US M1912 Uniform

From the Collection: An enlisted man’s uniform from the United States during the Great War

When he marched off to war in 1917 the American Doughboy was outfitted with a modern khaki wool uniform designated the Model of 1912. When combined with either the Campaign Hat or the M1917 Steel Helmet it makes up the main components of the iconic outfit of the conflict for its country.

The collar insignia here identifies the wearer as an enlisted man in the Army Corps of Engineers

The uniform consists of a wool jacket and matching trousers, both in a khaki color. The tunic features a standing collar, upon which black metal disks were fixed. A simple “US” disk was worn on the right side, while on the left an insignia for different specialties within the service. On this example, the castle emblem of the US Army Corps of Engineers is attached. Also visible are three overseas service chevrons on the left cuff. The buttons are of the same material as the collar disks, and feature the US Federal Eagle.

The trousers are of a button fly variety as is to be expected of the period, and also feature laces at the hems to allow then to be tightened for fit inside of a standard issue boot.

As seen here on display, the mannequin is also wearing the carrying case for the American Small Box Respirator (gas mask) around his neck. He is also wearing an M1917 helmet and an M1910 Dismounted Cartridge Belt. On his chest he wears a WWI Victory Medal with clasps for Meuse-Argonne, Alsace and Defensive Sector service. In addition, he also wears a State of Wisconsin Mexican Border Service Medal and a City of Ashland, Wisconsin WWI Victory Medal. The holster is a post-WWII example for an M1911 pistol, but was placed on the mannequin for display purposes.

Soldiers of the US Army’s 32nd Infantry Division, 126th Infantry Regiment in Alsace, 1918, with most wearing the standard M1912 Uniform