G Co. /120th Infantry Regiment
Living History Unit
Basic Equipment Items
G Company is committed to accurately portraying the average American soldier assigned to a line company in the 30th Infantry Division. We painstakingly pour over original photographs in an effort to maintain historical accuracy. Furthermore, we constantly research what uniforms and equipment were issued to American GIs of the time period. If certain uniform nuances were particular to the 30th Infantry Division soldier, we take that into account. Before putting your G Company Impression together, we highly recommend you consult with the Unit Leadership. An accurate impression for this hobby can be expensive, so it is important to acquire the proper, APPROVED items for the Unit and only through our authorized vendors.
Required Equipment Items
CARTRIDGE BELT, M1923
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Belt issued to all rifleman. 10 pocket design to hold .30-06 caliber ammunition on 5 round stripper clips or 8 round en bloc clips. Made of canvas in Olive Drab #3 (OD3) shade.
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There are rows of eyelets on the top and bottom of the belt. The top row of eyelets allows for attachment of the haversack, or equipment suspenders. The bottom row allows for attachment of other necessary/extra equipment, such as a canteen, bandage pouch, and more specialized items like wire cutters. Other items usually carried elsewhere, like the bayonet and shovel, could be carried on the belt as well.
HAVERSACK, M1928
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A backpack-like item designed to hold your rations, essentials, and support the weight of your belt. Made of OD3 canvas, the haversack is essentially a series of flaps that fold over and secure what's inside. Regulations stated it was for food, toiletries, and your bedroll. In combat however, GI's used it to carry what they wanted.
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Attached to the haversack would be your bayonet, entrenching tool, and your mess kit. The haversack has straps that connect to the top row of eyelets on a cartridge or pistol belt. The straps could also be connected in a way to allow the haversack to be worn as a backpack.
CANTEEN, M1910 or M1942
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The canteen is the GI's water bottle. It is an aluminum or steel construction that holds roughly 1 quart of water.
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It is carried in a specially designed carrier in OD3 canvas that is insulated to keep the water cool. The carrier is attached to the bottom eyelets on the cartridge or pistol belt.
BANDAGE POUCH, M1924 or M1942
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This is a pouch in OD3 canvas with a single flap with snap that holds the specially designed Carlisle Bandage.
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The Carlisle Bandage comes in a sealed tin. Inside the tin is the bandage and a small envelope of "Sulfa Powder" (Sulfanilamide, a disinfectant. Think Neosporin). The tin was carried in the pouch. This allowed every GI to have easy access to a bandage.
ENTRENCHING TOOL, M1910 or M1943
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The entrenching tool is essentially a shovel. It came in two styles. The pre-war 1910, with rounded head and T-handle, and the 1943, with pointed head that was foldable. They each had their own carrier they would go in. The carrier would then be attached to the haversack, underneath the mess kit pouch.
MESS KIT
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The mess kit was a two piece dish with a handle that GI's mainly used for food in rear line kitchens. There was also an issued fork, spoon, and knife.
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The mess kit and its utensils were kept in a pouch that was secured to the outside of the haversack by two straps.
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BAYONET, M1905 or M1
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The standard bayonet used on the M1903 Springfield and the M1 Garand.
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The M1905 bayonets were shortened from their pre-war 16 inch lengths, down to the new 10 inch standard. The M1 bayonet was a new made 10 inch bayonet.
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Both bayonets were stored in scabbards when not in use. These scabbards would then be attached to the side of the haversack.