Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

A few questions about US infantry of WW2.

I find so many conflicting images of the colours and details on these uniforms. I understand that in war gear and colours on everything changes frequently as does uniform and so on depending on many factors but since I am about to paint up some Americans I would like to know what in your opinion is an accurate representation of the US army soldier in WW2.

Where does his rank patch go?
What about his insignia?
Do they have ranks on their helmets?
What models would be which rank?

Hopefully someone here can give me something solid to go off since reinactors, websites and art all seem to show something different.

Cheers Guys

Im painting 15mm models.

Is it worth trying to paint such small detail in 15mm?

However, Osprey books include WW2 US Army and are the usual go to for this kind of thing.

Like Kilkrazy I highly recommend the Osprey series.

I have a rather large collection of them and they're really useful. I don't personally have any on WW2 US forces but I have seen them around.

I know the models are small but I think going the extra mile makes them look a bit better in my opinion. Plus I have some time to work on these.

I will see if one of those Osprey books are nearby.

Here is what i have been using
http://www.flamesofwar.com/?tabid=110&art_id=444

 Swastakowey wrote:
A few questions about US infantry of WW2.

Which campaign are you interested in? I'm assuming it's probably the ETO from mid-1944 onwards, as this is the most popular period. That's what the info below relates to.

Where does his rank patch go?

On his sleeve, midway between the shoulder and elbow. Officers had bars on their shoulders.

What about his insignia?

On his sleeve, just below the shoulder.

Do they have ranks on their helmets?

Yes, in the ETO officers had a vertical white stripe and NCO's had horizontal white stripe on on their helmets. It was usually painted on the back of the helmet, but not aways. Many men got rid of this marking as it made them a target for snipers. In some units the men also had a divisional symbol painted on the front or side of their helmet.

What models would be which rank?

Squad leaders would be sergeants and platoon leaders would be lieutenants. Companies would be commanded by captains.

The appearance of the uniform itself changed over the course of the campaign in NW Europe. Let me know if you want more info.

Cheers for that dude, it's not normally a campaign im too interested in but all my mates have chosen their armies for that area so yes bang on correct.

It would probably be more realistic to remove the helmet markings for these guys although I heard a lot of American troops lacked experience and initially their troops made a poor showing across all fronts, so perhaps there is some room there to have many soldiers go to war by the books rather than cover up markings etc that most armies seem to do eventually?

 Swastakowey wrote:

It would probably be more realistic to remove the helmet markings for these guys although I heard a lot of American troops lacked experience and initially their troops made a poor showing across all fronts, so perhaps there is some room there to have many soldiers go to war by the books rather than cover up markings etc that most armies seem to do eventually?

US troops had some serious initial setbacks when they went into combat in North Africa. It was mostly due to inexperience at all levels, as well as inferior equipment and faulty combat doctrine. But even in those early stages there are examples of inexperienced US soldiers performing well against seasoned German troops. There were similar problems in the early stages of the Normandy campaign, principally because noone was ready for the bocage terrain, and there hadn't been enough attention paid to combined arms training. Senior commanders made errors for which the troops paid dearly. But the US Army learned combined arms tactics far more quickly than the British, and many units became highly effective (if not quite as good as some US historians would have you believe).

When they went into combat in Normandy, most US troops were equipped and marked 'by the book'. With combat experience, they adapted, but different units adopted different practices. So, your men could be newly arrived, or just part of a unit that followed regulations. It's all good.