anything medical related see the senior medic!
Often Medics at events are called to what turns out to be a real medical emergency. If this happens
to you and you don’t have any first aid, CPR, OR EMT certifications, immediately find some one
who does. There are several qualified members in the unit who can help that person.
Combat Engineers
For the purposes of reenacting, it is doubtful that an engineer would be able to build a bridge. So if
you wish to portray a combat engineer we suggest doing combat demolitions. Here are some
suggested items to carry.
Demolition Bag is good way of keeping track of all demo items.
Satchel charge, bag with some sort of inert demo blocks with fuse and detonator.
US Army 10 Blasting Machine, useful when setting off pyro. charges.
Various detonation devices and various repro explosives.
Blasting caps in box,
Make sure anything you are going to do is approved by the unit commander.
Mechanized Armored Infantry
Web gear such as packs and shovels, etc. should not be worn, because they would have been slung
off the sides of the vehicles they were riding on.
The basic uniform should be worn with the addition of 2 ammo bandoleers. Combat jackets can also
be hung on the vehicle instead of being worn as weather permits.
F Co. 329th RCT 83rd Inf. Division
In order to more accurately portray the men of F Co. 329th RCT 83rd ID, the following uniform and
grooming standards are provided. These standards will be employed in a manner to allow for a
certain degree of individuality, yet maintain a level of uniformity within the group. All of the
standards below have been thoroughly researched and are documented. In the event that changes or
deviations are made from these standards, there will be a consensus among the group to allow or
disallow the change or deviation. Any and all changes or deviations will be based on sufficient
documentation and research and should be brought to the group before they come to the field.
Basic Uniform (EM):
M1937 EM Wool shirt and trousers - worn under the HBT's or mixed and matched. Basic uniform
required, usually good to have several sets.
2nd Model HBT or fatigues
M1941 Field Jacket - a good starter uniform that is acceptable for Fco through the war, they got
them at Camp Atterbury and in original photos it is a mix of 41’s and 43’s.
M1943 field jacket - this is the preferred combat jacket as it was the jacket issued to F Co. upon
embarkation to Europe.
Combat Jacket, winter, or Tanker Jacket. We know from photos, veterans’ accounts, and
documentation that these were issued to F Co.
White or OD (not brown) T-shirt or tank top style undershirt.
Jeep cap (knit) or HBT cap (billed or "Daisy Mae")
Shoes, Service, Reverse Uppers, Composition sole. Or rough – outs should be worn with the
Model 1938 army leggings. (Not Marine Corp or Navy leggings) Basic requirement. The shoes
should be properly dubbed, or water proofed.
M1943 Double - Buckle boots, acceptable for events post October ‘44, to the end of the war. These
shoes should be properly dubbed, or water proofed as well.
Socks should be OD wool US Army issue and/or Red Cross issue socks.
Dog Tags are to be WW2 notched style with appropriate chain, beaded chain, or rayon cord. (M-
1940 dog tag chain preferred)
US Army ground (M1) model steel pot helmet (front seam, swivel bale). Nets were not widely used
in F Co; however they should be the OD small hole with elastic band. Horizontal bars for NCOs as
per regulations.
Undershorts and thermal undergarments are left to the discretion of the member as long as they do
not detract from the overall impression.
All insignia on combat uniforms (if any) should be properly located as per the Army regulations of
the period - F Co veterans agreed that very little insignia was worn in combat. However, out of
reverence it is acceptable to wear said insignia on combat/field uniforms.
Combat Equipment for Riflemen (web gear and field gear):
M1928 Haversack with canned meat pouch, correct pattern mess kit and silverware (knives can be
flat style until a cast or bakelite handle knife can be acquired).
M1936 Combat Suspenders – Restricted for officers, medics, and other specific impressions.
Carlisle bandage pouch (and bandage if desired, but fill it with some kind of tin for a good look)
M1943 Folding shovel w/cover, pick-mattock w/cover, or axe w/cover - F Co was not issued the T-
handle shovel (OK for generic early war impressions)
WW2 issue (or repro) dismounted canteen, cup and cover - only one was allowed per man in F Co.
