National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Media Services

Harpers Ferry Center

Historic Furnishings Report

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco, California

Fort Cronkhite: Barracks (Building 1059) and 

Mess Hall (Building 1049) 
APPROVED:

Diane Nicholson

Curator, Golden Gate National Recreation Area

January 4, 2005

Fort Cronkhite:

Barracks (Building 1059) and 

Mess Hall (Building 1049)

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

San Francisco, California

By William L. Brown III

Staff Curator

Media Services

Harpers Ferry Center

National Park Service

and

Walter H. Bradford

Museum Curator

National Museum of the United States Army

United States Army Center of Military History

2005

Historic Furnishings Report 

BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

Acknowledgments 5

Administrative Information 7

Interpretive Objectives 10

Operating Plan 10

Prior Planning Documents 12

Historical Information 13

A Note on Sources 15

 Analysis of Historic Occupancy 16

 History of Extant Structures 16

 Building 1059 – Enlisted Barracks 16

 Building 1049 – Enlisted Mess Hall 18

History of Military Occupancy 19

 Ninth Coast Artillery District 19

 Harbor Defenses of San Francisco 19

 6th Coast Artillery 20

 56th Coast Artillery 21

Evidence of Original Furnishings 23

Offi cial Documentation 23

 Army Supply 23

 Clothing and Individual Equipment 25

 Organizational Equipment 52

 Station Property—Barracks 59

 Station Property—Mess Hall 71

Photographic Evidence of Barracks Interiors 90

Photographic Evidence of Mess Hall Interiors 103

Furnishings Plan 111

Recommended Furnishings: Building 1059 – Barracks 113

Squad Room 113

Non-Commissioned Offi cer’s Room 119

Exhibit Room 120

Latrine and Shower Room 120

Contents

CONTENTS

3
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

4

Recommended Furnishings: Building 1049 – Mess Halll 121

Dining Room 121

Kitchen Area 123

Glossary 127

List of Illustrations 131

Appendix: “Specifi cations for iron bedsteads, single,” 

Quartermaster Manual, June 22, 1910 137

Bibliography 143
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

5

William Brown thanks Diane Nicholson and 

John Martini at Golden Gate National Recreation Area and his colleagues in the Historic Furnishings Division, especially Carol 

Petravage, without whose help this report 

would not have seen the light of day.

Walter Bradford thanks the staff of the U.S. 

Army Institute of Heraldry and the staff of 

the U.S. Army Center of Military History, 

especially the Force Structure and Unit History Branch.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Acknowledgments
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

6
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

Administrative Information 7

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

8
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

9

Golden Gate National Recreation Area was 

established by Congress on October 27, 1972 

and includes “shoreline areas of San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo Counties, including . . . military properties, a cultural center 

at Fort Mason, and Alcatraz Island.”1

 Fort 

Cronkhite “has been placed in its entirety on 

the National Register of Historic Places.”2

The U.S. Government began building Fort 

Cronkhite, in the Marin Headlands, in 1938 

as a Coast Artillery Corps site.

Fort Cronkhite was strategically important 

to the World War II defenses of San Francisco Bay. Battery Townsley’s huge 16-inch 

guns protected the northern approaches to 

the Golden Gate from a naval attack. The 

antiaircraft guns likewise protected San 

Francisco from a northern attack. When 

the traditional coastal defenses became 

obsolete, Fort Cronkhite continued to play 

an important defense role as the home for 

Nike missile batteries.3

The government constructed mobilization 

buildings at Fort Cronkhite in 1941 to accommodate the soldiers to be stationed there.4

Many of these “temporary” structures survive 

today. Although the eastern half of the 1941 

structures was remodeled to house 

Nike personnel, the western portion “retains 

its character as a World War II army post.”5

 The 

structures include administration buildings, 

recreation buildings, mess halls, and barracks.

The government built more than 30,000 of these 

temporary structures between 1940 and 1944, to 

house nearly six million troops. As late as 1985, 

nearly 24,000 of these “temporary” structures 

were still standing. However, the Army continues to tear these buildings down rapidly. 

This report makes recommendations for 

historic furnishings in the Enlisted Men’s 

Barracks, Building 1059, and the Mess Hall, 

Building 1049. These types of structures 

are well documented in a joint study by the 

Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic 

American Engineering Record and the U.S. 

Department of Defense, World War II and the 

U.S. Army Mobilization Program: A History of 

700- and 800-Series Cantonment Construction. 6

The initial evidence for historic furnishings 

for these buildings is based on information 

collected about Battery E, 6th Coast Artillery 

and the 56th Coast Artillery, both of which 

saw service at Fort Cronkhite during the war. 

The Historical and Pictorial Review of the 

Defenses of San Francisco, a yearbook published in 1941, has a photographic roster of 

both Battery E and the entire 56th Regiment. 

A booklet printed for Christmas 1941 includes 

many photographs of Fort Cronkhite and also 

a complete roster of Battery E. Some of the 

soldiers who were stationed at Ft. Cronkhite survive and have donated photographs, 

5 Ibid., 120.

6 Ibid., 33-75, 83, and 147–57.

1 The National Parks: Index 2001-2003. Washington, 

DC: U.S. Department of the Interior, 27.

2 Erwin N. Thompson, Historic Resource Study: Forts 

Baker, Barry, Cronkhite of Golden Gate National 

Recreation Area, California (Denver: NPS, n.d.), 124.

3 Ibid., 127.

4 Ibid., 117.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Administrative Information
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

10

letters and various mementos. Fortunately, 

some oral history has also been collected. 

The subsequent evidence is the offi cial documentation of U.S. Army clothing, equipment, 

weapons, and furnishings of 1941–42. Photographic evidence from similar installations 

can also be relied on to accurately refl ect 

conditions at Ft. Cronkhite during the war 

years. The combination of this site specifi c 

offi cial and more general evidence allows 

for a very accurate historic furnishing of the 

barracks and mess hall at Ft. Cronkhite.

Interpretive Objectives

The draft Long Range Interpretive Plan

(March 2001) states that “Fort Cronkhite 

preserves the largest complex of World War 

II Mobilization structures in the country 

[and that] the post was an integral part of the 

coastal defense system in the Bay area.” The 

interpretive themes are as follows:

• During World War II, Fort Cronkhite 

was the assigned station of the 56th Coast 

Artillery.

• The troops and fortifi cations of Fort 

Cronkhite were an integral part of the 

harbor defenses of San Francisco.

The Long Range Interpretive Plan goes on to 

state that “visitors to Fort Cronkhite will be 

able to learn of the signifi cance of the site 

in preserving these World War II Mobilization structures, get glimpses of soldier life at 

the post during World War II, and discover 

connections with other coastal defense sites 

throughout the Bay area.” 7

To accomplish these objectives, the Enlisted 

Men’s Barracks, Building 1059, and the Mess 

Hall, Building 1049, will be furnished to refl ect 

the period July 1, 1941, to June 30, 1942. This was 

a time of active mobilization and employment 

of coastal defenses. Based on physical evidence 

at the site, the park has determined that the 56th

Coast Artillery occupied building 1059. 

Operating Plan

As of 2004, the visitor hours and level of 

staffi ng at Fort Cronkhite have not been 

determined. If required, the enlisted men’s 

barracks and the mess hall could be open to 

visitors but not staff ed by park personnel. A 

single ranger could rove the site. However, 

during special events uniformed volunteers 

should be stationed in all structures.

This plan recommends that Building 1059 contain one exhibit room and three historically furnished areas. (See fi gure one, next page.) The 

front door is in the east wall. On the fi rst fl oor, 

two small rooms fl ank the small entrance hallway. Used as quarters for noncommissioned 

offi cers, each room could house two sergeants. 

However, generally the senior noncommissioned offi cer of the battery, known as the “fi rst 

sergeant,” would have had one of the rooms 

for himself. This furnishings plan recommends 

that the southeast room be furnished as the 

fi rst sergeant’s quarters, protected by a glass 

barrier door. Since fi rst sergeants were allowed 

extra privileges and were not subject to routine 

inspections, their quarters can be furnished 

with far more personal objects than would have 

been allowed in the barracks squad bay.

The northeast room will be used for exhibit 

space consisting of wall panels with text and 

photographs. The visitor will be able to freely enter this space. These exhibits will explain the role 

of the Coast Artillery Corps and its personnel 

in the Harbor Defenses of San Francisco. These 

exhibits will also provide interpretation for the 

historically furnished spaces in the building.

After passing these two rooms the visitor 

enters the squad bay/room. From 19 to 23 

enlisted men lived in the squad room. This 

plan recommends installing all of the cots and 

footlockers; however, only the fi rst space on 

the right will be fully furnished, containing a 

7 Long Range Interpretive Plan, Golden Gate National 

Parks, Team Draft, March 2001, 39.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

11

Figure 1: Fact Sheet, Barracks No. 1059

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

S

N

E W
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

12

complete bunk, open footlocker, and a “builtin” shelf with clothing. A fl oor-to-ceiling glass 

wall will enclose this space to protect the 

original objects. A mannequin of a soldier 

standing by his bunk, or a full-sized photographic enlargement of a soldier ready for inspection, could be included in this furnished 

space. Although it is not cost-eff ective to 

furnish all identical bunks, if funds are available, more bunks could be fully furnished. 

However, one of the other bunks should be 

shown unoccupied with only a mattress.

At the far end of the room are two bulletin 

boards mounted side by side on the west 

wall. To the left of the bulletin boards an 

arm rack will be outfi tted with reproduction 

weapons. The latrine at the western end of 

the barracks will be furnished as well, with a 

protective glass panel installed in the doorway to allow visitors to view the room without entering it. 

The second fl oor of the barracks will not 

be furnished because it is not handicapped 

accessible and would simply mirror the fi rst 

fl oor. A barrier will prevent visitors from 

going upstairs. Visitors may exit the barracks 

by the same door through which they entered, although the side door could be used 

on special occasions. For security reasons, 

visitors should generally enter and exit by 

the front door.

This plan also recommends that Building 

1049 be furnished to address both the dining 

area and the kitchen area of the mess hall. 

(See fi gure 4, p. 18.)

Visitors will enter and exit this building by the 

side door, as soldiers did for their meals. The 

mess hall dining area will be furnished with 

reproduction tables. One table can be set up 

completely, with a Plexiglas barrier over the 

entire table to protect the objects. Visitors 

will view the kitchen area by looking over the 

serving counter. This will be furnished with 

pots, cutlery, and utensils as required. The two 

serving windows will need to be secured with 

Plexiglas. All the barriers will be constructed 

so that during special events they can be removed and stored in the back of the kitchen. 

According to the Long Range Interpretive 

Plan, “this will allow the space to be used 

by visitors and/or school groups for eating 

their lunches. In addition, this, or another, 

building will be used for education programs, 

interpretive talks and demonstrations, and 

for showing theme-related fi lms.”8

Prior Planning Documents

Golden Gate National Recreation Area/Point 

Reyes National Seashore General Management 

Plan and Environmental Analysis, September 

1980.

Thompson, Erwin N. Historic Resource Study: 

Forts Baker, Barry, Cronkhite of Golden Gate 

National Recreation Area, California. Denver, 

Co.: Denver Service Center, November 1979.

Long Range Interpretive Plan, Golden Gate 

National Parks, team draft. Prepared by 

Interpretive Planning, Harpers Ferry Center, 

March 2001.

8 Long Range Interpretive Plan, March 2001, 39-40.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

Historical Information 13

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

14
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

This study is based upon three main sources of information:

1. The Manuals and Specifi cations published by the War Department for the period, all of 

which are detailed in the bibliography;

2. A detailed examination of photographs of barracks, mess halls, and kitchen interiors taken 

during the period 1938–42; and

3. A study undertaken by the Historic American Building Survey/Historic American Engineering Record and the Department of Defense, entitled World War II and the U.S. Army 

Mobilization Program: A History of 700- and 800-Series Cantonment Construction.

A Note on Sources

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

15
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

16 History of Extant Structures

Building 1059 – Enlisted Barracks

Figure 2: Elevations of 74 & 63 Men Barracks – 700 Series. World War II and the U.S. Army Mobilization Program: A History of 700- and 800-Series Cantonment Construction., p. 34.

Analysis of Historic Occupancy
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

17

Figure 3: Floor plans of 74 & 63 Men Barracks – 700 Series. World War II and the U.S. Army Mobilization 

Program: A History of 700- and 800-Series Cantonment Construction. p. 33.

Building 1059 is a Quartermaster 700-Series barracks designed to house 63 men in single bunks. It was completed in spring of 1941 for a total cost of $10,728.10. It is 80 feet by 29-1/2 feet in size and has a total area of 

4,720 square feet. The barracks was equipped with two gas forced air heaters. The total barracks capacity at Ft. 

Cronkhite was 2,202 enlisted men. Graffi ti dated July 1941 found in the barracks’ boiler room lists a number 

of soldiers’ names, including the names of at least two men known to be members of the 56th Coast Artillery.9

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

9 Letter from General Superintendent, Golden Gate, to Chief, Division of Historic Furnishings, HFC, undated (ca. 3/2/2000). The 1941 

publication Historical and Pictorial Review of the Defenses of San Francisco identifi ed these men as members of the 56th Coast 

Artillery.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

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Figure 4: Floor plan for 700-Series Mess Hall, from the original contract specifi cations. From World War II and the U.S. Army Mobilization Program: A History of 700- and 800-Series Cantonment Construction, p. 417. Building 1049 is a Quartermaster 700-Series Mess Hall designed to serve 170 men. It is divided 

into the dining area and the kitchen area. The mobilization mess hall plan includes “built-in” mess tables with seating, which were part of the original construction contract.

Building 1049– Enlisted Mess Hall
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

19

History of Military Occupancy 

During 1941-42, Fort Cronkhite was a station of the Harbor Defenses (HD) of San Francisco in the Ninth 

Coast Artillery District. This study will discuss two troop units of that command, the 6th Coast Artillery and 

the 56th Coast Artillery.

Ninth Coast Artillery District

Organized within the IX Corps Area (Washington, Oregon, California, New Mexico, Utah and Arizona), 

under the National Defense Act of 1920, the Ninth Coast Artillery District was responsible for defense of the 

west coast. Mobilization for World War II redesignated it the Pacifi c Coastal Frontier, Fourth Army, on 20 Jan 

42, a part of the new Western Defense Command. When the wartime crisis passed, the command disbanded, 

26 Oct 44. 

Approved for Ninth Coast Artillery District, 12 Jul 41, 

and for Pacifi c Coastal Frontier, 6 Apr 42, was a shoulder sleeve insignia (fi gure 5) as follows: 

On a 2-3/8-inch, nine-pointed yellow star, one point up 

and pierced by a 1-inch circle, a 1-3/4-inch by 3/8-inch 

red projectile, point up, all on a 2-5/8-inch circular olive 

drab background.

Harbor Defenses of San Francisco

The Harbor Defenses of San Francisco, Ninth Coast 

Artillery District, were organized in 1941, as follows: 

 Troop Units

 Headquarters

 HQ Battery

 6th Coast Artillery (HD)(Type C)

 2nd Battalion, 18th Coast Artillery (HD)(Type B)

 56th Coast Artillery (155-mm Gun)

 (Tractor-Drawn)

 U.S. Army Mine Planters

 Stations

 Ft. Baker

 Ft. Barry

 Ft. Cronkhite

 Ft. Funston

 Ft. Miley

 Ft. Winfi eld Scott10

Figure 5: Shoulder sleeve insignia. U.S. Army Institute 

of Heraldry. 

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

10 AR 90-30, Coast Artillery Districts, 18 Sep 25.

Directory of AUS and WD Activities, 1 Jul 41.

Directory of AUS and WD Activities, 15 May 42.

1Ind AG to QMG 12 Jul 41 Subj: Ninth Coast Artillery District SSI

1Ind SOS to QMG 25 Mar 42 Subj: Pacifi c Coastal Frontier SSI

The Offi cer’s Guide (Harrisburg: Mil Service Pub, 1941), 47.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

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6th Coast Artillery

Constituted 6th Regiment of Artillery in 1898, the 6th Coast Artillery (HD) (Type C) was activated at Fort Winfi eld Scott in 1939. With the expansion of the Army, the 1st Battalion added the 2nd Battalion that same year. By 

1941, the regiment included the 3rd and 4th Battalions, both to be stationed at Fort Funston. Reorganized in 1942, 

it continued as a Harbor Defense regiment but soon lost elements to newly organized separate battalions. Disbanded at Fort Baker in 1944, its lineage lives on, with the 6th Air Defense Artillery serving proudly today.

The 6th Coast Artillery was a harbor defense (HD) (Type C) regiment (fi xed guns) organized in 1941, as follows: 

Approved for the 6th Coast Artillery on 20 May 24, was a distinctive unit insignia (fi gure 6), in bright metal, 

1-1/4 inches high, as follows:

On a red ribbon scroll bearing “Gerto Dirigo Ictu” (I Aim with a Sure Blow) in gold, a grizzly bear (from Coast 

Defenses of San Francisco) passant, black with a red tongue.11

 Regimental HQ and Band

 HQ Battery

 HQ section

 Operations platoon

 Communications platoon

 Supply platoon

 Maintenance section

 1st Battalion

 HQ section

 HQ Battery

 HQ section

 Operations section

 Communication section

 Maintenance section

 (3) Batteries (A-C)

 Headquarters

 HQ section

 Range section

 Communication section

 Firing section 

 (2) Gun sections

 XO detail

 Maintenance section

 2nd Battalion

 HQ section

 HQ Battery

 (3) Batteries (D-F)

 3rd Battalion

 HQ section

 HQ Battery

 (3) Batteries (G-I)

 4th Battalion

 HQ section

 HQ Battery

 (3) Batteries (K-M)

 Searchlight battery (N)

 HQ section

 Seacoast platoon 

 Headquarters

 (4) Searchlight sections

 HQ section

 (2) Searchlight squads

 Antiaircraft platoon 

 Headquarters 

 (5) Searchlight sections

 Sound locator squad

 Searchlight squad

 Maintenance section

Figure 6: Unit insignia. U.S. Army 

Institute of Heraldry.

11 T/O 4-65 Coast Artillery Battalion (HD) Types A/B/C, 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-66 Coast Artillery BN, (HD), 1 Nov 40

T/O 4-67 Coast Artillery Battery, Harbor Defense, 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-68 Coast Artillery Searchlight Battery (HD), 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-81 Coast Artillery Regiment (HD) Type C, 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-82 Coast Artillery Regt HHB (HD) Type C, 1 Nov 40.

AGO Form 616, Historical Data Card, 6th Air Defense Artillery.

Ltr, TAG to QMG, 20 May 24, Subj: 6th Coast Artillery DUI.

Janice E. McKenney, Air Defense Artillery (Wash: GPO 1985), 121.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

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 Regimental HQ and Band

 HQ Battery

 HQ section

 Operations platoon

 Communications platoon

 Supply platoon

 Headquarters

 (3) Battalion sections

 Maintenance section

 1st Battalion

 HQ section

 HQ Battery

 HQ section

 Operations section

 Communication section

 Maintenance section

 Ammunition Train

 Headquarters

 (2) Sections

 (2) Batteries (A-B)

 HQ section

 Operations section

 Command post detail

 Communication detail

 Reconnaissance detail

 Firing battery

 (2) Gun platoons

 (2) Gun sections

 Platoon detail

 Machine gun detail

 Maintenance section

 2nd Battalion

 HQ section

 HQ Battery

 Ammunition train

 (2) Batteries (C-D)

 3rd Battalion

 HQ section

 HQ Battery

 Ammunition train

 (2) Batteries (E-F)

 Searchlight Battery (G)

 HQ section

 (3) Searchlight platoons 

 Headquarters

 (2) Searchlight sections

 Headquarters

 (2) Searchlight squads

 Maintenance section

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

56th Coast Artillery

Constituted 506th Artillery (AA) in 1921, the 56th Coast Artillery (155-mm Gun) was activated at Fort Cronkhite 

in 1941. During Feb–May 42, it served ( - 2nd Battalion) at Fort Barry, while sending detachment of guns and personnel to South America. Returning the Headquarters, 1st Battalion ( - Battery A) and 1st Platoon ( - 1 section) of 

Battery G (Searchlight) back to Fort Cronkhite, the regiment reorganized and began a series of moves. Disbanded at Camp Cooke in 1944, its lineage lives on, with the 56th Air Defense Artillery serving proudly today.

The 56th Coast Artillery was a tractor-drawn (TD) 155-mm Gun mobile regiment, organized in 1941 as follows:
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

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Approved for 56th Coast Artillery (506th Coast Artillery) 12 Mar 29, was a distinctive unit insignia (fi gure 7), in 

bright metal, 1-1/4 inches high, as follows:

Shield gules (red), four searchlight beams radiant from middle base or (gold) on chief sable (black) a winged 

projectile of the second (gold), with “Night Hides Not” in black.12

Figure 7: Unit insignia. U.S. 

Army Institute of Heraldry. 

12 T/O 4-31 Coast Artillery Regiment 155-mm Gun, 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-32 Coast Artillery HHB Regiment 155-mm Gun, 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-35 Coast Artillery Battallion, 155-mm Gun, 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-36 Coast Artillery HHB & Ammunition Train Battalion 155-mm, 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-37 Coast Artillery Battery 155-mm Tractor-Drawn, 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-38 Coast Artillery Battery Searchlight Regiment 155-mm, 1 Nov 40.

AGO Form 616, Historical Data Card, 6th Air Defense Artillery.

Ltr, TAG to QMG, 30 Oct 41, Subj: 56th Coast Artillery DUI.

Janice E. McKenney, Air Defense Artillery (Wash: GPO 1985), 235.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

23

Evidence of Original Furnishings

Historical evidence available to furnish the selected QM 700-series mobilization barracks and mess hall at 

Fort Cronkhite is quite generous. Although there is limited specifi c information concerning the original occupants and contents of these buildings, there is considerable general information from offi cial documentation of authorized furnishings and pictorial documentation of its use in similar structures. These two sources, 

together with fi rst-person accounts of Army life, enable an accurate historical furnishing to be accomplished. 

Official Documentation 

This section of the study is a comprehensive examination of government-issue equipment authorized for 

an enlisted barracks and mess hall during the period July 1, 1941 to June 30, 1942. Based on offi cial records, 

it identifi es, illustrates, and describes in text those items provided to a soldier, company organization, and 

station for service in the Zone of the Interior. This material forms a primer to understand and judge other 

evidence, as well as select objects to furnish the historical buildings.

Presentation of this information has three parts. The fi rst is a discussion of supply policy that determined type 

and quantity of articles issued. The second is a listing of these authorized items, and the third is an examination of each. Also included are directions for wearing, assembling, and arranging this equipment, as established by command policy and unit custom. 

Each entry includes a physical description and illustration, if available from supply documents, of the adopted 

standard. Following this is information on changes to the approved pattern and descriptions of earlier or later 

items in the supply system. This will assist in identifying appropriate 1941–42 articles and distinguishing them 

from similar items from other periods.

This text utilizes offi cial U.S. Army terms, abbreviations, color shade names and numbers, and approved item 

nomenclature. It references offi cial publications to document date and approval authority that aff ect each 

specifi c subject. These references are listed immediately after each section. Understanding these period terms 

is important to utilizing these references. For further explanation, consult the appropriate section or the Glossary and Bibliography at the end of this study.

Army Supply 

In 1941, the Army supplied each soldier, organization and station with required materiel by a multi-layered 

supply system. Eight of the Branches of Service (BOS) had supply responsibility.

The Army required each supply BOS to be a proponent for its distinctive supplies, from developing to issuing, 

as follows.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

24

 AIR CORPS Parachute, etc.

 CHEMICAL WARFARE SERVICE Gas mask, etc.

 COAST ARTILLERY CORPS CAC equipment, etc.

 CORPS OF ENGINEERS Compass, etc.

 MEDICAL DEPARTMENT First-aid packet, etc.

 ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT Rifl e, etc.

 QUARTERMASTER CORPS Clothing, etc.

 SIGNAL CORPS Flashlight, etc.

The Army created a system of tables to allocate BOS supplies to each individual, organization and station as 

follows:

 TABLE OF ORGANIZATION (T/O)-Unit structure/weapons

 TABLE OF BASIC ALLOWANCES (T/BA)-Individual/unit equipment

 TABLE OF ALLOWANCES (T/A)-Post/camp/station equipment

The Army established jurisdictions of supply accountability, aff ecting both control and source of issue, 

as follows:

 INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT - Used at all duty stations

 ORGANIZATIONAL EQUIPMENT - Used by unit for fi eld service

 STATION PROPERTY - Used only on installation

The Army reacted to supply availability, limited funding and increased requirements by issuing old and new 

items as follows:

 ADOPTED STANDARD - Current design, issue per allowance

 SUBSTITUTE STANDARD - Associate design, issue in lieu of 

 LIMITED STANDARD - Non - current design, issue until exhausted 

The Army set priorities, with the wartime mobilization, for the issue of limited supplies as follows:

 PREPARATION FOR OVERSEAS MOVEMENT (POM) UNITS - High

 NEWLY FORMED/TRAINING UNITS - As required

 STATESIDE/NON-DEPLOYABLE GARRISON UNITS - Low

--------------------

AR 310-60, Military Publications, 1 May 42.

Company Administration (Harrisburg: Mil Pub Co, Jul 42) pp 7–21. 

Nydegger, “Unit Supply,” Quartermaster Review, Sep–Oct 42, p 84.

WD Cir 126, 17 May 47.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

25

Clothing and Individual Equipment

Upon Army induction, each dismounted soldier received at the Reception Station clothing and individual 

equipment as follows: 

Seasonal Clothing (15 Sep to 15 May):

BELT, web, waist, M-1937 1

CAP, garrison, wool serge 1

COAT, wool serge 1

 BELT, leather, EM (if required) 1

GLOVES, woolen, OD, pr 1

HANDKERCHIEF, cotton, white 4

INSIGNIA, collar, U.S. 2

LEGGINGS, pr 1

NECKTIE, black 1

NECKTIE, cotton, khaki 1

OVERCOAT, woolen 1 

RAINCOAT, dismounted 1

SHIRT, cotton, khaki 2

SHIRT, woolen, OD 2

SHOES, service, pr 1

TROUSERS, wool, OD, pr 1

DRAWERS, cotton, shorts, pr 3

SOCKS, light wool, pr 3 

UNDERSHIRT, summer, sleeveless 3

COAT, working (or JACKET, HBT) 1

HAT, working 1 

TROUSERS, working 

 (or TROUSERS, HBT), pr 1 

Individual Equipment:

BAG, barrack 1

CANTEEN, M-1910 1

 COVER, canteen, dismounted, M-1910 1

 CUP, canteen, M-1910 1

CAN, meat, M-1932/M-1918/M-1910 1

 FORK, M-1926/M-1910 1

 KNIFE, M-1926/M-1910 1

 SPOON, M-1926/M-1910 1

TAG, identifi cation 2

 TAPE, identifi cation tags (40-inch) 1

TOILET SET, Army 1

 BRUSH, shaving

 BRUSH, tooth

 COMB, rubber, hard

 RAZOR, safety w/5 blades 

TOWEL, bath 1

TOWEL, huck 2

Upon Unit assignment, each dismounted soldier received the remaining T/BA clothing and individual equipment as follows:

Additional Clothing:

CAP, garrison, cotton twill 2

HANDKERCHIEF, cotton, white 2

HELMET, steel, M-1/M-1917A1 1

INSIGNIA, collar, EM (BOS) (Exchange 1 US) 1

INSIGNIA, shoulder sleeve (IAW AR 600-40) 2

JACKET, fi eld, OD 1

NECKTIE, black 1

NECKTIE, cotton, khaki 1

SHIRT, cotton, khaki 2

SHOES, service, pr 2

TROUSERS, wool, OD, pr 1

TROUSERS, cotton, khaki pr 4

DRAWERS, cotton, shorts, pr 2

DRAWERS, wool, pr 3

SOCKS, cotton, tan, pr 5

SOCKS, light wool, pr 1

UNDERSHIRT, summer, sleeveless 2

UNDERSHIRT, wool 3

COAT, working (or JACKET, HBT) 2

TROUSERS, working 

 (or TROUSERS, HBT), pr 2

--------------------------------

WD Cir 85, 29 Apr 41

WD Cir 218, 16 Oct 41

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

26

Individual Equipment:

BELT, cartridge, Cal.30, dismounted 

 (IAW T/BA) 1

BLANKET, wool, OD, M-1934 2

CARRIER, pack, M-1928/1910 (IAW T/BA) 1

HAVERSACK, M-1928/M-1910 (IAW T/BA) 1

POUCH, fi rst aid packet, M-1924/M-1910 1

TENT, shelter, half 1

 PIN, tent, shelter, wood 5

 POLE, tent, shelter 1

---------------------------------

WD Cir 96, 12 May 41.

