World War I (1917–1918)

The turn of the century marked a significant change in U.S. Army uniforms. The M1910 service uniform, issued for work and field use, was the Army's first single-color uniform. It consisted of olive-drab wool for winter and khaki cotton for summer. By the time the United States entered World War I, the winter service uniform had become the standard field and combat uniform for the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in Europe.

Uniform

The M1912/M1917 service uniform was made of olive-drab wool with a cotton liner. The single-breasted service coat featured four flapped pockets and five buttons. Its short standing collar fastened with a hook and displayed two discs: one marked “U.S.” (some with regimental numbers), and the other bearing the branch insignia and, typically, the company letter.

Olive-drab wool service breeches reflected the style of the time—flaring at the thigh, tapering at the knee, and fitting tightly at the calf, where they closed with laces. Soldiers wore spiral puttees—long wool leg wraps—wound tightly from the boot to just below the knee. These provided protection from mud, debris, and underbrush in trench environments.

Headgear

Soldiers deployed to Europe received the soft cloth overseas cap, based on British and French designs. It could be folded and carried in a pocket when wearing a helmet.

U.S. troops initially used the British Mark I steel helmet, known as the “Brodie” helmet, but by 1918 the United States produced its own version designated M1917. Designed to deflect overhead shell fragments, the helmet was not bulletproof.

Equipment

A system of straps and metal grommets connected the haversack to the M1910 cartridge belt, improving weight distribution. The belt, made of cotton webbing, featured a brass buckle and ten pockets, each holding two five-round clips of .30-caliber ammunition.

An aluminum, kidney-shaped canteen and cup were carried in a canvas cover, along with a first aid pouch.

The British respirator (gas mask), worn in a canvas carrier on the chest, protected against chemical agents such as chlorine, phosgene, and mustard gas. American-made versions were issued later in the war.

The M1910 haversack was a lightweight canvas pack that carried essential gear, including an entrenching tool, mess kit, clothing, and personal items. The M1917 bayonet and scabbard attached to the flap, while a lower extension (not worn here) held blankets and shelter equipment.

Footwear

The improved M1918 trench boot, later known as the “Pershing boot,” added hobnails, steel heel plates, and toe caps for durability and traction.

Weapons

Soldiers were typically equipped with the bolt-action M1903 Springfield rifle, which held five rounds of .30-caliber ammunition in an internal magazine. The M1905 bayonet (not displayed) could be fixed to the rifle or carried separately.

Due to production shortages, the M1917 Enfield rifle—based on the British P14—was also issued. It held six rounds and differed slightly in weight and design. Its bayonet resembled the M1905 but was not interchangeable.