Original Item: One of a Kind: An excellent untouched example of a WWII GI’s Ike Jacket with Insignia, as found from the veteran’s estate. The jacket is unique in that it came with a blown up photograph of the veteran later in life wearing this exact jacket. The jacket is exactly as seen in the 20” x 16” photograph.

The June 22, 1944 Dated Ike Jacket is marked size 36 R (Regular), and has T/4 Chevrons on each sleeve, an enlistment chevron on the left cuff denoting three years of service,three overseas chevrons denoting a year and a half spent overseas, and a “ruptured duck” sewn above the right breast pocket. Award ribbons include a Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, ETO Medal with three Battle Stars and a WWII Victory Medal. All Ribbons are of the earlier pinback variety. The Combat Infantryman’s Badge is marked “STERLING” and made by the firm Meyer. One “U.S.” Collar Disk remains. The branch of service collar disk is unfortunately missing. The 84th Division SSI is accompanied by a “RAILSPLITTERS” German-Made Tab, both of which have been cross stitched in place.

Sadly, we do not have the name of the veteran. However, the veteran’s laundry number is written inside the jacket in the center back. One could likely research the veteran and find his name, likely, without too much effort.

Regardless, this is a fantastic untouched example which is ready for display!

Measurements:
Collar to shoulder: 10”
Shoulder to sleeve: 24”
Shoulder to shoulder: 20”
Chest width: 18”
Waist width: 16.5”
Hip width: 16”
Front length: 24"

The 84th Division During WWII
The 84th Infantry Division was ordered into active military service on 15 October 1942, at Camp Howze, Texas, about 60 miles north of Dallas. Then, it was composed of the 333rd, 334th and 335th Inf. Regts.; 325th, 326th, 327th and 909th FA Bns.; 309th Engr. Combat Bn.; 309th Med, Bn.; 84th Sig. Co.; 784th Ord. Light Maintenance Co.; 84th QM Co.; 84th Recon Troop. It embarked on 20 September 1944 and arrived in the United Kingdom on 1 October, for additional training. The division landed on Omaha Beach, 1–4 November 1944, and moved to the vicinity of Gulpen, the Netherlands, 5–12 November.

The division entered combat on 18 November with an attack on Geilenkirchen, Germany, (Operation Clipper) as part of the larger offensive in the Roer Valley, north of Aachen. Operating under the command of Lt-Gen Brian Horrocks the division was supported by British tanks of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry, specialist armoured units of 79th Armoured Division, and XXX Corps' artillery.[2][3][4] Taking Geilenkirchen on 19 November, the division pushed forward to take Beeck (Geilenkirchen) and Lindern (Geilenkirchen) in the face of heavy enemy resistance, 29 November.[5] After a short rest, the division returned to the fight, taking Wurm and Würm (Geilenkirchen), Mullendorf, 18 December, before moving to Belgium to help stem the German winter offensive (Battle of the Bulge).

Battling in snow, sleet, and rain, the division threw off German attacks, recaptured Verdenne, 24–28 December, took Beffe and Devantave (Rendeux), 4–6 January 1945, and seized La Roche, 11 January. By 16 January, the Bulge had been reduced. After a 5-day respite, the 84th resumed the offensive, taking Gouvy and Beho. On 7 February, the division assumed responsibility for the Roer River zone, between Linnich and Himmerich (near Heinsberg), and trained for the river crossing.

On 23 February 1945, the second day of Operation Grenade, the division cut across the Roer, took Boisheim and Dülken, 1 March, crossed the Niers on 2 March, took Krefeld, 3 March, and reached the Rhine by 5 March. One day before, the 'Krefeld-Uerdinger Brücke' was blown off by Wehrmacht soldiers.[6] The division trained along the west bank of the river in March.

After crossing the Rhine, 1 April, the division drove from Lembeck toward Bielefeld in conjunction with the 5th Armored Division, crossing the Weser River to capture Hanover, 10 April. By 13 April, it had reached the Elbe, and halted its advance, patrolling along the river. Soviet troops were contacted at Balow, 2 May 1945. The division remained on occupation duty in Germany after VE-day, returning to the United States on 19 January 1946 for demobilization. It was redesignated a reserve formation on 21 January 1946.

Troops of the 84th Infantry Division liberated two satellite camps of the Neuengamme Concentration Camp: Ahlem (a.k.a. Hannover-Ahlem), on 10 April 1945, and Salzwedel, on 14 April 1945. As such, the 84th is officially recognized as a "Liberating Unit" by both the U.S. Army's Center of Military History.