U.S. Army > U.S. Army Field Uniforms > Jacket, Field, OD

Jacket, Field, OD
AKA M41 Field Jacket, M38, Parsons, ETC
This page was last updated: June 18, 2013
 

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This is the ubiquitous cool weather garment worn by virtually all US Army enlisted and officer soldiers in the early to middle period of WWII.  The OD Field Jacket, also known as the M41 Field Jacket by collectors, saw use in every theater of operation of WWII either as a front line constant wear garment or as a rear area garrison jacket for lounging.  It was worn by soldiers while guarding the American coastlines when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor in December 1941, as well as soldiers wading ashore at the Normandy invasion in June 1944.  In fact, the general concept of the OD Field Jacket spanned for years before WWII undergoing several minor changes in materials and design.   Collectors have attempted to identify the differences by token names such as M38 Jacket, Parsons jacket, etc, All throughout its use it remained known officially in the Army as the OD Field Jacket. 

The OD Field Jacket was a garment designed, produced, and issued for US Army soldiers, but US Marines and US Navy Sailors also wore them whenever supply channels had them available for issuing given the conditions.  This hip length jacket was merely a windbreaker that offered minimal thermal protection but was good at keeping warm in slightly cool temperatures.  The design of this jacket was made roomy to allow for layering of thermal undergarments, woolen uniform, sweater, and scarf, if need be.  The front of the jacket closed both with a brass zipper and buttoned down.  Two front slash pockets are more for warming of the hands on windy days than for any real storage.  The back design of the jacket incorporated a bi-swing back which allowed for freedom of arm movement.  The photos above depict the standard widely issued model of the OD Field Jacket which had shoulder epaulettes and side opening hand pockets.  But, before the United States entered WWII the Army first introduced it's "M38" OD Field Jacket with flaps covering the pocket openings and included no shoulder epaulettes.  WE OFFER YOU BOTH STYLES! But, be aware that though the pre-WWII M38 model of the OD Field Jacket did see limited use during US involvement in WWII, this version was vastly out-numbered by the standard model M41 OD Field Jacket without pocket flaps and with shoulder epaulettes.

As stated above the fit of this jacket is very roomy and we follow the original fit.  The arms are also slightly long.  Some of our customers have ordered down one size so that the jackets may fit more snug if so desired.  We proudly produce our Od Field Jackets in-house with quality and authenticity in mind.  We start with high quality 100% cotton poplin cloth custom dyed to a very popular and proper WWII era shade of O.D #3 and treated with an authentic water repellency as were the original jackets.  The lining material is 100% wool flannel dyed in authentic shade of O.D. as used in the real jackets.  We assemble the garment using color matched OD #3 100% cotton thread.  The buttons we use are a very authentic style solid cast durable melamine with four holes and well stitched in place.  Our zipper is solid brass and will hold up to the most rigorous conditions.  Collar and upper lapels are interlined for that full bodied look. To punctuate the quality of this garment we also include a stunning recreation of the wash-away Quartermaster Inspection label denoting contract information of original jackets.  As stated above we offer both the standard issue M41 OD Field Jacket design with shoulder epaulettes and side opening hand pockets, as well as the early model M38 pre-WWII field jacket without epaulettes and including pocket flaps.  There are other minor differences between the two that are not as significant.

Our OD Field Jacket would've been used on the beaches of Normandy...they're that good!  This jacket satisfies some of the most detail-discriminating of enthusiasts.  Our reputation for high quality and historical accuracy is indicative in this garment.   This jacket will stay with you for as long as you need and serve you faithfully.

Price TBA.
We are in early production stages of restocking this item
 and reservations are being taken.

Please select qty, size, and which model jacket, pre-WWII or standard.

Qty. Size: Model:


Need extra buttons or want to replace those on your old field jacket?
Pack of 20 buttons, $5.00

Qty.


For accessories that are worn with this uniform please check this page.

For shoulder and sleeve insignia and rank chevrons please check this page.

For footwear items that complete this uniform please check this page.

For field equipment items that go with this uniform please check this page.

For Army regulation enlisted OD wool shirts and trousers please check this page.

Please check the care page for instructions on how to care for this garment.


Proudly American Made!
 

For a complete description of the WWII era U.S. Army soldier's basic uniform and equipment click here.

 

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