T/BA 21, QM Clothing and Individual Equipment, 1 Oct 41.

Description of Clothing

WEB WAIST BELT

The BELT, Web, Waist, M-1937 (fi gure 8) included a frame, friction buckle clamped to one end and tip folded 

over the other. Fabricated of olive drab (OD) cotton and bronze-colored brass, it was 1-1/4 inches wide, with 

36-inch to 56-inch sizes.

Trousers required a waist 

belt when the coat was 

removed. Adopted with 

a commercial-pattern 

friction frame buckle by 

1912, the old web pattern 

of 1-inch width remained 

in use until 1937. Then 

World War II conditions 

switched the buckle 

from a bronze, solidframe to less-critical, 

oxidized stamped metal, 

while the lighter web 

color was changed to the 

darker OD-7 shade after 

1943. Peacetime introduced a new pattern in 

1948, with a solid, GCM 

(gold-colored metal) 

buckle and OD-3 web, 

to match both OD and 

khaki uniforms, phasing 

out all earlier web waist belts.

--------------------

USA 6-105, Belts, Web, Waist, 25 Mar 38.

JQD 19, Belts, Web, Waist, 19 Sep 41.

Figure 8
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

27

GARRISON CAP 

The CAP, Garrison (fi gure 9) had a bellows crown, 

curved front and rear peaks, and turned-up curtain, 

crossing in front. Made for both seasonal service 

uniforms in OD-33, 18-ounce wool serge or Khaki-1, 

8.2-ounce cotton twill, it had a trim of BOS color (i.e., 

CAC scarlet) cord-edge braid. 

The garrison cap was the principal headgear of World 

War II. In 1941, wartime measures restricted wear of 

the service cap (with visor) to select personnel, such 

as the Military Police. Its replacement, the World War 

I “overseas cap” or the later “fi eld cap,” became the 

“garrison cap” (slang for service cap) when the new 

M-1 helmet liner eliminated other types of headgear. 

With sharp peaks and wide top in 1938, and shallow 

ones by 1940, the offi cial pattern vied with a popular 

commercial one without center gusset, adopted later 

as the M-1950 garrison cap.

--------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 1785-1786.

WD Cir 97, 7 Sep 40.

USA 8-114A, Caps, Field, 19 Feb 41.

WD Cir 49, 25 Mar 41.

2Ind, TAG to QMG, 16 Oct 41 (11 Sep 41) Subj: Headgear.

SERVICE COAT 

The COAT, Wool, Service, M-1939

(fi gure 10) was single-breasted, 

with a roll collar, notched-lapels 

and side plaits. There were gores 

at neck and waist, self-belt with 

hooks, and two patch upper 

pockets and two inside-bellows 

lower pockets. Made of OD-33 

18-ounce serge, it had national 

arms, and four GCM 36 ligne* 

buttons in front, and a 25-ligne 

button on each pocket and 

shoulder loop.

 Figure 10

Figure 9

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

*A ligne is a linear unit (1/40 inch) used to measure the diameter of buttons.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

28

Figure 11

The BELT, Leather, EM (fi gure 11) had a center-bar buckle stitched to one end and eight holes punched in the 

other. Made from Russet-90 leather with brass fi ttings, it was 1-3/4 inches wide and featured a 1/2-inch-wide 

sliding loop.

The service coat was a garment for both garrison and fi eld. Called a “blouse” by the nineteenthcentury, it 

dressed up for garrison with gilt buttons and roll collar in 1926 and serge after 1933. A “bi-swing” back, added 

during 1939 for fi eld service ease, proved unnecessary by 1942 with the arrival of a fi eld jacket. The leather 

belt, an accent to the garrison blouse since 1921, improved with a snap buckle and loop keeper early in the 

War. However, wartime shortages claimed leather belts, and disuse claimed the service coat, whose post-war 

place was fi lled by the wool jacket.

--------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 1828–29.

QM Drawing 2-4-7 Waist Belt, Leather, Enlisted Men, 22 Dec 23.

USA 8-31D, Coats, Wool, Service, M-1939 7 Feb 40.

JQD 110, Belt, Leather, EM, 23 Apr 42.

PQD 187, Coat, Wool, Serge, M-1942, 10 Jul 42.

GLOVES 

The GLOVES, Woolen, OD had separate fi ngers, an inserted thumb, and a wide cuff . Knitted in one piece on a 

loom, they were a seamless, plain pattern, with a 3-inch rib-knit cuff .

Warm gloves for protection accompanied overcoats in winter. Standardized by 1876, they featured a seamless 

knitted pattern. Originally bleached white, the yarn was changed to a more practical camoufl age color, and 

after World War I, knitted gloves were OD. World War II shortages created lack of manufacturing capacity. Industry had to change from manufacturing the customary one-piece glove to a cut-and-sewn pattern reinforced 

with a brown-leather palm. By 1943, the winter clothing “layering” ensemble introduced the leather shell, and 

the OD woolen glove became an insert.

---------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 1605–12

USA 8-60A, Gloves, Woolen, OD, 25 Mar 37.

PQD 170, Gloves, Wool, Cut and Sewn (Leather Palm), 20 Apr 42. 

HANDKERCHIEF 

The HANDKERCHIEF, Cotton was a single piece of fabric fi nished on all four sides. Constructed of plainweave, fi ne material, it measured 17-inches square, with a 1/4-inch hem. 
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

29

Providing cloth handkerchiefs with clothing ensured hygiene. Although in common usage, it was not originally a supply item. First issued in 1919, the design remained an essentially civilian pattern, routinely fabricated by all of the textile industry. The color also stayed a bleached white through most of its years. But World 

War II required an essential change to a subdued color. This produced a handkerchief of OD-3 shade cotton 

for camoufl age purposes. When peace returned, the cotton fabric became white again, and the handkerchief 

remained white until the subdued era of Vietnam.

--------------------

DDD-H-71, Handkerchiefs, Cotton, 10 Nov 31

PQD 270, Handkerchiefs, Cotton, 28 Sep 42

HELMET 

The HELMET, Steel, M-1917A1 (fi gure 12) had a circular dish shape with attached rim and rough surface, having an improved interior suspension and hook-fastened adjustable chin strap. Coated with OD-paint and 

sprinkled with ground cork, the ballistic steel shell had a leather-covered aluminum frame with attached ODweb strap and bronze buckle.

Helmets gave some ballistic protection from shell fragments. A copy of the British Hatfi eld MK-I helmet, the 

M-1917 helmet had a simple lining of felt pad, cotton-twine mesh, and cushioned, oil-cloth sweatband, with 

leather chin strap and sliding buckle. This helmet, awaiting a new design, proved an interim solution. Installing a new leather-covered and metal adjustable suspension featuring a detachable web chin strap, it became 

the M-1917A1. But World War II adopted the new M-1 helmet and liner in Jun 41, making the substitute M1917A1 steel helmet a relic of old.

---------------------

USA 52-16-2A, Helmet, Headpad & Frame, M-1917A1, 28 Jul 37.

USA 52-16-1B, Helmet, M-1917A1, Body Assembly for, 6 Nov 39.

Ordnance Drawing D7002 Helmet, M-1917A1, Assembly, Rev 15 Jul 40.

Ordnance Drawing D6863 Lining, Helmet Assembly, Rev 1 Apr 41.

Record of Army Ordnance R&D, Vol I, Washington: OTCO, Jan 46.

Figure 12

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

30

INSIGNIA 

The INSIGNIA, Collar, U.S., M-1937 (fi gure 

13) had two pieces, with a plain circular 

background and screw-post and thumb nut. 

Manufactured in GCM, capable of being 

burnished, the 1-inch disc mounted the “US” 

with an option of regimental number below.

The INSIGNIA, Collar, EM (BOS), M-1937

(fi gure 13) had two pieces, with a plain circular background and screw-post and thumb 

nut. Manufactured in GCM, capable of being burnished, the 1-inch disc mounted the 

BOS insignia, without a company letter.

The INSIGNIA, Distinctive, Unit (DUI) featured a War Department-approved design 

for regiments or other organizations, usually 

with a screw-post and thumb nut. Mostly of 

bright metal, with a full-color enameled face, 

each was approximately 1-1/4-inches high.

The INSIGNIA, shoulder sleeve (SSI) 

featured a War Department-approved 

design for divisions or major commands. 

Embroidered in colorful yarn, or worked 

on a suitable base in older appliqué, each 

full-color representation varied in size.

The INSIGNIA, sleeve, chevron (fi gure 14) 

came in six designs to indicate the grades of 

noncommissioned offi cers. Of OD or khaki 

on a dark-blue fi eld, each was 3-1/8 inches 

wide, with the required number of 5/16-

inch-thick chevrons and arcs displayed.

Insignia added colorful recognition to a 

drab uniform. Established in form by World 

War I, the collar discs traded their combat 

bronze for GCM in 1925, to enhance the 

peace-time dress. Shoulder sleeve (SSI) and 

grade insignia refl ected technology. At fi rst, the textile industry used wool melton or cotton applique and simple embroidery together for complex designs. World War II introduced the insignia of the postwar era, with fully-washable, embroidered SSI and chevrons, along with stamped-metal collar insignia attached with clutch fasteners. 

---------------------

WD Cir 58, 31 Aug 37.

USA 34-3A, Insignia, Cap and Collar for EM, 16 May 38.

PQD 189A, Insignia Cap and Collar (EM), 10 Jul 42.

Figure 14

Figure 13
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

31

WEAR OF INSIGNIA 

The soldier positioned each insignia on the uniform, in a manner prescribed by regulations. as follows:

The INSIGNIA, Collar, U.S., M-1937 (fi gure 15, upper) went on the right, and INSIGNIA, Collar, EM (BOS), M1937 on the left service coat collar (shirts after Dec 46) 1-inch above the notch.

The INSIGNIA, Distinctive, Unit (fi gure 15, upper) went on each lapel, centered 3⁄4 inch below the notch, and 

attached to the garrison cap, 1⁄2 inch up and 1 inch back on the left curtain.

The INSIGNIA, sleeve, chevron (fi gure 15, lower) went on each sleeve of all outer garments (except raincoats), 

point up and midway between the elbow and the shoulder.

The INSIGNIA, 

shoulder sleeve (fi gure 15, lower) went 

on the left shoulder 

of the service coat 

and overcoat (shirt 

and fi eld jacket after Aug 42) 1/2 inch 

below the seam.

---------------------

AR 600-40 Wearing 

of the Service Uniform 28 Aug 41.

AR 600-40 (C1), 

Wearing of the 

Service Uniform, 

14 Aug 42.

WD Cir 355, 3 Dec 46.

Figure 15

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

32

FIELD JACKET 

The JACKET, Field, OD

(fi gure 16) was waistlength, with stitched-on 

belt, side plaits and hanging pockets with fl aps. The 

slide closure front had 

semi-peaked lapels, worn 

open or closed. Made of 

OD 5-ounce cotton and 

10-1/2-ounce wool-cotton 

fl annel, the fi eld jacket had 

24-ligne OD buttons, six in 

front and one each on the 

collar, cuff s, pocket fl aps 

and bottom-adjustment tabs.

The fi eld jacket replaced the “blouse” for fi eld service. From the 1940 concept of MG Parsons, III Corps Area 

Commanding General, it drew its design from waist-length commercial wind-breakers. Refi nements adopted 

in 1941 removed the buttoned fl aps over the pockets and added shoulder loops to the jacket to secure the 

straps of equipment and display the offi cer insignia of grade. But these garments soon yielded to a winter 

“layering” ensemble. Changes made during World War II resulted in the OD-7, M-1943 fi eld jacket, which 

fewatured a hip-length skirt, drawstring waist, and breast and hip pockets.

---------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 1813–14

PQD 20, Jackets, Field, 24 Jan 41.

PQD 20A, Jackets, Field, 6 May 41.

Roberts, Designed for Combat (Philadephia: PQD, Jun 46).

LEGGINGS 

The LEGGINGS, Canvas, Dismounted, M-1938 (fi gure 17) were calf length, seamed in front and back, and 

closed with laces on the side and fastened under the instep with a strap and buckle. Fabricated of khaki-cotton duck, they were 12-3/4 inches to 14 inches high, with a metal-tipped 36-inch to 40-inch braid running 

through pairs of brass eyelets and single hooks, to tie at top.

Field service required leggings to secure the trousers. Reintroduced in 1934 to replace the old OD-wool, 

wrap leggings, the design was improved by adding double eyelets for each hook. World War II shortages of 

materials aff ected their construction. In 1942, khaki changed to OD-3 and bright-brass to black steel and zinc, 

while a year later, leggings turned OD-7 in color and reduced in height along with a reduction in the number 

of hooks and eyelets, then evenly-spaced. By then, the combat service boot, with attached leather cuff , had 

begun to phase out the canvas leggings.

---------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 1672–73.

USA 6-288, Leggings, Canvas, Dismounted, M-1938, 8 Aug 40.

JQD 212, Leggings, Canvas, Dismounted, M-1938, 12 Oct 42.

Figure 16
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

33

NECKTIES 

The NECKTIE, Black, Wool, M-1940 (fi gure 18) was made in a four-in-hand, fully-lined pattern, that folded 

into triangular tips. Made of challis, it was 45 inches long and tapered from a 1-inch center to a 3-inch width at 

one end and a 2-1/4-inch width at the other.

The NECKTIE, Cotton, Khaki (Washable) (fi gure 19) was made in a reversible, unlined pattern, with fullystitched triangular tips. Made of 8.2-ounce twill, it was 43 inches long and tapered from 1-inch center to 

2-3/4-inch width at one end and 1-1/2-inch width at other.

Figure 17

Figure 18

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

34

The roll-collar blouse and exposed shirt required a necktie. Black 

silk, a choice since 1892, was used for the neckwear of 1936. But 

warm weather made a washable fabric desirable, so a tie matching the cotton uniform arrived in 1938, to wear with the exposed 

shirt. World War II shortages of critical materials exchanged black 

wool for silk, and fi nally mohair for both wool and cotton in 1942. 

Fashioned in the compromising OD-3 shade later called Khaki-5, it 

served in the post-war world for all occasions until replaced by the 

dark OD-51 necktie in 1948.

---------------------

USA 6-282, Neckties, Cotton, Khaki (Washable), 22 Aug 39.

USA 8-119, Neckties, Black, Wool, M-1940, 31 Jan 41.

2Ind, 24 Feb 42, TAG to QMG, (2-4-42) (adopted OD-3 necktie).

OVERCOAT 

The OVERCOAT, Wool, Roll Collar (fi gure 20) was a double-breasted 

ulster pattern, with a convertible collar, notch lapels, straight front 

and self-belt in back and a plait on each side. Tailored of 32-ounce 

OD melton, it had national arms and GCM buttons, three pair of 45-

ligne buttons in front and two on the 2-piece belt, with one 25-ligne 

on each shoulder loop and pocket.

The overcoat, worn over the blouse, added winter warmth. Adopted 

of OD wool with the 1902 uniform, its long skirts were trimmed for 

the trenches, but the longer skirts returned after World War I. 

In 1927, bright GCM buttons replaced the 

bronze, and a roll collar the stand and fall, to 

dress up the appearance of the coat. During 

World War II the shoulders were squared, the 

distinctive front curve was straightened, and 

an action pleat was added on each side of the 

back. After the War, the “horse-blanket” survived, but a cotton and wool trench-coat rival 

soon bade farewell to the wool overcoat.

---------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 1790–91.

USA 8-51A, Overcoat, Wool, Roll Collar, 21 Dec 37.

Clothing the Soldier of World War II (Washington: GPO, 

1946) p 63

Figure 19

Figure 20
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

35

RAINCOAT 

The RAINCOAT, Rubberized, 

Dismounted, M-1938 (fi gure 

21) was single breasted, with 

a one-piece back, separate 

yoke, stand and rolling collar, 

and throat latch. There were 

outside bellows pockets, with 

slanted fl aps, and a buckled 

strap on each sleeve. Made of 

OD coated fabric, it fastened 

with OD buttons, fi ve 40-ligne 

in front and three 30-ligne 

on interior storm fl ap.

A raincoat used period 

technology to ward off the 

elements. It began with the 

coat-style slicker of mounted 

troops replacing the awkward, rectangular poncho of 

the World War I Infantry. Advances in water repellency replaced the former oil-treated garments with rubberized raincoats. But shortages of critical materials saw too soon a return of these problem areas by 1939. 

An interim solution in 1942 was a synthetic resin coating. With this came a raincoat style, with vertical, openthrough pockets and regular or raglan shoulders, which lasted 20 years.

---------------------

USA 20-104A, Raincoats, Rubberized, M-1938, 16 Jan 40.

PQD 71A, Raincoat, Synthetic Resin Coated, OD, 16 Feb 42.

SHIRTS 

The SHIRT, Wool, OD

(fi gure 22) was coat style, 

with a placket front, 

shoulder yoke and two 

patch breast pockets. Both 

pockets and pocket fl aps 

had 1-inch cut-back lower 

corners. Made of Shade31 worsted or wool-cotton 

fl annel, it had 24-ligne 

buttons, six or seven on 

the front and one each on 

pocket and cuff . 

Figure 21

Figure 22

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

36

The SHIRT, Cotton, Khaki (fi gure 22) was coat style, with placket front, shoulder yoke, and two patch breast 

pockets. Both pockets and pocket fl aps had 1-inch cut-back lower corners. Made of 8.2-ounce, cotton twill 

fabric, it had 24-ligne buttons, six or seven in front and one on each pocket fl ap and cuff .

 The shirt became a long-awaited exterior garment in 1938. Confi rming the American “shirt-sleeve” reputation, the shirt was altered for comfort in 1941 with the introduction of a convertible, or sport-type, collar. 

First appearing on the cotton shirt, the convertible collar was a wool-shirt feature a year later. But in 1943, the 

Chemical Warfare Services added a gas-protective fl ap to the front and a gusset to each cuff . The 6-ounce cotton shirt, no longer a fi eld garment, dropped this feature by the next year. In peacetime an offi cer-quality shirt 

was off ered to the enlisted men. A stand-up collar and shoulder loops were added by 1946.

--------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 1522; 1839-44.

USA 8-108, Shirt, Worsted, OD, 2 Aug 37.

USA 6-241, Shirt, Cotton, Khaki (8.2-ounce), 29 Nov 38.

PQD 96, Shirts, M-1941, 29 Sep 41.

Depot Examiners’ Handbook (Philadelphia: PQD, 15 Aug 42).

SERVICE SHOES 

The SHOES, Service (fi gure 

23) were an unlined-blucher 

pattern, with half-bellows 

tongue, full-curved vamp 

and cap toe. Made over the 

Munson last, they had Goodyear-welt stitched soles. The 

uppers were Russet-90, 4- to 

6-ounce grain-out, chromevegetable re-tanned leather 

and the outsoles, vegetabletanned leather, 8-1/2 to 

9-1/2 iron (thickness), with 

7/8-inch-thick rubber heels.

The service shoe was footwear for both fi eld and garrison. To replace the heavy hobnail World War I “Pershing” fi eld shoe, the service shoe developed as a compromise between light and heavy footwear. With a leather 

sole, the rubber heel arrived after 1940, shoes were Type I, while Type II also added rubber half soles in 1941. 

World War II shoes returned to an earlier concept, reverse uppers or fl esh-out leather for fi eld duty, with the 

Type III shoe. Using this construction, but with a grain-leather, buckled cuff , the 1943 combat service boot 

eliminated the service shoes.

---------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 1932; 1954–57.

WD Cir 126, 28 Jun 41. 

USA 9-6F, Shoes, Service, Types 1 and 2, 19 Nov 41.

Modern Service Shoes (Boston: BQD, 1 Oct 45), pp 10-12, 32–42.

Figure 23
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

37

TROUSERS 

The TROUSERS, Cotton, 

Khaki (fi gure 24) were full 

length, with a “grown-on” 

(integral) waistband and rear 

darts at the waist. There were 

seven 1/4-inch to 5/16-inch 

belt loops, a watch pocket 

and two hip and slantedhanging pockets. Made of 

8.2-ounce twill, they had 

stamped zinc “U.S. Army” 

buttons, one 27-ligne at the 

waist, and four 22-ligne at 

the fl y.

The TROUSERS, Wool, 

OD (fi gure 25) were full 

length, with a “grown-on” (integral) waistband and two rear 

darts at the waist. There were seven 1/4-inch to 5/16-inch belt 

loops, a watch pocket and two hip inside hanging and two 

side-hanging pockets. Made of Shade 32 (lighter) 18-ounce 

serge, they had OD buttons, one 27-ligne, at the waist, and 

four 22-ligne, at the fl y.

Trousers replaced breeches for dismounted personnel by 1938. 

The Chemical Warfare Service added a protective fl ap to the 

fl y opening in 1943, but cotton trousers lost this the next year. 

Buttons also changed to OD, and single-seam construction was 

added to the work-clothing double seams customarily used. 

Wool trousers increased in weight for fi eld service, changing 

to dark OD-33 and adding one and then two rear pocket fl aps. 

Post-war trousers were no longer available in OD wool, while 

the khaki cotton trousers were given a separate waistband and 

wide belt loops in 1954, and a zipper fl y by 1958.

---------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 1829–30; 1833–36.

USA 6-254, Trousers, Cotton, Khaki, 8 Nov 37.

USA 8-83B, Trousers, Woolen, EM, Service, OD, 9 Nov 37.

WD Cir 71, 23 Nov 38.

USA 6-254(2), Trousers, Cotton, Khaki, 3 Mar 42.

Depot Examiners’ Handbook (Philadelphia: PQD, 15 Aug 42).

Figure 24

Figure 25

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

38

UNDERWEAR 

The DRAWERS, Cotton, Shorts (fi gure 

26) were thigh-length with a full-seat, 

panel back, buttons and side-adjusting 

ties. Plain-woven in white, they had a 

tapered waistband, 2-1/2-inch back to 

4-inch front, closed with three 22-

ligne white buttons.

The DRAWERS, Wool (25% & 50%)

(fi gure 27) were ankle length with 

wing-type gusset crotch, buttons and 

adjustable-tie back. Knitted in silvergray, rib stitch with anklets, they had 

woven-fabric waistband, closing with 

three 24-ligne white buttons. 

The SOCKS, Cotton, Tan (fi gure 28) were 

seamless, knitted by machines and featured 

the reinforced full-size heel and toe. A mix of 

cotton yarns, they had a 5-1/2 to 6-inch ribbed 

top, a 1/2-inch advance splicing at the toe, and a 

14-inch total length.

The SOCKS, Wool, Light (fi gure 28) were seamless, knitted by machine and featured a reinforced full-size heel and toe. Silver-gray cotton 

and wool, they had a 5-1/2- to 6-inch ribbed top, 

a 1/2-inch advance splicing at the toe, and a 14-

inch total length.

The UNDERSHIRT, Summer, Sleeveless (fi gure 

29) had a pull-over athletic pattern with bound 

armholes and collarette neck. Knitted in rib and 

fl at-stitch white cotton, it had commercial-trade 

1-1/2-inch shoulders and 3/4-inch-wide bottom 

hem.

The UNDERSHIRT, Wool (25% & 50%) (fi gure 

30) was a pull-over pattern, with long sleeves 

and a high military collarette neck. Knitted in a 

rib stitch of silver-gray color, it had a seamless 

body, rib cuff s, and a stitched hem.

Underwear refl ected both necessity and a seasonal comfort. Old heavy garments yielded to 

Figure 26

Figure 27
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

39

civilian styles, with summer shorts drawers arriving in 1933, 

and a sleeveless undershirt in 1935. World War II saw thin cotton-tan socks challenge lightweight wool, anticipating the issue 

of low-quarter shoes for garrison. Jungle operations developed 

future cushion-sole wool socks, and by 1943, white underwear 

turned a subdued shade OD-9 for camoufl age. A white quarter-sleeve (“T”) undershirt was introduced in 1948, and cotton 

drawers with grip-fastener waistband in 1951.

---------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 1532;1574–77;1588–89;1602–04.

USA 6-233A, Undershirts, Summer, Sleeveless, 1 Sep 36

USA 6-188B, Drawers, Cotton, Shorts, 6 Oct 36

FED JJ-S-566a, Socks, Cotton, 22 Aug 38

FED JJ-S-581a, Socks: Wool and Wool-Cotton Mixture, 22 Aug 38

PQD-73, Undershirts, Wool, 25% and 50%, 17 Jun 41

PQD 74, Drawers, 25% and 50% Wool, 18 Jun 41

Depot Examiners’ Handbook (Philadelphia: PQD, 15 Aug 42).

Figure 28

Figure 29

Figure 30

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

40

WORK CLOTHING 

The COAT, Working, Denim (fi gure 31) had a coatstyle front, one-piece back, with cut-on-facings and 

one-piece collar. Sewn of white-back, indigo-dyed 

cotton, it had “U.S. Army” zinc buttons, fi ve 27-ligne 

on front and one each on the patch-pocket fl aps.

The HAT, Working, Denim (fi gure 32) had a six-section crown, attached to a circular brim, strengthened 

with rows of stitching. Sewn of white-back, indigodyed cotton, it had a 2-1/2-inch-wide brim, with a 

5/8-inch band encircling the crown.

The TROUSERS, Working, Denim (fi gure 33 ) had a 

separate waistband, with six narrow belt loops and 

two slanted-hanging, two patch hip, and an inside 

hanging watch pockets. Sewn of white-back, indigo-dyed 

cotton, they had one 27-ligne “U.S. Army” zinc button at 

the waist and three 22-ligne on the fl y.

Work clothing originated to protect the service garments. The original nineteenth century brown-duck suit 

changed to garments of the industry standard, indigoblue cotton denim, after 1908. Prior to 1940, the slipon jumper had a short placket front and outside patch 

pockets, with side openings. The 

early trousers had patch pockets, 

plus a back strap with wire-buckle 

adjustment. During World War II, 

blue-denim work clothing slowly 

disappeared, with the adoption in 

1941 of the one-piece and twopiece suits of OD-cotton herringbone twill (HBT).

--------------------

USA 6-3A, Hat, Working, 11 Mar 37.

