WW2 GI Ike Jacket w/Insignia--97th Infantry Division--Large Size--1945 Date

Description

WW2 Ike Jacket--97th Infantry Division
Original WW2 US Army Ike jacket, brownish-OD green wool serge outer with brownish-OD green cotton lining, has the following insignia: 97th Infantry Division patch, Staff Sergeant rank, and two overseas bars on left sleeve; Staff Sergeant on right sleeve; Printed type Ruptured Duck discharge patch on right chest; Stamped brass clutch back US and Cavalry collar discs; Clutch back ribbon mounts featuring Good Conduct, American Campaign, European Campaign with 2 battle stars, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, and WW2 Victory [all ribbons except Pacific Campaign are plastic coated]. All clutch back insignia has correct flat face clutches.
Jacket is a large size 42 R, mfg by PROGRESSIVE CLOTHING MFG CO. and dated 16 April 1945. Jacket is still full size, has never been tailored or altered. All insignia is original to jacket and evidently the original owner was a member of the 97th Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop as indicated by collar discs [unfortunately, no names, laundry numbers, or other possible ID markings]. Two battle stars on ETO ribbon are somewhat out of place, as the Division only qualified for one [Central Europe]. Small moth nip to left front near armpit, otherwise undamaged and does not affect overall appearance.
The 97th was one of the late arrivals to ETO combat, arriving in theatre in February 1945. Following a brief return to the USA, they were sent to Japan as part of the Occupation forces there through early 1946. Hand drawn map to a Japanese camera shop was found in one of the pockets and is included with the jacket. Nice piece from one of the units that served in both European and Pacific theatres [with the added bonus of being a hard to find large size] and is in excellent condition. Any questions please feel free to ask.