Post by Kruger on Jul 2, 2008 21:47:43 GMT -8
I read this interesting piece in the book "Devil Dogs" by George B. Clark. He addresses the issuance of Army uniforms to Marines while arriving in France. Not many people know the story behind it so thought it would be good to share.
"There has been much speculation, among Marine historians, about several minor points of contention. The issuance of army uniforms to Marines in France has been one of those. Several versions are prevalent, one being:
And another:
As could be expected, there was an element of fact in each position. There was much consternation about the green uniform among doughboys and the French who were always nearby. The story is that some Marines were shot at and possibly some hit by riflemen of various organizations. The second reason is, or was, invoked as soon as a Marine wore his Marine uniform out, which happened to some at Verdun, many others at Belleau, and most all by Soissons. The only Marine "greens" seen after that were those worn by replacements.
In reality here is what really happened:
Another interesting point of contention was the removal of the Marine emblem from their uniforms. The story goes that after an inspection, assistant secretary of the navy, FDR, asked what he could for "his Marines." Neville is quoted as replying that wearing of emblems was the most important thing that could happen to the men. He requested Roosevelt to have them returned, and he gave the order to the paymaster in Paris to have them re-instated. The only emblem allowed was the flat-disc worn by the rest of the AEF, but with the EGA engraved. Thousands were made, but delivery was not till the period of occupaton in Germany. Shoulder patches, with color variations, were also not avaliable till the same period.
"There has been much speculation, among Marine historians, about several minor points of contention. The issuance of army uniforms to Marines in France has been one of those. Several versions are prevalent, one being:
The green uniforms confused German and French, and in some cases American, soldiers. Most wondered if Marines in green were in fact German soldiers, who wore a gray-green uniform. Consequently some Marines were shot because of that.
And another:
When Marine uniforms wore out, the Services of Supply did not have replacement Marine-issue uniforms in stock, so Marines were forced to wear the only uniforms they had available: olive-drab khaki.
As could be expected, there was an element of fact in each position. There was much consternation about the green uniform among doughboys and the French who were always nearby. The story is that some Marines were shot at and possibly some hit by riflemen of various organizations. The second reason is, or was, invoked as soon as a Marine wore his Marine uniform out, which happened to some at Verdun, many others at Belleau, and most all by Soissons. The only Marine "greens" seen after that were those worn by replacements.
In reality here is what really happened:
The following memorandum was issued by Brigadier Charles A. Doyen on 30 January 1918.
1. The anticipated time has come when due to unforseen conditions it is becoming necessary to abandon our distinctive uniform and become a part of the vast army assembling to defend and protect the rights and freedom of individuals. But we must not abandon the other characteristics which have, from the beginning of the history of our country, distinguished our famous organization. Now that the time is here when it will no longer be possible to retain our characteristic uniform, let us be more easily distinguished by an increased efficiency, cheerful attitude, military bearing, and esprit-de-corps.
2. In an organiztion like ours, serving in the present great cause, the necessary abandonment of part of our own uniform should be a matter of small import and its only effect should be to cause even greater efforts on the part of the officers and men to live up to the high standard of military efficiency and appearance which has for so many years been the keynote to the Corps.
3. This memorandum will be published to each seperate organization and will be posted on company bulletin boards and report made to these Headquarters when such action has been taken.
1. The anticipated time has come when due to unforseen conditions it is becoming necessary to abandon our distinctive uniform and become a part of the vast army assembling to defend and protect the rights and freedom of individuals. But we must not abandon the other characteristics which have, from the beginning of the history of our country, distinguished our famous organization. Now that the time is here when it will no longer be possible to retain our characteristic uniform, let us be more easily distinguished by an increased efficiency, cheerful attitude, military bearing, and esprit-de-corps.
2. In an organiztion like ours, serving in the present great cause, the necessary abandonment of part of our own uniform should be a matter of small import and its only effect should be to cause even greater efforts on the part of the officers and men to live up to the high standard of military efficiency and appearance which has for so many years been the keynote to the Corps.
3. This memorandum will be published to each seperate organization and will be posted on company bulletin boards and report made to these Headquarters when such action has been taken.
Another interesting point of contention was the removal of the Marine emblem from their uniforms. The story goes that after an inspection, assistant secretary of the navy, FDR, asked what he could for "his Marines." Neville is quoted as replying that wearing of emblems was the most important thing that could happen to the men. He requested Roosevelt to have them returned, and he gave the order to the paymaster in Paris to have them re-instated. The only emblem allowed was the flat-disc worn by the rest of the AEF, but with the EGA engraved. Thousands were made, but delivery was not till the period of occupaton in Germany. Shoulder patches, with color variations, were also not avaliable till the same period.
