Toiletries

Toiletries were usually among a GI’s only personal items that he could carry with him into battle.  The simplicities of life often involved a bar of soap, a toothbrush, and a comb.  Despite the fact that toiletries were sold by the Post Exchange and Ship Stores and distributed by the Red Cross and other charity organizations, there were still reported problems with shortages of basic personal items.  On the homefront, stores and catalogs advertised an assortment of pouches, bags, cases, and gift sets to keep your favorite soldier clean and tidy.   Interestingly, these were often available without the use of ration points, as long as they were sent to military personnel.