US Army Air Force WW2 Ike Jacket Battle Dress - 38R

At a glance - 

• 100% Wool Body Material
• 2 Button Chest Pockets & 2 Internal Slit Pockets
• Button & Popper Front Closure
• 7 Golden Chevron Overseas Service Bars
• 9th Air Force Sleeve Patch
• Staff Sergeant Rank Patches
• "MUC" Meritorious Unit Citation Award Patch
• "Raptured Duck" / Honourable Discharge Patch
• US Air Force Corps Enlisted Men Collar / Lapel Discs
• Side Waist Adjusters
• Button Cuffs
• Iconic WW2 Kit, Ideal for Reenactors or Collectors
• Shoulder Epaulettes
• Turnover Storm Flap
• Solid Olive Drab Colour
• Size 38R
• "Jacket, Field, Wool, O.D."

• We have more of these in stock with various patches, sizes & conditions!

• Vintage WW2 Militaria / Dated  July 22nd, 1944
• Genuine US Armed Forces / US Army Air Force / USAAF / United States Army Surplus

Grades - 

• Grade 1.5 - Excellent condition for age. Some small holes due to mothing which will need darning, but these measures at most 0.5cm x 0.3cm. Light signs of general previous use. No major issues for an item that is nearly 80 years old.

Any questions please feel free to ask!

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An absolute classic and icon of World War 2, this is perhaps the most memorable piece of American kit from the period despite only becoming general issue in late 1944. The initial intention of Ike jacket under Eisenhower was for battle dress and general use in the field but it quickly became an item for out of combat activities. 

This particular jacket belonged to a gentleman who certainly made quite a career in the military! The left sleeve has 7 chevrons, equal to 3.5 years of active combat service outside of the US. At one point they were award the "Meritorious Unit Citation Award" patch, a merit only given to those who give outstanding service to their country. They also worked their way up to the rank of Staff Sergeant, a NCO rank, responsible for backbone duties of the air force. There is also a patch for the 9th Air Force Wing, a wing responsible for thinning out the enemy ahead of the invasion of Normandy, on D-Day. Given D-Day took place in June 1944, it is likely this jacket was made as a replacement for the airman afterwards.

Made of 100% wool in a classic olive drab colour, the jackets are quite durable and insulating. The jacket comes with 2 button chest pockets and 2 internal slits for more personal items. In harsh weather the lapel can be turned over and buttoned for wind cover while the cuffs can be fastened closer for better insulation. There are also side adjusters on the waist for creating your perfect tailored fit. 

All round this is an excellent piece of vintage militaria with a fantastic story to tell.

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