The enlisted wool service uniform’s appearance was altered with the issuance of a newly designed coat, approved on 24 November 1939, that featured a “bi-swing” back for ease of movement. Belt hooks for a leather belt, shown here by soldiers posing with actress Hedy Lamarr, were authorized in February 1940 but deleted in March 1941 as a leather-conservation measure.
Side shoulder vents or pleat openings were part of a “bi-swing” back design introduced t enhance the field utility of the service coat. The pleats provided more fullness for ease of body movement, and are plainly visible in this soldiering public session at the home of actress Hedy Lemarr. The coat was made of 18-ounce olive-drab wool serge and contained a half-belt of identical material in the back.
Photos and captions featured in U.S. Army Uniforms of World War II by Shelby L. Stanton