USA 6-125B, Coat, Working, Denim,

7 Aug 40.

USA 6-124C, Trousers, Working, Denim, 8 

Aug 40.

WD Cir 58, 5 Apr 41.

Figure 31

Figure 32

Figure 33
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

41

UNIFORM OF THE DAY 

Military clothing worn in a manner prescribed by Army Regulations and other policy directives constituted 

the uniform. These documents described specifi c components of and prescribed current wear policy for the 

SERVICE UNIFORM (fi gure 34).

Installation or organization commanders issued local uniform policy, usually posted on the bulletin board. 

A soldier wore the prescribed drill and fi eld service equipment, seasonal changes in spring and fall, and the 

Uniform of the Day as follows: 

 Winter Summer

(After Retreat, off post or as ordered*)

CAP, Garrison, Wool OD CAP, Garrison, Cotton Khaki

SHIRT, Wool OD/Cotton Khaki SHIRT, Cotton Khaki

NECKTIE, Black NECKTIE, Cotton Khaki

COAT, Service, Wool 

 (with EM belt if required)

INSIGNIA

TROUSERS, Wool OD, pr TROUSERS, Cotton Khaki, pr

BELT, Web, Waist BELT, Web, Waist

SOCKS, Cotton Tan, pr SOCKS, Cotton Tan, pr

SHOES, Service, pr SHOES, Service, pr

OVERCOAT/RAINCOAT RAINCOAT

GLOVES, Wool OD

(Duty, on post or as ordered*)

CAP, Garrison, Wool OD CAP, Garrison, Cotton Khaki

SHIRT, Wool OD SHIRT, Cotton Khaki

NECKTIE, Black

TROUSERS, Wool OD, pr TROUSERS, Cotton Khaki, pr

BELT, Web, Waist BELT, Web, Waist

SOCKS, Cotton Tan, pr SOCKS, Cotton Tan, pr

SHOES, Service, pr SHOES, Service, Pr

OVERCOAT/RAINCOAT RAINCOAT

GLOVES, Wool OD

(Fatigue detail or as ordered)

HAT, Working HAT, Working

JACKET, Working JACKET, Working

TROUSERS, Working, pr TROUSERS, Working, pr

BELT, Web, Waist BELT, Web, Waist

SOCKS, Wool, pr SOCKS, Wool, pr

SHOES, Service, pr SHOES, Service, pr

OVERCOAT/RAINCOAT RAINCOAT

GLOVES, Wool OD

*Steel helmet and leggings added as ordered

--------------------

FM 21-100, Soldier’s Handbook, 23 Jul 41.

AGF GO 49 Administrative Regulations, FT Meade, MD, 30 Oct 44.

Figure 34

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

42

Description of Individual Equipment

BARRACK BAG

The BAG, Barrack (fi gure 35) was cylindrical, with a fl at bottom 

and a top closed by drawstrings running inside a tabling. Sewn of 

10-ounce white-back, indigo-blue denim, it was 24-1/2-inches by 

17-1/8-inches, with cotton sash cord and brass grommets.

The barrack bag served as both laundry bag and suitcase. Issued 

in blue denim since 1909, it had the same pattern and the original shape until 1937, when it became shorter and wider. During 

World War II, it returned to the conventional 32-inch by 16-inch 

size, but changed to an OD-3 shade without brass grommets 

and with twisted cotton rope instead of braided sash cord to 

ease production. Although retained as a laundry hamper during 

peacetime, the barrack bag lost its personal luggage function with 

the adoption in 1943 of the OD-7 duck duff el bag with strap.

--------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 1673–75.

USA 6-245, Bag, Barrack, 4 Jan 37.

PQD 142, Bag, Barrack, OD, 27 Feb 42.

Ltr, QMG to PQD, 22 Dec 42, Subj: Bags, Barrack, OD.

CARTRIDGE BELT

 

The BELT, Cartridge, Caliber .30, Dismounted, M-1923 (fi gure 36) had right and left fi ve pocket sections fastening in front and adjusted with a buckled strap in the rear. Made of OD-3 duck, the 13-1/2-inch sections had 

3/4-inch retaining straps and 3-inch pocket fl aps, with “Lift-the-dot” fasteners.

Figure 36

Figure 35
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

43

The Caliber .30 rifl e required a pocketed cartridge belt. Each pocket carried two stripper clips of fi ve rounds 

for the M-1903 or a block clip of eight for the later M-1 rifl e. Early light-OD Ordnance Department belts, 

either M-1910 (woven pockets) or M-1917 (sewn pockets), adjusted the waist size with a rear strap that 

engaged metal eyelets, rather than web loops. During World War II, fi ttings were changed to black-painted 

steel or zinc, and during peacetime the belt used was a Quartermaster Corps belt of dark OD-7 web, without 

the unnecessary inside-retaining straps.

---------------------

WD Doc 1718, Description of Infantry Equipment, M-1910, 2 Jul 14.

OQMG Cir 4, 1 Jun 39.

USA 6-180B Belt Cartridge Caliber .30 Dismounted M-1923 14 Oct 41

BLANKET 

The BLANKET, Wool, OD, M-1934 was rectangular, with cut ends over-stitched and large letters, “U.S.” printed 

in the center. Woven with the “tucked nap” of industry, it measured 66-inches-wide and 84-inches-long, with 

a weight of 3-3/4 pounds.

The wool blanket was bedding for garrison and fi eld service. First adopted in OD by 1905, it kept its size but 

varied its wool content in quality and weight from 3 to 5 pounds. During World War I, the construction was 

simplifi ed by the elimination of the nineteenth century 3-inch border at each end and, for a time, the national 

monogram. Developments by 1934 improved the quality of wool and brought manufacturing into line with 

accepted textile industry standards. World War II brought scarcities that aff ected wool content, but the OD36 wool blanket survived, only switching to OG-118 in 1953.

--------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 1489–92.

USA 8-111A, Blanket, Wool, OD, M-1934, 23 Aug 40

Ltr, QMG to TAG, 22 Nov 34, Subj: Blankets

CANTEEN, CUP, AND COVER 

The CANTEEN, M-1910 (fi gure 37) was fl ask shaped, with a 

fl at bottom and concave side, fi tted with an attached screw 

cap. Formed of aluminum, with side seams and a 1-quart 

capacity, it had a nickel-silver chain shackled from the cap 

to its neck ring.

The CUP, Canteen, M-1910 (fi gure 38) fi t the canteen and 

had a rolled lip and folding handle that engaged a sliding 

lock. Formed of seamless aluminum and noncorrosive 

metal, it provided a slot for insertion of the mess fork to 

extend the handle.

The CANTEEN COVER, M-1910, Dismounted (fi gure 39) 

housed the canteen and cup, with a neck closing and a rear 

double hook. Sewn of OD-3 duck and gray felt with a rear 

seam, it had a “U.S” quilted front, two fl aps and bronze 

“Lift-the-Dot” fasteners. Figure 37

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

44

The canteen provided 

individual water supply 

for fi eld duty. World War 

I industry abandoned the 

former seamless body for 

two-piece construction 

with vertical welded seams 

to increase production. 

During World War II, CRS 

(corrosion-resistant steel) 

with a horizontal seam was 

substituted and caps were 

made from black plastic. 

Cups came in either aluminum (rolled) or CRS (fl ared 

lip), while dismounted 

covers switched to a side-seam 

construction in 1941, OD-7 

duck by 1943, and to a reinforced web hanger after 1944. 

During peacetime, the aluminum canteen was reunited 

with the cup and cover. 

--------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 1413–14, 

2170-75.

USA 28-16, Canteen and Cup, 

M-1910, 23 Mar 34.

USA 6-220A, Cover, Canteen, 

M-1917 and M-1910, 

21 Dec 37.

OQMG Cir 4, 1 Nov 38.

OQMG Cir 4, 1 Nov 39.

HAVERSACK AND 

PACK CARRIER 

The HAVERSACK, M-1928 (fi gure 40) was rectangular, with three binder straps, inside looped fl ap and an outside fl ap, hosting a meat-can pouch and bayonet and intrenching-tool tabs. Sewn of OD-3 duck, with bronze 

fi ttings, it was 16-1/2 inches high and 21 inches wide, with web pack suspenders attached by rivets, and belt 

suspenders adjusted by tab buckles that hooked to a belt.

The CARRIER, Pack, M-1928 (fi gure 40) was triangular, with two binding straps, and eight perpendicular 

buttonholes that permitted interlacing a strap to couple it to the haversack. Sewn of OD-3 duck with bronze 

Figure 38

Figure 39
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

45

fi ttings, it was 13 inches high and 171⁄2 inches wide, with adjustable tab buckles, lower suspension D-rings, and 

an attached russet-leather strap 

The haversack and pack carrier bore all the full fi eld load. The Ordnance Department made the early lightOD M-1910 equipment. It diff ered in its use of double-bar tongueless buckles, single, rather than double, 

rear-belt suspender, and metal-tack button instead of the tab buckle and billet on the meat-can pouch. World 

War II brought changes to Quartermaster Corps equipment. The pack suspender rivets disappeared and metal fi ttings became black-painted steel or zinc, before haversack and pack carrier combinations surrendered to 

new OD-7 fi eld packs in 1943-44.

--------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 1527;1677

USA 6-163A, Carrier, Pack, M-1928, 19 Apr 37.

USA 6-176A, Haversack, M-1928, 26 Apr 37.

OQMG Cir 4, 1 Nov 38.

USA 6-163B, Carrier, Pack, M-1928, 8 Oct 41.

USA 6-176B, Haversack, M-1928, 13 Dec 41.

USA 6-176(1), Haversack, M-1928, 24 Apr 42.

Figure 40

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

46

MESS KIT 

The CAN, Meat, M-1932 (fi gure 41) was an oval pan, with a handle folding over a divided cover with D-ring. 

Made of steel and aluminum, it was 8 inches long, 6 inches wide and 1-2/3 inches deep.

The FORK, M-1926 (fi gure 42) had four pointed tines at one end and an oval hole in the handle at the other. 

Made of stamped CRS, it 

was 7 inches long, with a 

5-inch handle.

The KNIFE, M-1926

(fi gure 42) had a pointed 

blade at one end and a 

cast handle with an oval 

hole at the other. Made of 

CRS and aluminum, it was 

7-3/8 inches long, with a 

3-21/32-inch handle.

The SPOON, M-1926 (fi gure 42) had a large bowl at 

one end and an oval hole 

in the handle at the other. 

Made of stamped CRS, 

it was 7-7/16 inches long, 

with a 4-11/16-inch 

handle.

The meat can, fork, knife, and spoon formed the “mess kit.” From the original 1874-tinned iron, its classic 

two-piece design was refi ned by the use of malleable twentieth-century aluminum. In World War I, the 

shallow M-1910 (1-1/3-in) meat can deepened to the M-1918 (1-2/3-in), and the cover was divided in 1932. The 

long mess knife shrank in 1910 to fi t the meat can, and each utensil handle added a hole in 1926 for hot washwater dipping. World War II shortages established stamped-handle CRS meat cans, but the substitute blackplastic knife handle was soon gone.

--------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 2173–77.

America’s Munitions, 1917-1918 (Washington: GPO, 1919) pp 231–32.

USA 28-15, Knife, Fork and Spoon, M-1926, 23 Mar 34.

USA 29-71B, Meat Can, M-1932, 12 Nov 37.

OQMG Cir 4, 1 Nov 39.

Figure 41
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

47

Figure 42

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

48

FIRST AID PACKET POUCH

The POUCH, First Aid Packet, M-1924

(fi gure 43) was a fl at one-piece pocket 

with a triangle-shaped fl ap and double 

hook. Sewn of OD-3 cotton webbing, it 

was 3 inches deep and 5-3/4 inches wide, 

with a bronze “Lift-the-Dot” fastener in 

front.

The web pouch ensured ready access 

to the fi rst-aid packet. The Ordnance 

Department created the light-OD M1910 pouch with a double hook and a fl ap 

closed by two bronze glove fasteners. The 

Quartermaster Corps developed a simpler version after 1924. Easily manufactured, this had only one “Lift-the-Dot” 

fastener. During World War II the fi ttings 

changed to black-painted steel and space 

was added for Medical Department 

sulfanilamide wound tablets. After the 

war, this 1/2-inch-deeper OD-7 M-1942 

fi rst-aid packet pouch continued to serve, 

doubling as a compass case.

---------------------

OQMG Cir 4, 1 Nov 38.

Memo, SOS, Subj: Pouch, First Aid Packet, M-1942, 

20 Jan 43.

IDENTIFICATION TAGS

The TAG, Identifi cation, 

M-1940 (fi gure 44) was oval, with a 

hole in one end and a notch in the 

other. Stamped from monel (coppernickel alloy), it was 2 inches long by 

1-1/8 inches wide.

The TAPE, Cotton, Identifi cation Tag

strung two identifi cation tags around 

the neck. Made of fl at braid, 3/8-inchwide and 40 inches long, it tied one 

tag 2-1/2 inches above the other.

Battlefi eld casualties required individual identifi cation. First adopted in 1906, the round aluminum tag 

changed to monel and an oval shape in 1940, to accommodate an emergency address. Security concerns for 

Figure 43

Figure 44
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

49

prisoners of war dropped this need in 1942, but the shape remained, the curious notch present until 1965. 

Embossed, with the Graphotype machine, each tag contained fi ve lines and 18-letter spaces of information 

as follows:

FIRST LINE: (18 spaces) Name (First, Middle Initial, Last)

SECOND LINE: (1st-8th space) Army Serial Number (see below)

 (9th space) Vacant

 (10th space) Letter “T” (tetanus immunization)

 (11th-12th space) Year Date (tetanus immunization) 

 (13th space) Vacant

 (14th-15th space) Year Date (tetanus toxoid)

 (16th space) Vacant

 (17th-18th space) Blood type (“A” “B” “AB” or “O”)

THIRD LINE: Name (for emergency)

FOURTH LINE: Street (for emergency)

FIFTH LINE: (1st-16th space) City/State (for emergency)

 (18th space) Religion (“C” “H” or “P”)

The Army Serial Number (ASN) began for EM in 1918, (1-5,999,999) continued after 1919, (6-7,999,999) and 

became encoded in 1940, (eight-digit numbers) as follows:

FIRST DIGIT: “1” = Regular Army enlistment

 “20” = National Guard in Federal Service

 “3” = Selective Service inductee

SECOND DIGIT: “1-9” = Corps Area service entry

 “01” = Hawaiian Department

 “02” = Panama Canal Department

 “03” = Philippine Department

 “04” = Puerto Rican Department 

---------------------

AR 615-20, Army Serial Numbers 19 Jul 21.

USA 6-258A, Tape, Cotton, ID Tag, 23 Jul 40.

QMC Tent Spec, Tag, Identifi cation, 8 Oct 40.

WD Cir 142, 15 Jul 41.

AR 615-20, Army Serial Numbers, 12 Feb 42.

SHELTER TENT 

The TENT, Shelter Half (fi gure 45) was rectangular, with a single, triangular door, a parallel row of tack buttons and holes along the borders, and four foot stops (loops) at the bottom. Sewn of 7.9-ounce OD cotton 

duck, it was 65 inches long by 61 inches wide, with a 57-inch by 52-inch door and an 85-inch gilling guy line 

tied to one of the duck loops and brass grommets at each peak.

The POLE, Shelter Tent, Folding (fi gure 45) was round, with two hinges and sleeves. Turned of wood with 

brass fi ttings, it had two 14-5/8-inch and one 13-7/8-inch folding sections.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

50

The PIN, Shelter Tent (fi gure 45) was round, with a conical head for the foot stops and a body tapering to a 

point. Turned from wood, it was 9 inches long and 1 inch thick, with a 9/16-inch head.

The shelter tent was portable protection from the elements. France exported the Civil War “pup tent” of two 

buttoned halves. During World War II, the M-1941 included a second door in its open end, but fabric shortages delayed issue of “new-type” until the War’s end. The tent pole left old equal-length sections for compact 

bundling and scarce brass fi ttings for steel by 1942, while three-section copies of the German M-1899 replaced the folding pole in 1944. The pin stayed the trusty 1879-wood pattern, despite an aluminum replacement, and secured shelter tents for years to come.

--------------------- 

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 1717–18;1739–40; 1751–55.

FED K-T-211, Tents, Duck (Khaki and OD) and Accessories, 3 May 32

OQMG Cir 4, 1 Nov 38.

JQD 55, Tent, Shelter Half, 15 Jan 42.

JQD 55A, Tent, Shelter Half, 15 Feb 42.

JQD 89, Pole, Folding and Pin for Shelter Tent, 11 Mar 42.

JQD 55B, Tent, Shelter Half, 30 Mar 42.

Figure 45
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

51

TOILET SET 

The BRUSH, Shaving (fi gure 46, 1) had a 

round handle, with ferrule-set domed bristles. 

Made of wood, black 

synthetic and white 

bristle, it was 3-7/8 

inches long and 1-7/8 

inches across.

The BRUSH, Tooth (fi gure 46, 2) had a handle, 

with a hole at one end 

and tufted or sloping 

bristles at the other. Colored plastic, it was 6 inches long, with 24-34 knot white bristles.

The COMB, Rubber (Hard) (fi gure 46, 3) had a handle with equal coarse and fi ne teeth. Polished in black, with 

gold “U.S. ARMY,” it was 7 to 8 inches long and tapered from 1-1/8-inch to 7/8-inch wide. 

The RAZOR, Safety w/5 blades (fi gure 46, 4) had a threaded-post handle, cap and a double-edge blade guard. 

Cast of brass, it was 3 inches long, in a 2-inch by 3-1/2-inch by 1-1/4-inch fabric-covered box. 

The toilet set promoted hygiene and grooming among recruits. Its contents refl ected early twentieth-century 

commercial products. During World War II, new synthetics replaced scarce critical materials. In 1941, black 

plastic eliminated the hard-rubber comb and brass razor, and a year later was used for molded shaving brush 

handles and new patterns of telescopic, sliding and hinged razor cases. Nylon was substituted for hog bristles 

in the toothbrush by 1943, and the next year, replaced those in the shaving brush also. Ceasing issue in 1949, 

toilet sets remained in sundry packs.

---------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 1376–81.

FED H-B-671, Brushes, Tooth, 7 Mar 33.

FED ZZ-C-551, Combs, Rubber (Hard), 8 Jan 35.

OQMG Cir 4, 1 Nov 38.

USA 22-194, Razors, Safety and Blades, Safety Razor, 28 Dec 40.

FED H-B-571a, Brushes, Shaving, 30 Jun 41.

OQMG 21, Comb, Plastic, 29 Oct 41.

FED H-B-671a, Brushes, Tooth, 4 Aug 42.

JCQD 7 Razor, Safety, Plastic, and Case, Razor, Plastic 5 Aug 42.

TOWELS 

The TOWEL, Bath was rectangular, with selvage edges and sewn ends. Woven in white-cotton terry, it was 

22 inches wide and 44 inches long, with a 2-inch plain border above a 1⁄2- to 3/4-inch hem.

The TOWEL, Huck was rectangular, with selvage edges and sewn ends. Woven in white huckabuck, it was 

16 inches wide by 32 inches long, with a fancy border, 1-inch, or plain 2-inch, above a 1/4-inch hem.

Figure 46

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

52

The towel supplied a recruit with a hygiene convenience. Although huckabuck-cotton face towels were common issue by 1908, it was not until 1940 that the cotton-terry bath towel arrived. World War II made changes 

to these simple textile supply items. Both were dyed an OD-3 shade in 1943, to camoufl age white items. Then 

1944 reduced recruit issue by eliminating the huck towels. At the same time, the War Production Board conserved material by shrinking the bath-towel size to 20 inches by 40 inches, with a 1/4-inch hem. During peacetime, bath towels returned to a white color but not their original size.

---------------------

WD Cir 13, 27 Jan 40.

PQD 329A, Towels, Bath, OD, 10 May 43.

PQD 402, Towels, Face, 1 Nov 43.

WPB, Program Determination 671 (Adm 4), 31 Oct 44.

FED DDD-T-551b, Towels, Terry Cloth, 19 Feb 50.

FED DDD-T-531a, Towels, Huck, 25 May 50.

Organizational Equipment

Description of Organizational Equipment

Upon assignment to a unit, each dismounted soldier received T/BA organizational equipment, as follows:

Chemical Warfare Equipment

MASK, service, gas 1

Medical Equipment

PACKET, fi rst aid 1

Ordnance Equipment

RIFLE, caliber .30 1

 SLING, gun, M-1907 1

 BAYONET, M-1905 1

 SCABBARD, bayonet, M-1910 1

---------------------

T/BA 4 Coast Artillery 1 Jan 39.

T/O 4-37 Coast Artillery Battery 155-mm Gun (TD), 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-67 Coast Artillery Battery (HD), 1 Nov 40.

GAS MASK 

The MASK, Service, Gas, MIA2-MIXA1-MIVA1 (fi gure 47) had a facepiece, with screw-type eye pieces, outlet 

valve and guard, connected to a fi lter in a carrier with shoulder and body straps. Made of stockinette-covered 

rubber, with a 27-inch hose, it had a 6-1/2-inch by 4-5/8-inch by 3-inch OD-painted metal canister and an 

OD-duck carrier, with 2-inch straps and “Lift-the-dot” fasteners.

The gas mask off ered protection during chemical warfare. After World War I, a new MI-I-I stockinette 

facepiece and OD-duck side carrier replaced the small-box respirator worn on the chest. By 1934, the MIA1 

had removable glass eyepieces and head harness, and in 1942 the all-rubber facepiece had plastic triangular 

eyepieces with MII plastic or MIIA1 rubber-covered outlet valves. The lightweight MIII-X-VI with a shorter 
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

53

hose, round canister and three-fastener, rectangular, OD-7 carrier was developed during World War II. After 

the war the hose was removed; the new M-9 had a cheek canister.

---------------------

TM 3-205, The Gas Mask, 9 Oct 41

Waitt, “Gas Masks” Army Ordnance, XIV, 81 (Nov-Dec 33) pp 150–55.

“The New Gas Mask,” Quartermaster Review, May-Jun 1923, pp 17–18.

SLINGING THE GAS MASK

The soldier slung the GAS MASK CARRIER (fi gure 48) before the full fi eld equipment, as follows:

The LEFT HAND held the carrier near the shoulder strap eye clasp, waist high in front of body, with fasteners next to body. 

The RIGHT HAND straightened the adjusted shoulder strap and extended it completely to the right.

The RIGHT HAND swung the shoulder strap to the left, passing it around the left elbow.

The RIGHT HAND passed the shoulder strap behind the neck and over the right shoulder.

Figure 47

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

54

The LEFT and RIGHT HAND coupled hook clasp of the shoulder strap to the upper eye clasp of the carrier.

The RIGHT HAND passed the adjusted body strap around the waist, from the back to the front.

The LEFT and RIGHT HAND coupled the hook clasp of the body strap to the lower eye clasp on the carrier.

Proper adjustment had the shoulder strap web off set in the center and the carrier one hand-width below the 

left armpit.

After slinging full fi eld equipment, the soldier unfastened the left haversack pack suspender, passed it behind 

gas mask shoulder strap, and refastened in an eyelet on cartridge belt.

---------------------

FM 21-40, Defense Against Chemical Attack, 1 May 40.

TM 3-205, The Gas Mask, 2 Mar 51.

FIRST AID PACKET 

The PACKET, First Aid, Carlisle Model (fi gure 49) was a split-end bandage housed in a rectangular, tapeopened container. Made of cotton, it had a 5-inch by 7-inch pad sewn to 4-1/2-inch by 72-inch gauze in an 

OD-painted brass, 2-1/4-inch by 4-inch by 1-inch packet. 

Figure 48
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

55

The fi rst-aid packet provided an 

individual wound dressing. The 

M-1907 had two gauze dressings 

and safety pin fasteners, sealed in a 

soldered brass packet to be opened 

by a D-ring pull. Improvements by 

the Field Medical School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, eliminated the 

pins and enclosed a single bandage 

in a two-piece container. During World War II, the packet was 

camoufl age brown and included 

sulfanilamide wound powder. 

Conservation measures tried 

packets of copper, steel, and 

plastic but adopted a successful 

paper-laminated foil paper after 

1943. Well packaged, fi rst aid packets prepared for future wounds.

 --------------------

Wolfe, Medical Dept of USA in World War, 

III (Wash: GPO 1928).

USA 10-2056A, Packet, First Aid, Carlisle 

Model, 14 May 28.

FM 21-11, First Aid For Soldiers, 7 Apr 43.

Medical Supply in World War II, OTSG, 

(Wash: GPO, 1968) pp 66-67.

RIFLE AND SLING 

The US RIFLE, Caliber .30, M-1903

(fi gure 50) had a Mauser-design 

bolt action, with a hood-protected 

blade front sight and a folding-leaf 

rear sight, adjustable for windage and elevation. Milled of steel, 

Figure 49

Figure 50

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

56

with a walnut stock, it was 43-1/2 inches long, with a 24-inch barrel and a 9-pound weight, and had an integral 

magazine capacity of fi ve caliber .30 cartridges

The SLING, gun, M-1907 (fi gure 51) had short and long straps joined by a D-ring and adjusted by doublehooks. Made of russet leather, with bronze fi ttings, it had two sliding keepers.

The M-1903 rifl e gave accurate and long-range magazine fi re. In 1929, a Type “C” pistol grip replaced the 

grasping grooves of the Type “S” stock to become the M-1903A1, while 1942 industry stamped out the M1903A3, adding metal “ears” to its ramp sight. During World War II, the semiautomatic “Garand” M-1 rifl e 

was introduced. It used an 8-round block clip, relegating the magazine rifl e to the role of substitute standard 

for the then-scarce new M-1 carbine. After the War, the M-1903 rifl e, its leather gun sling replaced by OD web 

M-1, remained in service as the preferred weapon of snipers.

--------------------

FM 23-10, U.S. Rifl e, Cal. .30, M-1903, 2 Jan 40.

WD Cir 231, 3 Nov 41.

TM 9-1270, U.S. Rifl es, Cal. .30, M-1903/A1/A3 and A4, 20 Jan 44.

Catalog of Standard Ordnance Items, III, OTCO, 1 Mar 44.

ORD 7 SNL B-3, Rifl e, Cal .30, M-1903 M-1903A1 M-1903A3 15 Nov 44

ADJUSTING THE RIFLE SLING 

With the rifl e on a fl at surface, sights down, and the leather short and long straps alongside, hooks to the left 

and grain side down, the soldier adjusted the GUN SLING (fi gure 51) as follows:

 The LEFT HAND clenched the sewn fold of the short strap and the RIGHT HAND worked the D-ring over 

the hook of the long strap. 

The LEFT HAND thrust the fi rst keeper, sewn side up, over the long strap hook, and the RIGHT HAND 

pulled the feed end through the keeper.

The RIGHT HAND picked up the second keeper, sewn side down, and the LEFT HAND inserted the feed end of 

the long strap.

The LEFT HAND pulled the feed end of the long strap through the lower band swivel, held by the RIGHT 

HAND, in the direction of the muzzle. 

Figure 51
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

57

The RIGHT HAND pulled the feed end of the long strap through the second keeper, held by the LEFT 

HAND, in the direction of the butt.

The LEFT HAND picked up the hook of the long strap and inserted the prongs in the ninth pair of holes 

from the feed end of the long strap.

The RIGHT HAND picked up the hook of the short strap and inserted the hook through the butt swivel.

