Original Item: Only One Available. This is a heavily service worn pair of original Pattern 1944 United States Marine Corps reversible camouflage utility trousers, named to SGT. BREDICE. Constructed from cotton HBT (Herringbone Twill), the trousers display the distinctive reversible “frogskin” camouflage, with a predominantly green jungle pattern on one side and a tan or sand pattern on the reverse.

The P44 camouflage uniform represented a later development of the reversible camouflage clothing used by the Marine Corps during WWII. The earlier P42 two piece camouflage uniform had been issued during some of the most demanding Pacific campaigns, including Tarawa, Bougainville, and Peleliu. The P44 pattern incorporated a revised pocket arrangement and other improvements intended to make the uniform more practical in the field.

These trousers are in heavily worn condition, displaying considerable fading, color loss, staining, and scattered small tears consistent with extensive use. All of the blackened U.S.M.C. “doughnut hole” buttons remain present and show moderate wear to their original finish.

The snap fasteners are in considerably rougher condition. Several have pulled through the fabric and remain attached to their corresponding receiving halves. The surrounding material displays additional wear and damage. The trousers also appear to have been tailored to provide a better fit for their wearer.

The rear is boldly marked: SGT. BREDICE

This marking identifies the trousers to Sergeant Anthony P. Bredice. Associated material indicates that Bredice served during WWII with III Amphibious Corps Artillery in support of the 1st Marine Division and participated in the Okinawa campaign. He remained in the Marine Corps into the Korean War era, when he attained the rank of Sergeant. Other surviving pieces of his equipment and clothing are similarly marked, helping support the attribution of these trousers.

The trousers measure approximately 16 inches across the waist when laid flat, equivalent to a 32 inch waist, with a 27½ inch inseam.

These trousers are especially appealing for their unmistakable field wear, reversible camouflage construction, complete set of USMC buttons, and identification to a Marine with service extending from WWII into the Korean War era. The extensive fading, staining, tears, damaged snaps, and period tailoring are all important parts of their service history.