The Winter Innovation That Kept Soldiers Warm: The Story of the ‘Booty’ in Gérimont, Belgium

January 1945 was a harsh winter for the soldiers of the 30th Infantry Division as they fought through the cold, muddy, and often treacherous conditions in the heart of Belgium. Amidst the brutal cold of the European Theater of Operations (ETO), soldiers huddled together, searching for warmth and comfort wherever they could find it. One of the most striking images of this time was captured in the small town of Gérimont, Belgium, where three soldiers—Sgt. Albert L. Soli of Westwood, California, Pvt. Jimmy Ferguson of Granby, Missouri, and T/Sgt. Robert Kircher of Maplewood, New Jersey—could be seen keeping warm around a small fire.

This photo, taken by Pfc. Murray Shub of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, shows the trio taking a well-known “ten-minute break” from the grueling fight. But it’s not just the cold weather or the moment of rest that makes this image memorable. It’s the innovative winter item that the soldiers are wearing—“booties”—that would become a symbol of ingenuity in the midst of one of the coldest winters in Europe’s history.

The “booty” (often called “shoe-pacs” by the soldiers) was a revolutionary invention created by Col. Banner P. Purdue, the Commanding Officer of the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division. Designed to keep soldiers’ feet warm and dry during the brutal winter months, these improvised winter boots were made from salvaged, captured German blankets. In a time when resources were scarce and conditions were dire, the “booty” became an essential piece of equipment that helped soldiers withstand the extreme cold.

But beyond their practical use, the story of the “booty” is a testament to the resourcefulness and camaraderie that defined the soldiers of World War II. It’s a story of how, even in the most challenging and uncomfortable circumstances, the men of the 30th Infantry Division found ways to adapt, innovate, and keep fighting.

In this article, we’ll explore the significance of the “booty” and how it played a role in the daily lives of soldiers like Soli, Ferguson, and Kircher. We’ll delve into the importance of these small but vital innovations during the war, and how they reflect the larger story of soldiers’ resilience in the face of adversity. Ultimately, the story of the “booty” is about the unrecognized heroes of World War II—those who made do with what they had and kept their spirits high, even in the coldest, most inhospitable conditions.

A Harsh Winter: The Reality of Fighting in Belgium

The winter of 1944-1945 in Europe was one of the most brutal seasons in the history of warfare. With the conclusion of the Normandy Invasion and the liberation of France, the Allies found themselves pushing deeper into German-occupied Europe. But as the troops moved into Belgium, the weather turned against them. The harsh winter conditions, with temperatures dipping below freezing, heavy snowfalls, and muddy terrain, made it increasingly difficult for soldiers to operate efficiently.

For soldiers on the front lines, maintaining their physical health was as important as maintaining their combat readiness. The extreme cold took its toll, with soldiers battling frostbite, hypothermia, and exhaustion. The cold weather made it almost impossible to keep equipment functioning, and wet clothes, shoes, and socks quickly became a soldier’s worst enemy. Every soldier faced the daunting challenge of keeping warm while enduring the long hours in the trenches, not knowing when or where the next attack might come.

In these conditions, the standard-issue boots, which were made for more temperate climates, were no longer adequate. As soldiers marched through snow, mud, and slush, their boots would quickly become soaked, and their socks would freeze. This problem was especially serious in the winter months, as frozen feet could cripple an army.

The Birth of the ‘Booty’: Innovation in the Midst of Adversity

In the midst of these challenges, Col. Banner P. Purdue, the commanding officer of the 120th Infantry Regiment, 30th Division, came up with an innovative solution—the booty.

The “booty” was a simple yet effective winter garment designed to keep soldiers’ feet warm and dry. Made from salvaged German blankets that had been captured during the previous months of the war, these improvised boots were essentially oversized socks that could be worn over the soldiers’ standard issue boots. The design was functional, practical, and above all, a lifeline for soldiers fighting in the brutal conditions of Belgium.

The soldiers quickly embraced the booty because it helped keep their feet dry and warm. The new boots weren’t perfect—after all, they were made from materials that were meant for other uses—but they were a necessary innovation at a time when resources were limited. The booty wasn’t just an item of clothing—it was a symbol of the resilience and creativity that soldiers had to employ during wartime.

As soldiers like Soli, Ferguson, and Kircher were photographed wearing their booties, they became a sign of ingenuity in the face of adversity. In an era of extreme conditions and scarcity, these small innovations made a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of the soldiers.

The Practical Importance of the ‘Booty’

The booty was a small but crucial piece of equipment that allowed soldiers to stay focused on the task at hand. The wet and cold conditions in Belgium made it difficult for the soldiers to move freely, and any equipment that could help them stay warm was invaluable. Soldiers spent hours trudging through snow and mud, and the booty allowed them to keep their feet dry and protected from frostbite and hypothermia.

But the booty was more than just practical—it also helped maintain the morale of the troops. In a time of extreme hardship, the little things mattered most. A small, unexpected comfort like warm, dry feet made a huge difference in the soldiers’ mental state. In a war that often seemed endless, this simple winter innovation brought soldiers a sense of relief and a renewed sense of hope.

While the booty may have seemed like a small gesture in the grand scheme of the war, it was a testament to the resourcefulness of soldiers who were constantly finding ways to adapt to the conditions they faced. It was a reminder that in times of war, it isn’t always the large-scale innovations or the headlines that matter most—it’s the small, practical solutions that allow soldiers to keep going when everything else seems stacked against them.

A Symbol of Camaraderie: Soldiers’ Brotherhood and Adaptability

The creation and distribution of the booty was not just a matter of military strategy; it was a demonstration of the camaraderie and brotherhood that defined the soldiers of the 30th Infantry Division. The booty was made by the 216th and 540th Quartermaster Battalion, using materials that were available to them in a resource-strapped environment. The process of making the booty became a collective effort—one that reflected the soldiers’ unity and their commitment to supporting one another through the hardships of war.

This sense of camaraderie was crucial in maintaining the morale of the soldiers during the tough winter months. The soldiers knew that they weren’t in this alone—they were all in it together, finding ways to help each other, whether it was through the sharing of resources or by offering encouragement during the long hours of combat. The booty became more than just a necessity—it became a symbol of the unity that kept the soldiers going.

The practical function of the booty was clear, but its emotional significance was just as important. In a world where death, destruction, and uncertainty seemed constant, small acts of resourcefulness like this helped maintain the soldiers’ sense of purpose and connection. The booty wasn’t just a tool for survival—it was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of collaboration in the face of adversity.

The Legacy of the ‘Booty’: Practical Innovation in Wartime

The legacy of the booty extends far beyond the American soldiers who wore them in the cold of Belgium. The booty represents the ingenuity and resourcefulness that soldiers in World War II—on both sides—had to rely on. When traditional supplies and equipment were unavailable, soldiers found ways to adapt, using the materials they had to create makeshift solutions that made a huge difference in their daily lives.

The booty also reflects the larger themes of World War II—adaptability, perseverance, and unity. Soldiers from all over the world were thrown into a conflict that tested the limits of human endurance. Yet, in the face of adversity, they found ways to survive, to bond, and to protect one another. The booty is just one small example of the countless innovations and efforts that were made to ensure the survival of soldiers on the front lines.

As we remember the soldiers of World War II and the sacrifices they made, the story of the booty serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, humanity’s ability to adapt and find solutions to problems is what ultimately drives success. And as we look to the future, the booty remains a symbol of the resilience that defines the human spirit.