Marine Corps Major in winter uniform, W[orld] W[ar] II (LOC)

Hollem, Howard R.,, photographer.

Marine Corps Major in winter uniform, W[orld] W[ar] II

[between 1941 and 1945]

1 transparency : color.

Notes:
 Title from FSA or OWI agency caption.
Transfer from U.S. Office of War Information, 1944.

Subjects:
 United States.--Marine Corps
Military uniforms
World War, 1939-1945

Format: Transparencies--Color

Rights Info: No known restrictions on publication.

Repository: Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D.C. 20540 USA, hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.print

Part Of: Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Collection 12002-24 (DLC) 93845501

General information about the FSA/OWI Color Photographs is available at hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/pp.fsac

Persistent URL: hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/fsac.1a34991

Call Number: LC-USW36-942

Comments and faves

  1. ★

    streunerin, aaronwestre, tofu_minx, andreavallejos, and 31 other people added this photo to their favorites.

  2. AstralisLux (60 months ago | reply)

    These images hardly look dated at all.

  3. NiMaGaMiN (60 months ago | reply)

    How do/did they know when to change from a winter uniform to a whatever uniform? is it by a certain date? or just certain temperatures?

  4. da70 (60 months ago | reply)

    These are just wonderful.

  5. ddrfires308 (59 months ago | reply)

    NiMA- If I recall correctly, the Base Commander (Station Commander, Ship's Captain or equivelent) would make this call. Local climate is usually a prime consideration when prescribing winter or summer uniforms. I can't recall for sure if CMC would set an ultimate date for the seasonal changeover.

  6. ddrfires308 (59 months ago | reply)

    The trouser crease on the left leg seems unusually conspicuous in this photo. It does not appear to be doubled, but looks to be much wider than what I am accustomed to seeing on a USMC uniform. It could be just the lighting. And regarding the neck tie, although the cleft near the top, just under the knot, may give a stylish appearance, in the strictest sense, it was not prescribed during the time of my service, 1986 - 1990.

  7. j'aime photo (49 months ago | reply)

    The uniform is called "Service Alphas" it's not seasonal at all. It's generally only worn when reporting to a new unit.

  8. ddrfires308 (49 months ago | reply)

    Although there may be only one version worn by today's Marines, those who served 20 years ago were required to maintain two sets of alphas- wool and poly/cotton. We would unofficially refer to the wool alphas as winter, and the poly alphas as summer, although they were usually prescribed with consideration to environmental temperature However, for inspection purposes, either style would be designated, at any time. Generally, the poly alphas got a lot more wear than the wool alphas. Yes, alphas, as well as charlies, were worn when first reporting in to a unit. Alphas were also worn for ceremonies such as change of command and annual USMC birthday formations, as well as for formal events such as organized banquets. I was addressing NiMaGaNiN's question rather than discussing any specific uniform. Also noteworthy, the seasonal change over involving the utilility blouse specified having the sleeves rolled up for the warmer months. Some commanders were sticklers for uniformity, which affected the wear of other items such as gloves, scarves, watch caps and field jackets.
    Semper Fi

  9. landgirl1 (35 months ago | reply)

    Does anyone out there know exactly what kind of shoes were worn with this uniform? Did they always match the colour of the belt? I have a uniform with a dark tan belt and wonder if the shoes would match this. These shoes look as though they are dark brown or black leather lace-ups - perhaps ankle boots or shoes? The toes are rounded i think - yes?

  10. ddrfires308 (35 months ago | reply)

    during my time of service, 1986 - 1990- not ankle boots. Shoes. Blackened leather. Either "old school" leather with black shoe polish, or modern style Cloroframs. Belt is khaki style, cotton ( I think), tan, with plain brass buckle and plain brass end piece. Modernized style is anodozed gold instead of plain brass.

  11. TheConnCave (34 months ago | reply)

    WW2 and prior Marines wore shell cordovan ankle-height shoes which were a dark purplish brown (used to be called "oxblood" back when it was still a common men's shoe color).

    The class A greens, BTW, were actually a field uniform at the time. The Marines posted to Greenland in '41 stepped off the gangplank in woolen greens, overcoats and camnpaign covers. They also typically wore collar pins under their scarves (ties)!

  12. This photo was invited and added to the Second World War group.

  13. This photo was invited and added to the I Like Old Uniforms...From 1700 To 1945 group.

  14. This photo was invited and added to the Military Fashion. ..Past & Present group.

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