The LEFT HAND pulled the short strap through the butt swivel and inserted the prongs in the pair of holes 

closest to the hook of the long strap.

Tightening the gun sling required forcing the inside strap toward the butt of the rifl e and the outside strap toward the muzzle, while pushing the upper keeper against the lower band swivel and the lower keeper toward the 

muzzle, past the feed end of the long strap.

---------------------

FM 23-10, U.S. Rifl e, Caliber .30, M-1903, 30 Sep 43.

BAYONET AND SCABBARD 

The BAYONET, M-1905 (fi gure 52) was a knife, 

with bird-beak pommel and T-slot and with guard, 

catch, and muzzle ring. Milled from steel, it had 

2-piece walnut grips and a 16-inch blade. 

The SCABBARD, Bayonet, M-1910 (fi gure 52) was 

shaped to the M-1905 bayonet. Made of rawhide 

and wood, it was 17-1/2 inches long, with an ODcotton cover, leather tip, and double-hook fastener.

The M-1905 bayonet fi xed to the rifl e for close-in 

combat. Introduced with the M-1892 Krag-Jorgensen 

rifl e, the knife bayonet featured a 6-inch-longer blade 

in 1905, when President Theodore Roosevelt thought 

it too short for the 24-inch barrel of the M-1903 rifl e. 

During World War II, black-plastic grips were added, 

the blade length was cut to 10 inches for the Cavalry 

(redesignated M-1905E1 or later M-1) and the Beckwith Co. M-3 (long) or M-7 (short) plastic scabbards 

were adopted. Post-war M-1905 bayonets, shortened 

and housed in new scabbards, kept a cutting edge 

fi xed to the semiautomatic rifl e for years.

--------------------

WD 1923 United States Rifl e, Caliber .30, Model of 1903

22 Jan 17

Catalog of Standard Ordnance Items, III, OTCO, 1 Mar 44.

ORD 7 SNL B-3 Rifl e, Cal .30, M-1903 M-1903A1 M-1903A3, 

15 Nov 44

Record of Army Ordnance R&D, I (Washington: OTCO, Jan 46).

Figure 52

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

58

ASSEMBLY 

OF FIELD 

EQUIPMENT 

Training provided 

for assembly and 

wear of FULL 

FIELD EQUIPMENT (fi gure 

53) and unit SOP 

and movement 

defi ned the load. 

The soldier assembled the full 

fi eld equipment, 

maintained in 

barracks, worn 

for daily drill, and 

carried on fi eld 

service, as follows:

The BELT, Cartridge, Caliber .30, Dismounted fi t loosely on the hips with the rear adjusting strap. The 

POUCH, First Aid Packet, containing the PACKET, First Aid, attached on the right hip, below the fi fth pocket, 

and the CANTEEN, M-1910, nestled in its CUP, Canteen, M-1910 and COVER, Canteen, Dismounted, M-1910, 

attached on the left hip, below the fi fth pocket. For drill, the SCABBARD, Bayonet, M-1910 fastened below the 

third pocket on the left, with BAYONET, M-1905 ring to front.

The HAVERSACK and CARRIER, Pack joined by passing leather coupling strap through the aligned buttonholes. The rear belt suspenders engaged eyelets on the back of the cartridge belt, and the front belt suspenders, eyelets between the fi rst and second pockets on each side. The CAN, Meat and KNIFE, FORK and SPOON

went into the meat can pouch on the haversack outer fl ap.

The “pack” consisted of TENT, Shelter, Half, folded in half enclosing the triangle end, a BLANKET, Wool, OD, 

M-1934, doubled over in a 17-inch by 42-inch fold, and the POLE, Tent, Shelter, fi ve PINS, Tent, Shelter, Wood

and guy line. The extra DRAWERS, Cotton, shorts; HANDKERCHIEF; SOCKS, Wool, Light; and UNDERSHIRT, 

Summer, Sleeveless went between the folds. The shelter tent folded over the blanket and rolled tightly into a 

10-inch pocket formed at the other end, creating the “envelope roll.”

To assemble the equipment, without rations, the inside haversack fl ap folded over a rolled TOWEL, Huck

enclosing the Brush, Shaving; Brush, Tooth; Comb, Rubber, Hard; RAZOR, Safety with 5 Blades (if ordered), and 

fastened the upper haversack binding strap. With the pack carrier, folded to reduce its length, the middle and 

lower haversack, and both carrier, binding straps secured the roll, opening down. The inside haversack strap, 

passing under the middle haversack binding strap, closed the outside fl ap of the haversack. The pack suspenders, adjusted for length, engaged the suspension D-rings on the pack carrier.

Figure 53
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

59

If ordered, the RAINCOAT, dismounted, folded into a 8-1/2-inch by 10-1/2-inch rectangle, went beneath the 

haversack outer fl ap, fastened by the inside haversack binding strap, and the HELMET, Steel on the meat can 

pouch, hung by means of the web-chin strap. 

--------------------

FM 21-15, Equipment, Clothing and Tent Pitching, 1 Oct 40.

Station Property – Barracks 

While assigned to a duty station, each organization received station property for use in barracks as follows:

Ordnance Equipment:

RACK, arm Suffi cient for arms issued

Quartermaster Equipment:

BEDSTEAD, single 1 per EM in permanent barracks

 or

 COT, steel 1 per EM in temporary barracks

 or

 COT, canvas, folding 1 per EM in temporary camps

HOLDER, card, bedstead 1 per bedstead

LOCKER, trunk 1 per EM

LOCKER, wall 1 single or 1/2 double per EM

MATTRESS, cotton (felted) 1 per single bed

PILLOW 1 per single bed

COVER, mattress, cotton 2 per mattress issued

COMFORTER, cotton-fi lled 1 (ILO 1 T/BA blanket)

PILLOWCASE 2 per pillow issued EM

SHEET, cotton 4 per mattress issued EM

CHAIR, barracks 1 per NCO; each 3 EM

EXTINGUISHER, 2-1/2-gallon S&A 1 per barracks

BUCKET, fi re, galvanized 4 per barracks

---------------------

T/A Equipment for Posts, Camps and Stations 1 Sep 34

WD Cir 93, 24 Aug 40

WD Cir 102, 14 Sep 40

Description of Barracks Station Property

ARM RACK

The RACK, Arm, Rifl e, M-1920 (fi gure 54) held weapons upright, arranged in a circle, with muzzles locked in 

place. Forged of metal, it had a pedestal with 20 stock openings and notched top disc, connected by a 48-inch 

column with cap.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

60

The arm rack provided security for weapons in the barracks. In 1880, circular, 

free-standing examples in wood appeared, while metal patterns soon accommodated the changing models of weapons. The combination M-1913 was 

a design for both rifl es and pistols. The M-1920 series provided for various 

types of weapons with the attaching of several diff erent assemblies to a central column. World War II necessitated the use of wood, in the new wedgeshaped M-1 for rifl es or the M-3 for a combination of weapons. Peacetime 

arm racks to come, followed their locking-bar lead. 

---------------------

WD 1879 Price List of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores, Rev 29 Jan 17

ORD 9 SNL B-16 Arm Locker Rack Repair Chest & Pistol Kit 6 Sep 43

BUNKS 

The BEDSTEAD, Single, M-1938 (fi gure 55) was two curved ends hooked to 

an arched rail frame, with link-meshed springs. Welded of 1-1/2-inch steel 

tubing, painted aluminum, the 31-inch ends supported the 34-inch by 78-in 

“fabric” at a 17-inch height. 

The COT, Folding, Steel

(fi gure 56) was two curved 

ends hinged to a frame, with 

link-springs and narrow support bands. Welded of 1-inch 

tubing, with 1/2-inch cross 

rod, painted aluminum, the 

23-7/8-inch ends held 30-inch 

by 80-inch “fabric” at a 17-

inch height.

The COT, Folding, Canvas

(fi gure 57) was three sets 

of legs hinged to collapsible side rails, with a slip-on 

cover. Made of wood and 

OD-cotton duck, the 27-inch 

by 77-1/2-inch frame used a 

stick stretched across each 

end to erect a 17-inch height.

Bunks gave health and comfort to the garrison soldier. 

Post-Civil War sanitation 

called for a “cold-cast” iron 

bunk. The 1914-pattern, with 

white, 31-1/2-inch foot, 36-

Figure 55

Figure 56

Figure 54
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

61

inch head and the Quartermaster insignia, lasted until industry used welded steel. Steel folding cots, for temporary use, might be the black 1918-Liberty, the aluminum, the OD with 1943, double-decking adapter, or the 

M-1952 with 1-inch cross rod and 1-inch wide support bands. Canvas folding cots, the M-1938, OD slip-ons 

replacing tacked-on white covers, rested alongside even the 1967 gray-steel bunks. 

---------------------

AA-C-571a, Cot, Folding, Canvas, 25 Sep 37.

USA 32-7A, Cots, Folding, Steel, 26 Jan 39.

USA 32-2A, Bedstead, Single, M-1938, 31 Jan 41.

OQMG Cir 4, 1 Nov 39 and 15 Oct 41.

QMMI 133, Cot, Folding, Steel, May 53.

QMMI 139, Bedstead, Single, M-1938 and Components, Jun 53.

BUNK CARD HOLDER 

The HOLDER, Card, Bedstead (fi gure 58) was fl at 

with edges bent to hold a card. Formed of enameled green sheet metal, it was 3-3/4 inches wide by 

3-5/8 inches high, with a 3/16-inch hole.

The card holder identifi ed each bedstead in the 

barracks. Introduced in 1882, the distinctive pattern remained unchanged. It held a thin, white or 

light-color card of appropriate size. This might be 

one individually made or more often, an example 

of a local offi cial form, generated by the installation command. World War II shortages of critical 

materials forced treated steel to replace the scarce 

original tin plate until supplies returned. In use 

long after the War, the bedstead card holder continued to display the following information:

Figure 57

Figure 58

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

62

NAME _____________________________

RANK _____________________________

ARMY SERIAL NUMBER _______________

ORGANIZATION _____________________

--------------------

USA 17-48, Holder, Card, for Iron Bunks, 1 Apr 20.

Memo, OQMG, 21 Nov 41, Subj: Holders, Card, Iron Bunk.

MIL-H-1404, Holders, Card, Bedstead (Metal), 22 Sep 49.

LOCKERS 

The LOCKER, Trunk (fi gure 59) was rectangular, with a deep lid, integral key lock, and removable, two compartment tray. Constructed of OD-22 fi ber-covered plywood, trimmed with black-japanned metal, it was 31-1/2 

inches long by 18-1/8 inches wide by 13-5/8 inches high, with a leather handle at each end and two blackjapanned draw bolts (latches) with wire buckles in front.

The LOCKER, Box (fi gure 60) was rectangular, with fl at lid, strap hinges and hasp, and removable, two compartment tray. Constructed of OD-22 painted wood, joined along the edges, it was about 29-1/2 inches long 

Figure 59

Figure 60
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

63

by 16-1/2 inches wide by 11-1/2 inches high, with a wooden handle at each end 

and a 1/2-inch-wide lid stay inside.

The LOCKER, Wall, Steel (fi gure 61) was rectangular, with an interior shelf 

and rod and an exterior, hinged louvered door. Constructed of sheet metal, 

enameled forest green, it was 18 inches wide by 21 inches deep by 78 inches 

tall, including four 6-inch legs, and featured a cast handle and hasp or combination lock.

The lockers replaced “living out of a knapsack” in garrison. An 1875 wood 

box became a commercial fi ber-covered trunk in 1905. Its stamped-metal 

latches were wire-buckle draw bolts by 1924, and after 1936, the tray went 

from three to two compartments. After 1905, old wood cabinets with hooks 

were steel wall lockers. But World War II brought substitutes in commercial 

trunks and plywood box lockers, while “built-ins” replaced the wall locker. 

Trunk lockers were back by 1945, but with hasp and metal handles, and wall 

lockers stood once again in post-war barracks. 

---------------------

QM R&D History, u.p., pp 2470–75.

USA 32-1, Locker, Wall, Metal, 9 Jul 23.

OQMG Cir 4, 1 Nov 38.

USA 23-79C, Lockers, Trunk, 17 Dec 38.

FM 107, Lockers, Wood Box, 13 Jan 41.

QMMI 82, Locker, Trunk, Dec 51.

FED AA-L-486b, Lockers, Clothing, Steel, 13 Apr 53.

TB QM 76, QMMI Lockers, Clothing, Metal, 28 Oct 57.

MIL-T-10798B, Trunk, Locker, Foot, Barracks, 19 Mar 58.

MATTRESS AND PILLOW 

The MATTRESS, Cotton, Felted was a rectangular case with 38 tufts and edges joined to form a box-edge roll. 

Sewn of 9-ounce blue-and white-striped cotton ticking, it was 31 inches by 78 inches and 4 inches thick, with 

3/4-linter (short fi bers) fi lling. 

The PILLOW, Feather was a rectangular sack with torn edges joining along the long side and selvage edges 

closed at each end. Sewn of 9-ounce blue-and-white-striped cotton ticking, it was 17 inches wide by 28 inches 

long, with 3-pound and 11-ounce chicken-feather fi lling. 

The thick mattress and soft pillow brought barracks comfort. In 1885, they ousted the old straw-fi lled bed and 

pillow sacks. Starting at 32-inch by 78-inch and 3-1/2-inch thickness, the mattress reached the standard size, 

31 inches wide and 4 inches thick, after 1934. The early 17-inch by 30-inch cotton-fi lled pillow lasted until 

1936, when it became a new 17-inch and 28-inch shape stuff ed with feathers. During World War II, cotton was 

used again, in only a 17-1/2-inch by 21-inch size. Peacetime soldiers rested once more on a 17-inch by 24-inch 

feather pillow in 1953, and a 6-inch thick mattress by 1967.

--------------------

FED V-P-356, Pillows, Feather, 13 Jan 36.

FED V-M-81a, Mattresses, Cotton, Felted, 29 Aug 39.

Memo, OQMG, 19 Feb 43, Subj: Procurement of Pillows, Feather.

Cmt2, QMG to WDGS, 7 Apr 47 (Pillow, Feathers).

FED V-P-356a(1), Pillows, Bed, Feather, 13 Jul 53.

Figure 61

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

64

MATTRESS COVER 

The COVER, Mattress (fi gure 62) was a rectangular bag, with seamed box corners, opening at only one end 

that tied to close. Sewn of unbleached, cotton drill, it measured 31 inches by 80 inches and 4 inches deep, 

boxed, with three sets of 12-inch cloth tapes.

The removable cover protected the mattress from soiling. Evolving from straw-stuff ed cotton bed sacks, the 

fi rst, in 1886, was 36 inches wide by 78 inches long and 4 inches deep, with a tied-open end. Then in 1934 the 

fabric switched from original duck to drilling. By World War II, the standard size was 31 inches wide by 80 

inches long boxed, but a secondary, wider size introduced in 1936 featured only a single fl ap opening, closed 

by nine pairs of tapes. After the War, mattress covers continued to occupy barrack bunks, expanding only in 

1967, to encase the new 6-inch mattress.

--------------------

USA 6-118D, Covers, Mattress, Cotton, 24 Oct 40

Depot Examiners’ Handbook (Philadelphia: PQD, 15 Aug 42).

TB QM 75, QMMI Bedding, 6 Jul 57

COMFORTER 

The COMFORTER, Cotton Filled was a rectangular casing closed along all sides and quilted in either straight 

or scroll pattern. Sewn of OD-3, 2.7-ounce cotton, it was 65 inches by 85 inches, with a 6-lb fi lling of a laminated, garnetted cotton felt sheet.

The comforter was a wartime solution to a bedding shortage. In 1940, the quantity of wool blankets required 

for the growing number of mobilization barracks exceeded the available supply. The cotton-fi lled comforter, 

used successfully on the bunks of earlier Civilian Conservation Corps camps, became a substitute. Restricted 

from service in the fi eld, it was a replacement for one of the T/BA wool blankets authorized for use in the barracks. With the end of World War II, the supply of wool blankets again able to meet demand, the comforter 

disappeared, its service done. 

---------------------

QM Tentative Specifi cation, Comforters, Cotton Filled, 29 Apr 40

WD Cir 93, 24 Aug 40 

Depot Examiners’ Handbook (Philadelphia: PQD, 15 Aug 42).

Figure 62
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

65

PILLOWCASE AND BED SHEET 

The PILLOWCASE, Cotton was a rectangular sack, sewn along selvage edges. Of bleached white, plain-weave, 

fabric, it was 20-1/2 inches wide and 32-1/2 inches long, with a 3-inch hem top opening. 

The SHEET, Bed, Cotton was rectangular, with selvage edges. Of bleached white, plain-weave, fabric, it was 63 

inches wide by 103 inches long, with 3-inch hem at one torn end and a 1-inch hem at the other. 

The pillowcase and bed sheet protected pillows and blankets. Introduced in 1885, both were “brown” instead of 

bleached cotton. This 17-1/2-inch by 36-inch pillowcase and 45-inch by 90-inch sheet were modifi ed after 1919 

to a 20-inch by 30-inch shape and 54-inch width. In 1929, sheets and pillowcases were made of bleached cotton 

and in new sizes, 20-1/2 inches by 32-1/2 inches with a 3-inch hem, and 63 inches by 103 inches, having 3-inch 

and 1-inch hems. During World War II, pillowcases were decreased to 27-1/2-inch size for small pillows. Postwar soldiers still slept under standard bed sheets, but after 1953 they enjoyed a 30-1/2-inch long pillowcase. 

---------------------

USA 6-117, Pillow Cases, Cotton, Bleached, 17 Jul 25.

USA 6-116, Sheet, Cotton, Bleached, 18 Jul 25.

Ltr, PQD to QMG, 7 Dec 29, Subj: Sheets and Pillow Cases.

Depot Examiners’ Handbook (Philadelphia: PQD, 15 Aug 42).

FED DDD-P-351a(3), Pillowcases, Cotton, Bleached, 5 Aug 54.

FED DDD-S-281c, Sheet, Bed, Cotton, 13 Jan 53.

TB QM 75, QMMI Bedding, 6 Jul 57.

BARRACK CHAIR 

The CHAIR, Barrack

(fi gure 63) was Windsor pattern of four 

legs, curved back, 

fi ve slats, with two 

bent pillars. Constructed of wood, 

it was 32-3/8 inches 

high, 19-3/16 inches 

wide, with a 16-1/2-

inch deep seat, held 

together by iron tie 

rods. 

The barrack chair 

replaced local-made 

barrack furniture. 

Following the fi rst 

ladder-back chair 

of 1878, with leather seat, the fan-back Windsor style with vertical slats appeared in 1895. Structural weaknesses soon became apparent and required a remedy. In 1903, metal bolts increased the strength between 

stretchers, and a new back added a vertical slat by 1917 for this problem. By World War II, a “new type” even 

Figure 63

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

66

had tie rods to the seat, but the folding wooden chair, easily stored and useful for both garrison and fi eld, had 

usurped the regal barrack chair.

---------------------

QM 361, Barrack Chair, 24 Jan 1895.

USA 23-100A, Chair, Barrack, 23 Feb 38.

OQMG Cir 4, 1 Jun 39.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND BUCKET 

The EXTINGUISHER, Fire, 2-1/2 gallon S&A (fi gure 64) was cylindrical, with 

chemicals, activated by inverting to spray. Made of copper, it was 7-1/4 inches 

by 23-1/4 inches, with a 3/8-inch rubber hose and a brass 5-3/4-inch circular 

handle on top.

The BUCKET, Fire, Galvanized was conical, with a closed bottom and bail 

handle at top. Made of metal and painted red, it had “FIRE” lettered in white, 

per established local regulations.

The fi re extinguisher and bucket guarded wooden barracks. In the twentieth 

century, the soda-acid type became the most common. Filled with a bakingsoda and water solution, it used an internal lead-capped 8-ounce bottle of 

sulfuric acid to activate the mixture. Fire buckets, as old as civilization, stood 

always ready for use. By World War II, local precautions usually specifi ed 

both fl at and round-bottom patterns, fi lled with sand or essential water. During peacetime, equipment more eff ective for fi res was introduced, and the 

soda-acid extinguisher and bucket bowed to modern apparatus.

---------------------

“When Fire-Call Sounds” Quartermaster Review, May–Jun 26 pp 20–22

FED O-F-355a, Fire-Extinguishers; Chemical, Hand, 5 Jun 34.

T/A Equipment for Posts, Camps and Stations 1 Sep 34.

AGF 49, Administrative Regulations, FT Meade, MD, 30 Oct 44.

MAKING THE ARMY BUNK 

The soldier learned to made a bunk (fi gure 65), per SOP (Standing Operating Procedure) at the Reception 

Center, as follows:

The COVER, Mattress, Cotton went on MATTRESS, Cotton, Felted, by collapsing and pulling, in an accordion 

fashion, without folding the mattress. The cloth tapes tied the open end together at the foot of the bunk. 

The bottom SHEET, Bed, Cotton covered the mattress, centered but right side up (fold of hem down). With 

the 1-inch hem even with the foot of the bunk, it tucked in all excess and mitered “hospital” 45-degree corners 

as required.

The top SHEET, Bed, Cotton covered the fi rst, centered but with wrong side up (fold of hem up). With the 3-inch 

hem even with the head of bunk, it tucked in all excess and mitered “hospital” 45-degree corners as required.

Figure 64
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

67

The fi rst BLANKET, Wool, OD, 

M-1934 covered both sheets, 

centered but with the upper 

edge 6 to 7 inches below the 

head of bunk. With the “U.S.” 

up and facing toward the aisle, 

it tucked in all excess and 

mitered “hospital” 45-degree 

corners as required.

 The PILLOWCASE, Cotton, 

White covered the PILLOW, 

Feather, and aligned its upper 

edge at the head of the bunk. 

The top opening faced to its 

right, as viewed by an inspecting offi cer.

On duty days, the second 

BLANKET, Wool, OD, M-1934

covered the pillow, as a “dust 

cover” or “hood.” With folded 

edge about 24 inches from 

the head or even with support 

band, it tucked in all excess and 

mitered “hospital” 45-degree 

corners as required.

On inspection days, the second 

Blanket, Wool, OD, M-1934 lay 

under pillow in three 15-inch 

folds to right and aisle. The fi rst 

blanket and top sheet folded 

an 8-inch “white collar” 

down to 21 inches below the 

head and 4 inches from the pillow.

The COMFORTER, Cotton Filled folded in its long sides and rolled one end into a 10-inch envelope pocket 

formed at the other. The roll set at the foot, the edge down and away from the aisle.

Sanitation required that linen be changed and bedding be aired weekly. The “Stockaded” folded blankets, 

clean sheets, and pillowcase sat between the pillow and uncovered mattress, “S” rolled on bare springs. 

---------------------

Gaige, Me and the Army (New York: American Artists Group, 1943)

Military Medical Manual (Harrisburg: Mil Serv Pub Co, 1943).

Basic Notes (Camp Crowder, MO: CSCRTC, 1 Jun 43).

FM 21-15 (C2), Individual Clothing and Equipment, 22 Dec 47.

Figure 65

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

68

ARRANGEMENT OF BARRACKS INTERIOR 

The arrangement of barracks (fi gure 66) ensured economy of space, health of occupants, and uniformity of 

area for discipline. Hygiene required 60 square feet per bunk and that the windows open at top and bottom 

on opposite sides of the squad room for ventilation.

But wartime forced double decking, either fastening an upside-down bedstead atop another or using the 1943 

metal-cot adapter. A soldier arranged the squad room per typical SOP as follows:

The BEDSTEAD, Single, M-1938, COT, Folding, Steel or COT, folding, canvas, sat in two rows, head to foot, facing the center aisle. Additional bunks were in the center aisle, and one for each NCO occupied the separate 

rooms on each fl oor.

The LOCKER, Trunk or LOCKER, Box stood at the end of each bunk, earning its name, “footlocker.” It might 

sit on a painted-wood stand, locally made with a footwear rack below, to raise it off the fl oor and out of the 

way of daily fl oor mopping.

The LOCKER, Wall, Steel, one for each occupant, stood against the wall, between the bunks. Most mobilization barracks had instead a “built-in” rack, mounted between and braced to the wall studs, consisting of a 

shelf and a clothes rod below.

Figure 66. From Don Mayes, Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Springfi eld, MO: Holland Litho. (Courtesy of US 

Army Engineer Museum, Fort Leonard Wood, MO)
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

69

The RACK, Arm in the aisle secured all the required weapons, as assigned by T/O and T/BA. It provided for 

each RIFLE, Caliber .30, M-1903, with SLING, Gun, M-1907, or a combination, with each PISTOL, Caliber .45, 

M-1911A1 for personnel so armed.

An EXTINGUISHER, Fire, 2-1/2 gallon S&A attached to the wall and the BUCKET, Fire, sat on the fl oor, near 

each entrance. Placement and warning markings associated with fi re-fi ghting equipment were the subject of 

installation fi re regulations.

The CHAIR, Barrack was available for each individual in an NCO room and in a number to be shared by 

squad room personnel. Many served instead as furniture in the mess hall or the organizational Day Room for 

use during off -duty hours.

The BULLETIN BOARD on a wall near the entrance, displayed notices, divided into permanent information 

(e.g., fi re regulations) and temporary or daily information (e.g., KP details). Permanent and daily information 

were posted on opposite sides of one bulletin board, with the most important information located near the top.

---------------------

FM 21-10, Military Sanitation and First Aid, 31 Jul 40.

“Bulletin Boards,” Infantry Journal, Dec 41, p 35.

WD BPR, The Soldier and His Housekeeping (Washington: GPO, 1942).

Don Mayes Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri (Springfi eld: Holland Litho) George Baker, The Sad Sack (New York: Simon and Schuster, 1944)

Joseph R. Blaise, Barracks Life in the Old Army, u.p., Nov 82.

INSPECTION OF BARRACKS 

SQUAD ROOM 

Inspections checked property 

accountability and maintenance, 

using a unit SOP (standing operating procedure) arrangement. 

A soldier prepared for inspection 

per SOP as follows:

The HOLDER, Card, Bedstead (fi gure 58) fastened to the foot of the 

bunk, and the BAG, Barrack to the 

head, its drawstrings crossed and 

wrapped around end to tie with a 

half-hitch.

The SHOES, Service (fi gure 23) 

stood beneath bunk, toes aligned 

with end leg, with uppers polished 

and laced, in block for even days 

or cross for odd days, to alternate 

wear.

Figure 67

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

70

The foot locker (fi gure 67) had out-of-season clothing, with rolled 

UNDERSHIRT, Summer, Sleeveless, DRAWERS, Cotton, Shorts, pr, 

UNDERSHIRT, 50% Wool and DRAWERS, 50% Wool, pr. 

The left tray (fi gure 67), lined with the TOWEL, huck, had BRUSH, 

Shaving, RAZOR, Safety w/5 Blades, BRUSH, Tooth, and COMB, Rubber, Hard, with PX toiletries and personal items.

The right tray (fi gure 67) had the GLOVES, woolen, OD, pr, NECKTIE, 

Cotton, Khaki, Washable, NECKTIE, Black, Wool, M-1940, HANDKERCHIEF, Cotton, and PX personal items. Each SOCKS, Cotton, Tan, 

pr and SOCKS, Wool, Light, pr rolled, heel tucked in, from toe into 

“envelope” formed by turned-down top.

