M-44 Rocket Launcher Face Mask M.v.O.

The M-44 Rocket Launcher Face Mask (officially cataloged as Mask, Face, Launcher, Rocket, M-44) was the standardized version of the early, experimental face masks issued to American Bazooka teams during World War II.

Design & Features

• Improved goggles: In contrast to the first crude modifications, the M-44 utilized a wide, single-piece plastic lens. This design was directly based on the standard M-1943 wind and dust goggles.
• The apron: An olive drab (OD) treated oilcloth was attached to the bottom of the goggle frame. This hung over the nose, mouth, cheeks, and chin of the wearer.
• Fastening: An elastic headband ensured that the goggles fit tightly against the face.

The reality at the front

Although the mask effectively protected the skin against the intense flashback and unburnt powder particles of the M1A1 and M9 Bazookas, it was very unpopular in the field. Soldiers often threw them away because the plastic lenses fogged up in no time. This limited the gunner's vision at critical moments. Most teams therefore chose to simply stand clear of the blast radius or wear standard dust goggles.