As part of the new 1943 Uniform, the M41 Field Jacket was to be replaced by the more effective M43 Jacket. The newer jacket was longer, ending at the middle of the thigh, featured four large pockets with buttoned flaps, a thicker lining under a cotton sateen shell, and a hidden button front, which prevent buttons from getting snagged on equipment. The jacket was a huge hit with the soldiers who got them, but in several cases some G.I.s didn't receive their issue and were stuck with the M41 jacket and wool great coats.
The jacket was so successful, that the pattern was kept in to later wars, with some modifications. It was even used in foreign armies and the current issued jacket today is essentially the same 1943 model with some significant improvements. So, when shopping, look for ones without zippers and button snaps. Look for that OD color that should be becoming more and more familiar to you by now. Later and post war models were of a darker green.
It must be repeated that this jacket shouldn't be a priority on your shopping list. M43s weren't widely available when they came out and those on the front were still stuck with the lesser adequate jackets. An M41 jacket is suitable for any date during the war.
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