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Up for sale is an authentic, completely unaltered World War II U.S. Army M-1944 Field Jacket (famously known as the \"Ike Jacket\"). This exceptional piece of historical militaria comes directly out of Colorado and features a highly desirable, original factory or theater-sewn Airborne Troop Carrier Command shoulder sleeve patch.
Wartime Provenance & Identity:
This jacket is an incredible candidate for archival military research. The interior lining directly behind the neck collar features a sharp, bold, ink-stamped military laundry mark: \"S-1400\".
Given the jacket\'s regional discovery history in Colorado, database cross-referencing of National Archives (NARA) WWII Enlistment Records narrows the historical identity down to a primary candidate matching this specific location and unit assignment:
• Veteran Candidate: Robert J. Schmid
• Army Serial Number: 39311400 (Perfect match for the S-1400 mark)
• Enlistment Details: Denver, Colorado (January 1943)
• Component/Branch: U.S. Army Air Forces (Perfect match for the Troop Carrier Command insignia)
Jacket Specifications:
• Style: M-1944 Field Jacket / \"Ike Jacket\"
• Manufacturer: Moda Coat Co.
• Contract Date: June 8, 1944 (Officially stamped just two days after D-Day)
• Size Tag: 36S (Original white contract tag is fully present and legible inside the pocket)
• Shoulder Insignia: Original Airborne Troop Carrier shoulder sleeve patch
• Pocket Awards: Features a multi-layered service ribbon bar along with three pinback qualification / specialty breast badges.
Ribbons: Army Good Conduct Ribbon, American Campaign Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Ribbon, American Defense Ribbon. Star indicating combat campaign, The Presidential Unit citation Ribbon (awarded for extrodinary heroism in as action against an armed enemy on or after 12/7/1941.)
Condition Notes:
The jacket is in wonderful vintage, as-found condition. The wool retains excellent color structural integrity. Buttons and pocket fasteners are completely intact and original. There have been no major repairs and the jacket does not have any type of odor. The patches are still firmly affixed by thread and the pins, ribbons and medals have not been removed or altered in any way.
Important Preservation Note:
This jacket is being sold in its raw, \"estate-found\" condition. It has NOT been dry-cleaned, steamed, or altered in any way. No patches or pins have been removed or added, preserving its total historical value for serious collectors and researchers.
Shipping & Handling:
The jacket will be packed carefully, laid out flat in a sturdy cardboard box to prevent severe wrinkling, and shipped via a trackable ground service with full shipping insurance.
