Identified WWII US Officers Winter Service Coat
Item #: WR546
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This is an identified officer's winter service coat used during World War II. This service coat replaced the one introduced in 1939. Made of 19 ounce wool elastique fabric, officer's service coats were dyed in a dark shade of OD #51. The coat was worn with trousers made of the same high quality material, but dyed a shade of Drab #54. This combination of service coat and trousers would go on to be known as the "Pinks & Greens". To help give the soldier a little more freedom of movement while wearing this near form fitting coat, a set of pleats known as "bi swing backs" was added to the back of the coat. A pair of belt hooks was also utilized with a 1 1/2" cloth half belt, which was replacing the leather service belt. This particular service coat is a private purchase officers version made by Hamilton of Cincinnati, Ohio. The coat is fully lined and has one inner pocket, along with the four exterior pockets. The Hamilton label is sewn just below the opening of the inner pocket. Inside the pocket is a label that is ink stamped Cincinnati, Ohio/Specially Cut and Made For/H L Mitchell/ Date 11/29/42 No.65817. A small black patch with the monogramed initials HLM, standing for Henry Lloyd Mitchell, is sewn on above the pocket opening. The coat shows beautiful craftsmanship. The epaulets both have the rank of a 2nd Lieutenant and the distinctive unit insignia of the 135th Infantry Regiment. The brass U.S. worn by officers is on the collars, and the crossed rifles insignia of the Infantry is on each lapel. There are three ribbons pinned above the left breast pocket, the Purple Heart, American Defense Service Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with three bronze stars. A bullion made Combat Infantry Badge is above the left breast pocket flap. Each sleeve has officers braid sewn on the cuff, the left one also has two overseas stripes representing one year in combat. There is one moth hole on the entire jacket, on the right breast pocket. The 34th Infantry Division is a Minnesota National Guard Division. During WWII the "Red Bulls" fought in North Africa and Italy, participating in five campaigns. The division earned 3 Distinguished Unit Citations and the French Croix de Guerre and nine members of the division were awarded the Medal of Honor. The 34th Infantry Division was engaged for 517 days of combat actions, more than any other division during WWII. There is some research to be done in order to determine LT Mitchell's participation in the 135th Infantry Regiment's contributions to the battle hardened WWII 34th Infantry Division. His "Green" service coat has survived in excellent condition and will compliment any WWII uniform collection.
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