Springfield 1861 Musket Riffle
One of the many riffles used during the Civil War, the Springfield was one of the most commonly used by union soldiers.
This was a single shot, muzzle-loading gun that used the percussion cap firing mechanism. It had a rifled barrel, and fired the .58 caliber minié ball.
Approximately 1.5 million Springfield Riffles had been produced by the end of the civil war.
These riffles were more accurate than the smooth bore muskets used previously.
Sources: Wikipedia
Bilby, Joseph (2005). Civil War Firearms: Their Historical Background and Tactical Use. Da Capo Press. ISBN 978-0-306-81459-4.
Haversack
The haversack has been in use since the American Civil War. The model shown above is the M1928 model used during WWII.
The pistol belt is designed to have different items hooked onto it, for easy access, and quick release. Some of the things you would hook onto the belt would be: A canteen, pistol holster, medical kit, and a compass.
The haversack consists of one large pouch, and a smaller meet can pouch. It would also be used to carry bed rolls, and shovels.
Fun Fact:
The M1928 model was actually first produced in 1940.
Source: Wikipedia
WWII U.S. M1 Helmet
The M1 helmet was used by the United States from 1941-1985. There were 22,000,000 produced through WWII. The M1 is a combination of two "one-size-fits-all" helmets—an outer metal shell, sometimes called the "steel pot", and a hard liner nestled inside featuring an adjustable suspension system.
Fun Fact: In all, 53 countries have used the M1 style helmet for their military. Of those, 13 are still activity using it.
Sources: Wikipedia
K-Rations & C-Rations
K-Rations were a boxed meal for U.S soldiers from WWII - Vietnam.
C-Rations were canned goods that were classified in two parts: The B Unit and the M Unit. The B Unit was the biscuit unit, and the M Unit was the meat unit. A C-Ration would usually contain six biscuits, coffee, lemon juice powder or cocoa powder, and sugar. Sometimes they would also contain a confection or sweet treat, and cigarettes.
K-Rations generally consisted of canned food - such as chicken, cheese, or eggs and bacon - and biscuits, coffee, bullion, sugar cubes, and lemon juice powder. They also contained cigarettes and a stick of gum.
K-Rations would be consumed while out in the field. Soldiers would have hot meals at camp.
Fun Fact:
K-Rations were primarily used for dinner by the soldiers.
In March of 1943, cigarets were only found in breakfast and dinner units.
For more information check out these sources:
Youtube: SteveMRE1989