This is an enlisted man's Eisenhower jacket from World War II in remarkable condition. The Corporal that wore this was a member of the Tank Destroyers, unit's dedicated to engaging enemy armor. In December 1941 three organizations were developed into tank destroyer units, two light and one heavy. The two light units were equipped with 37mm guns and were soon discarded in favor of the third unit, the 893rd Tank Destroyer Battalion. The 893rd consisted of a headquarters company, a recon company and three tank destroyer companies of 12 vehicles each. Each company had one platoon of 37mm self propelled guns and two platoons of 75mm self propelled guns. Each platoon had four guns, an anti aircraft section of two 37mm self propelled guns and a 12 man infantry security section. A battalion thus had 24 75mm guns, 12 37mm guns, 18 anti aircraft 37mm guns and 108 infantrymen. The 75mm cannons were mounted on the M3 Gun Motor Carriage. 37mm cannons were mounted on the M6 Gun Motor Carriage. This unit TO&E was the standard when the unit deployed to North Africa, where they performed admirably. In November of 1942 the light platoon was converted to a third heavy platoon. It was realized that the M3 vehicle had several deficiencies and plans were in motion to replace it with a fully tracked tank destroyer. The M10, equipped with a 3 inch gun, proved to be the solution. As the role of the Tank Destroyer's evolved, tactics, equipment, and authorized strength's changed. Eventually the M10 was replaced with the M18 "Hellcat" and the M36, equipped with a 90mm gun. The advent of heavier tanks such as the M26 Pershing eventually caused the decline of the Tank Destroyer units. At the end of WWII the Army had 63 active Tank Destroyer battalions. TD battalion numbers ranged from the 600's to 800's. Those from infantry divisions were in the 600 range, armored divisions 700's and field artillery in the 800's. This jacket from one of those units is complete with WWII era Corporal stripes, the Tank Destroyer patch and two overseas or "combat" stripes on the left sleeve to indicate one year. The right sleeve has the Corporal's stripe, a 7th Army patch and a Meritorious unit patch. Above the right breast pocket an Honorable Discharge, or "Ruptured Duck" patch is sewn. The ribbons displayed above the left breast pocket are the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, ETO Medal with two campaign stars and the World War II Victory Medal. The right lapel has the enlisted man's US brass, while the left has the Tank Destroyers brass. All patches, ribbons and brass are WWII era. There is a makers label sewn inside the left inner pocket stating the maker is Winshire Clothes. This jacket is a size 38 Regular. In ink on the inside of the collar is the letter C, TO932 and 07030401. All buttons are present and correct and the snap at the waist line works. This is a really great piece from a specialized type of unit from World War II.

Item # AA724

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