Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is an outstanding named WWII (1946 Dated) U.S. Marine Corps “China Marine” jacket with an elaborate hand-embroidered interior created for Marine Glynn T. McDaniel while serving in Tientsin, China, in 1946. The otherwise understated exterior contrasts dramatically with the colorful personalized embroidery inside, including McDaniel’s name in English and Chinese, the location Tientsin, a large dragon, and the year 1946.

The jacket is a dark U.S. Marine Corps uniform-style garment fitted with Eagle, Globe and Anchor collar insignia. No other exterior insignia is present. It appears to have been locally tailored or extensively modified in China for McDaniel during his postwar service.

The most impressive feature is the interior embroidery. Across the upper portion is the Marine’s name:

GLYNN T. McDANIEL

His name is repeated in Chinese characters beneath or alongside the English lettering, followed by:

TIENTSIN
CHINA

Below the lettering is a beautifully executed multicolored dragon embroidered above the date:

1946

The dragon is worked in vivid thread and fills much of the center interior, giving the jacket exceptional visual appeal when displayed open or turned inside out. Locally embroidered souvenir garments of this type were commissioned by American servicemen stationed throughout Asia and personalized with names, locations, dates, dragons, birds, maps, unit insignia, and other symbols recalling their overseas service.

Following Japan’s surrender, Marines of the 1st Marine Division entered Tientsin in October 1945. Their duties included accepting the surrender of Japanese forces, overseeing repatriation, maintaining order, guarding important facilities and transportation routes, and supporting Chinese Nationalist forces while conflict with Communist troops continued.

The city became an important headquarters and logistical center for Marine operations in North China. U.S. Marines remained active in the Tientsin area throughout 1946, making the embroidered location and date fully consistent with the known deployment of the 1st Marine Division.

Research located a January 1946 Marine Corps muster-roll entry for Glynn T. McDaniel listing him with:

First Service Battalion
1st Marine Division
Fleet Marine Force

This unit information is consistent with the jacket’s Tientsin embroidery and provides a strong identification to the Marine for whom it was made. No additional service records or biographical information accompany the jacket, leaving excellent potential for further research into McDaniel’s wartime and postwar Marine Corps service.

The interior lining shows tearing and age-related deterioration, particularly around the embroidered area. Despite this wear, the principal lettering, name, dragon, date, and decorative stitching remain clear and visually impressive.

The jacket is best displayed open or inside out so the full embroidered design can be appreciated. It would also make an outstanding framed presentation if properly supported by a textile conservator.

The combination of a named Marine, documented 1st Marine Division service, Tientsin location, 1946 date, bilingual embroidery, and large hand-worked dragon makes this a particularly desirable and highly personal artifact from the post-WWII Marine occupation of North China.

Approximate Measurements:
Collar to Shoulder: 11"
Shoulder to Sleeve: 24"
Shoulder to Shoulder: 18"
Chest Width: 21"
Waist: 19"
Hip: 19"
Front Length: 25"