The wall locker (fi gure 68) had the RAINCOAT, Rubberized, Dismounted, M-1938; OVERCOAT, Wool, Roll Collar; COAT, Wool, Service; JACKET, Field, OD; SHIRT, Cotton, Khaki; SHIRT, Wool, OD; 

TROUSERS, Cotton, Khaki, pr; and, TROUSERS, Wool, OD, pr. 

The door had the TOWEL, bath (if not in foot locker) on a hanger, 

the shelf, CAP, Garrison, Serge, OD; CAP, Garrison, Khaki; and, HAT, 

Working, and the bottom, folded COAT, Working and TROUSERS, 

Working, pr with LEGGINGS, Canvas, Dismounted, pr.

The full fi eld equipment, assembled 

without rations, with steel helmet attached, and cartridge belt, assembled 

for drill, was at the foot of bunk. The 

gas mask carrier was at the head of 

bunk, when rolled pack was at the foot.

A FULL-FIELD INSPECTION (fi gure 

69) displayed equipment on the bunk 

or by shelter tent. Clothing and individual equipment rolled in the pack, plus 

toilet articles, were displayed per SOP. 

---------------------

The Ordnance Soldier’s Guide (Aberdeen Proving 

Ground, ORTC, n.d)

Taylor, Private Doakes and Me, (Dallas: Taylor 

Engraving, 1942).

Yank: The Army Weekly (British Edition), 

11 Feb 45.

FM 21-15, Individual Clothing and Equipment, 

30 Apr 45.

TC-X-21-3, Foot Locker Display, Fort Sill, OK, 

ca. 1945.

Figure 69

Figure 68
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

71

Station Property – Mess Hall

While assigned to a duty station, each organization received station property for use in mess hall as follows:

STOOL, mess 1 per EM in barracks

TABLE, mess 1 per 10 EM in barracks

BOAT, sauce 1 per 5 men

BOWLS: 

 General-use 1 per man

 Sugar 1 per 5 men

CUP, coff ee 1 per man

DISHES: 

 Pickle 1 per 12 men

 Vegetable 1 per 2 men

PLATES:

 Dinner 1 per man

 Soup 1 per man

POT, mustard 1 per 5 men

SAUCER, coff ee 1 per man

BOTTLE, vinegar 1 per 12 men

SHAKERS: 

 Pepper 1 per 5 men

 Salt 1 per 5 men

TUMBLER 1 per man

FORK, table 1 per man

KNIFE, table 1 per man

SPOONS:

 Table 1 per man

 Tea 1 per man

 Mustard 1 per 5 men

PITCHERS:

 Syrup 1 per 5 men

 Water 1 per 10 men

PLATTER, meat 1 per 10 men

CLEAVER, butcher’s 1 per 50 men

KNIVES:

 Boning 1 per 25 men

 Bread 1 per 25 men

 Butcher’s 1 per 25 men

 Paring 1 per 25 men

SAW, butcher’s 1 per 33 men

STEEL, butcher’s 1 per 50 men

GRATER 1 per 33 men

MACHINE, chopping, meat 1 per 33 men

MEASURES:

 1-pt. 1 per 33 men

 1-qt. 1 per 33 men

OPENER, can 1 per 25 men

PIN, rolling, wood 1 per 100 men

SCALES, 10-lb. 1 per 100 men

SCRAPER, dough 1 per 100 men

SIEVE, fl our 1 per 50 men

GRIDDLE, iron 1 per 25 men

PANS:

 Bake, 12-ration 1 per 20 men

 Cake 1 per 33 men

 Dish 1 per 14 men

 Frying 1 per 14 men

POTS, stock, aluminum w/cover

 Ordinary:

 10-gal. 1 per 25 men

 15-gal. 1 per 25 men

 With faucet and strainer:

 15-gal. 1 per 100 men

 20-gal. 1 per 100 men

DIPPERS, tin 

 1-qt. 1 per 10 men

 2-qt. 1 per 10 men

FORK, cook, fl esh 1 per 10 men

LADLE, soup 1 per 10 men

MASHER, potato 1 per 50 men

SKIMMER 1 per 33 men

SPATULA 1 per 50 men

SPOON, basting 1 per 10 men

WHIPS, egg, wire:

 10-inch 1 per 50 men

 12-inch 1 per 50 men

 16-inch 1 per 50 men

--------------------

T/A Equipment for Posts, Camps and Stations, 1 Sep 34 

WD Cir 29, 20 May 36

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
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72

Description of Mess Hall Station Property

MESS STOOL

The STOOL, Mess (fi gure 70) was 

a round seat, mounted to four 

turned legs and connected to a 

turned center ornament. Constructed of wood, it was 18 inches 

high and 11-1/2 inches across, with 

stretchers reinforced with two 

crossed metal tie rods.

The mess stool provided fl exible 

seating at the mess table. In 1890, 

it joined the metal-leg wood bench 

under the mess table and by the 

early twentieth century became the 

predominant furniture. There occurred little change in construction 

through the years. During World 

War II, “built-in” tables were 

fabricated locally for mobilization mess halls, making such issue 

furniture unnecessary. Then FY43 

funds failed to provide for its issue 

or replacement. When the postwar era introduced small dining 

tables and chairs, the seating of the mess stool was taken.

--------------------------

Annual Report of Quartermaster General (Wash: GPO, 1890) p 228.

QMC Drawing 2-5-22, Stool, Mess, Rev 28 Jan 42 

WD Cir 255, 30 Jul 42

MESS TABLE 

The TABLE, Mess (fi gure 71) was rectangular, with three stands of legs crossed from table battens down to 

fl oor cleats. Constructed of wood and black-painted metal, it was 42 inches by 10 feet, with side rails, curving 

from a 6-inch center to 2-inch ends.

The mess table provided for family-style food service. Replacing local improvisations in 1885, it and matching 

benches established patterns for manufacture of this mess hall furniture. After 1937, the early design of two 

stands of two metal legs screwed to four wood table battens gave way to fewer legs but greater strength with 

their attachment to wooden fl oor cleats. With World War II mobilization buildings using “built-in” tables, 

FY43 funding provided no issue or replacement of these items. After the war, 4-man tables replaced the 10-

man mess table.

Figure 70
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

73

---------------------

1Ind, QMG to JQD (21 Oct 36), Subj: Mess Tables, 2 Nov 36

USA 28-25, Table, Mess, 15 Oct 37

USA 28-25A, Table, Mess, 14 Mar 42

WD Cir 255, 30 Jul 42

CHINAWARE 

The BOAT, Sauce (fi gure 72) was Cable pattern, with a spout at one end and handle at the other. Fired as vitrifi ed china “thickware,” 5/16-inch to 3/8-inch thick, it had a 13-ounce capacity.

The BOWL, General-Use (fi gure 72) was round with curved sides and a fl at bottom. Fired as vitrifi ed china 

“thickware,” 5/16-inch- to 3/8-inch thick, it had a 5-3/4-inch diameter.

The BOWL, Sugar (fi gure 72) was Lindell pattern, with a separate domed cover. Fired as vitrifi ed china “thickware,” 5/16-inch to 3/8-inch thick, it had a 17-ounce capacity.

The CUP, Coff ee, Unhandled (fi gure 72) was round, with plain sides and edge. Fired as vitrifi ed china “thickware,” 5/16-inch to 3/8-inch thick, it had a 3-3/4-inch diameter.

The DISH, Pickle (fi gure 72) was a Number 2 Club, celery pattern, with shallow sides. Fired as vitrifi ed china 

“thickware,” 5/16-inch to 3/8-inch thick, it had a 9-3/8-inch length.

The DISH, Vegetable (fi gure 72) was Baker pattern, with a fl at rim and deep bottom. Fired as vitrifi ed china 

“thickware,” 5/16-inch to 3/8-inch thick, it had an 11-7/8-inch diameter.

The PLATE, Dinner (fi gure 72) was round with a fl at bottom and roll edge. Fired as vitrifi ed china “thickware,” 

5/16-inch to 3/8-inch thick, it had a 9-5/8-inch diameter.

The PLATE, Soup (fi gure 72) was round with a deep bottom and a roll edge. Fired as vitrifi ed china “thickware,” 5/16-inch to 3/8-inch thick, it had a 9-inch diameter.

The POT, Mustard (fi gure 72) was Vienne pattern, unhandled, with a separate fl at cover. Fired as vitrifi ed 

china “thickware,” 5/16-inch to 3/8-inch thick, it had a 6-1/2-ounce capacity.

Figure 71

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
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74

Figure 72
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

75

The SAUCER, Coff ee (fi gure 72) was round with a fl at bottom and roll edge. Fired as vitrifi ed china “thickware,” 5/16-inch to 3/8-inch thick, it had a 7-inch diameter.

 

The chinaware added decor to “family-style” meal service. After 1889, standard allowances replaced the local 

examples, variety existing in choice and quantity and little in pattern. World War II conditions brought newer 

materials and methods. Glass substituted for dishes and CRS (corrosion-resistant steel) for the water pitcher, 

and “cafeteria-style” meals began utilizing CRS compartmental trays. In peacetime, following the passing of 

“family-style” service in mess halls, modern synthetics left chinaware behind, with unbreakable cups, bowls 

and mess trays.

-------------------------

FED M-C-301, Chinaware, Vitrifi ed, 1 May 34.

AR 30-3014, Price List of Kitchen and Mess Equipment, 1 May 45.

GLASSWARE 

The BOTTLE, Vinegar (fi gure 73) was octagonal with a neck, closed by a cork-covered, chinaware stopper. 

Fired as clear, polished glass, it was 8-3/4 inches tall, with a 14-1/2-ounce capacity.

The SHAKER, Pepper, with Metal Top (fi gure 73) was octagonal, with a removable pearl cap, with .072-inch 

holes. Fired as clear, polished glass, it was 4 inches tall, with a 3-ounce capacity.

The SHAKER, Salt, with Metal Top (fi gure 73) was octagonal, with a removable pearl cap, punctured with .090-

inch holes. Fired as clear, polished glass, it was 4 inches tall, with a 3-ounce capacity.

Figure 73

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
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The TUMBLER (fi gure 73) was round with thin, straight sides and a heavy, thick bottom. Fired as clear, polished glass, it was 4-1/4-inches tall, with a 10-ounce capacity.

Glassware provided containers for liquids and condiments. Based on commercial patterns fi rst issued after 1889, the style refl ected the past, varying only in choice and quantity selected. But as World War II approached, new materials and sizes arrived. An aluminum syrup pitcher ousted the glass one with a metal top, 

and large glass tumblers claimed a smaller 6-ounce capacity cousin. After the War, mess halls began aping 

civilian eateries, with diminutive, 2-1/4-inch salt and pepper shakers, plastic tumblers and commercial containers instead of genteel glassware. 

---------------------

“Sanitation and Messes,” Infantry Journal, Jun 30, pp 593-600.

FED DD-T-101a, Tableware, Glass, 12 Jan 38.

FED DD-T-101b, Tableware, Glass, 10 Nov 47.

AR 30-3014, Price List of Kitchen and Mess Equipment, 1 May 45.

TABLEWARE 

The FORK, Table (fi gure 74) was Windsor pattern with a wide, fl at end and four tines. Formed of one-piece 

nickel-alloy, with a high commercial polish, it was 7-3/8 inches to 7-7/8 inches long.

The KNIFE, Table (fi gure 74) was Windsor pattern with a round handle and straight blade. Formed of onepiece nickel-alloy, with a high commercial polish, it was 9-1/8 inches to 9-7/16 inches long.

The SPOON, Table (fi gure 74) was Windsor pattern with a wide, fl at end and a bowl. Formed of one-piece 

nickel-alloy, with a high commercial polish, it was 8-1/4 inches to 8-1/2 inches long. 

The SPOON, Tea (fi gure 74) was Windsor pattern with a wide, fl at end and a small bowl. Formed of one-piece 

nickel-alloy, with a high commercial polish, it was 5-7/8 inches to 6-3/16 inches long. 

The SPOON, Mustard was straight with a handle at one end and a paddle or bowl at the other. Fabricated of 

wood, it was 4-1/4 inches, with a 5/8-inch bowl, or 4-3/4 inches, with a 1-1/8-inch paddle. 

The PITCHER, Syrup, M-1940 (fi gure 75) was cylindrical, with a spout, handle and spring-thumb grip for 

hinged cover. Drawn of sheet aluminum, it was 3-3/4 inches wide and 5-7/8 inches high.

The PITCHER, Water, 5-1/2-quart, M-1939 (fi gure 76) was round, with a fl aring spout and tubular handle. 

Drawn of CRS, it was 10-1/2 inches high, with a 7-3/16-inch-wide bottom.

The PLATTER, Meat, Metal (fi gure 77) was elliptical, with an open-fl ange edge. Drawn of CRS, it was 1-1/8 

inches deep, with 1-3/4 inch rim and an 8-1/2-inch by 14-inch serving area.

Tableware included required metal utensils and containers. Based on civilian designs standardized by 1889, 

it saw scarcities of old and effi ciencies of new materials prompt several changes. During World War II, china 

and glass pitchers were replaced with CRS and aluminum, and tableware changed from silverplate to nickelalloy and CRS. While change in meal service had little eff ect, patterns did. After the war, the old table knife 
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

77

Figure 74

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

78

was replaced by the utility knife, which 

had a curved blade and streamlined 

handle.

---------------------

FED RR-P-386 Pitchers, Water: Corrosion-ResistingSteel, 3 Mar 39

FED RR-P-416 Platters, Meat: Corrosion-ResistingSteel, 4 Apr 39

QM File 2943, Pitcher, Syrup, M-1940, 18 Feb 41.

FED LLL-S-617, Spoons, Mustard, Wood, 3 May 41.

FED RR-T-46, Tableware, Nickel-Alloy, 23 May 41.

AR 30-3014, Price List of Kitchen and Mess Equipment, 1 May 45.

QMMI 60, Tableware, Apr 53.

Figure 75

Figure 76
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

79

Figure 77

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

80

CUTLERY 

The CLEAVER, Butcher’s (fi gure 78) was market blade, 

fi xed to two-piece wood handle by three rivets. Forged 

from steel, it was 14-1/2 inches long, with an 8-inch blade 

and a 1/2-inch corner hole. 

The KNIFE, Boning (fi gure 78) was a narrow, pointed 

blade, fi xed to a two-piece wood handle by three rivets. 

Forged from steel, it was 10-1/2 inches long, with a 6-inch 

blade, 7/8 inches wide. 

The KNIFE, Bread (fi gure 78) was a straight, wide blade, 

fi xed to a two-piece wood handle by three rivets. Forged 

from steel, it was 15-1/2 inches long, with a 10-inch blade, 

1-5/16 inches wide. 

The KNIFE, Butcher’s (fi gure 78) was a distinctive blade, 

fi xed to a two-piece wood handle by three rivets. Forged 

from steel, it was 15-1/2 inches long, with a 10-inch blade, 

1-1/2 inches wide. 

The KNIFE, Paring (fi gure 78) was a short blade, 

fi xed to a two-piece wood handle by three rivets. 

Forged from steel, it was 5 to 7 inches long, with a 

3- to 4-inch blade, 9/16 inches wide. 

The STEEL, Butcher’s (fi gure 78) was round, with a 

ferrule and bolster at one end of the handle and a 

swivel at the other. Forged of steel and wood, it was 

15 inches long, with a 10-inch blade.

The SAW, Butcher’s (fi gure 79) was a frame, with 

unguarded handle fi xed by three screws. Fabricated 

of steel, with a wood grip, it was 5-15/16 inches deep, 

with a removable 14-inch blade. 

Cutlery consisted of sharp tools to dress meats and 

prepare foods. Derived from civilian usage and fi rst 

authorized after 1889, it altered its pattern little or 

none through the ensuing years. World War II heralded some change, a metal bolster between blade 

and handle for the butcher’s knife, a new wide-blade 

cook’s knife and a longer saw, with a much needed, 

Figure 78

Figure 79
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

81

closed-horned grip. During post-war peace, the old bread knife disappeared and a new straight-blade slicing 

knife, with rounded point, appeared.

---------------------

FED GGG-C-746, Cutlery: Galley and Kitchen, 7 Mar 33.

Ltr, JQD to QMG, 21 Nov 39, Subj: Amendment to FED GGG-C-746.

JQD 43, Cutlery: Galley and Kitchen, 4 Dec 41.

FED GGG-S-61a, Saws, 3 Nov 42.

FED GGG-C-746a, Cutlery: Galley and Kitchen, 17 Feb 44.

AR 30-3014, Price List of Kitchen and Mess Equipment, 1 May 45.

KITCHEN APPARATUS 

The GRATER, Vegetable (fi gure 80) was curved, with a perforated front, handle on top and stiff eners in back. 

Shaped of tin, it was 2-7/8 inches deep, 6-7/16 inches wide and 12-1/8 inches high. 

Figure 80

The MACHINE, Meat & Food Chopping, Hand Operated (fi gure 81) was a crank, hopper, feed worm, and plate. 

Fabricated of metal, it used four knives and plates with 1/8-inch to 3/8-inch holes.

The MEASURE, Lipped, Ungraduated (fi gure 82) was conical, with an extension on one side and a strap handle 

on the other. Fabricated of tin, it came in 1/2-quart and 1-quart capacities. 

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
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82

The OPENER, Can was lever-action, with bevel-edge 

blade, bead guide, bottle opener, and corkscrew. Fabricated of steel, it was 5-1/4 to 4-3/4 inches long, with a 

1-inch blade.

The PIN, Rolling was cylindrical, with a stationary 

handle attached to each end. Turned of light wood, it 

was 18-1/2 inches long and 3-1/2 inches across, with 

4-inch handles.

The SCALE, Weighing, Counter Scoop, 10-lbs. (fi gure 83) 

was even-balance type, with fork and graduated beam. 

Made of metal, it had a 15-inch by 8-inch scoop, a 

5-inch plate, and 1-pound to 4-pound weights. 

The SCRAPER, Dough, 6-inch (fi gure 84) was rectangular, with a tubular handle formed along one 

side. Fabricated of sheet steel, it was 4-5/8 inches 

deep, including the 1-inch diameter handle.

The SIEVE, Flour was circular, with fl ared walls, 

handles at the rim and reinforced-wire mesh at the 

base. Fabricated of sheet-metal, it had a 24-inch 

top, 16-inch bottom, and 6-inch depth.

Kitchen apparatus included a variety of food 

preparation items. Allowances from civilian use 

were present by 1889, and standard patterns 

evolved minimally with the advance of the twentiethcentury. World War II required a response to 

shortages and new requirements. 

Preserving scarce materials, 18-

inch wood replaced a 16-inch 

sheet metal fl our sieve and a wood 

handle fi xed metal dough scrapers. Following the War, mess halls 

traded wood items for metal, 

changed to wing-type can openers, and showed the new look 

of kitchen apparatus in a cook’s 

work table with curved pan rack. 

----------------------------

FED OO-M-18, Machines; Chopping (Grinding) Meat, 29 Aug 39.

USA 28-98, Sieve, Flour, 16-in, 31 Aug 39.

FED LLL-P-381 Pins, Rolling; Wood, 

3 May 41.

Figure 81

Figure 82

Figure 83
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

83

JQD 127, Measures, Lipped, 20 May 42.

JQD 222, Scraper, Dough, 6-in, 15 Mar 43.

USA 28-46A, Graters, Large, Small and Nutmeg, 9 Nov 45.

FED AAA-S-115 Scales, Weighing; Beam, Bench-or Counter 16 Apr 46

FED FF-O-601a Openers, Can, 29 Jul 57.

POTS AND PANS 

The GRIDDLE, Cast-Iron (fi gure 85) was rectangular, with round 

corners, rim and grease groove on top, and ribs on bottom. Cast 

with two handles, it was 25 inches long and 13-1/2 inches wide. 

 The PAN, Baking and Roasting (fi gure 86) was rectangular, with 

folded corners, reinforcement straps and wire drop handles. 

Formed of steel, it was 3 inches deep, 24 inches long, and 12 

inches wide.

The PAN, Cake was round, with fl at bottom, straight sides and a 

rolled-rim, lip edge. Pressed into shape from one piece of sheet 

tin, it was 1 inch deep and 9 inches across. 

Figure 84

Figure 85

Figure 86

The PAN, Dish, 21-quart (fi gure 87 ) was circular, with sloping sides and a handle riveted to each side. Fabricated of tinned steel, it was 6 inches deep and 19-5/8 inches across.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
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84

The PAN, Frying, 12-inch, was circular, with a shielded handle, having 

a hole at the end. Fabricated of sheet steel, it was 2 inches deep, with 

a tin-protected, 10-1/4-inch-long handle.

The POT, Stock, Aluminum, Ordinary, with Cover (fi gure 88) was 

cylindrical, with a fl at bottom and rolled rim. On each side was a 

welded, rod handle and on the cover, a welded strap handle. Drawn 

from one piece, it came in 10-gallon (17-1/4-inch by 13-7/8-inch) and 

15-gallon (19-1/4-inch by 15-7/8-inch) capacities.

The POT, Stock, Aluminum, with Faucet and Cover (fi gure 88) was 

cylindrical, with a fl at bottom and rolled rim. On each side, was a 

welded rod handle and, on the cover, a welded strap handle. Drawn 

from one piece, it came in 15-gallon (19-1/4-gallon by 15-7/8-inch) 

and 20-gallon (20-1/4-inch by 17-7/8-inch) capacities, with an attached nickel-brass, lever-bibb cock at the bottom of each. 

Pots and pans were the necessary vessels for cooking meals. Tin 

kettles and iron pots began as eighteenth century camp equipage, 

but not until 1885, did all kitchens receive garrison patterns. The early twentiethcentury established their 

shape and capacity with a series of tin boilers, changing to aluminum with the industry. But World War II conditions reversed this developmental progress and early materials and forms, with riveted handles, returned. 

During the ensuing peace, mess hall kitchens stewed their bill of fare in pots and pans of CRS.

--------------------

USA 28-19, Pots, Stock, Aluminum, 23 Dec 37.

QM File 2863, Pan, Dish, 21-Quart, Retinned, 6 Apr 38.

FED RR-G-681, Griddles: Cast-Iron, 17 May 40.

FED RR-P-62, Pans, Cake: Tinned, Round, 17 May 40.

FED RR-P-89, Pans, Fry: Steel, 17 May 40.

FED RR-P-55, Pans, Bake and Roasting: Steel, 3 May 41.

“Mobilization of Pot and Pan,” QM Review Nov-Dec 41 pp 22–23

Figure 87

Figure 88
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

85

UTENSILS 

The DIPPER, Tin (fi gure 89) was conical, riveted to a 45-degree handle with a hook at the end. Soldered together, it came in 1-quart (5-1/8-inch with 7-inch handle) and 2-quart (6-1/2-inch with 8-inch handle) sizes.

The MASHER, Potato (fi gure 90) was cylindrical, with a shaped handle, rounded to an end knob. Turned of 

hard wood, it was 18-1/2 inches long, with a 3-1/2-inch diameter and 7-inch long head. 

Figure 89

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Figure 90
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

86

The SPATULA, Wood (fi gure 91) had a narrow handle with a wide wedge at one end. Carved from one piece, it 

was 37 inches long, with a 1-9/16-inch by 1-1/16-inch handle and 3-5/8-inch by 7-inch blade.

The FORK, Cook, Flesh (fi gure 92) had a fl at handle with two tines at the narrow end and a hanging hole and 

hook at the wide end. Formed of tinned steel, it was 15 inches long and 1-3/16 inches wide.

The LADLE, Soup (fi gure 92) had a fl at handle with an angled deep bowl at the narrow end and a hanging 

hole and hook at the wide end. Formed of tinned steel, it was 15 inches long and 4-1/2 inches wide.

The SKIMMER (fi gure 92) had a fl at handle with a perforated blade at the narrow end and a hanging hole and 

hook at the wide end. Formed of tinned steel, it was 15 inches long and 5 inches wide.

The SPOON, Basting (fi gure 92) had a fl at handle with a large bowl at the narrow end and a hanging hole and 

hook at the wide end. Formed of tinned steel, it was 15 inches long and 2-7/16 inches wide.

The WHIP, Egg, Wire had eight wire bows, fi xed to a tube and wrapped with wire. Formed of steel, it was 3-1/4 

inches wide with a 4-1/2-inch tin handle, and came in 10-inch, 12-inch, and 16-inch sizes. 

Utensils included all implements necessary to prepare food. Based on civilian styles, they formed part of the 

1889 allowance and evolved little in choice and quantity in the following years. Utensils show minimal pattern change with the coming of World War II. Due to material scarcities, articles changed from tin-plated steel 

to CRS stock, maintaining patterns and even adding more sizes. The coming of peace continued this trend, 

replacing wood with metal blade spatulas and wire potato mashers, while strengthening CRS utensils with 

narrow, corrugated handles.

--------------------

FED RR-W-456, Wireware; Bake-Shop and Kitchen, 7 May 35.

USA 28-53, Dippers, Tin, 3 Jun 39.

QM File 2910, Utensils, Cooking, 15 May 40.

JQD Drawing X-1580, Dipper, 4 Apr 41.

JQD 199, Spatula, Wood, 37-in, 28 Aug 42.

JQD 201, Masher, Potato, Wood, 4 Sep 42.

Figure 91
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

87

Figure 92

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

88

ARRANGEMENT OF MESS HALL DINING AREA 

In the dining area, soldiers sat by unit organization and waiters brought dishes to the tables for “family-style” 

meals. “First three-graders” (Staff Sergeant, Technical Sergeant or First Sergeant and Master Sergeant) had 

separate mess tables. Detailed soldiers and KPs (kitchen police) arranged the mess hall dining area, per SOP, 

as follows: 

Each TABLE, Mess set in parallel rows perpendicular to a central aisle. At each table, was a STOOL, Mess for 

each of the 10 soldiers (often one at each end) including one NCO. The “BUILT-IN” MESS TABLE (fi gure 

93), constructed of wood for mobilization mess halls, used two attached benches.

Before mess call, the DRO (Dining Room Orderly) arranged each place setting of PLATE, Dinner, PLATE, 

Soup and CUP, Coff ee, Unhandled of china thickware, with the metal KNIFE, Table, FORK, Table, SPOON, 

Table and SPOON, Tea and glass TUMBLER, 10-ounce. 

The table center held the required number of chinaware BOWLS, Sugar and BOWLS, Mustard, the latter with 

a SPOON, mustard, the glass BOTTLE, Vinegar, SHAKER, Salt, with Metal Top and SHAKER, Pepper, with 

Metal Top, the large CRS PITCHER, Water, 2-1/2-gallon, M-1939 and perhaps the aluminum PITCHER, syrup, 

M-1940. At the ends was each BOWL, General-Use, stacked face to face, and each DISH, Vegetable and DISH, 

Pickle, all aligned by a stretched string.

Great care and creativity produced smart table arrangements, a point of unit pride besides delicious meals, 

but by 1942, these eff orts were waning. Mobilization mess halls adopted “cafeteria-style” serving. There 

soldiers passed through an effi cient chow line, their six-compartment CRS tray fi lled by KP servers. Table arrangements, service and Army etiquette were a memory. 

--------------------

“Sanitation and Messes,” Infantry Journal, Jun 30, pp 593–600

FM 21-10, Military Sanitation and First Aid, 31 Jul 40.

QM Drawing 700-1129 Mess Halls Miscellaneous Detail Rev 16 Jan 41 TM 10-205, Mess Management and Training, 6 Jul 42

TM 10-205, Mess Management and Training, 3 Oct 44

Company Administration (Harrisburg: Mil Pub Co, Jul 42) pp 59–65. 

