T-5 Parachute & Harness

The T-5 was the primary parachute used by US Paratrooper until just after D-day. The Chute is made up of four main parts. The Harness , Canopy, Reserve Parachute and the Main Pack. The harness was constructed of cotton and had three connections points secured by D-rings and spring clips. These proved to be to cumbersome to detached yourself from causing most troopers to cut themselves free  with their trench knives during the  D-day  operation. The main pack ,reserve & harness can be identified by unique markings & stampings on  each piece some of which you can see below. This example of a T-5 Parachute & Harness was actually used in the Normandy Jump.