U.S. SOLDIERS WITH FULL FIELD EQUIPMENT. A U.S.

U.S. SOLDIERS WITH FULL FIELD EQUIPMENT. A U.S. Army paratrooper first sergeant stands fully equipped, ready for action. His hands cover his reserve parachute, for use if the main chute on his back fails to open. His gas mask is slung on his left log; his musette bag, containing personal articles plus his pup tent, stakes, raincoat and rations, hangs in front of him; and his carbine is thrust between his reserve chute and his chest. His jump suit-pockets are stuffed with grenades, rations, extra ammunition, rope, and other handy items. Each paratrooper carries about 75 pounds (34 kilograms) of equipment, sufficient to keep him going at least 48 hours. Paratroopers and glider-borne units, preceding sea-borne troops, land behind enemy fortifications to seize airfields, cut communications and dynamite defense installations. They have contributed largely to the success of the Allied landings in northern France as well as Allied actions in Italy, North Africa and the Pacific theater.