Original Item: Only One Available. Official designation of Pack, Field, Cargo M-1945 is constructed of sturdy OD#7 canvas. The cargo pack belongs to the original Combat Field Pack M-1945 set, but may also be separately used as a carrying bag. This example has WWII or Korean War period paint of a red cross on both sides for designation of a medic's bag. Marked on the interior for Inland Manufacturing and dated 1945. Measures approximately 16" long x 6" wide x 10" tall.
History of the Pack, Field, Combat, M-1945 and Pack, Field, Cargo, M-1945. Pack, Field, Cargo and Pack, Field, Combat M-1944 were soon replaced by the very similar M-1945 version. But the combat and cargo packs of the two are not interchangeable. The quick release buckles of the M-1944 packs will not work with the double-bar buckles used with the M-1945 version. M-1945 Combat Suspenders were issued to match the packs. These packs were only used by a few units in the last days of World War II (perhaps after February 1945) but continued to be made and remained in service through the Korean War.
The Field Pack (upper) had a waterproof liner, interior divisions, and numerous straps to close the main flap, to use as shoulder straps or attach to the suspenders, and to hold the entrenching tool handle. Two canvas flaps with eyelets were provided: M-1943 entrenching tool on top center, and a side flap for bayonet or canteen. Bottom straps attached to the Cargo Pack to join the two.
The Cargo Pack (lower) had a waterproof closure inside; two straps to close the main flap and short buckle straps on top to mate to the straps on the bottom of the Field Pack. The Cargo Pack also had a web handle on top making it a handy furlough bag or even a tool bag.
Both parts of the packs were made in OD #7 canvas and webbing with "US" stamped on the outside of the flap and the manufacturer and date on the inside of the flap. A large instruction sheet was printed on a white label inside the bag with drawings and detailed descriptions of how to pack and use the components.
