WW2 US Army AirForces "Mustard" IKE Jacket , XL (46R)

The experience in North Africa and Sicily confirmed that the wool serge Service Coat was worthless in combat. In the fall of 1943 a short wool jacket was adopted for the Air Corps, similar to the British battle dress jacket, and was investigated for the other services. By the end of 1944, the Jacket, Field, Wool (Ike Jacket) was standard for all soldiers in theETO. The Ike Jacket was made of 18 ounce "mustard" serge material. It had a convertible collar which could be turned up tight around the neck. Special washable shoulder pads permittedordinary laundering, rather than dry cleaning as was required for the Service Coat. For the first time in 50 years, an enlisted man's coat had inside breast pockets as well as two outside pockets.

Other features of the garment included the fly front and flapped pockets with conceled buttons to prevent catching on brush or equipment. The sleeves had adjustable shirt-sleeve type closures, a snap fastener to hodl the waistband extension tab, and buckles at the side of the waistband to allow adjustment made to provide tight clousre at the hips and affort greater warmth.

The Ike Jacket was informally named for General Eisenhower, shown wearing one of the jackets in the photo to the right.