M1923 10 pocket cartridge (Garand) belt worn alone with shovel, canteen, bayonet, and bandage
attached or in combination with the M1928 haversack or M1936 combat suspenders. Most F Co.
veterans did not use the cartridge belt for holding ammo. They did, however use it to hold the other
gear.
6 pocket ammo bandoleer (s) for the M1 rifle - at least 2 per man. These were issued when the
food trucks came up to the front. At the end of the chow line, the veterans tell us they grabbed two,
whether they needed them or not.
M1905E1 (10" cut-down) or M1 (10" manufactured) rifle bayonet with scabbard. Avoid foreign
manufactured models – US issue only!
M3, PAL, or other documented infantry fighting knife - worn in addition to bayonet and in a proper
scabbard. The M3 was primarily issued to weapons crews. The PAL could be picked up at a PX.
(OPTIONAL)
Shelter half, button style not snap. It should have the proper folding poles, wooden pins, and hemp
rope.
M6 Gas Mask bag (3 snap light weight service gas mask bag), and mask if desired; the bag is useful
when storing personal items.
Compass pouch for NCO’S. (OPTIONAL)
Mustard wool blanket is highly recommended.
Wool sleeping bag with cover is also acceptable.
Cold weather:
Wool Great coat
Army issue mustard wool sweater, not modern issue type; or see below for Red Cross and home-
sent items
Any additions of scarves, knit caps, gloves, etc. to ones impression will be regular infantry issue,
Red Cross issue or appropriate 40's style civilian "care package" items
Red Cross sweater vest and scarves were very prevalent in the ETO.
Rubber or canvas overshoes can be original or repro as long as they are the proper 4-strap style.
Personal Items:
Any items carried or displayed should be documented as original or reproduction and appropriate
for an infantryman to have carried. The use of these items is encouraged as it adds significantly to
our impression
Eyeglasses should be of a 40's style whether military issue or civilian
Watches should be of 1940’s style, not modern sports watches.
Officers Combat Uniforms (as it differs from EM):
It is at the officer’s discretion as to the wearing of rank insignia
Wool shirts should be officers' style with epaulette straps or private purchase/tailored
Helmets should have vertical painted bar per regulations, front insignia is at the officer's discretion.
Officers Combat Equipment (as it differs from EM):
M1928 packs are acceptable and are the officer's choice
M1936 Combat suspenders and M1936 Musette Bag
M1923 Ammo pouch for the 1911A1 .45 cal pistol
M1936 Pistol belt
M1938 map case if desired
Compass pouch
M1916 Holster for M1911A1 .45 cal pistol
Weapons:
Riflemen will carry the Cal .30 M1 “Garand”
M1903A3 rifle, F Co veteran’s research revealed that there was one of these rifles per company in
the sharpshooter capacity.
Officers may carry the M1 rifle or M1 carbine with the M1911A1 .45 ACP.
Thompson SMG's are correct for either officers or NCOs, as their issue regulations were vague,
however the equipment carried should be as issued for the weapon and appropriate US manufacture
(not British), i.e. 5-cell pouches with 20 round magazines.
Along with their crew served weapon items, heavy weapons crews will carry the M1911A1 .45
ACP and/or the M1 carbine. Heavy weapons support will carry the M1 rifle
In formation, the M1911 .45 ACP should be carried only by officers and NCOs (Staff Sgt. and
above) or by weapons crews. In tactical situations, the .45 was widely carried by all ranks.
M1 carbines used by officers and weapons crews will be proper infantry models without the
bayonet lug.
M1919 A4 with tripod and T&E.
M1918 BAR with proper supporting equipment.
Dress Uniform Suggestions:
F. Co 329th RCT was issued Eisenhower Jackets upon departure for England. 4 pocket tunics are
acceptable for other impressions (i.e. you have a 4 pocket with existing insignia) but the Ike Jacket
is more correct for our mid-to-late war impression.
