AMERICAN GAS DETECTION BRASSARD

This reproduction is Dated 1944 and maker mark 3-44/28/JL&S.

Allied soldiers fearing possible poison gas attacks from the German defenders on D-Day, were outfitted with gas masks and two gas detection brassards (armbands). The mustard coloured paper brassard  was  coated with a chemical that was designed to turn pink  when exposed to certain gasses, thus warning a soldier that he was in potential danger.

The brassard, which was fragile and easily torn in combat, was intended to be worn on the left shoulder so as not to interfere with the firing of a weapon. One brassard was meant to be worn into combat, with the other safely stored along with the soldier's gas mask in a waterproof bag worn on the chest.