Tas M7 assault gasmask (Bag M7 assault gasmask Carrier)

The mask was issued with an M7 Carrier Bag, which was made of duck canvas, heavily rubberized with black neoprene, which notibly doubled as a floatation device in the waters off of Normandy. Production of the M5-11-7 Assault Gas Mask began in 1944 but soon was halted due to problems in the field. In cold temperatures the neoprene became stiff or rigid making it impossible to achieve a good fit. The production process had difficulties with molding the neoprene and was finally stopped as the failure rate became too great. About 500,000 of the M5 gas mask were issued during 1944 and they were popular when used under the right conditions. The M5 was the gas mask issued to the first waves of troops on D-Day (Operation Overlord) on 6 June 1944. The M7 carrier, the waterproof bag, was worn on the chests of soldiers arriving by landing craft or was strapped to the thigh of paratroopers. The air in the M7 carrier made the bag a float, credited with saving the lives of soldiers who were dropped into deep water.