Uniforms & Equipment of the OSS (Office of Strategic Services)

Why Make This Website: 

The purpose of this website is to provide an explanation for the question that many other amateur historians and I have asked... What did OSS agents wear and carry with them as they leapt into the unknown? As they floated down under their silk canopy and a full moon into the occupied territory below, what weapons did they have strapped to them, which uniforms (or lack thereof) protected them from the elements, and what pieces of equipment filled their pockets so they could complete their mission?

This will by no means be an exhaustive list, nor will it fulfill every possible collector's desire for manufacturers, serial number ranges, or other related questions. I aim to provide as much detail as I am able with pictures and references to support the assertions made on this website.  -C

Progress on the Pages: 

I have created the drop-down tabs first and will fill out the individual pages as I am able, but will shoot for 1-3 per week. -C (August 15, 2026)

Citations and Disclaimer:

All of the pictures I use on this website were readily available with simple searches on the internet. I do not use images with obvious watermarks on them since the owner is clearly attempting to sell them, and I do not intend to undermine their business. That being said, it would clutter this website substantially to add hyperlinks to every picture I use (and many times the same picture has been published or used by several people/groups), so I will not be adding hyperlinks. 

When I reference books, articles, videos, or podcasts, I will put the information for that resource in the "Operations Room" tab under "The Library" to the best of my ability. If the book is still for sale, I will link it so you can acquire it. The same goes for any other resources. All that being said, I am not an expert in academic citations, so just roll with it! If you feel inclined, I encourage you to purchase the books you find interesting and listen/watch the videos that pique your interest. They were produced by some exceedingly talented individuals who would love for you to check them out!

Finally, this website does not represent any thoughts or ideas beyond my own and the people who contribute information to the website. It is by no means officially affiliated with the US Government, Department of War, any of the many OSS-related organizations, or any other outside entity. It's just some historians sharing pictures and information to honor the brave men and women who served the people of the United States (and the free world) in the Office of Strategic Services during WWII. 

How to Improve & Support the Website: 

If you wish to contact me to contribute pictures, add information, correct information, or generally make this website better, please email me. If you want to contribute, please include a picture or citation for where you found the information, as well as where it would best fit on the website. If you cannot provide either of these kinds of references, I appreciate the interest, but I will not include it since it cannot be verified. Finally, I am a father and still work, so if I do not reply quickly, please give me some grace and I will get back to you when I am able. Thank you!

My email for this page is: c.thedropcanister@gmail.com

This website is by no means meant to generate money, but it requires an annual subscription to run, and we all know the books to do this research can get very expensive at times. No one will ever have to pay to access the information here, but if you would like to send me a dollar or two to help with the website, please click on this link: buymeacoffee.com/thedropcanister. Thanks!