USMC Service Uniform in WW II

The U.S. Marine Corps Service Uniform stood mid-way between the field utility uniform worn in combat and the Marines' formal dress uniform. Although similar to the U.S. Army Coat, Wool Serge, OD (also called the "service coat"), the Marine version was distinctly different.

USMC Service Uniform, 4th Marines, Shanghai, 28 November 1941
USMC Service Uniform, 4th Marines, Shanghai, 28 November 1941.

Today in WW II: 11 Oct 1939 Letter signed by Albert Einstein is delivered to US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, urging the United States to rapidly develop the atomic bomb before Germany does, the inspiration for the Manhattan Project.  More ↓
11 Oct 1942 Battle of Cape Esperance: US and Japanese naval forces clash off northwest coast of Guadalcanal. US victory opens supply lines for Allies, prevents Japanese reinforcement.
11 Oct 1942 Wave of relentless Luftwaffe air attacks against Malta begins, continuing for 17 days with heavy losses of British and German planes and pilots.
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World War II USMC Service Uniform

USMC Major wearing Winter Service Uniform
USMC Major wearing Winter Service Uniform.

Prior to World War II, Marines had dress uniforms and service uniforms with summer and winter versions. The service uniforms were intended for all use that was not formal dress, from ceremonies to field exercises. Beginning in 1941, fatigue uniforms took over for field duty with the service uniform designated for garrison, leave and ceremonial activity.

The summer service uniform was cotton khaki which continued to be used in warm climates. A khaki garrison cap or round khaki service cap were worn with the summer uniform. A summer khaki service coat was in use before the war, but was dropped after 1941.

The forest green winter wool service uniform continued to be used, as seen on the Major in the photo to the left. The shirt worn with this uniform was tan wool with brown buttons. The forest green trousers had no back pockets. A tan necktie, belt, and forest green service cap or garrison cap completed the uniform.

A khaki shirt could also be worn with the forest green trousers as an intermediate uniform, without the coat.

The wool service coat was hip length with four pockets: two pleated breast pockets and two box pockets on the skirt. It has epaulettes at the shoulders and belt loops in back to hold a loose cloth belt. The sleeves had a simulaed curved "Marine cuff". Bronze buttons with Eagle, Globe and Anchor secured the pockets and the front of the coat. The officers coat differed only in the fabric -- the EM coat was kersey wool, officers wool elastique.

Pvt. Howard Perry, first African-American to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps when segregation of the Corps ended, 1 June 1942. He is wearing the USMC Service Uniform.
Pvt. Howard Perry, first African-American to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps when segregation of the Corps ended, 1 June 1942. He is wearing the USMC Service Uniform.

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