US Glider Troops

[Anders Heintz]

Hey Guys!

Was wondering about the US troops that rode into battle in the Gliders during D-Day and other operations. Did they wear the same things as the Paratroopers as they were concidered Airborn? Any special patches or uniform details adapted for the glider troops?

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated

 

[Grizzly]

Here's a good start Anders
http://www.pointvista.com/WW2GliderPilots/memorialpage.htm

 

[John Long]

Anders,

For D-Day, the Glider-Riders were dressed the same as their leg infantry counterparts. They belonged to Airborne units, but were not given the "jump pay" that paratroopers were given. For subsequent operations as the M-43 uniform was adopted the Glider troops could not be distinguished from the paratroopers. There are some differences in the dress uniform, such as cap badges etc.. I don't know what all those are. If you had asked me last night and I could have loaned you a couple of books.

 

[Pete_H]

Anders,
John's on target - during the Overlord landings, the glider troops were pretty much equipped exactly like their regular (or "leg") infantry counterparts. They weren't even considered true "airborne" by the paratroopers; they weren't authorized to wear jump boots nor to blouse their trousers, and were not given the extra $50/month hazard pay.
In July, '44, the glider-riders were finally given their bonus pay, and issued their "glider wings." At this time, the new garrison cap insignia - a round disk with both a parachute and glider within it - was introduced and worn by both paratroopers and glider infantrymen. Also, both the paratroopers and the glider infantrymen were issued M43's, including the new '43 "buckle boots", much to the consternation of the paratroopers.
A great online resource is Mark Bando's "Trigger Time," found at www.101airborneww2.com

Hope this helps,

 

[Anders Heintz]

Hey Guys!

Thanks for your responses! The links and information you guys posted will help tremendously! Thanks again!

 

[Pete_H]

Anders,
What project do you have this in mind for? I'm curious since I'm working on a pair of troopers from the "Five-oh-Deuce" in Alsace '45.