Uniform, Parachute Jumper

(M42 Paratrooper uniform)

OD#3 Color Shade

There has been much debate over shade variations between US Army uniforms.  Even more so with WWII paratrooper uniforms because of their uniqueness in the eyes of collectors.  The QM color standards depict literally hundreds of different colors for the various uniforms and pieces of gear they contracted to have produced.  Ironically, only a few of these colors were approved for production purposes.  We reproduce our jumpsuits in a shade that WE desire to make, not nearly because it is authentic.  Although we know our shades are totally within the range produced during WWII.  There were dozens of garment contractors manufacturing paratrooper uniforms for the army during 1942-1943.  The above image shows a very good example of the variation encountered in making this garment.

Many veterans I have interviewed recall the color of their jumpsuit as "khaki" while others say light olive. When I asked them if their jumpsuit was the same color as their suntan uniforms (Khaki cotton twill) they had mixed reactions. Some said yes, while others say no. Having copies of the original contractor specifications (just as my competitor does) I know for a fact that jumpsuits were NEVER made from suntan (Khaki) uniform twill.

Many collectors based their color opinions on what veterans have told them or a romantic notion of what the color should be. This is a very misleading method as colors are relative and are in the eye of the beholder. One man's khaki or OD, is another man's completely different color. Veteran testimony is a very valuable resource but must be taken with suspicion.

Now if you think trying to find that perfect jumpsuit color is difficult today, just imagine how difficult it was back then! The Army wasn't just making hundreds of suits, but hundreds of thousands of jumpsuits, and with dozens of contractors making them. Some only making pants while others making jackets. Coming from first had experience, I can tell you that it is IMPOSSIBLE to make sure all shades on all dye lots are the exact same color. There were many shades of OD#3 being delivered to the Army by uniform contractors. US Army contractors AND inspectors must have been under extreme pressure to fulfill delivery quotas and make sure that tens of thousands of parachutist volunteers had uniforms to wear. This must be why there are so many variations of color shades. They did not have time to be picky about OD#3.

(The above image was provided by a Japanese ABN uniform collector.  His website can be view at http://home.att.ne.jp/red/crossroad/index.html )

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