Figure 93
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

89

ARRANGEMENT OF MESS HALL KITCHEN AREA 

The kitchen area housed equipment necessary to store and prepare food and clean dishes and the area after 

each meal. Detailed soldiers and KPs arranged the area, per SOP, as follows: 

Suspended on the PAN RACK (fi gure 94) of the cook’s work table, was the required number of each of the 

following: CLEAVER, Butcher’s; SAW, Butcher’s; STEEL, Butcher’s; GRATER, Vegetable; 1/2-quart and 1-quart 

MEASURE, Lipped, Ungraduated; 1-quart and 2-quart DIPPER, Tin; FORK, Flesh; LADLE, Soup; SKIMMER;

SPOON, Basting; 10-inch, 12-inch and 16-inch WHIPS, Egg, Wire. 

Stacked on wall shelves (often a pipe frame for air drying) was the required number of each of the following: 

PAN, Cake; PAN, Dish, 21-quart; 10- to 15-gallon, POT, Stock, Aluminum, Ordinary; and 15- to 20-gallon, POT, 

Stock, Aluminum, with Faucet, their covers stored separately (often in a slotted vertical-rack). 

Suspended, in a neat row, on a wooden wall bracket was the required number of each of the following: 

Griddle, Cast-Iron; PAN, Bake and Roasting; and PAN, Fry, 12-inch. 

On or near the butcher’s block to the right of the cook’s work table was the required number of each of the 

following: KNIFE, Boning; KNIFE, Bread; KNIFE, Butcher’s; and KNIFE, Paring.

Stored or positioned on the cook’s work table was the required number of each of the following: MACHINE, Meat 

and Food Chopping, Hand Operated (clamped to table); MASHER, Potato; OPENER, Can; PIN, Rolling; SCALE, 

Weighing Counter Scoop, 10-pounds; SCRAPER, Dough, 6-inch; SIEVE, Flour, 16-inch; and SPATULA, Wood, 37-inch. 

The kitchen area also stored excess tableware, chinaware, and glassware not in use. This included racks (often 

a pipe frame for air drying) holding table platters and water pitchers. Subject to inspection daily to ensure 

cleanliness of and accountability for station property, the kitchen area arrangement displayed a high degree of 

maintenance and orderliness, with all items in neat rows, precisely spaced and oriented in the same direction.

--------------------------

“Sanitation and Messes,” Infantry Journal, Jun 30, pp 593-600

FM 21-10, Military Sanitation and First Aid, 31 Jul 40.

QM Drawing 700-1129 Mess Halls Miscellaneous Detail Rev 16 Jan 41 

TM 10-205, Mess Management and Training, 3 Oct 44.

Figure 94

HISTORICAL INFORMATION
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

90

Figure 95: Interior of a barracks building at Fort Cronkhite taken by Private Anton T. Sterba, Battery A, 56th

Coast Artillery Regiment, on June 26, 1941. Courtesy Anton T. Sterba.

Photographic Evidence of Barracks Interiors

Private Anton T. Sterba, who was stationed at Fort Cronkhite from June 1941 until February 1942, was assigned to Battery A, 56th Coast Artillery, which served 155mm mobile artillery. His unit moved into the barracks at Fort Cronkhite as soon as the barracks were habitable, in June of 1941. Figure 95 was taken shortly 

after Sterba moved in. This snapshot shows that the fi rst soldiers to occupy Building 1059 used canvas folding 

cots. Private Sterba remarks on the photo, “We were mobile so we didn’t have the usual beds.” Since there was 

no headboard or footboard on the folding cot, the barracks bags, individual equipment and helmet are hung 

on the wall with nails. Clothing shelves had not yet been installed on the walls.

Figure 95 also shows the pattern wooden box locker. A suitcase is under the cot, probably containing civilian 

clothes; neither the suitcase nor the civilian clothes would have been in the barracks after December 7, 1941. 

The windows appear to be covered by pull shades.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

91

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Figure 96: Interior of a barracks occupied by F Battery, 56th Coast Artillery, West Portal area, Fort Barry, California, 1941. Courtesy Presidio Army Museum, negative box 6, photograph box 11.

Battery F, 56th Coast Artillery was quartered in former CCC barracks at Fort Barry, a sister post built just 

across Rodeo Lagoon from Fort Cronkhite (fi gure 96). The use of wall lockers and foot locker stands in this 

barracks gave it a much more permanent appearance than the squad room in the 700-Series barracks. None 

of the clothing or equipment is in view, but the M-1938 single bedstead and the trunk locker are clearly 

visible. This is a key piece of evidence: the use of the M-1938 single bedstead and trunk locker in 1941 at a 

Coast Artillery Corps post whose headquarters was at Fort Cronkhite. The stand for the foot locker was not 

an item issued by the Army. The stands might have been made at Fort Barry or may have been used at all posts 

in the Harbor Defenses of San Francisco. However, these stands were not used uniformly throughout the 

Ninth Coast Artillery District.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

92

Fort Rosecrans in San Diego was also in the Ninth Coast Artillery District. Figures 97 and 98 were taken in a 

barracks at Fort Rosecrans in 1941-43. They confi rm that the customary bunk used in a Ninth Coast Artillery 

District 700-series barracks was an M-1938 single bedstead.

Figure 97 shows the barracks ready for inspection. The photographer is standing at the front of the squad 

bay on the fi rst fl oor, looking toward the rear of the barracks. The barracks orderly is standing at attention 

in the aisle. One soldier performed this duty every day in each barracks, Army-wide. The barracks orderly’s 

duties included fi re and theft prevention and helping to keep the barracks clean. The trunk lockers are 

closed but unlocked, so that the inspecting offi cer can open and inspect them. The full equipment and the 

model 1917A-1 helmet are displayed at the aisle end of each bedstead. The comforter is rolled at the foot of 

the bunk. Shelves have been constructed between each window. These shelves were not part of the original 

700-Series plans, but many photographs confi rm that they were added very early on. A circular arm rack 

containing a number of U.S. Model 1903 bolt action rifl es stands against the rear wall. Walls, ceiling, and fl oor 

appear to be unpainted, with the possible exception of the upright support posts. The forced-air heating ducts 

are visible overhead. A standard water fountain is located in the corner and a fi re extinguisher is mounted on 

the back wall.

Figure 97: Interior of a barracks at Fort Rosecrans, San Diego, California, 1941-43. Courtesy Cabrillo National Monument, accession no. 288, catalog no. 1224. 
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

93

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Figure 98: Interior of a barracks at Fort Rosecrans, San Diego, California, 1941–43. Courtesy Cabrillo National Monument, accession no. 288, catalog no. 1227. 

Figure 98 is a close-up of the last bunk on the right side of the squad bay. (Notice the battery’s pet dog asleep on the 

comforter!) The blanket is fi tted tightly around the mattress. The pillow is exposed and sitting on top of the blanket. 

Two barracks bags are tied at the head of the bunk. Under the bunk is a cardboard box with a top, which was probably used for personal items and would normally not be subject to inspection. A bulletin board is mounted on the 

back wall, and the doors are fi tted with screen doors. Again, no building surfaces appear to be painted.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

94

Figure 99: Barracks Inspection, 161st Signal Company, Fort Benning, GA, 15 July 1941. Courtesy National 

Archives, RG111-SC-124064.

Figure 99 shows Selectee PVT Frank V. DeToro, wearing the cotton-khaki, summer service uniform, standing by his bunk for a full-fi eld inspection. Refl ecting the eff ects of mobilization on supply, the photograph 

shows an interesting combination of the metal wall locker, authorized for permanent barracks, and the canvas 

folding cot, used in cantonments. The clothing and equipment layout also includes an early M-1918 meat 

can mated with the late M-1926 knife, fork, and spoon, and a training gas mask substituted for the service gas 

mask. Plus, the display features a pistol and revolver belt with holster and canvas fi eld bag, equipment authorized by the Signal Corps T/BA, instead of the familiar pocketed cartridge belt and haversack-pack carrier 

combination.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

95

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

This photograph was taken on the second fl oor looking toward the front of the barracks. Two of the canvas folding cots that furnish this room are placed in the center aisle. These folding cots, which could not be 

stacked, were designed for use in cantonments. The clothing is hung on brackets that project into the room, 

instead of on a shelf along the wall. Note that there are no comforters and that the second blanket is used to 

cover the pillow. 

Figure 100: Interior of barracks, second fl oor, 161st Signal Company, Fort Benning, Georgia. Courtesy 

National Archives, RG111-SC-124044.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

96

Figure 101: Interior of barracks, second fl oor, Fort Rosecrans, California, 1940–42. Courtesy Cabrillo 

National Monument, uncataloged scrapbook. 

This photograph shows a second-fl oor squad room at a slightly earlier period (1940–41). The bedsteads are 

M-1938. Note that the clothing is suspended from a pole or pipe secured to the roof beams. Again, none of 

the wood surfaces appear to be painted.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

97

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Although this is probably the Marine barracks at the Navy yard in San Diego, California, the equipment does 

not appear to be standard Marine Corps issue. The use of the M-1917A1 helmet indicates that the photograph 

was taken in the early 1940s. This squad room is exactly like the Army barracks, including the M-1938 single 

bedstead, which suggests that an Army unit was occupying former Marine barracks. Notice the radio sitting 

on top of a trunk locker, at the back of the room. The radio would be out of sight during an inspection.

Figure 102: Probably the interior of the Marine barracks at the Navy yard in San Diego, California, 1940–42. The 

photograph is labeled “Chaddock Marine Barracks.” Cabrillo National Monument, uncataloged scrapbook. 
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

98

Figure 103: Open trunk locker in barracks, Fort Lewis, Washington, ca. 1941. The SOP kit is laid out on a 

white towel or cloth. Note the way the socks are rolled and stamped with the soldier’s mark: the fi rst initial of 

the last name and the last 4 digits of the serial number. Courtesy Ft. Lewis Military Museum, Ft. Lewis, WA.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

99

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Figure 104: Closed trunk locker in barracks, with bedding folded and stacked for airing, Fort Lewis, Washington, ca. 1941. Courtesy Ft. Lewis Military Museum, Ft. Lewis, WA.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

100

Figure 105: Bed and locker prepared for everyday use in barracks, Ft. Lewis, Washington, ca. 1941. The trunk 

locker is closed and the extra blanket is folded over the pillow and sheets to prevent the linen from being 

soiled. The comforter is rolled at the foot of the bed. Courtesy Ft. Lewis Military Museum, Ft. Lewis, WA.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

101

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Figure 106: Open metal wall locker in barracks, Ft. Lewis, Washington, ca. 1941. Note that all the hanging 

garments are facing in the same direction with the shoulder insignia displayed. Courtesy Ft. Lewis Military 

Museum, Ft. Lewis, WA.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

102

Figure 107: Another barracks at Fort Lewis before the installation of metal wall lockers, ca. 1941. Images from 

the early war period reveal that posts devised a variety of methods to hang garments. Courtesy, Fort Lewis 

Military Museum, Fort Lewis, WA.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

103

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Photographic Evidence of Mess Hall Interiors

Dining room

The use of “built-in” mess tables and the lack of china indicate that the mess dining room in fi gure 108 is 

located in a 700-Series building. Although the condiments on the table diff er from one mess hall to another, 

within the same dining room the items on each table are identical, both in type and arrangement. There are no 

window treatments on the double windows except for pull shades and there are no pictures hanging on the 

walls. This might indicate that this photograph was taken early 1940-41. WWII veterans recall that recognition 

cards were hung on the mess hall walls near the ceiling to aid the men with identifying friendly and enemy 

vessels and aircraft.13

Figure 108: Mess Hall dining room, Camp Edwards, MA, ca. 1940. Courtesy, Historical Division, Ft. Belvoir, 

VA.

13 Interview with Edward T. Peeples, former lieutenant, 6th Coast artillery, stationed at Fort Casey, Washington, conducted May 21, 

1998.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

104

The double windows and fi nished ceiling of the mess hall shown in fi gure 109 indicate that this is a 700-Series 

building. The tables are set for a meal with individual soup and dinner plates plus the large CRS (corrosionresistant steel) water pitcher. The pictures on the walls and the valances and drapery at each window indicate 

that the unit assigned to this mess hall has occupied it for some time.

Figure 109: Mess Hall dining room, Camp Callan, 1941-42. Courtesy Cabrillo National Monument, accession 

no. 1296, catalog # 1358.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

105

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

The double windows in the interior indicate that the mess hall at Fort Miley shown in fi gure 110 is a 700-series 

mess hall. The cook in this photo is wearing a distinctive white cook’s and baker’s hat. A waiter would pick up 

the food at the kitchen window and bring it to the table; the bowls and platter would then be passed around 

the table, each man taking what he desired. The flypaper hanging from the finished ceiling kept the fl ying occupants under control. The interior walls have not been fi nished and the windows contain blackout screens.

Figure 110: Mess Hall dining room, Fort Miley, 1941. Courtesy Golden Gate NRA.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

106

Figure 111: Mess Hall dining room, Camp Roberts, California, probably 1940-41. Postcard, uncataloged, 

courtesy Golden Gate NRA.

The walls of the Camp Roberts mess hall shown in fi gure 111 are unfi nished, like those in fi gures 110 and 112. 

The tables are arranged in three rows with tablecloths, which indicates they were preparing a holiday meal—

Christmas, Thanksgiving, or the Fourth of July. 
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

107

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

The presence of potbelly stoves confi rm that this photo was taken outside of California, where the buildings 

used forced hot air heat. Note the sugar bowls along the walls and the tablespoons sticking out from under the 

dinner plates, to help with turning the plates over.

Figure 112: Mess Hall dining room, Fort Lewis, Washington, ca. 1941. Courtesy of Fort Lewis Military Museum, 

Fort Lewis, Washington.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

108

Kitchen area

The walls in the 700-Series mess hall shown in fi gure 113 remain unfi nished. The shelf that holds the 10- and 

15-gallon ordinary aluminum stock pots and the 15- and 20-gallon stockpots with faucets is a modifi cation to 

the structure that was done by the local command. Note the welded handles, which distinguish the pots from 

early tin or later CRS, those having riveted handles. The white thickware general-use bowls, sugar bowls, soup 

plates, mustard pots and sauce boats on the counter are QMC standard issue. The tables are set for serving, 

with the handleless coff ee cups sitting on top of the dinner plates.

Figure 113: Kitchen in Mess Hall, 161st Signal Company, Fort Sam Houston, September 8, 1942. Courtesy 

NARA, RG111-SC-145790. 
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

109

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Figure 114: Kitchen in Mess Hall, Cooks and Bakers School, Camp Forrest, Tennessee, January 20, 1942. 

Courtesy NARA RG111-SC-133703.

In the kitchen at Camp Forrest (fi gure 114), the modifi cations made to the original plans include a refrigerator in the doorway to the eating area and a rack for CRS water pitchers above the serving counter. There is no 

butcher block at the end of the cook’s work table, but the pan rack is hanging above the table, as called for in 

the specifi cations. It holds (from left to right) the whip, butchers’ steel, dipper, skimmer, ladle, basting spoon, 

butchers’ saw, and lipped measure. Venetian blinds cover the windows in the eating area seen in the background of the photograph. 
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

110
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

Furnishings Plan

FURNISHINGS PLAN

111
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

112
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

113

Recommended Furnishings

Building 1059 – Barracks

Evidence suggests that Barracks Building 1059 housed the 56th Coast Artillery.14 For this reason this report 

recommends that one of the batteries be represented in building 1059.

The most diffi cult question to address in this plan is whether to furnish the barracks with the M-1938 bedstead. Although the steel folding cot was available during the interpretive period, all of the photographs of 

Coast Artillery regiments on the West Coast, whether in pre-war barracks or the 700-Series, show the M-1938 

bedstead. The exceptions were some mobile 155mm batteries, which used the canvas folding cot intended 

for cantonment use only. Although the steel folding cot has survived in large numbers, this furnishings plan 

recommends the M-1938 bedstead. If funding is a problem, the steel folding cot could be used until it could 

be replaced by the M-1938 single bedstead.

Squad Room

About 23 soldiers lived in this squad room. All of their clothing, individual equipment and weapons were here 

for all to see during inspections. This furnishings plan uses a unit SOP (Standing Operating Procedure) as the 

guide for this space. This is supported by fi gure 97, which shows a similar arrangement in use on a Coast Artillery Corps post in California. All Army units had a SOP, and although there were minor variations from post 

to post, within units there were no variations in arrangement of equipment for inspections. Mimeographed 

sheets illustrating the unit SOP were issued to every soldier and were generally placed on the underside lid of 

the trunk locker. 

OBJECT(S) AND LOCATION DOCUMENTATION RECOMMENDATION

Bedstead, single, M-1938, 19; spaced along Table of Allowance, September Reproduce

both walls 1934, hereafter referred to as T/A; 

Standing Operating Procedure, 

hereafter referred to as SOP. .

Card holders, bedstead, metal, with card, 19; on T/A Reproduce.

aisle end of each bunk 

Lockers, trunk or box, 19; at aisle end of each bunk T/A Reproduce.

14 Graffi ti on the walls of the boiler room in that building includes the names of at least two soldiers who were members of the 56th 

Coast Artillery. Memorandum from General Superintendent, Golden Gate NRA to Chief, Division of Historic Furnishings, HFC, undated, ca. 3 Feb 2000.

FURNISHINGS PLAN
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

OBJECT(S) AND LOCATION DOCUMENTATION RECOMMENDATION

Mattresses, cotton felted, 19; on bunks T/A Select among GOGA 29053 

(four with this number); GOGA 

29056 (two with this number); 

GOGA 29057 (two with this 

number); GOGA 29054 (three 

with this number); GOGA 

29055; GOGA 29062; GOGA 

29060; GOGA 29059 (two with 

this number); GOGA 29058 (two 

with this number); GOGA 29057 

(two with this number); and 

GOGA 29061. Mattresses are 

stored on both fl oors of barracks 

 building.

Pillows, feather, blue and white ticking, 19; on bunks T/A Select from uncataloged pillows 

in collection, second fl oor 

 barracks storage.

Blankets, 38; two on each bunk T/A Reproduce.

Comforters, 19; one on each bunk T/A Reproduce.

Built-in shelves, 10; eight on north and south walls; Original shelves remain in situ Use shelving in place. No catalog

two on east wall, both sides of door to Sergeant’s Room numbers

Chairs, barracks, 7, spaced against wall or in T/A Use GOGA 27256-8; locate four

day room additional.

Rack, arm, wood, painted olive drab, on fl oor near T/A and fi gure 97 Use GOGA 20421 (stored

west wall upstairs).

Rifl es, Caliber .30, M-1903, 19; locked in arm rack T/BA 4 and fi gure 97 Use original, if possible.

 Otherwise reproduce.

Gun slings, M-1907, 19; attached to rifl es T/A Use originals, if possible. 

 Otherwise reproduce.

Water fountain, mounted on wall at west end QM 700-1165 and fi gure 101 Restore original.

of building 

Fire extinguisher, soda and acid, 21⁄2-gallon; T/A and fi gure 8 Use original, if possible.

mounted on back wall Otherwise reproduce.

Fire buckets, 2; near exits T/A Use original, if possible. 

 Otherwise reproduce.

Butt cans, painted red, 6; nailed onto supports Common usage. For cigarette Reproduce.

 butts

Bulletin board, 3’x 4’, mounted on back wall QM 700-1165 and fi gure 98 Use original, if possible.

near door Otherwise reproduce.

Light fi xtures, 10; attached to ceiling Physical evidence. Original ceramic Use original ceramic bases and

bases in place eight original refl ectors located

on second fl oor (no catalog 

numbers). Reproduce two 

 refl ectors.

114
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

115

The fi rst bunk on the right in the squad room and as many others as the budget allows are to be fully furnished to refl ect the living space of each soldier, perhaps ready for inspection. All of the clothing and equipment issued has been listed to allow for setting up the bunk for a full fi eld layout on the bedstead. In addition 

to the above objects each furnished space will need the following: 

OBJECT(S) AND LOCATION DOCUMENTATION RECOMMENDATION

Mattress cover, cotton; on bunk T/A Reproduce.

Pillowcase, cotton; on pillow T/A Reproduce.

Sheets, cotton, 2; on bunk T/A Reproduce.

Blanket, wool, OD, M-1934; on bunk T/BA-21 Select from GOGA 20285.

Comforter, cotton-fi lled, OD; rolled at foot of WD Cir 93 Reproduce.

bunk per SOP 

Barrack bag, blue-denim; tied at head of bunk T/BA-21 Reproduce.

per SOP 

Shoes, service, 2 pair, Russet-90; under foot of T/BA-21 Use originals if possible; 

bunk per SOP otherwise reproduce.

Shoes, shower, 1 pair, commercial pattern; under Unit SOP Use originals if possible; 

foot of bunk per SOP otherwise reproduce.

Shorts drawers, 3 pair, white cotton; rolled in T/BA-21 Reproduce.

foot locker per SOP 

Undershirts, sleeveless, 3, white cotton; rolled in T/BA-21 Reproduce.

foot locker per SOP 

Drawers, wool, 3 pair, white; rolled in foot locker T/BA-21 Reproduce.

per SOP 

Undershirts, wool, 3, white; rolled in foot locker T/BA-21 Reproduce.

per SOP 

Towel, huck, white; in foot locker tray per SOP T/BA-21 Use original if possible; 

 otherwise reproduce.

Shaving brush, boar-bristle; in foot locker tray per SOP T/BA-21 Use original if possible; 

 otherwise reproduce.

Toothbrush, plastic; in foot locker tray per SOP T/BA-21 Use original if possible; 

 otherwise reproduce.

Comb, hard-rubber, black; in foot locker tray per SOP T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise 

 reproduce.

Safety razor, brass, with 5 blades; T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise

in foot locker tray per SOP reproduce.

Tooth powder, commercial pattern; in foot locker Unit SOP Use original if possible; otherwise

tray per SOP reproduce.

Shaving stick, commercial pattern; in foot locker Unit SOP Use original if possible; otherwise

tray per SOP reproduce.

Soap, commercial pattern; in foot locker tray per Unit SOP Use original if possible; otherwise

SOP reproduce.

Gloves, woolen, OD, 1 pr.; in foot locker tray T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise

per SOP reproduce.

FURNISHINGS PLAN
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

116

OBJECT(S) AND LOCATION DOCUMENTATION RECOMMENDATION

Handkerchiefs, cotton, white, 3; folded in foot T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise

locker tray per SOP reproduce.

Necktie, black, M-1940; in foot locker tray per SOP T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise 

 reproduce.

Neckties, cotton, khaki, 2; in foot locker tray per SOP T/BA-21 Use original if possible; 

 otherwise reproduce. 

Socks, cotton, tan, 4 pair; rolled in foot locker tray T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise

per SOP reproduce.

Socks, light-wool, white, 3 pair; rolled in foot locker T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise

tray per SOP reproduce.

Raincoat, dismounted, rubberized, M-1938; on T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise

clothes rod hanger per SOP reproduce.

Overcoat, wool, roll-collar, OD; on clothes rod T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise

hanger per SOP reproduce.

Insignia, shoulder sleeve, 9CA District; on overcoat AR 600-40 Use original if possible; otherwise

left sleeve reproduce.

Field jacket, cotton, OD; on clothes rod hanger T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise

per SOP reproduce.

Shirts, cotton, khaki, 4; on clothes rod hanger T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise 

per SOP reproduce.

Shirt, wool, OD; on clothes rod hanger per SOP T/BA-21 Use GOGA 20557 (2 of 2) 

 [“fl annel shirt, olive drab”].

Trousers, cotton, khaki, 4 pair; on clothes rod T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise

hanger per SOP reproduce.

Trousers, wool, OD, 1 pair; on clothes rod hanger T/BA-21 Use GOGA 20569 (1 of 4) 

per SOP [“Trousers, wool serge”].

Bath towel, terry, white; on hanger or foot locker T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise

per SOP reproduce.

Garrison caps, cotton, khaki, 2; on shelf per SOP T/BA-21 Use original if possible; 

 otherwise reproduce.

Working hat, blue-denim; on shelf per SOP T/BA-21 Use original if possible; 

 otherwise reproduce.

Working coats, blue-denim, 3; on shelf or wall T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise

locker bottom per SOP reproduce.

Working trousers, blue-denim, 3 pair; on shelf or T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise 

wall locker bottom per SOP reproduce.

Leggings, canvas, khaki, M-1938, 1 pair; on shelf T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise

or wall locker bottom per SOP reproduce.

Service gas mask, w/carrier, strap; head of bunk T/BA-4 Use original.

per SOP 

Haversack, duck, OD, M-1928/M-1910; strap to T/BA-4 Use original if possible; otherwise

foot of bunk per SOP reproduce.

Meat can, aluminum, M-1932/M-1918; in T/BA-21 Use original.

haversack meat-can pouch 

Fork, M-1926/M-1910; in haversack meat-can pouch T/BA-21 Use original.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

117

OBJECT(S) AND LOCATION DOCUMENTATION RECOMMENDATION

Knife, M-1926/M-1910; in haversack meat-can T/BA-21 Use original.

pouch 

Spoon, M-1926/M-1910; in haversack meat-can T/BA-21 Use original.

pouch

Pack carrier, duck, OD, M-1928/M-1910; coupled T/BA-4 Use original.

to haversack per SOP

Shelter tent half, with guy line, duck, OD; rolled in T/BA-21 Use original.

pack carrier

Blanket, wool, OD, M-1934; rolled in shelter tent T/BA-21 Use original if possible; 

 otherwise reproduce.

Shelter tent pins, wood, 5; rolled in shelter tent T/BA-21 Use originals.

Shelter tent pole, wood, folding; rolled in shelter T/BA-21 Use originals.

tent 

Shorts drawers, cotton, white, 1 pair; rolled in T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise

blanket reproduce.

Handkerchief, cotton, white; rolled in blanket T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise 

 reproduce.

Socks, light-wool, white, 1 pair; rolled in blanket T/BA-21 Use original if possible; 

 otherwise reproduce.

Towel, huck, white; rolled in haversack T/BA-21 Use original if possible; 

 otherwise reproduce.

Undershirt, sleeveless, cotton, white; rolled in blanket T/BA-21 Use original if possible; 

 otherwise reproduce.

Helmet, steel, M-1917A1; strap to haversack per SOP T/BA-21 Use GOGA 26634.

Cartridge belt, Cal.30, dismounted, OD; strap to T/BA-4 Use original.

foot of bunk per SOP 

Bayonet, M-1905; in bayonet scabbard, ring forward T/BA-4 Use original.

Bayonet scabbard, M-1910; on left side of T/BA-4 Use original.

cartridge belt 

First-aid packet pouch, M-1924/M-1910, OD; on T/BA-21 Use original.

right rear of cartridge belt 

First-aid packet, Carlisle/M-1907; in fi rst-aid T/BA-4 Use original. 

packet pouch 

Canteen, aluminum, M-1910; in dismounted T/BA-21 Use original.

canteen cover 

Canteen cup, aluminum, M-1910; in dismounted T/BA-21 Use original.

canteen cover 

Canteen cover, dismounted, M-1910; on left rear T/BA-21 Use original.

of cartridge belt 

Garrison cap, serge, OD, with CAC braid; on shelf AR 600-35 Use GOGA 26157 [“service cap, 

olive drab wool”] or GOGA 

35009 [“service cap, olive drab 

 wool”].

