43: 1950s Shade 505 Bush uniform combination
"Shirt and Pants - 505s (Shade #505) Uniform of the Day: The Air Force’s first attempt at a khaki uniform. A different color from the Tan Shade 193 also known as “Silver Tans” - Khaki duty uniform, this uniform was in Khaki Shade #505. The 505s had one serious drawback unless the uniform was heavily starched: it lost the press, its sharpness, after being worn for a short time. This photo shows us one of the 5 variations available to all Airmen in the 505 series. Officers and enlisted members were issued this “bush” uniform for wear in hot climates. The jacket was similar to the present day Battle Dress Uniform (BDU) shirt and featured one distinctive difference: it included a waist belt. Retired Senior Master Sgt. Wayne Gerbus remembers wearing this very uniform while accomplishing some of his office duties while assigned to an Air Rescue Squadron. An additional combination added a pith helmet and shorts, with khaki knee-high socks. A pair of black low quarter shoes topped of the uniform. Not surprisingly, this uniform enjoyed little popularity in the ranks and was quickly eliminated from use.