Farby/ Non-Farby

[foxholetom]

The russet combat boot is basically a service shoe made taller. In comparison to the jump boot, I believe the heel cap is different, toe cap is different, it doesn't have the two diagonal stitches along the side, the sole is different, laces are different, and I think the eyelets may be different.

[Woodard]

Nametapes? I have some"whatever the Korean word for Ghetto is" ones that I made, but was there a standard size or any other rules governing them? Should it be a unit "All or none" thing?

[tar00]

From Stanton:
"...name tapes or tags began to be locally prescribed for uniforms. In the fall of 1951 several units directed soldiers to sew white name tapes above the upper left pocket of their field attire. White engineer tape was supposedly first used for this purpose, and the practice was extended by many other organizations in the following year. The white name tapes gained some measure of acceptance, though they were never universal in Korea.

"Name tapes in branch or other colors were introduced by some units in late 1952 for moral purposes. They became more prevalent during the following spring, though plain white tapes continued in widespread use."

I have personally seen a blue name tape only once. On a 47 pattern HBT top with 2nd ID patch. The tape was hand sewn with name and "9th Inf" below.
In Stanton's book, most of the pictures with name tapes are officers. White tapes are all stenciled/stamped, color tapes embroidered, but well done (on field grade officers though).

My advice would be: 50 or 51 no tapes. 52 or 53 optionally on HBTS white or color. Color variation (white or color, not different colors) within a unit would be ok. Not everyone should have them though. Definately not on field jackets (have only seen this once and on a general).

[kowalski]

foxholetom said:

That's another thing...I know Mickey Mouse boots were in use at least as late as the 1990s, but I don't know the difference between Korean War Mickey Mouse boots, and later production (1960s and later).

I know one way to tell is the correct kind for Korea had hooks instead of eyelets for the shoelaces.

[privategrimstead]

my grandfather also wore one of these m-51 wool shirts as a truck driver in the army.