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If funding is available, a fully dressed manikin will stand at attention near his bunk. The manikin will wear the 

following items:

OBJECT(S) AND LOCATION DOCUMENTATION RECOMMENDATION

Service coat, wool, M-1939, OD-33; on soldier AR 600-35 Use GOGA 20386 [“coat with 

EM collar insignia and 6th Coast 

Artillery patch”] or use 

unassociated original service coat 

with original collar insignia and 

 sleeve patch.

EM BOS collar insignia, M-1937, CAC; on service AR 600-40 Use original if possible; otherwise

coat left collar reproduce.

EM U.S. collar insignia, M-1937; on service coat AR 600-40 Use original if possible; otherwise

right collar reproduce.

Shoulder sleeve insignia, 9CA District; on service AR 600-40 Use original if possible; otherwise

coat left shoulder reproduce.

EM leather belt; on soldier AR 600-35 Use original if possible; otherwise 

 reproduce.

Trousers, wool, OD-32, 1 pair; on soldier AR 600-35 Use GOGA 20569 (1 of 4) 

[“Trousers, wool serge”].

Web waist belt, M-1937; on soldier AR 600-35 Use original if possible; otherwise

 reproduce.

Shirt, wool, OD-31; on soldier AR 600-35 Substitute GOGA 20557 (1 of 2) 

[“Flannel shirt, olive drab”].

Necktie, wool, black, M-1940; on soldier AR 600-35 Use original if possible; otherwise

 reproduce.

Undershirt, sleeveless, cotton, white; on soldier T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise 

 reproduce.

Shorts drawers, cotton, white, 1 pair; on soldier T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise 

 reproduce.

Handkerchief, cotton, white; in trousers pocket T/BA-21 Use original if possible; otherwise 

 reproduce.

Socks, cotton, tan, 1 pair.; on soldier AR 600-35 Use original if possible; otherwise 

 reproduce.

Service shoes, Russet-90, 1 pair; on soldier AR 600-35 Use GOGA 24709 a&b [“service 

shoes, one pair”].

Monel identifi cation tags, M-1940, 2; on soldier WD Cir 142 Use original if possible; otherwise 

 reproduce.

Identifi cation tag tape, cotton, 40-inch; on WD Cir 142 Use original if possible; otherwise

identifi cation tags reproduce.

Note: Items that are placed in lockers and rolled inside the full equipment can be excluded (see Unit SOP).
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

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Noncommissioned Offi cer’s Room

This room will be furnished as the quarters for the Battery First Sergeant. Rank does have its privileges, as the 

senior NCO of the company he would have had his own room. Thus this room can be furnished with personal items that would have been unauthorized in the rest of the barracks. This room will be viewed from the 

hallway; a glass barrier will protect the original objects in the room.

OBJECT(S) AND LOCATION DOCUMENTATION RECOMMENDATION

Bedstead, single, M-1938; against interior wall Table of Allowances, September 1, Locate original.

1934, hereafter referred to as T/A 

Bedstead card holder, metal, with card; at foot T/A Use original.

of bunk 

Trunk locker; at foot of bunk T/A Use original.

Wall locker; against wall T/A Use original.

Mattress, cotton, felted; on bunk T/A Use original.

Pillow, feather; at head of bunk T/A Use original.

Mattress cover; on bunk T/A Reproduce.

Pillowcase, cotton; on pillow T/A Reproduce.

Sheets, cotton, 2; on bunk T/A Reproduce.

Blankets, wool, OD, M-1934, 2; on bunk T/BA-21 Use GOGA 20285 (10 of 10).

Comforter, cotton-fi lled, OD; rolled at foot of bunk WD Cir 93 Reproduce.

per SOP 

Barrack bag, blue-denim; tied at head of bunk T/BA-21 Reproduce.

per SOP 

Shirts, fl annel, OD, 2; hanging in wall locker Figure 106 Use GOGA 20558 and 20573.

Service shoes, Russet-90, 2 pair; under foot of T/BA-21 Use originals.

bunk per SOP 

Shower shoes, commercial pattern, 1 pair; under Unit SOP Use originals.

foot of bunk per SOP 

Haversack, duck, OD, M-1928/M1910; strap on T/BA-4 Use original.

foot of bunk per SOP 

Meat can, aluminum, M-1932/M-1918; in haversack T/BA-21 Use original.

meat-can pouch 

Fork, M-1926/M-1910; in haversack meat-can pouch T/BA-21 Use original.

Knife, M-1926/M-1910; in haversack meat-can pouch T/BA-21 Use original.

Spoon, M-1926/M-1910; in haversack meat-can pouch T/BA-21 Use original.

Steel helmet, M-1917A1; strap haversack per SOP T/BA-21 Use GOGA 27082.

Service gas mask, with carrier; strap to head of T/BA-4 Use original

bunk per SOP 

File cabinet, wood, painted black; in northwest corner Required for storage of reports Use GOGA 29045.

Chair, barrack, under table T/A Use GOGA 27255.

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OBJECT(S) AND LOCATION DOCUMENTATION RECOMMENDATION

Table, small, wood, painted black, under window T/A Use uncataloged table from latrine.

Typewriter, Remington brand; on table Required for completion of reports Use GOGA 20343.

Lamp, electric gooseneck, on table T/A Locate original.

Receptacle, waste paper, next to table T/A Locate original.

These personal items were not supplied by U.S. Army:

Radio, on table Common usage Acquire.

Ashtray, on table Common usage Acquire.

Cigarettes, in carton, in trunk locker Common usage Use originals.

Books, military manuals, 3-4, and paperbacks, 3-4 Common usage Use originals.

Shoe shine kit, in trunk locker Common usage Use original or reproduce.

Blotter, on table Common usage Reproduce.

Picture, in frame (wife or girlfriend?), on table Common usage Use original.

Light fi xture, green refl ector shade with white Physical evidence Use uncataloged original. 

interior; hanging from ceiling

Exhibit Room 

The Exhibit Room across the hallway will contain wall-mounted exhibits that deal with the following interpretive material:

• Evidence used to refurnish Barracks

• The original unit stationed here (56th Coast Artillery)

• The big guns this unit served and their mission

• Personal pictures and stories of the soldiers

Latrine and Shower Room

OBJECT(S) AND LOCATION EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Sinks, white porcelain, six, all faucets in place, with Physical evidence Use sinks in place.

stoppers on chains (west wall) 

Rectangular mirrors, six, no frames (on west wall, Physical evidence Use mirrors in place.

over sinks) 

Utility sink (west wall) Physical evidence Use sink in place.

Shelf, built-in (west wall) Physical evidence Use shelf in place.

Bench, wood, painted black (against north wall, Common usage Use bench in place.

west of entrance) 
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

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OBJECT(S) AND LOCATION EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Hook board with brass hooks (on south wall Physical evidence Use board in place.

between toilet room and shower room) 

Shower fi xtures (in shower room) Physical evidence Use fi xtures in place. 

Soap dishes (on west wall, shower room) Physical evidence Use two original soap dishes in 

place. Reproduce and replace 

other soap dishes.

Light fi xture, glass-covered light bulb (on shower Physical evidence Use fi xture in place.

room ceiling) 

Toilets, fi ve, white porcelain with wooden seats Physical evidence Use fi xtures in place.

(four on south wall, one on east wall) 

Toilet paper holders, fi ve (on south and east walls) Physical evidence Use original toilet paper holder 

and reproduce four additional.

Supply cabinet (on north wall, under stairway to Physical evidence Use cabinet in place.

second fl oor) 

Urinal (on east wall) Physical evidence Use fi xture in place.

Light fi xtures, two, ceramic base bulb-holders (on Physical evidence Use fi xtures in place.

ceiling) 

Bucket with wringer, and mop (near entrance) Common usage Acquire.

Building 1049 – Mess Hall

Dining Room

This room was used to feed 170 men at a time. This plan recommends that the original mess table be set aside 

for the display of a table setting. The entire tabletop should be covered by a Plexiglas case. The rest of this 

area will be used by school groups and others to eat lunches. All the other furnishings and objects in the room 

should be reproductions. 

OBJECT(S) AND LOCATION DOCUMENTATION RECOMMENDATION

Mess tables, wood (or “built-in”), 18, arranged in Figure 108; T/A Use 12 uncataloged 

dining area per SOP reproductions already in place

 Reproduce fi ve more. Use

original mess table in northwest

corner, no catalog number,

 GOGA fi eld collection.

Mess stools, wood (or “built-in”), 180; arranged in T/A Acquire.

dining area per SOP 

Sauce boats, china, 2; on fi rst table per SOP T/A Acquire.

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OBJECT(S) AND LOCATION DOCUMENTATION RECOMMENDATION

Bowls, general-use, china, 10; on fi rst table per SOP T/A GOGA 02936

Sugar bowls, china, with covers, 2; on fi rst table per SOP T/A Acquire.

Cups, coffee, unhandled, 10; on fi rst table per SOP T/A Acquire.

Pickle dish, china; on fi rst table per SOP T/A Acquire.

Vegetable dishes, china, 5; on fi rst table per SOP T/A Acquire.

Plates, dinner, china, 10; on fi rst table per SOP T/A GOGA 02936

Plates, soup, china, 10; on fi rst table per SOP T/A GOGA 02936

Mustard pots, china, with covers, 2; on fi rst table T/A Acquire.

per SOP 

Saucers, coffee, china, 10; on fi rst table per SOP T/A Acquire.

Bottle, vinegar, glass; on fi rst table per SOP T/A GOGA 02936

Pepper shakers, glass, 2, on fi rst table per SOP T/A Acquire.

Salt shakers, glass, 2; on fi rst table per SOP T/A Acquire.

Tumblers, glass, 10-ounce, 10; on fi rst table per SOP T/A Acquire.

Forks, table, nickel-alloy, 10; on fi rst table per SOP T/A Acquire.

Knives, table, nickel-alloy, 10; on fi rst table per SOP T/A Acquire.

Tablespoons, nickel-alloy, 10; on fi rst table per SOP T/A Acquire.

Teaspoons, nickel-alloy, 10; on fi rst table per SOP T/A Acquire.

Spoons, mustard, wood, 2; on fi rst table per SOP T/A Acquire.

Pitchers, syrup, aluminum, M-1940, 2; on fi rst table T/A Acquire.

per SOP 

Pitcher, water, CRS, M-1939; on fi rst table per SOP T/A Acquire.

Platter, meat, CRS; on fi rst table per SOP T/A Acquire.

Curtains, tie-back, muslin, 8 pair, 2 tie-backs per Figure 109 Use seven pairs of uncataloged 

pair, at the windows at north and south side of curtains in place. Reproduce one 

building additional pair.

Recognition cards, Cards of Ships and Aircraft, Interview with Edward Peeples, Use originals or reproduce.

against walls between windows, near the ceiling May 1989, at Golden Gate NRA 

“E” plaque; on east wall, over serving hatch This plaque was awarded to the Use uncataloged reproduction in 

 56th Coast Artillery place.

Gas heaters, 6, 3 on north side, 3 on south side Originals still in place Use GOGA 29022, GOGA 

29021, and GOGA 29020 (two 

with this number). Two heaters 

have no catalog numbers.

Lighting fi xtures, 10; mounted on ceiling Physical evidence Use uncataloged originals in place.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

123

Kitchen Area

This room was used to cook meals for 170 men, three times a day. Many kitchen items were transferred to the 

park from Fort Ord in the 1990s. 

Note: Two Blodgett brand bake ovens (GOGA 29037; 2 of 2) in place are post-interpretive period. The most 

accurate portrayal of this room would require the removal of these ovens.

OBJECT(S) AND LOCATION EVIDENCE RECOMMENDATION

Toaster, Savory brand; north wall, left of door Required to make toast, which Use GOGA 29026.

was served regularly 

Table, wood, painted gray; under toaster Floor plans for Mess Halls, Plan no. Use table in place. No catalog

 700-1127.1 number

Coffee urn, 15-gallon; north wall Required to make coffee, which Use GOGA 29042a.

was available 24 hours a day 

Metal table for urn; under urn, north wall Required to support coffee urn Use GOGA 29042d.

Ranges, 3; north wall Floor plans for Mess Halls, Plan Use GOGA 29038 and GOGA 

no. 700-1127.1 29039. Acquire third range.

Fryer, deep fat; north wall Floor plans for Mess Halls, Plan no. Use fryer in place.

700-1127.1 No catalog number

Hot water heater, A.O. Smith brand; north wall Floor plans for Mess Halls, Plan no. Use hot water heater in place.

700-1127.1 No catalog number

Storage tank, 220-gallon; north wall Floor plans for Mess Halls, Plan no. Use storage tank in place.

700-1127.1 No catalog number located.

 Remove PVC pipe.

Sinks, 2, galvanized metal; east wall Physical evidence and fl oor plans Use GOGA 29032 and GOGA 

for Mess Halls, Plan no. 700-1127.1 29033. Repair or replace faucets;

two different styles faucets

 currently installed.

Work table, wood top, metal base, one drawer Floor plans for Mess Halls, Plan Use GOGA 29039. Replace 

missing; parallel to east wall no. 700-1127.1 drawer.

Can opener, hand-crank; installed on work table Required for opening cans Use GOGA 29027.

Pots, 2, aluminum, two-handled; on work table Figure 113 Use pots stored in kitchen pantry.

No catalog numbers

Lid, aluminum; on work table Figure 113 Use lid stored in kitchen pantry.

No catalog number

Bake pan, aluminum; on work table Figure 114 Use pan stored in kitchen pantry.

No catalog number

Kettle, aluminum, dated 1952, one handle missing; Figure 114 Use GOGA 29018.

on work table 

Kettle, aluminum, 10-gallon, dated 1941; on Figure 114 Use GOGA 29019.

work table 

Strainers, aluminum, 2; on work table or range Figure 114 Use strainers stored in kitchen 

 pantry.

No catalog numbers

Rack, wooden, to hold brooms/mops; on south wall Physical evidence No catalog number

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OBJECT(S) AND LOCATION DOCUMENTATION RECOMMENDATION

Garbage cans, 2, with lids; south wall, near door Required for containment of refuse Use GOGA 29031a (can) and 

GOGA 29031b (lid). One can and

lid not cataloged.

Rack, wood, for garbage cans; south wall, near door Required for holding garbage cans Use rack in place.

No catalog number

Refrigerators, 2, white enamel; south wall Physical evidence. Use GOGA 29035 and GOGA

 29034.

Cook’s table; oriented east to west Floor plans for Mess Halls, Plan Use GOGA 29030.

 no. 700-1127.1 

Potato masher, wood; on cook’s work table T/A Acquire.

Can opener, steel, hand operated; on cook’s work table T/A Acquire.

Rolling pin, wood; on cook’s work table T/A Acquire.

Scale, steel beam and scoop, 10-pound; on cook’s 

work table T/A Acquire.

Dough scraper, steel, 6-inch; on cook’s work table T/A Acquire.

Sieve, fl our, tin; on cook’s work table T/A Acquire.

Spatula, wood, 37-inch; on cook’s work table T/A Acquire.

Meat chopper machine, steel, hand-operated; T/A Acquire.

mounted on cook’s work table

Butcher block; at east end of cook’s table Floor plans for Mess Halls, Plan no. Acquire.

 700-1127.1 

Knife, boning, steel; on butcher block T/A Acquire.

Knife, bread, steel; on butcher block T/A Acquire.

Knife, butcher’s, steel; on butcher block T/A Acquire.

Knife, paring, steel; on butcher block T/A Acquire.

Pan rack; hanging above cook’s table Physical evidence Use pan rack still in place.

Cleaver, butcher’s, steel, 8-inch; hooked on pan T/A Acquire.

rack per SOP 

Saw, butcher’s, steel, 14-inch; hooked on pan rack T/A Acquire.

per SOP 

Butcher’s steel, 10-inch; hooked on pan rack per T/A Acquire.

SOP

Grater, vegetable, tin; hooked on pan rack per SOP T/A Acquire.

Measure, tin, with lip, 1-pint; hooked on pan rack T/A Acquire.

per SOP 

Measure, tin, with lip, 1-quart; hooked on pan rack T/A Acquire.

per SOP 

Dipper, tin, 1-quart; hooked on pan rack per SOP T/A Acquire.

Dipper, tin, 2-quart; hooked on pan rack per SOP T/A Acquire.

Flesh fork, cook, steel, 15-inch; hooked on pan T/A Acquire.

rack per SOP 
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

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OBJECT(S) AND LOCATION DOCUMENTATION RECOMMENDATION

Ladle, soup, steel, 15-inch; hooked on pan rack per T/A Acquire.

SOP

Skimmer, steel, 15-inch; hooked on pan rack per T/A Acquire.

SOP

Spoon, basting, steel, 15-inch; hooked on pan rack T/A Acquire.

per SOP 

Egg whip, wire, steel, 10-inch; hooked on pan rack T/A Acquire.

per SOP 

Egg whip, wire, steel, 12-inch; hooked on pan rack T/A Acquire.

per SOP 

Egg whip, wire, steel, 16-inch; hooked on pan rack T/A Acquire.

per SOP 

Mixing bowl, large (on west shelf above serving T/A Use GOGA 29017.

hatch) 

Cake pan, round, tin, 9-inch; on wall shelf per SOP T/A Acquire.

Dish pan, steel, 21-quart; on wall shelf per SOP T/A Acquire.

Stock pot, ordinary, aluminum, 10-gallon; on wall T/A Acquire.

shelf per SOP 

Stock pot, ordinary, aluminum, 15-gallon; on wall T/A Acquire.

shelf per SOP 

Stock pot, with faucet, aluminum, 15-gallon; on T/A Acquire.

wall shelf per SOP 

Stock pot, with faucet, aluminum, 20-gallon; on T/A Acquire.

wall shelf per SOP 

Cover, stock pot, aluminum, 10-gallon; on wall T/A Acquire.

shelf rack per SOP 

Cover, stock pot, aluminum, 15-gallon; on wall T/A Acquire.

shelf rack per SOP 

Cover, stock pot, aluminum, 20-gallon; on wall T/A Acquire.

shelf rack per SOP 

Griddle, cast-iron; hooked on wall bracket per SOP T/A Acquire.

Pan, bake and roasting, steel, 12-ration; hooked T/A Acquire.

on wall bracket per SOP 

Pan, frying, steel, 12-inch; hooked on wall bracket T/A Acquire.

per SOP 

Light fi xtures, 9, fl at refl ectors (ceiling) Quart 116 Not cataloged. Seven in place;

replace two. Determine whether

to use frosted or clear bulbs.

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BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

Glossary

GLOSSARY

127
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128
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

129

Glossary

This report uses the following U.S. Army abbreviations:

A Blood type ‘A’ on identifi cation tag

AA Antiaircraft artillery

AB AB blood type on identifi cation tag

ACoS Assistant Army Chief of Staff

Adm Amendment to specifi cation

AGF Army Ground Forces

AG Adjutant General’s Department

AR Army Regulations

ASF Army Service Forces

ASN Army serial number

B Blood type ‘B’ on identifi cation tag

Bn Battalion

BOS Army branch of service

BPR War Department Bureau of Public Relations

BQD Boston Quartermaster Depot

Bul Bulletin

C Religious preference Catholic on 

 identifi cation tag

C1 Change 1 to publication

CA Corps Area or Coast Artillery District

CAC Coast Artillery Corps

Cir Circular publication

CMH U.S. Army Center of Military History

Cmt Comment on correspondence

CO Commanding Offi cer

CQD Chicago Quartermaster Depot

CRS Corrosion-resistant steel

CSRTC Central Signal Corps Replacement 

 Training Center

CWS Chemical Warfare Service

DRO Dining room orderly

DUI Distinctive unit insignia

EM Enlisted men/enlisted man

FED Federal specifi cation

FM Field manual

G-4 General staff supply offi cer

GCM Gold-colored metal

GO General order

GPO U.S. Government Printing Offi ce

H Religious preference Hebrew on 

 identifi cation tag

HBT Herringbone-twill fabric

HD Harbor defense

HQ Headquarters

HHB Headquarters and headquarters battery

IAW In accordance with order of commander

ILO In lieu of

Ind Indorsement to correspondence

JCQD Jersey City Quartermaster Depot

JQD Jeff ersonville Quartermaster Depot

KP Kitchen police

Ltr Letter correspondence

MED Medical Department supply catalog

Memo Memorandum correspondence

MIL Military specifi cation

M Model of equipment

MWO Modifi cation work order

NCO Noncommissioned Offi cer

O Blood type ‘O’ on identifi cation tag

OCM Ordnance Technical Committee minutes

OD Olive drab

OG Olive green

OQMG Offi ce of the Quartermaster General

ORD Ordnance Department supply catalogue

ORTC Ordnance Replacement Training Center

OTCO Offi ce of the Chief of Ordnance

GLOSSARY
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130

OTSG Offi ce of the Surgeon General

P Religious preference Protestant on 

 identifi cation tag 

POM Preparation for overseas movement

PQD Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot

PX Post Exchange

QM Quartermaster

QMC Quartermaster Corps

QMCTC Quartermaster Corps Technical Committee

QMMI Quartermaster Maintenance Instructions 

 publication

R&D Research and Development

Rev Revised document

ROTC Reserve Offi cers Training Corps

Rpt Report correspondence

RTC Replacement Training Center

S&A Soda and acid fi re extinguisher

S-4 Battalion staff supply offi cer

SNL Standard Nomenclature List of Ordnance 

 Department

SOP Standing operating procedure

SOS Services of Supply

SSI Shoulder sleeve insignia

Subj Subject of correspondence

T Tetanus immunization on identifi cation tag

T/A Table of Allowances

T/BA Table of Basic Allowances

TD Tractor drawn

T/E Table of Equipment

T/O Table of Organization

T/O&E Table of Organizational Equipment

TAG The Adjutant General

TB Technical Bulletin

TM Technical Manual

USA United States Army specifi cation

WD War Department

WDGS War Department General Staff 

WPB War Production Board

XO Executive offi cer

--------------------------

FM 21-30, Signs, Military Symbols and Abbreviations, 26 Nov 41.

TM 20-205, Dictionary of Army Terms, 18 Jan 44.

WD PAM 21-13, Army Life, 10 Aug 44.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

List of Illustrations

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

131
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BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

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List of Illustrations

Cover. Soldiers at headquarters of Battery E, Fort Cronkhite, CA, ca. 1941-45. Courtesy 

Golden Gate National Recreation Area, P88-071.02n.

1. Fact Sheet: Enlisted 63-Man Barracks, Building 1059. Information sheet developed by John 

Martini, Golden Gate NRA.

2. Elevations of 45 & 63 Men Barracks -- 700 Series. From World War II and the U.S. Army 

Mobilization Program: A History of 700- and 800-Series Cantonment Construction., p. 34

3. Floor plans of 45 & 63 Men Barracks – 700 Series. World War II and the U.S. Army Mobilization Program: A History of 700- and 800-Series Cantonment Construction. p. 33

4. Floor plan for 700-Series Mess Hall, from the original contract specifi cations. From World 

War II and the U.S. Army Mobilization Program: A History of 700- and 800-Series Cantonment Construction, p. 417 

5. Ninth Coast Artillery District shoulder sleeve insignia. Courtesy U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry.

6. 6th Coast Artillery distinctive unit insignia. Courtesy U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry.

7. 56th Coast Artillery distinctive unit insignia. Courtesy U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry.

8. WEB WAIST BELT

9. GARRISON CAP

10. SERVICE COAT

11. BELT, Leather, EM

12. HELMET, Steel, M-1917A1

13. INSIGNIA, Collar, U.S., M-1937 and INSIGNIA, Collar, EM (BOS), M-1937

14. INSIGNIA, sleeve, chevron

15. WEAR OF INSIGNIA

16. JACKET, Field, OD

17. LEGGINGS, Canvas, Dismounted, M-1938

18. NECKTIE, Black, Wool, M-1940

19. NECKTIE, Cotton, Khaki (Washable)

20. OVERCOAT, Wool, Roll Collar

21. RAINCOAT, Rubberized, Dismounted, M-1938

22. SHIRT, Wool, OD, SHIRT, Cotton, Khaki

23. SHOES, Service

24. TROUSERS, Cotton, Khaki

25. TROUSERS, Wool, OD

26. DRAWERS, Cotton, Shorts

27. DRAWERS, Wool (25% & 50%)

28. SOCKS, Cotton, Tan; SOCKS, Wool, Light

29. UNDERSHIRT, Summer, Sleeveless

30. UNDERSHIRT, Wool (25% & 50%)

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
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134

31. COAT, Working, Denim

32. HAT, Working, Denim

33. TROUSERS, Working, Denim

34. UNIFORM OF THE DAY

35. BARRACK BAG

36. BELT, Cartridge, Caliber .30, Dismounted, M-1923

37. CANTEEN, M-1910

38. CUP, Canteen, M-1910

39. CANTEEN COVER, M-1910, Dismounted

40. HAVERSACK AND PACK CARRIER

41. CAN, Meat, M-1932

42. FORK, M-1926, KNIFE, M-1926, SPOON, M-1926

43. FIRST AID PACKET POUCH

44. TAG, Identifi cation, M-1940

45. TENT, Shelter Half, POLE, Shelter Tent, Folding, PIN, Shelter Tent

46. TOILET SET, consisting of BRUSH, Shaving, BRUSH, Tooth, COMB, Rubber (Hard), RAZOR, Safety w/5 blades

47. MASK, Service, Gas, MIA2-MIXA1-MIVA1

48. SLINGING THE GAS MASK 

49. PACKET, First Aid, Carlisle Model

50. U.S. RIFLE, Caliber .30, M-1903

51. SLING, gun, M-1907

52. BAYONET, M-1905 and SCABBARD, Bayonet, M-1910

53. ASSEMBLY OF FIELD EQUIPMENT

54. RACK, Arm, Rifl e, M-1920

55. BEDSTEAD, Single, M-1938

56. COT, Folding, Steel

57. COT, Folding, Canvas

58. HOLDER, Card, Bedstead

59. LOCKER, Trunk

60. LOCKER, Box

61. LOCKER, Wall, Steel

62. COVER, Mattress

63. CHAIR, Barrack

64. EXTINGUISHER, Fire, 2-1/2-gallon. S&A

65. MAKING THE ARMY BUNK

66. ARRANGEMENT OF BARRACKS INTERIOR. From Don Mayes, Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Springfi eld, MO: Holland Litho. Courtesy of US Army Engineer Museum, Fort 

Leonard Wood, MO.

67. Arrangement of foot locker

68. Arrangement of wall locker

69. A FULL-FIELD INSPECTION

70. STOOL, Mess

71. TABLE, Mess

72. CHINAWARE

73. GLASSWARE

74. TABLEWARE
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

135

75. PITCHER, Syrup, M-1940

76. PITCHER, Water, 5-1/2-quart, M-1939

77. PLATTER, Meat, Metal

78. CUTLERY

79. SAW, Butcher’s

80. GRATER, Vegetable

81. MACHINE, Meat & Food Chopping, Hand Operated

82. MEASURE, Lipped, Ungraduated

83. SCALE, Weighing, Counter Scoop, 10-lbs

84. SCRAPER, Dough, 6-inch

85. GRIDDLE, Cast-Iron

86. PAN, Baking and Roasting

87. PAN, Dish, 21-quart

88. POT, Stock, Aluminum, Ordinary, with Cover

89. DIPPER, Tin

90. MASHER, Potato

91. SPATULA, Wood

92. FORK, Cook, Flesh, LADLE, Soup, SKIMMER, SPOON, Basting

93. “BUILT-IN” MESS TABLE

94. ARRANGEMENT OF MESS HALL KITCHEN AREA 

95. Interior of a barracks building at Fort Cronkhite taken by Private Anton T. Sterba, Battery 

A, 56th Coast Artillery Regiment, on June 26, 1941. Courtesy Anton T. Sterba.

