The M1942 Frog Skin pattern was the United States military's first attempt at disruptive coloration camouflage. In 1942, the Marine Raiders were the first issued the Frog Skin uniform, which was reversible with a five-color jungle pattern on a green background on one side and a three-color beach pattern with a tan background on the other side.The pattern was made for the M1942 Reversible Spot Pattern and P42 Camo utility uniform based on the herringbone twill (HBT) cotton fabric.The uniform was worn by the Marines throughout the PTO. In the ETO certain US Infantry divisions wore the uniform in France, but the uniform was withdrawn for resembling German camouflaged uniforms. There are many documented reports of friendly fire incidents because of the close resemblance.
By January 1944, production of the pattern was stopped with the uniforms being sold as surplus after the war. It found its way to civilian market, mostly advertised for duck hunters. This led to the adoption of the name Duck Hunter camo. The camouflage would turn up again in the Korean War, mostly as helmet covers, and private purchase gear. Jumping to 1961, the United States Gov equipped Cuban Exiles with the “updated” pattern for the Bay of Pigs Invasion. Similar camo would find its way into the Cold War conflicts. CIA/ Foreign Advisers in the early days of the Vietnam War would be outfitted with “sterilized” (Debadged and Unbranded) Frog Skin uniforms either commercial or CISO made. Frogskin would appear throughout the conflict as private purchase clothing/gear by United States troops in Vietnam. The pattern would carry on past the 1980’s up to current day either as commercial hunting clothing or designer fashion. First set of pictures with 2 tops are Eto Frogskin and PTO frogskin. Second set of pictures with 2 tops are Commercial period correct 1960’s Vietnam War Frogskin.