Unknown Maker for U.S ArmyAmerican

Doughboy Uniform, c. 1918

Wool with metal fastenings, metal helmet, reproduction leather boots

Gift of Miss Estelle Angier1971.02FD.1.A-D

HENRY SONNEBORN for U.S. ArmyNew York

Great Coat, Model 1918, c. 1918

Melton wool with cotton patch and brass buttons

Gift of Elkanah Babcock and Dennita Sewell2002.136

Unknown Maker for U.S. ArmyAmerican

Service Hat Model M-1911, c. 1911

Felted wool

Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Joel and Lila Harnett2002.13

The American Doughboy uniform of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) was patterned after the British uniform of the period. Soldiers wore a wool shirt with cotton lining in the chest and a wool jacket and trousers. Under the trousers soldiers wore white cotton full length drawers. The stand-up collar on the jacket was being phased out by European powers but was retained by the American forces because senior officials wanted the army to look respectable. The collar chafed the neck and was unpopular with the troops. Leg wraps or putties kept out mud and were added insulation in cold weather. Those shown here are made of wool felt, but they were also made of cotton canvas that buckled or laced on. Hob-nailed boots were essential for clambering around on wet wood that lined the bottom and walls of the trench. A wool hat and metal helmet were also issued to each soldier. This hat was standard issue from 1911 until the beginning of WWII. This distinctive hat was prized by soldiers, but this style of service hat rarely survived, as most of them were cut up to make slippers for the wounded. Soldier’s wore an assault pack and cartridge belt containing the necessities for combat and survival.

The U.S. Army conducted a fact-finding trip to study European military equipment in 1917 prior to American involvement in WWI. All European armies supplied their troops with a wool overcoat as dictated by their climate. The U.S. put this heavy melton wool greatcoat into production as a standard issue part of a soldier’s kit. It was essential for survival in the field. It has a large hook and eye closure at the collar. At the back is a button adjustable belt. Early production models were longer and had cuff tabs; later war models were shorter and left off the tabs to save material.  Wool was chosen for its warmth and water shedding properties, but when it became saturated it was very heavy. 

The grenade vest shown here was an ill-conceived government response to the need to carry more explosives. This vest was not popular with front line troops. Their perception was that running towards gunfire with explosives strapped to your chest was foolish. The vests gained greater use as carriers of rolled bandages for infield application. This Doughboy uniform was worn by a member of the Signal Corps.

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