Original World War Two US Army Infantry Replacement and School Command M1942 Enlisted Man’s Jacket, Attributed to PFC David McRae Biggar of Tampa Florida.
The M1939 Wool Enlisted Service Jacket, officially known as the Coat, Service, EM, M1939, was a standard U.S. Army wool service coat. It was introduced in July 1940 under Quartermaster Specification No. 8-31D and became widely used during the early years of World War II. However, by 1942, due to wartime material shortages and evolving combat requirements, the jacket underwent simplified modifications. Eventually, it was phased out in favor of the M1942 and subsequent combat dress. This jacket is dated November 10, 1942, and marked “Harry Marcus Phila. Q.M. Depot”
Established in March 1942 as part of the Army Ground Forces, the Replacement and School Command was created to address the imbalance in combat caused by the rapid attrition of infantry forces. Initially comprising approximately 166,000 officers and men, the command reached its peak in May 1945 with a total of 481,000 personnel.
The command operated Replacement Training Centers (RTCs), primarily Infantry Replacement Training Centers (IRTCs), to train new recruits to replace those who had fallen in combat. Notable IRTCs included Fort McClellan in Alabama, Camp Roberts in California, Camp Blanding in Florida, Camp Wheeler in Georgia, and Camp Fannin, Camp Howze, and Fort Wolters in Texas. Additionally, the Field Artillery Replacement Center was situated at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, under the command of Ralph McT. Pennell.
Courtney Hodges served as the first commanding general of the Replacement and School Command, followed by Harold R. Bull and Harry Hazlett. Initially, training programs lasted for four weeks, gradually increasing to 17 weeks by the end of the war.
Tony Cucolo highlights the significance of the men who trained at IRTCs, emphasizing their role in replacing fallen comrades. These recruits were fully aware of the perilous nature of their assignments on the deadliest fronts of World War II.
The last photo depicting Biggar’s draft card is digital online.
Flat garment measurements (inches):
Chest: 38” (19” P2P)
Length: 31”
Sleeve: 25”
