Developed in 1941 alongside the jump jacket, these pants would famously be worn by paratroopers during the invasion of Europe. These pants were only produced for a year or so between 1942-43, and would quickly be replaced by the m1943 pants, so examples are rare, and with the popularity of airborne/special forces collecting, one of the hardest pieces to find! This particular example are of the later variety, earlier versions having a gusset on either ankle.
This pair is stamped anD named to Colonel Irvin Pat Murray. Murray joined the army in 1939, first serving in the artillery, but then transfering to a position somewhere between the Army, Air Force and Airborne. He seems to have had quite the colorful career, serving mainly as a Staff Officer. Highlights include training with the 101st Airborne and British Commandos, for both of whom he was instructing liason officers between the infantry and air force. I've got references to himsubmarine hunting, and serving with both the 8th & 9th Air Forces, plus its seems he served in France with close-air-support unit, flying light aircraft on artillery spotting missions. There is more research to be done but I'll include a few articles I found on him in the listing.
Condition
Well used, with a few areas of damage/repair. There is a darned repair to one leg, though this is onto cheesecloth backing so looks to be period done. There is a hole in the very bottom of the left leg pocket. Tag is present but washed, all studs working correctly
Size
- Tagged a 32/32
- Waist 32"
- Inside leg 31"
- Outside leg 42"