Overseas caps should be blue piped or plain for EM and appropriate piping for officers and
medical personnel - all insignia should be properly placed.
All members should have a clean set of wool’s for Class A, and Class B uniforms with Division
Patch and appropriate rank.
For class B, you should consider cap toe service shoes, as they will come in handy with other
impressions.
Khaki class B uniform.
EM or officers' garrison hat of proper style and color with correct device for the impression -
campaign hats were NOT in use by this point in the war.
Only appropriate medals and ribbons are to be worn so as not to offend the real recipients of these
awards. I.E. IF YOU DID NOT EARN IT, DO NOT WEAR IT!
Dress uniforms should be pressed according to regulations and all insignia should be properly
located.
Dress shoes should be low quarter, smooth surface leather shoes or Type 2 cap toe service shoes.
Grooming standards:
Hair should be cut (trimmed) in a 1940's style. It must be trimmed to the nape of the neck and around
the ears so as not to touch the ears or collar
Sideburns can be no longer than mid-ear
Mustaches are discouraged, but if absolutely necessary, should be trimmed to 1940's military style.
All mustaches must be trimmed above the upper lip line. It cannot extend past the edge of the mouth
more that ¼ inch and cannot drop down around the corners of the mouth
Other Impressions:
F Co is becoming a premier unit in world war two reenacting. We are in charge of many events and
are invited to other premier events. It is for this reason that all members should make an attempt to
get the following items for specific events.
D-Day Impression
Required Items:
Gas Brassard, can be either cloth or paper.
M5 Invasion Gas Mask Bag, black rubber, repro or original.
M1941 field jacket
M1928 pack
Rough-outs
Optional:
Plastic rifle bag,
M1926 USN life belt.
Assault Vest, preferably in OD#7, but OD#3 is acceptable.
Medical Personnel
The helmet should be painted with 4 white circles, with a red cross in each. They should be on
each corner: front, rear, and sides.
They should carry Medical suspenders with medical bags attached. Cantle and litter straps are left
to the discretion of wearer. However, they should be purchased from a quality vendor, either AT
THE FRONT or WW2 IMPRESSIONS, or ORIGINALS.
2 Medics arm Brassards; Original or quality repros that have the proper markings on the back. One
for combat uniform and one for Class A and B. It is up to his discretion to wear it on combat
uniform.
A litter or stretcher (at the discretion of the carrier) research shows that the members of the 83rd’s
band were litter bearers in combat areas.
Any medic should carry original Bandages or quality repros to use.
But do not exceed the level of the basic, Pvt.’s in the medical Corp were not supposed to do certain
things. For help on this see the senior medic.
Dress uniform for medics
Ike or four pocket, with appropriately piped overseas cap.
Placed on the left arm should be a Medical arm Brassard.
No one is allowed to wear a combat medics badge unless they earned it.
For help with anything medical related see the senior medic!
Often Medics at events are called to what turns out to be a real medical emergency. If this happens
to you and you don’t have any first aid, CPR, OR EMT certifications, immediately find some one
who does. There are several qualified members in the unit who can help that person.
Combat Engineers
For the purposes of reenacting, it is doubtful that an engineer would be able to build a bridge. So if
you wish to portray a combat engineer we suggest doing combat demolitions. Here are some
suggested items to carry.
Demolition Bag is good way of keeping track of all demo items.
Satchel charge, bag with some sort of inert demo blocks with fuse and detonator.
US Army 10 Blasting Machine, useful when setting off pyro. charges.
Various detonation devices and various repro explosives.
Blasting caps in box,
Make sure anything you are going to do is approved by the unit commander.
Mechanized Armored Infantry
Web gear such as packs and shovels, etc. should not be worn, because they would have been slung
off the sides of the vehicles they were riding on.
The basic uniform should be worn with the addition of 2 ammo bandoleers. Combat jackets can also
be hung on the vehicle instead of being worn as weather permits.
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| Authenticity and Impression Standards |