The USMC were the only branch of the military to fully embrace camouflage during WW2, whilst other would experiment, the Marines felt the ability to change from jungle to beach colours were of genuine benefit during their island hopping across the pacific - I'm not sure if the men fighting felt the same! The P44 shirt was introduced later in the conflict, and only saw limited use, but would see extensive use in Korea and with the French in Indochine. Fully reversible (with a little button difficulty), with large chest pockets, button cuffs. etc
This really rather rare example comes complete with a UNIS (Unit Numerical Identification System) mark on both jungle and beach side on the back. From my research, the UNIS system was adopted in 1944 following the conclusion of the Marshall Islands campaign. Each division had a different shaped stamp on their equipment, within the shaped stamp a number for the unit and above the stamp a number for rank. In this example a faint semi-circle indicates 4th Marine Division, and a faint 531 inside shows HQ Company 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines. Unfortunately I haven't quite been able to trace the individual Marine, there seems to be multiple names layered over each other.
Condition:
This example is in used but excellent mint condition. There are a few light marks and signs of use including a small stain on the front left chest, but otherwise she's perfect.
Size:
- Tagged a 38
- Pit to pit 22"
- Shoulder to shoulder 17"
- Shoulder to cuff 24"
- Collar to hem 27.5"