| U.S. Army Rifleman Engineer Special Brigade Omaha Beach - Normandy France June 6th 1944 |
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| This soldier illustrates the equipment that was worn by a rifleman assigned to the 37th Engineer Battalion, 5th Engineer Special Brigade during the invasion of Normandy France June 6th 1944. The 5th and 6th Engineer Special Brigades landed on Omaha Beach. The first elements of the Brigade that landed were from the reconnaissance party of the 37th Engineer Battalion. The unexpected enemy firepower coupled with the confusion resulting from misplaced landings resulted in a delay for most of the plans for the engineers at Omaha. |
| The Gear: |
| M-1 Helmet M-1 Helmet Liner, made by Seamans M-1941 Jacket with Engineer Amphibian Command patch on left sleeve M-1923 Dismounted Cartridge Belt, made by D.M. SHOE 1943 M-1928 Haversack, made by S.F.CO. 1942 M-1910 Dismounted Canteen Cover, made by B-G.INC. 1942 owner marked C6435 M-1910 Canteen, black enamel, made by U.S.S.CO. 1942 M-1910 Canteen Cup, made by M.A.CO. 1941 M-1942 First Aid Pouch, made by B.A.S. CO. 1943 M-1910 Entrenching Tool M-1910 Entrenching Tool Cover, made by A.J. BATES CO. 7-18 M-1910 Axe, made by PLUMB 1944 M-1910 Axe Cover, made by AMER. FAB. CO. 1944 Extra Ammunition Bag, marked 1944 M-7 Assault Gas Mask Carrier USN Life Preserver, made by CENTRAL TIRE & RUBBER CO. AKRON, OHIO MK-II Fragmentation Hand Grenade |
| Front left and right, above two photos. |
| Rear view, left photo. |
| M-1 Helmet, left photo. The 5th and 6th Engineer Special Brigades marked their helmets with a large white arc over the Engineer Amphibian Command insignia. M-1 Helmet Liner, right photo. This liner was made by Seamans. The suspension is made from Single Herringbone Twill (SHBT) and is held to the liner with green A washers. |