Hello Guy,
Not professing to be an expert, but please show me any contemporary WWII photographs (colored or B&W) which show the US Army M1942 Paratrooper's Jacket and Trousers incorporating the apparent dark olive drab reinforcing patches of unknown material, on both knees and elbows as standard issue, other than as a limited use field improvisation. Even then of a different color. In Osprey Elite Series #31, US Army Airborne 1940-90, G. Rottman (Ron Vostad, Illustrator) show and discuss this; and claim that the 'field modification' was 'a fairly common practice'. To wit; colored drawing on cover and black & white photo on contents page of U.S. Airborne Forces Europe 1942-45, B. Davis (P. Turner, Illustrator), Arco, New York, 1974, ISBN 0-668-03366-5 and The ARMED FORCES OF WORLD WAR II Uniforms, insignia and organization, A.Mollo (M. McGregor and P. Turner, Illustrators), Crown, New York, 1981, ISBN 0-517-54478-4, p.236. To his credit Brian Davis in describing the uniform correctly does not mention any original issue including this 'feature'. In my personal opinion I don't think the added reinforcing patches were that common. In addition the distinctive chin harness and cup of the M1C helmet are not evident, with the exception of one figure. I'm certain, based on contemporary photographs, that the display of the American Flag on the shoulder was an established practice.
Arnhem Jim
Arizona Territory