96. Interior of a barracks occupied by F Battery, 56th Coast Artillery, West Portal area, Fort Barry, 

California, 1941. Courtesy Presidio Army Museum, Negative box 6, Photograph box 11. 

97. Interior of a barracks at Fort Rosecrans, San Diego, California, 1941-43. Courtesy Cabrillo 

National Monument, Accession No. 288, Catalog No. 1224. 

98. Interior of a barracks at Fort Rosecrans, San Diego, California, 1941-43. Courtesy Cabrillo 

National Monument, Accession No. 288, Catalog No. 1227. 

99. Barracks Inspection, 161st Signal Company, Fort Benning, GA, 15 July 1941. Courtesy National Archives, RG111-SC-124064. 

100. Interior of barracks, second fl oor, 161st Signal Company, Fort Benning, Georgia. Courtesy 

National Archives, RG111-SC-124044. 

101. Interior of barracks, second fl oor, Fort Rosecrans, California, 1940-42. Courtesy Cabrillo 

National Monument, uncataloged scrapbook. 

102. Probably the interior of the Marine barracks at the Navy yard in San Diego, California, 

1940-42. The photograph is labeled “Chaddock Marine Barracks.” Courtesy Cabrillo 

National Monument, uncataloged scrapbook 

103. Open trunk locker in barracks, Fort Lewis, Washington, ca. 1941. Courtesy Ft. Lewis 

Military Museum, Ft. Lewis, WA.

104. Closed trunk locker in barracks, Fort Lewis, Washington, ca. 1941. Courtesy Ft. Lewis 

Military Museum, Ft. Lewis, WA.

105. Bed and locker prepared for everyday use in barracks, Ft. Lewis,Washington, ca. 1941. 

Courtesy Ft. Lewis Military Museum, Ft. Lewis, WA

106. Open metal wall locker in barracks, Ft. Lewis, Washington, ca. 1941. Courtesy Ft. Lewis 

Military Museum, Ft. Lewis, WA.

107. Another barracks at Fort Lewis before the installation of metal wall lockers, ca. 1941. 

Courtesy Ft. Lewis Military Museum, Ft. Lewis, WA.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

136

108. Mess Hall dining room, Camp Edwards, MA, ca. 1940. Courtesy Historical Division, Ft. 

Belvoir, VA. 

109. Mess Hall dining room, Camp Callan, 1941-42. Courtesy Cabrillo National Monument, 

Accession No. 1296, Catalog No. 1358.

110. Mess Hall dining room, Fort Miley, 1941. Courtesy Golden Gate National Recreation 

Area.

111. Mess Hall dining room, Camp Roberts, California, probably 1940-41. Postcard, uncataloged, Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

112. Mess Hall dining room, Fort Lewis, Washington, ca. 1941. Courtesy Fort Lewis Military 

Museum, Fort Lewis, Washington.

113. Kitchen in Mess Hall, 161st Signal Company, Fort Sam Houston, September 8, 1942. Courtesy NARA, RG111-SC-145790.

114. Kitchen in Mess Hall, Cooks and Bakers School, Camp Forrest, Tennessee, January 20, 

1942. Courtesy NARA, RG111-SC-133703.

115. “Takin’ Off On Pass Eh Soldier?,” poster, 1941-42. Courtesy Golden Gate National 

Recreation Area.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

Appendix

APPENDIX

137
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

138
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

139

Appendix

“Specifi cations for iron bedsteads, single.”

Quartermaster Manual, June 22, 1910.

APPENDIX
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

140
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

141

APPENDIX
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

142
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

Bibliography

BIBLIOGRAPHY

143
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

144
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

145

Bibliography

U.S. Government Publications

Annual Report of the Chief of Ordnance. 

Washington: GPO, FY 1872-1919.

Annual Report of the Quartermaster General. 

Washington: GPO, FY 1872-1919.

Barnes, Elinor. Uniforming the Army: A Study 

of Enlisted-Men’s Items. Philadelphia: PQD, 

May 45.

Basic Notes. Camp Crowder, MO: Central 

Signal Corps Replacement Training Center, 

Rev 1 Jun 43.

Brooks, Helen R. Modern Service Shoes: the 

Development of Army Shoes at the Boston 

Quartermaster Depot During World War II. 

Boston: BQD, 1 Oct 45.

Catalog of Standard Ordnance Items. OTCO, 

III. Washington: GPO, 1944.

Crowell, Benedict. America’s Munitions, 1917-

1918. Washington: GPO, 1919.

Depot Examiner’s Handbook. Philadelphia: 

PQD, 15 Aug 42.

Directory of the Army of the United States and 

War Department Activities as of July 1, 1941.

Directory of the Army of the United States and 

War Department Activities as of May 15, 1942.

Engineer Training Note Book. Washington: 

Infantry Journal, 1944.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area/Point 

Reyes National Seashore General Management 

Plan and Environmental Analysis, September 

1980.

Long Range Interpretive Plan, Golden Gate 

National Parks, team draft. Prepared by Interpretive Planning Division, Harpers Ferry 

Center, March 2001.

Miscellaneous War Department, and subordinate commands, General Orders, Bulletins, 

Circulars and basic correspondence.

Ordnance Soldier’s Guide, The. Ordnance Replacement Training Center. Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, n.d.

Record of Army Ordnance Research and 

Development. Volume I, Hand and Shoulder 

Weapons, Helmets and Body Army. Washington: OTCO, Jan 46.

Risch, Erna and Thomas Pitkin. Clothing 

the Soldier of World War II. QMC Historical 

Studies No. 16. OQMG Historical Section. 

Washington: GPO, Sep 46.

Roberts, Norman E. Designed for Combat: 

The Army’s Field Jackets. Philadelphia: PQD, 

Jun 46.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

146

Soldier and His Housekeeping, The. The 

Women’s Interests Section, WD Bureau of 

Public Relations. Washington: GPO, 1942.

Soldier and His Uniform, The. The Women’s 

Interests Section, WD Bureau of Public Relations. Washington: GPO, 1942.

Thompson, Erwin N. Historic Resource Study: 

Forts Baker, Barry, Cronkhite of Golden Gate 

National Recreation Area, California. Denver, 

Co.: Denver Service Center, November 1979.

Wolfe, Edwin P., COL MC. The Medical 

Department of the United States Army in the 

World War. III. Washington: GPO, 1928.

AR 30-3000 Price List of Clothing and 

Equipment, 4 Aug 41.

AR 30-3010 Items and Price List of Regular 

Supplies Controlled by Budget Credits and Price 

List of Other Miscellaneous Supplies, 12 Sep 41.

AR 30-3014 Price List of Kitchen and Mess 

Equipment, 1 May 45.

AR 90-30 Coast Artillery Districts, 18 Sep 25.

AR 310-60 Military Publications, 1 May 42.

AR 600-35 Prescribed Service Uniform, 

10 Nov 41.

AR 600-40 Wearing of the Service Uniform, 

28 Aug 41.

AR 615-30 Army Serial Numbers, 19 Jul 21.

AR 615-30 Army Serial Numbers, 12 Feb 42.

AR 850-25 Development, Classifi cation of 

and Specifi cation for Types of Equipment,

23 Jul 36.

AGF GO 49 Administrative Regulations, 

Replacement Depot No. 1, Fort George G. 

Meade, MD, 30 Oct 44.

AGO Form 616 Historical Data Card, 6th Air 

Defense Artillery.

AGO Form 616 Historical Data Card, 56th 

Air Defense Artillery.

WD PAM 21-13 Army Life, 10 Aug 44

T/O 4-31 Coast Artillery Regiment, 155-mm 

Gun, 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-32 Coast Artillery Headquarters and 

Headquarters Battery, Regiment, 155-mm Gun, 

1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-35 Coast Artillery Battalion, 155-mm 

Gun, 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-36 Coast Artillery Headquarters and 

Headquarters Battery and Ammunition Train, 

Battalion,155-mm Gun, 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-37 Coast Artillery Battery, 155-mm 

Gun, Tractor-Drawn, 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-38 Coast Artillery Battery, Searchlight, Regiment, 155-mm Gun, 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-65 Coast Artillery Battalion, Harbor 

Defense, Types “A,” “B”and “C,” 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-66 Coast Artillery Headquarters and 

Headquarters Battery, Battalion, Harbor 

Defense, 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-67 Coast Artillery Battery, Harbor 

Defense, 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-68 Coast Artillery Battery, Searchlight, Harbor Defense, 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-81 Coast Artillery Regiment, Harbor 

Defense, Type “C,” 1 Nov 40.

T/O 4-82 Coast Artillery Headquarters and 

Headquarters Battery, Regiment, Harbor Defense, Type “C,” 1 Nov 40.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

147

T/A Equipment for Posts, Camps and Stations, 1 Sep 34.

T/BA-4 Coast Artillery Corps, 1 Jan 39.

T/BA-21 Quartermaster Clothing and Individual Equipment, 1 Oct 41.

WD 1717 Instructions for Assembling the 

Infantry Equipment, Model of 1910, 11 Mar 12.

WD 1718 Description of the Infantry Equipment, Model of 1910, Rev 2 Jul 14.

WD 1879 Price List of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores, Rev 29 Jan 17.

WD 1923 Description and Rules for the Management of the U.S. Rifl e, Caliber .30, M-1903, 

Rev 22 Jan 17.

FM 21-10 Military Sanitation and First Aid, 

31 Jul 40.

FM 21-11 First Aid for Soldiers, 7 Apr 43.

FM 21-15 Equipment, Clothing and Tent 

Pitching, 1 Oct 40.

FM 21-15 Individual Clothing and Equipment, 30 Apr 45.

FM 21-15(C2) Individual Clothing and 

Equipment, 22 Dec 47.

FM 21-30 Conventional Signs, Military 

Symbols and Abbreviations, 26 Nov 41.

FM 21-40 Defense Against Chemical Attack, 

1 May 40.

FM 21-100 Soldiers’ Handbook, 23 Jul 41.

FM 23-10 U.S. Rifl e Caliber .30, M-1903, 

2 Jan 40.

FM 23-10 U.S. Rifl e Caliber .30, M-1903, 

30 Sep 43.

QMMI 60 Tableware, Apr 53.

QMMI 82 Locker, Trunk, Dec 51.

QMMI 133 Cot, Folding, Steel, May 53.

QMMI 139 Bedstead, Single, M-1938 and 

Components, Jun 53.

TB 75 QM Quartermaster Maintenance 

Instructions: Bedding, 6 Jul 57.

TB 76 QM Quartermaster Maintenance Instructions Lockers, Clothing, Metal, 28 Oct 57.

TM 3-205 The Gas Mask, 9 Oct 41.

TM 3-205 The Gas Mask, 2 Mar 51.

TM 9-1270 Ordnance Maintenance: U.S. 

Rifl es, Cal. .30, M-1903, M-1903A1, M-1903A3 

and M-1903A4, 20 Jan 44.

TM 10-205 Mess Management and Training, 

6 Jul 42.

TM 10-205 Mess Management and Training, 

3 Oct 44.

TM 20-205 Dictionary of Army Terms, 

18 Jan 44.

MED-3 Army Service Forces Supply Catalog: Medical Supply Catalog, List of Items for 

Troops, Posts, Camps and Stations, 1 Mar 44.

MED-4 Army Service Forces Catalog: Medical Supply Catalog, Allowance of Expendable 

Supplies, 19 Sep 44.

ORD 7 SNL B-3 Army Service Forces Catalog: Ordnance Supply Catalog, Organizational 

Spare Parts and Equipment for U.S. Rifl e, Caliber .30, M-1903, M-1903A1, and 1903A3, 

15 Nov 44.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

148

ORD 9 SNL B-16 Army Service Forces Catalog: Ordnance Supply Catalog List of All Parts, 

Arm Locker, Arm Rack, Arm Repair Chest and 

Pistol Cleaning Kit, 6 Sep 43.

OQMG Cir 4 Component Parts, Spare Parts, 

Accessories and Contents of Chests, Kits, Sets, 

Outfi ts and Items of Quartermaster Corps 

Property, 1 Nov 38.

OQMG Cir 4 Component Parts, Spare Parts, 

Accessories and Contents of Chests, Kits, Sets, 

Outfi ts and Items of Quartermaster Corps 

Property, 1 Nov 39.

OQMG Cir 4 Army Service Forces Catalog: 

Quartermaster Supply Catalog, Section 1: 

Enlisted Men’s Clothing and Equipment, Rev 

Aug 43.

QM 3-3 Army Service Forces Catalog: Quartermaster Supply Catalog, List of Items for 

Issue to Posts, Camps and Stations, 15 Jun 44.

QM 5-63 Army Service Forces Catalog: 

Quartermaster Supply Catalog, Stock List of 

All Items, Class 63: Tableware, 11 Dec 44.

QM 5-64 Army Service Forces Catalog: 

Quartermaster Supply Catalog, Stock List of 

All Items, Class 64: Bake-Shop and Kitchen 

Apparatus and Utensils, 31 Mar 44.

U.S. Government Specifi cations

FED AA-C-571a Cots; Folding, Canvas,

25 Sep 37

FED AA-L-486b Lockers, Clothing, Steel, 

13 Apr 53.

FED AAA-S-115 Scales, Weighing: Beam, 

Bench- or Counter-Types, 16 Apr 46.

FED DD-T-101a Tableware: Glass, 12 Jan 38.

FED DD-T-101b Tableware: Glass, 10 Nov 47.

FED DDD-H-71 Handkerchiefs: Cotton, 10 

Nov 31.

FED DDD-P-351a(3) Pillowcases (Cotton, 

Bleached), 5 Aug 54.

FED DDD-S-281c Sheet, Bed; Cotton 

(Bleached), 13 Jan 53.

FED DDD-T-531a Towels, Huck, 25 May 50.

FED DDD-T-551b Towels, Terry Cloth, 15 

Feb 50.

FED FF-O-601a Openers, Can, 29 Jul 57.

FED GGG-C-746 Cutlery: Gallery and 

Kitchen, 7 Mar 33.

FED GGG-C-746a Cutlery: Gallery and 

Kitchen, 17 Feb 44.

FED GGG-S-61a Saws, 3 Nov 42.

FED H-B-571a Brushes; Shaving, 30 Jun 41.

FED H-B-671 Brushes; Tooth, 7 Mar 33.

FED H-B-671a Brushes; Tooth, 4 Aug 42.

FED JJ-S-566a Socks; Cotton, 22 Aug 38.

FED JJ-S-581a Socks: Wool and Wool-Cotton 

Mixture, 22 Aug 38.

FED K-T-211 Tents, Duck (Khaki and Olive 

Drab); and Tent- Appliances, 3 May 32.

FED LLL-M-116 Mashers, Potato; Wood, 

3 May 41.

FED LLL-P-381 Pins, Rolling; Wood, 

3 May 41.

FED LLL-S-617 Spoons, Mustard; Wood, 

3 May 41.

FED M-C-301 Chinaware; Vitrifi ed, 1 May 34.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

149

FED O-F-355a Fire-Extinguishers; Chemical, 

Hand (Soda-and-Acid Type), 5 Jun 34.

FED OO-M-18 Machines; Chopping (Grinding) Meat, 29 Aug 39.

FED RR-G-681 Griddles; Cast-Iron, 17 May 

40.

FED RR-P-55 Pans, Bake and Roasting; Steel, 

3 May 41.

FED RR-P-62 Pans, Cake; Tinned, Round, 

17 May 40.

FED RR-P-70 Pans, Dish; Steel, 30 Sep 42.

FED RR-P-89 Pans, Fry; Steel, 17 May 40.

FED RR-P-386 Pitchers, Water: CorrosionResisting-Steel, 3 Mar 39.

FED RR-P-416 Platters, Meat; Corrosion-Resisting-Steel, 4 Apr 39.

FED RR-T-46 Tableware; Nickel-Alloy, 23 

May 41.

FED RR-W-456 Wireware; Bake-Shop and 

Kitchen, 7 May 35.

FED V-M-81a Mattresses; Cotton (Felted), 

29 Aug 39.

FED V-P-356 Pillows; Feather, 13 Jan 36.

FED V-P-356a(1) Pillows; Bed, Feather, 

13 Jul 53.

FED ZZ-C-551 Combs: Rubber (Hard), 

8 Jan 35.

QM 361 Barrack Chairs, 24 Jan 95.

QMC Specifi cations for Tableware and Kitchen Utensils as now issued for the U.S.Army, 15 

Feb 11.

J-90 Mess Tables, 18 Mar 15.

WD 441-1-210 Liberty Steel Cot, 1 May 19.

A 6-3A Hat, Working, 11 Mar 37.

USA 6-105 Belt, Web, Waist, 25 Mar 38.

USA 6-116 Sheet, Cotton, Bleached, 18 Jul 25.

USA 6-117 Pillowcases, Cotton, Bleached, 17 

Jul 25.

USA 6-118D Cover, Mattress, Cotton, 

24 Oct 40.

USA 6-124C Trousers, Working, Denim, 

8 Aug 40.

USA 6-125B Coat, Working, Denim, 7 Aug 40.

USA 6-163A Carrier, Pack, M-1928, 19 Apr 37.

USA 6-163B Carrier, Pack, M-1928, 8 Oct 41.

USA 6-176A Haversack, M-1928, 26 Apr 37.

USA 6-176B Haversack, M-1928, 13 Dec 41.

USA 6-176B(1) Haversack, M-1928, 24 Apr 42.

USA 6-180B Belt, Cartridge, Caliber .30, 

M-1923 (Mounted and Dismounted), 14 Oct 41.

USA 6-188B Drawers, Cotton, Shorts, 6 Oct 36.

USA 6-220A Cover, Canteen, M-1917, 

Mounted and M-1910, Dismounted, 21 Dec 37.

USA 6-233A Undershirts, Summer, Sleeveless, 

1 Sep 36.

USA 6-241 Shirt, Cotton, Khaki (Suiting 

Cloth, 8.2-ounce), 29 Nov 38.

USA 6-245 Bag, Barrack, 4 Jan 37.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

150

USA 6-254 Trousers, Cotton, Khaki, 8 Nov 37.

USA 6-254(2) Trousers, Cotton, Khaki, 

3 Mar 42.

USA 6-258A Tape, Cotton, Identifi cation Tag, 

23 Jul 40.

USA 6-282 Neckties, Cotton, Khaki (Washable), 22 Aug 39.

USA 6-288 Leggings, Canvas, Dismounted, 

M-1938, 8 Aug 40.

USA 8-31D Coats, Wool, Service, M-1939, 

7 Feb 40.

USA 8-51A Overcoat, Woolen, Roll Collar, 

21 Dec 37.

USA 8-60A Gloves, Woolen, Olive Drab, 

25 Mar 37.

USA 8-83B Trousers, Enlisted Men’s, Service, 

Olive Drab, 9 Nov 37.

USA 8-108 Shirt, Worsted, OD, 2 Aug 37.

USA 8-111A Blanket, Wool, Olive Drab, 

M-1934, 23 Aug 40.

USA 8-114A Caps, Field, 19 Feb 41.

USA 8-119 Neckties, Black, Wool, M-1940, 

31 Jan 41.

USA 9-6F Shoes, Service, Types 1 and 2, 

19 Nov 41.

USA 10-2056A Packet, First Aid, Carlisle 

Model, 14 May 28.

USA 17-48 Holder, Card, for Iron Bunks, 

1 Apr 20.

USA 20-104A Raincoats, Rubberized, 

M-1938, 16 Jan 40.

USA 22-194 Razors, Safety and Blades, 

Safety Razor, 28 Dec 40.

USA 23-79C Lockers, Trunk, 17 Dec 38.

USA 23-100A Chair, Barrack, 23 Feb 38.

USA 28-15 Knife, Fork and Spoon, M-1926, 

23 Mar 34.

USA 28-16 Canteen and Cup, M-1910, 

23 Mar 34.

USA 28-19 Pots, Stock, Aluminum, 23 Dec 37.

USA 28-25 Table, Mess, 15 Oct 37.

USA 28-25A Table, Mess, 14 Mar 42.

USA 28-46A Graters, Large, Small, and 

Nutmeg, 9 Nov 45.

USA 28-53 Dippers, Tin, 3 Jun 39.

USA 28-98 Sieve, Flour, 16-inch, 31 Aug 39.

USA 29-9 Holder, Card, for Iron Bunks, 

1 Feb 26.

USA 29-71B Meat Can, M-1932, 12 Nov 37.

USA 32-1 Locker, Wall, Metal, 9 Jul 23.

USA 32-2A Bedstead, Single, M-1938, 

31 Jan 41.

USA 32-7A Cot, Folding, Steel, 26 Jan 39.

USA 34-3A Insignia Cap and Collar for EM, 

16 May 38.

USA 52-1-5B Slings, Gun, 23 Jun 39.

USA 52-4-1 Bayonet, M-1905, 4 Oct 38.

USA 52-16-1B Helmet, M-1917A1 Body Assembly for, 6 Nov 39.
BARRACKS AND MESS HALL AT FORT CRONKHITE

151

USA 52-16-2A Helmet Headpad and Frame 

Assembly for Helmet, M-1917A1, 28 Jul 37.

QM File 2863 Pan, Dish, 21-quart, Retinned, 

6 Apr 38.

QM File 2910 Utensils, Cooking (Fork, Spoon, 

Ladle, Turner and Skimmer), 15 May 40.

QM File 2943 Pitcher, Syrup, M-1940, 

18 Feb 41.

OQMG 21 Comb, Plastic, 29 Oct 41.

QMC Comforters, Cotton-Filled, 29 Apr 40

QMC Tag, Identifi cation, 8 Oct 40.

FM 107 Lockers, Wood Box, 13 Jan 41.

JCQD 7 Razor, Safety, Plastic and Case, 

Razor, Plastic, 5 Aug 42.

JQD 19 Belts, Web, Waist, 19 Sep 41.

JQD 43 Cutlery: Gallery and Kitchen, 4 Dec 41.

JQD 55 Tent, Shelter, Half, 15 Jan 42.

JQD 55A Tent, Shelter, Half, 12 Feb 42.

JQD 55B Tent, Shelter, Half, 30 Mar 42.

JQD 89 Pole, Folding and Pin for Shelter 

Tent, 11 Mar 42.

JQD 127 Measures, Lipped, 20 May 42.

JQD 139 Pouch, First-Aid Packet, M-1910, 2 

Jun 42.

JQD 199 Spatula, Wood, 37-inch, 28 Aug 42.

JQD 201 Masher, Potato, Wood, 4 Sep 42.

JQD 212 Leggings, Canvas, Dismounted, M1938, 12 Oct 42.

JQD 222 Scraper, Dough, 6-inch, 15 Mar 43.

PQD 20 Jackets, Field, 24 Jan 41.

PQD 20A Jackets, Field, 6 May 41.

PQD 71A Raincoats, Synthetic Resin Coated, 

OD, 16 Feb 42.

PQD 73 Undershirts, 25 and 50% Wool, 

17 Jun 41.

PQD 74 Drawers, 25 and 50% Wool, 18 Jun 41.

PQD 96 Shirts, M-1941, 29 Sep 41.

PQD 142 Bag, Barrack, OD, 27 Feb 42.

PQD 170 Gloves, Wool, Cut and Sewn 

(Leather Palm), 20 Apr 42.

PQD 189A Insignia, Cap and Collar (EM), 

10 Jul 42.

PQD 197 Coat, Wool, Serge, M-1942, 10 Jul 42.

PQD 278 Handkerchiefs, Cotton, 28 Sep 42.

PQD 329A Towels, Bath, 10 May 43.

PQD 402 Towels, Face, 1 Nov 43.

MIL-H-1404 Holders, Card, Bedstead 

(Metal), 22 Sep 49.

MIL-T-10798B Trunk, Locker, Foot, 

Barracks, 19 Mar 58.

Published Books

Baker, George, SGT. The Sad Sack. New York: 

Simon and Schuster, 1944.

Brophy, Leo P., Wyndham D. Miles, and Rexmond C. Cochrane. The Chemical Warfare 

Service: From Laboratory to Field. Center of 

Military History. Washington: GPO, 1959.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

152

Brown, William. The Army Called It Home. 

Gettysburg, PA: Thomas Publications. 1992. 

Elting, Mary, and Robert T. Weaver. Soldiers, 

Sailors, Fliers and Marines. Garden City, NY: 

Doubleday Doran and Company, 1943.

Gaige, Richard T., CPL. Me and the Army. 

New York: American Artists Group, Inc., 1943. 

Havard, Valery, MD. Manual of Military 

Hygiene for the Military Services of the United 

States. New York: William Wood and Company, 1909.

Mayes, Don. Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. 

Springfi eld, MO: Holland Litho.

McKenney, Janice E. Air Defense Artillery. 

Washington: GPO, 1985.

Medical Supply in World War II. OTSG, 

Washington: GPO, 1968.

Military Medical Manual. Harrisburg, PA: 

The Military Service Publishing Company, 

Revised Apr 43.

The Offi cers’ Guide. Harrisburg, PA: The Military Service Publishing Company, 1941.

Ratliff , Thomas A., COL, AUS (Ret). Cavalryman: the Army Viewed from the South End of 

a Pitchfork Pointed North. Baltimore: Gateway Press, Inc., 1993.

The ROTC Manual: Coast Artillery Basic. 

Harrisburg, PA: The Military Service Publishing Co., 1934.

Smith, Chad Powers. He’s in the Artillery 

Now. New York: Robert M. McBride and 

Company, 1943.

Taylor, Herbert C. Private Doakes and Me.

Dallas, TX: Taylor Engraving Corporation, 

1942.

Virtue, C.M., LTC. Company Administration 

and Personnel Records. Harrisburg, PA: Military Service Publishing Co., Jul 42.

Wasch, Diane Shaw, et al. World War II and the 

U.S. Army Mobilization Program: A History of 

700 and 800 Series Cantonment Construction.

Washington: Department of Defense and U.S. 

Department of the Interior, n.d.

Unpublished Books

Historical and Pictorial Review of the Defenses of San Francisco. n.p., ca.1941.

Quartermaster Research and Development 

History. u.p.

Published Articles

“Alternating Shoes.” Yank: The Army Weekly. 

British Edition, 11 Feb 45.

Brinckloe, William Draper, MAJ QMC. 

“When Fire-Call Sounds.” The Quartermaster Review, May-June 26, pp 20–22.

“Bulletin Boards.” Infantry Journal, Dec 41, 

p 35.

“Cartridge Belts, Dismounted,” Infantry Journal, XXXVI, 3 (Mar 30), pp 296-97.

Clements, D.T., MAJ QMC. “Glass Dinnerware; The Kind That Can Take It.” The Quartermaster Review, Sep–Oct 43, pp 32–33.

Clements, D.T., CPT QMC. “Mobilization of 

the Pot and Pan.” The Quartermaster Review, 

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McCarthy, T.F., CPT. “Sanitation and Messes.” Infantry Journal, Jun 30, pp 593–600.

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Interviews

Blaise, Joseph R. Barracks Life in the Old 

Army. Nov 82.

Peeples, Edward. Golden Gate National 

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NATIONAL PARK SERVICE HISTORIC FURNISHINGS REPORT

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Figure 115: “Takin’ Off On Pass Eh Soldier?,” poster, 1941-2. Courtesy Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
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