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WW-II Era Uniforms | |
This well known uniform item was typically
called an "Ike Jacket" as it was
The original World War II uniform was considered by Eisenhower and many others to fit badly as it was restrictive. Ike wanted a "neater and smarter uniform" that could be worn by itself or over layers It was originally intended to be a battle uniform enabling soldiers to fight anywhere in the world. Soldiers soon learned that if worn as a Class-B uniform it enabled them to wear a dress uniform yet avoid the wrinkling that a full length uniform Class-A blouse invariably suffered. Although supposedly designed for combat wear, it became a favorite clothing item in non-combat environments. A standard issue item for U.S. troops beginning in November 1944, it quickly became known as the "Ike jacket" after its creator. Read more. |
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The Ike Jacket shown in this photos once belonged to Pfc. Robert F. Lunzer, I Co., 508 PIR. It is now owned by WW-II paraphernalia collector USAF TSgt Timothy Walker. who recently spotted it displayed for sale. Mr. Lunzer was from Aitken, MN. and died at the age of 72 on June 5, 1998. Despite his passing, his "Ike Jacket" speaks volumes for him and his service. |
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Over the Presidential Unit Citation is the Honorable Discharge emblem, commonly called the :"Ruptured Duck". Mr. Lunzer may have worn this jacket as a member of a post-war veterans group as the "Ruptured Duck" was only awarded to honorably discharged veterans. It may also say something about how long the jacket was worn after his discharge from active service. Also later made available as a gold lapel
pin, the original Ruptured Duck was this cloth insignia depicting an eagle inside
a wreath. It was worn on uniforms above the right breast pocket by WWII servicemen
who wer The G.I.'s thought the eagle looked more like a duck; .hence the nickname.. Also, because it meant they were going home, a popular saying grew out of it as "They took off like a Ruptured Duck" |
Copyright and all other rights reserved by the
Family and Friends of The 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment Association or by
those who are otherwise cited, |