{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwii-82nd-airborne-division-m43-m1943-field-jacket-matching-shirt-with-period-applied-patches","title":"Original U.S. WWII 82nd Airborne Division M43 M1943 Field Jacket \u0026 Matching Shirt with Period-Applied Patches","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Set Available. This is a heavily service worn U.S. WWII uniform set representing a Sergeant of the 82nd Airborne Division. The set consists of an M1943 Field Jacket and an Army issue shirt, both retaining period-applied 82nd Airborne Division shoulder insignia with Airborne rocker and Sergeant rank chevrons. Although the set is not named, the corresponding insignia on both garments gives it a strong, consistent wartime appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M1943 Field Jacket was introduced as part of the U.S. Army’s standardized layered combat uniform system during WWII. Longer than the earlier M1941 Field Jacket, it extended to approximately the upper thighs and provided greater protection from weather and field conditions. The design incorporated a buttoned front, adjustable drawstring waist, two large breast pockets, two lower skirt pockets, and provisions for a detachable hood. No hood is included with this example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe jacket retains its identification tag beneath the collar, confirming the model. An original 82nd Airborne Division shoulder sleeve insignia with Airborne rocker is applied to the jacket, together with Sergeant rank chevrons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis jacket saw very heavy use. There is extensive fraying along the edges of the collar and around the bottom of the garment. Additional staining and tearing are present, as shown. All buttons remain attached, an important surviving feature given the amount of wear visible throughout the jacket.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe accompanying Army issue shirt bears the same period applied 82nd Airborne Division insignia with Airborne rocker and Sergeant stripes. A size label beneath the collar is marked \u003cb\u003e16-32\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA faint depot label remains along the lower portion of the shirt and shows a contract date of \u003cb\u003eApril 26th, 1942.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 82nd Airborne Division was one of the best known American airborne formations of WWII. Activated as an airborne division in 1942, it participated in major operations in Sicily, Italy, Normandy, the Netherlands, and the Ardennes before advancing into Germany. Its distinctive red, white, and blue “AA” shoulder insignia, combined with the separate Airborne rocker, became one of the most recognizable American uniform combinations of the war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe M1943 Field Jacket represented a significant development in American combat clothing. Designed as the outer component of a flexible layered uniform, it gradually replaced several earlier garments and provided soldiers with a more practical field coat suitable for varied climates. Its broad issue and continued postwar influence made it one of the most important U.S. Army uniform designs introduced during WWII.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis set is notable for the corresponding 82nd Airborne Division and Sergeant insignia retained on both garments, the surviving jacket label, the shirt’s \u003cb\u003e16-32\u003c\/b\u003e size marking, and its faint \u003cb\u003eApril 26th, 1942\u003c\/b\u003e contract date. The extensive fraying, staining, and tearing provide clear evidence of prolonged wear. It would be appropriate for a collection devoted to the 82nd Airborne Division, U.S. airborne uniforms, or the development of American field uniforms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Measurements SHIRT\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCollar to shoulder: 11\"\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to sleeve: 15\"\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to shoulder: 19\"\u003cbr\u003eChest width: 23.5\"\u003cbr\u003eWaist: 23.5\"\u003cbr\u003eHip: 24\"\u003cbr\u003eFront length: 32\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximate Measurements JACKET\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCollar to shoulder: 12\"\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to sleeve: 23\"\u003cbr\u003eShoulder to shoulder: 18\"\u003cbr\u003eChest width: 21\"\u003cbr\u003eWaist: 20\"\u003cbr\u003eHip: 21\"\u003cbr\u003eFront length: 31\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45424293019717,"sku":"ONSV26WSV066","price":995.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/FD21049C-8D20-418F-804C-6AC00310F730.jpg?v=1785359295","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwii-82nd-airborne-division-m43-m1943-field-jacket-matching-shirt-with-period-applied-patches","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}