Unidentified WWII US Officers Winter Service Coat
Item #: WR558
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This is an unidentified 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 one that could be purchased at the base PX, and has a tag sewn into the left side by the inner pocket that reads "Regulation Army Officers Uniform". The coat is fully lined and has one inner pocket, along with the four exterior pockets. Inside the pocket is a Quarter master tag that is ink stamped "Officers' Uniform/Mfr. 478/Dec. 2, 1942/W 669 Q. M. 23759/ Spec. P.Q.D. No. 149B/Stock No. 55-u-10485-20/Phila. Q.M. Depot/35 S and the inspectors number and initials. The coat is very well made, coming out of the Philadelphia Quarter Master Depot. 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 four ribbons pinned above the left breast pocket, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal and the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five bronze stars. The Combat Infantry Badge this soldier would have been awarded is missing from the uniform. Each sleeve has officers braid sewn on the cuff, the left one also has five overseas stripes representing tow and 1/2 years in combat. There are four moth holes on the entire jacket, on the right sleeve, the right lapel and the back of the collar. The 34th Infantry Division is a Minnesota National Guard Division. During WWII the "Red Bulls" fought in North Africa and Italy, with the 135th Infantry engaged in six 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. Whoever wore this uniform made significant contributions to the battle hardened WWII 34th Infantry Division. He started out as an enlisted man, earning a Good conduct medal, then received a commission. The Bronze Star and Purple Heart, along with ETO ribbon attest to his combat service, participating in all six campaigns the 135th was involved in. If only we knew who this soldier was. His "Green" service coat has survived in excellent condition and will compliment any WWII uniform collection.
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