The beginning of World War I saw thousands of army and navy aviators who needed specialized clothing that could not be purchased off-the-shelf. During World War II pilots and crews flew countless missions in extreme conditions, from the Arctic to the South Pacific. Through both wars, providing suitable clothing to personnel aboard many different types of aircraft proved a monumental task. This book documents the development, testing, manufacture, procurement and utilization of flying apparel and accessories worn by American airmen around the world between 1917 and 1945. Among the garments explored are various types of flight suits--including heavy winter shearling suits and electrically heated suits--flight jackets, flotation gear, headgear, handwear and footwear. With appendices that include contemporary brochures detailing the care and maintenance of flight clothing, this study provides a thorough exploration of a rarely examined aspect of military history.

Seven decades after World War II, we now know that the margin between Allied victory and defeat was often narrower than many realized. The decisive actions of leaders, generals and war heroes have been well documented, but less well known are the technological developments that made victory possible and laid the groundwork for postwar progress. Based on more than ten years of research, this book describes how American airmen became the best-outfitted aviators of the war, tracing the development of virtually every piece of personal equipment used by United States air forces. Drawing on original sources including formerly classified documents, the author details the myriad types of respirator equipment, parachutes, body armor, pressure suits and other flying and survival gear that were instrumental in making U.S. pilots and air crews effective. Personal anecdotes bring to life the design and testing of combat flight equipment. More than 160 photographs are included, most published here for the first time.

This is part 1 of volume 7 on the Miscellaneous clothing items worn by the ground troops of the U.S. Army during World War II. It includes a description of each object, how it was issued, who made them, stock number runs and how much they cost at the time. It includes color photographs of the items as well.

This book is one of a series of books on uniforms used by the U.S. Army Ground Forces during World War II. This volume covers service coats, field jackets, overcoats and mackinaw coats. It contains written descriptions and photographs to help the reader to positively identify the uniforms covered. It also includes information on how the uniform item was issued to troops, as well as a list of the manufacturers of the item.

This is the 4th volume of a multi-volume set of books covering the Uniforms of the U.S. Army Ground Forces of World War II. This volume contains photographs and descriptions of Blue Denim and Herringbone-twill uniforms - including the camouflage uniforms. It also contains information on the issue of the uniform items, as well as the known manufacturers and the stock numbers associated with the clothing.

This dictionary covers the complex and costly conflict that began when Germany, ruled by Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, invaded neighboring Poland on 1 September 1939; and concluded when Germany surrendered on 7–9 May 1945, leaving much of the European continent in ruins and its population devastated. The war against Germany, Italy, and the other European Axis members was fought primarily in Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, East and North Africa, and the Atlantic Ocean. The Axis powers were defeated by the Allies, led by the “Grand Alliance” of Great Britain, the United States, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The Historical Dictionary of World War II: The War against Germany and Italy relates the history of this war through a chronology, an introductory essay, maps and photos, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has more than 300 cross-referenced entries on the countries and geographical areas involved in the war, as well as the nations remaining neutral; wartime alliances and conferences; significant civilian and military leaders; and major ground, naval, and air operations. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about World War II.