This is an example of a United States Marine Corps officer's service coat.
This particular coat was worn by Gen. John R. Dailey (USMC, Ret.), Director, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Prior to taking the helm at the National Air and Space Museum, General Dailey was the Associate Deputy Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) where he led that agency’s restructuring activities. He served 36 years in the United States Marine Corps where he attained the rank of General and retired in 1992 while serving as Assistant Commandant. He is a pilot with more than 7,000 hours in numerous aircraft and helicopters. During two tours in Vietnam, he flew 450 combat missions. General Dailey has numerous decorations for his service in the Marine Corps and NASA. He is a member of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation board, the Marine Corps Aviation Association, the Early and Pioneer Naval Aviators Association (“Golden Eagles”), and a number of other national and international organizations and boards.
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.