|
|
Post by ericbruce25 on Apr 2, 2011 23:00:26 GMT -5
I recently finished putting together my officer impression. I was hoping for some input. Please keep in mind that the ribbon rack isn't worn to events or at all. I just put it on the jacket because I wanted to get some pictures on here so I could get feedback. Please don't raise hell about the purple heart and bronze star i got the entire rack for like $15.00 and just threw it on there to get the complete look for some photos. Jacket is original, hat is wwiiimp, pinks are eastman, and boots are atthefront. www.flickr.com/photos/61393697@N08/5584212776/lightbox/www.flickr.com/photos/61393697@N08/5583623593/in/photostream/ |
|
Vudu
1st Lieutenant 
Posts: 1,476
|
Post by Vudu on Apr 4, 2011 0:11:13 GMT -5
Not bad! It fits pretty well and there's nothing that jumps out as non-regulation. To note, though, is the wear of shirt collar insignia with the class A. Yes, I know there were some units where this was done while wearing the Ike jacket, but normally collar insignia are only worn when the shirt is worn as an outer garment. Check for photos of officers in the 501st specifically as a reference. Also, the funky ladder-lacing of jump boots is pretty unusual; troopers on VIP guard/honor guard sometimes did this, but otherwise stick to regular cross-lacing. I'd leave the leather laces for field wear, and use brown flat cotton for everything else. The 501st arrived in England in January 1944; at war's end, it had still not been in theater two full years, so you may want to rethink the number of overseas stripes on your sleeve. Along those lines, do some detailed research as to when the various cords and fourrageres were actually put on the uniform. The French Croix de Guerre, for example, was presented to the 101st and 82nd on June 6, 1946 - exactly two years after Normandy D-Day. My favorite Airborne officer look is early fall 1944; just before Holland. You get the wings, CIB and Unit Citation, plus a couple of theater & service ribbons, but still relatively uncluttered. Some good info and pics are here: www.ww2-airborne.us/units/501/501.htmlSome officer pics toward the bottom of the page here: www.ww2-airborne.us/units/501/501_trp.htmlCheers! |
|
|
|
Post by S/Sgt.Noble30thID on Apr 4, 2011 5:43:06 GMT -5
I agree with you JL.
Also, please, please make sure you adjust your tie and tuck your laces in your boots next time. And like you said, Purple Heart and Bronze Star..loose those too (unless you earned them).
Charlie
|
|
Old Salt
Retired Forum MP 
Der springende Reiter
Posts: 3,704
|
Post by Old Salt on Apr 4, 2011 6:50:40 GMT -5
I'm not sure why this was originally in the detailed section?? But it's fine here in the regular area.
|
|
|
|
Post by 29navy on Apr 4, 2011 14:40:08 GMT -5
What kind of shirt is that? seems kind of dark...but maybe just the photo.
Charlie
|
|
Vudu
1st Lieutenant
Posts: 1,476
|
Post by Vudu on Apr 4, 2011 14:52:52 GMT -5
It looks like a "pink" shirt, which is acceptable, but also unusual. More common would be a lightweight cotton poplin shirt (WPG sells repros) or a dark shade "chocolate" shirt.
The dark tie is also unusual for ground forces officers (more common in the AAF), and not technically authorized. but Gen Marshall wore one and it was done to an extent.
|
|
|
|
Post by TC1c Dunigan on Apr 4, 2011 21:13:29 GMT -5
I'd lose the hunter green tie and get one thats chocolate or get you a khaki or pink one to go with the class "A." Outside that not bad!  Regards, FRISCAN |
|
J2H
1st Sgt. 
Always available to lend an ear or a shoulder
Posts: 662
|
Post by J2H on Apr 5, 2011 5:27:02 GMT -5
I can't open the link :-(
|
|
|
|
Post by williegford on Apr 5, 2011 9:10:21 GMT -5
All great advice so far. My question is what time frame are you trying to portray? IMO your current photo's look like an officer in occupation after the armistice. If you're going for a wartime look I'd lose alot of the fruit salad and the cords. For me, the general rule of thumb (note: I said general not always) is "less is more" for a wartime class A impression.
Bill
|
|
|
|
Post by S/Sgt.Noble30thID on Apr 5, 2011 10:05:06 GMT -5
I can't open the link :-( You'll have to copy and paste it into a browser or search bar. Charlie |
|
|
|
Post by 24thForward on Apr 5, 2011 10:11:57 GMT -5
He would have to be portraying occupation/ post-war states side, due to the WW2 victory ribbon and occupation ribbon. Right?
