Vest, Assault, Khaki, HARIAN 1944, Medium

Rare genuine WWII US Army khaki canvas assault vest.

Manufactured by Harian in 1944.

Size: Medium.

Hastily designed in 1943 and produced in early 1944, this type was only used on a large scale on the occasion of the D-Day amphibious landings in Normandy, where it was issued to elements of various first-wave units of the 1st, 4th and 29th Infantry Divisions, as well as Rangers.

The present vest, which is to be closed by two quick-release straps, features two slanted breast pockets for easier access to contents, two hip pockets, and two smaller compartments intended for carrying a handgrenade. A cloth strip was sewn into the upper pockets and grenade compartments in order to draw their contents as fast as possible.

Four pair of grommets are located around the waist — two on the front and two on the back — so that individual gear could be secured thanks to their bent-wire hooks. The rear of the vest features two larger compartments which are supposed to replace the haversack; the upper pouch has a separate sheath designed for the bayonet, and a tab with a pair of grommets to which the T-shovel can be attached.

Very good overall condition; two pockets are missing on the right-hand side.