M-1945 Suspenders Foreign Modification (1960s)

These suspenders were modified from M-1945 Suspenders by some Europe countries (highly probably Greece) that received US military assistance in the Cold War era. There are several modifications: Two “branch straps” were removed. Spring hooks of the front suspendres were replaced by “bottle opener” hooks. Dual tiny D rings replaced the wide brass fastener connectors that connecting the field pack. Two square metal rings were added to the front parts of the should pads. As far as I know, the Greek Army received large military assistance, including US made firearms and individual equipment, both retired and serving. I believe these modifications were happened in the 1960s or even later, at least they were not earlier than 2nd pattern M-1956 Suspenders with flattened “bottle opener” hooks (hook with sleeping gear attachment loop, FY 1961). By that time, the Greek Army was using US made M-1956 LCE or local made copy gears (the Greece made M-1956 LCE copy was named “M-1971”), including the Sleeping Gear Carrier. So the Greek Army modified these US provided old style suspenders and made them compatible with new gears. The metal square rings were set for M-1956 style ammo pouch’s supporting strap.   Stock Number Reference:

Suspenders, Pack, Combat, Cargo

Army Stock Number: 74-S-392-300   The removed parts’ stitches still remain on the suspenders.