The Well-Dressed Airman (1945)

Pacific Ocean Area

CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT

2.c. …It will be found that “travel light” is a good rule for AAF personnel. (Such items as steel helmets, weapons and gas masks will not, of course, be discarded to apply this rule.) Climatic dampness causes clothing to mould rapidly and extra items should be aired frequently. A few coat hangers are useful for this purpose.

3. DESIRABLE ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT:

a. All Personnel:

Raincoat, House slippers, Cigarette lighter, Swimming trunks, Bath clogs (a must), Talcum powder, Mirror, Nail clippers or file, Fountain pen and pencil, Sewing kit, Short wave radio, Extra insignia, Wrist watch straps

b. WAC’s:

Cosmetics, Swimming suit, Fatigue dress, “T” shirts, Cologne, Cotton panties, Brassieres, Bobby pins, Light cotton robe, Band-aids, Dress slacks and skirt, Electric iron, Cotton anklets, Starch

Source: War Zone Familiarization: Pacific Ocean Area: Troop Carrier Command Edition for Air Crew Members, Headquarters, I Troop Carrier Command, May 1945, Chapter III, Section I, p. 1.

Image source: Howard Brody, “Sketched on a C-47 transport from New Caledonia to Espiritu Santo, Dec. 42,” probably for Yank magazine, Library of Congress.