About Christopher Reuscher
United States Military Uniforms of World War II is a free access website started in 2012 that is dedicated to chronicling the history and development of US military uniforms from the WW2 era (1933-53). There are no commercials or advertisements, nor is anything sold on the website. US Uniforms of WWII is entirely about uniforms and is the place for people who share an interest in this subject.
Through continual development, the goal is to provide the most complete single source of information about uniforms and clothing worn by the United States armed forces during the World War II era. Paramount in this endeavor is to properly identify uniforms and various articles of clothing; to provide information on how, when and where each uniform or item was used; and, when possible, describe and show the development of each item. Presentations are intended to be helpful to curators, reenactors, modelers, collectors, and others.
Uniforms and articles of clothing are presented primarily in three ways: Feature Articles, which show the development and history of a specific clothing item; Uniform Profiles, which show the entire uniform and explains how, when, and where it was worn; and Photo Essays, which explore a specific uniform topic through the use of period photographs. All presentations rely on authentic artifacts, period photos and, as much as possible, primary source and period reference materials. Each presentation offers the story in photographs, a summary of key facts, and a more detailed narrative to suit the interest level of the visitor. Additionally, the website offers an ever-expanding database of Army, Navy, and Marine Corps clothing contract information.
Due to the level of detail and number of items involved, for the time being, presentations are limited to Army, Army Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps uniforms and clothing items. This task will involve photographing and presenting hundreds of uniform items over time. This journey will be a long one and your patience and help will be needed along the way. However, it is hoped that in time coverage will be able to expand to other branches, organizations, and groups who contributed to the war effort. Additionally, it is hoped that the complete story of these uniforms can be presented. After all, WW2 uniforms have a deep and rich history that is worthy of telling. From their stodgy beginnings to designs with a heavy civilian influence to well tested designs maximizing combat utility, their metamorphosis was truly astounding and resulted in a vast array of items. WW2 uniforms have a history that extends beyond a single purpose – they were also used to clothe the CCC, and worn post-war by laborers, outdoorsmen, and needy people across the globe.
Though this website in not about any individual, for those that are curious, my name is Christopher Reuscher, and though my professional background is in finance and insurance administration, I’ve always had a keen interest in American and WW2 history. I was raised among the WW2 generation, grew up in a time when servicemen and women were still regarded as heroes, and war movies and TV shows were popular. Additionally, it was a time when civilians still made ready use of the vast surplus of US war clothing and equipment in their daily lives. From this background sprang a lifelong interest in the history and development of the military clothing depicted in US World War II Uniforms.
We are grateful to all that have donated time, money, reference material, and photos to help keep the website growing. All funds donated go directly toward basic server fees or improving the website. Your generosity has been greatly appreciated, and I am still humbled every time someone is interested enough to contribute. There is more information on the website donation page on how you can contribute if so inclined.
Christopher Reuscher
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