Under Construction
The 41st Infantry Division
The Division in Training
In 1921 the 41st Division was allocated to the Pacific Northwest states of Washington Oregon, Montana and returned to National Guard status although retaining a Divisional Command Structure. During the 1930's the Division trained at Fort Lewis Washington and was eventually inducted into Federal Service in 1940. Over 1941 intensive maneuvers were undertaken with other Divisions along the coastline of Washington and Oregon. The 41st Division was officially renamed the 41st Infantry Division on 2 August 1941. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the division was deployed to guard the coast against attack.
World War Two Service
In February 1942, the 41st Infantry Division was alerted for overseas movement. It handed over its coastal defence responsibilities to the 3rd Infantry Division and concentrated at Fort Lewis. That month the the division, entrained at Fort Lewis for San Francisco, from where they sailed for Australia, arriving on 13 May. They were assigned a camp near Seymour, Victoria, where training was conducted at the nearby Australian Army base at Puckapunyal. In July the division moved to Rockhampton, Queensland. The division had arrived in Australia with a reputation as "the top ranking National Guard division and one of the three top divisions in the whole Army", a reason for its early deployment. Major General Robert L. Eichelberger, whose I Corps headquarters arrived in Rockhampton in August, The 41st was ordered the division to commence training in jungle warfare as well as Amphibious training conducted at Toorbul, Queensland. The 41st Infantry Division served in Pacific Island Campaign at Sanananda, Salamaua, Hollandia, Aitape, Wakde Island, Biak, Palawan and Zamboanga. Their exploits garnered the nickname, The Jungleers. After the fall of the Philippines, the division began training for the attack on Japan itself, but surrender came first. The division did move to Japan where it occupied the island of Honshū for a few months. The 41st Infantry Division was inactivated at Kure-Hiro, Japan on 31 December 1945.
41st Infantry Division Beaded Insignia
The beaded shoulder sleeve insignia is one the most difficult to locate and acquire piece of unit specific insignia. Each one was hand made and each one is truly a "One of a Kind" piece of Native artwork. For the most part they were made by indigenous people who lived along the Washington/Oregon coast. In the many decades of active collecting I have only been able to locate eight examples of this incredibly rare artifact. Currently there are four examples in the Ghost Squadron museum collection
41st Infantry Division Australian Made Insignia
Upon arrival in Australia the Division experienced a rapid attrition of uniforms and subsequently insignia, due in part to the harsh and humid climate. As a result the 41st contracted the local manufacturing industry to produce insignia and as well as a supply uniforms for the men of the Division. See below for an incredible example of an identified Australian made jacket fitted with 41st Infantry Division insignia.
161st Infantry Pennant
An interesting Pennant featuring the Distinctive Insignia of the 161st Infantry Regiment of the 41st Infantry Division.
WW2 Field Jacket, "Ike"
The popular field jacket, aka "Ike" jacket nicknamed after the General Eisenhower is seen here belonging to Medical Corps Tech 5th Class with the 41st Infantry Division.
WW2 Field Jacket, "Ike"
Interesting marking inside the jacket, 1st Battalion, 163rd Infantry, Montana National Guard, Headquarters Company.
WW2 Field Jacket, "Ike"
This jacket is fitted with the most commonly seen 41st Infantry Division U.S. made embroidered shoulder sleeve insignia variants. The rank is Tech 5th Class.
"Decorated" WW2 Ike Jacket
Of particular note here is the the Presidential Unit Citation that is seen on this jacket. "The Presidential Unit Citation awarded the 1st Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, reads "for outstanding performance of duty against the enemy near Salamaua, New Guinea. On 29 and 30 June 1943."
"Decorated" WW2 Ike Jacket
The Chemical Corps Collar disc is clearly seen here. This would have been a small unit within the Regiment.
"Decorated" WW2 Ike Jacket
The, ribbon bar and shooting medals plus Infantry shoulder cord suggest this was a special occasion uniform for the Corporal it belonged to.
WW2 Australian made Ike Jacket
The Australian made Ike jacket combined features of the Commonwealth Battledress and the popular U.S. Ike jacket. It was made of a coarse wool and was not lined. This jacket variant is very difficult to locate.
WW2 Australian made Ike Jacket
This soldier qualified as a Marksman with the Rifle, an Expert with Grenade, Submachine Gun and Pistol Course D. He was also awarded the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantry Badge. He served in three conflicts in the Pacific theater as indicated by the Stars on the ribbon.
WW2 Australian made Ike Jacket
The stunning 41st Infantry Division shoulder sleeve insignia is typical of Australian made embroidered patches. This Tech 5th Class from the 162nd Infantry Regiment would have proudly worn this jacket along with his ribbon bar and awards.
Early War M1926 Officers Coat
A fine quality tailor made Officer's 41st Division Coat.
Early War M1926 Officers Coat
The embroidered shoulder sleeve insignia is typical for 1930's production and shows slight fading from use. The 'Coffin" style Captain's bars are a carry-over from the late World War One era as well. Of note if the 161st Infantry Distinctive Unit Insignia on the epaulets.
Early War M1926 Officers Coat
This stunning coat is adorned with Officer's grade Infantry Insignia of the 161st Regiment. The "US" insignia is overlaid with "WN" indicating Washington.
Tailor Made Officers Coat
A very high quality, tailor made Officer's grade coat coat from the 162nd Regiment of the 41st Infantry Division
Tailor Made Officers Coat
This locally tailored coat by Dan Bowman Inc. of Portland Oregon is a stunning example of high quality officer's grade cost.
Tailor Made Officers Coat
This 1st Lieutenant from the Medical Corps of the 162nd Infantry Regiment is proudly wearing a stunning early war variant of the 41st Infantry Division shoulder sleeve insignia.
Pre War M1926 Enlisted Coat
This fine grade wool enlisted coat is typical of early pre war uniform production.
Pre War M1926 Enlisted Coat
The Type II collar discs were standard enlisted man issue from 1926 to 1937 and are seen in gilt and bronze finish. The unique background of the Type II disc can aid in dating the uniform and soldiers service.
Pre War M1926 Enlisted Coat
This Sergeant of Company G, 162nd Regiment, 41st Infantry Division has been issued an early variant of the M1926 service coat.
Wartime production M1926 Coat
A common M1926 Service coat from a Staff Sergeant of the 41st Infantry Division who served Overseas in a active theater of war.
Wartime production M1926 Coat
The Staff Sergeant enlisted four times and served overseas in a theater of war for two years and indicated by the stripes on his cuff
Early tailored Officer's Coat
Early tailored Officer's Coat
Early tailored Officer's Coat
Pre War M1926 Service Coat
An early high collared, small lapelled M1926 Service coat. This is a transition piece from the WW1 standing collar coat to the new, for its time, m1926 pattern coat.
Pre War M1926 Service Coat
The multi piece Master Sergeant chevron of this Headquarters Company, 162nd Regiment, 41st Division soldier indicate early service, possible, pre war service in the unit
Pre War M1926 Service Coat
The Type II collar discs lend themselves to easily dating the service of the master Sergeant who wore this coat.
Wartime production M1926 Coat
This first enlistment with two and half years overseas service in a theater of war Tech 5th Class, Engineer battalion soldier saw plenty of action in the Pacific theater and the Philippines
Wartime production M1926 Coat
A properly adorned Service Coat of a tech 5th Class soldier the 41st Infantry Division.