Rob
|
|
Railsplitter
Major 
"You'll be fighting WWII for the rest of your life" My father in 1972
Posts: 3,189
|
Post by Railsplitter on Apr 5, 2011 12:00:50 GMT -5
if you arent taking off your jacket, you can get a modern issue navy officers cotton shirt..the kind they wear on ships versus the polyester ones they wear on shore. They are readily available and not too expensive.
LTC Tim
|
|
|
|
Post by ericbruce25 on Apr 6, 2011 3:45:28 GMT -5
29 navy the pinks are all from eastmans leather. S/sgt noble I was taking the pics on my own with the camera on a timer lol I had the laces tucked probably popped out when I was running to get in front of the camera. Thanks for the kind words folks. I was really just trying to get all the decorations I needed and put them on the jacket as they came in the mail. The impression will be used as you see it minus 2 ribbons for a military timeline covering basically every time period. The extra service stripe is there to go with the 82nd airborne patch on my right shoulder.
|
|
|
|
Post by williegford on Apr 6, 2011 10:19:30 GMT -5
The impression will be used as you see it minus 2 ribbons for a military timeline covering basically every time period. The extra service stripe is there to go with the 82nd airborne patch on my right shoulder. Just curious as to your motivation behind doing an impression of an officer who served in both the 82nd and 101 with all the ribbons, service stripes and cords? If your intent is to do an impression of a typical wartime officer in the 501 PIR this would not be it. Bill |
|
|
|
Post by ericbruce25 on Apr 6, 2011 22:48:47 GMT -5
Williegford as I said above this won't be worn at events as seen in the pics. I prefer sticking to enlisted men. I know things in reenacting need to be the norm not the exception. I totally agree with honoring the vets to make sure them and their sacrifices aren't forgotten and to be as accurate as possible for historic reasons. This wasn't meant to be a wartime impression it's meant to be a impression that can cover all time frames early, mid, late and post war (probably should of specified that). If I was going for an impression during the war I would lose half the decorations and cords on the jacket. I just wanted to have everything that I needed for all time frames because I'm a weirdo I guess . I will be wearing it at a time line/ honor guard event for U.S. soldiers of all time periods. A guy in my unit talked me into doing an officer impression for this American Legion honor guard. They have U.S. soldiers literally for every war that America has fought in except wwii.I went with 501st 2nd Lt. because my great grandfather in wwii and 82nd for another relative. It's more of a salute to my family's service than anything. I appreciate all the input and I'll work to fix what needs to be corrected as I want this to be correct. Friscan I appreciate the compliment I admire your impressions that you have posted you do a great job. Hopefully I can get my 326th engineer impression on here and you guys can tear it up and help me get it squared away. Oh and I'm planning to try and get a chocolate shirt and pants but I just really liked the way the pinks looked so I couldn't resist getting them. As for the tie it looked chocolate in the picture on the website and was said to be chocolate I guess you can believe everything you read on the internet lol !! Thanks for the critique I appreciate all the input from you guys on here I am grateful that I have the forum to use as a research tool.
|
|
Vudu
1st Lieutenant
Posts: 1,476
|
Post by Vudu on Apr 7, 2011 10:42:23 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by williegford on Apr 7, 2011 10:53:58 GMT -5
Looking sharp there Vudu.
Bill
|
|
J2H
1st Sgt.
Always available to lend an ear or a shoulder
Posts: 662
|
Post by J2H on Apr 8, 2011 6:20:05 GMT -5
Like the look Vudu! I myself am going to be putting together an officer impression for 82nd ABN (Chaplain)
|
|
Tailgunner24
Corporal 
Sweat saves blood - Erwin Rommel
Posts: 114
|
Post by Tailgunner24 on May 3, 2011 23:25:47 GMT -5
I have a question about ribbon pins cib marksmen etc. since you stated about the purple heart. etc. If they are on a uniform that is original that you intend on wearing and you don't intend to represent that you earned any of them is it ok to keep them on because you do not want to ruin the uniform? Thanks -Babyface
|
|
|
|
Post by seabee1942 on May 4, 2011 6:41:16 GMT -5
This is my opinion know, but if you are portraying a certain person (in 1st person) than it is ok. (ie patton, ike, etc) Other than that it would be better to display the uniform than wear it. It also depends on the award being worn. Campaign ribbons and marksman badges aren't that big a deal. Most guys will wear items until a vet gets offended then they will gladly take it off.
|
|
