Tunic, Type M1944, United States Army Air Forces, James H. Doolittle
Usage Conditions May ApplyUsage Conditions ApplyThere are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections.
More -
https://iiif.si.eduView ManifestView in Mirador Viewer
The Type M1944 tunic also known as the "Ike" Jacket was an American adaptation of the British issued battle dress blouse. By the end of the war the M1944 replaced the longer Type M1939, M1940, and M1942 style coats.
This M1944 was worn by Lt. Gen. Jimmy Doolittle while serving in Europe during World War II. Gen. Doolittle had a distinguished career in aviation. Prior to World War II, he conducted the first successful "blind flying" experiments using only instruments. He also won a number of famous air races including the1925 Schneider Cup Race in the Curtiss R3C, the 1931 Bendix Race in the Laird Super Solution, and the 1932 Thompson Trophy Race in the Gee Bee R-1. He is best known for leading the famous raid on Japan in 1942 with B-25 medium bombers launched from aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Hornet. In January 1944, Doolittle replaced Gen. Ira Eaker as the Commander of the 8th Air Force in England.
Date
1939-1945
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT-Uniforms: Military
Manufacturer
New Bond Co. Ltd. Physical Description
Gen. James H. Doolittle's United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) Type 1944 tunic; olive drab wool "Ike" jacket with four hidden buttons down front; two patch pockets with flap and box pleat; drop fall collar; waist belt; command pilot badge over left breast pocket; 17 medal ribbons (Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal, World War I Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign; World War II Victory Medal; Order of the Condor of the Andes; Order of Polina Restituta; Honor Medal [China], Knight Commander Order of the Bath, Croix de Guerre [France], Order of the Crown), three star Lieutenant General's rank insignia on epaulets; gold wire embroidered 8th Air Force insignia on left shoulder; winged propeller U.S. Army Air Force and United States national insignia on collar.
Materials
Lining: Rayon
Overall: Wool
Insignia: Silver Inventory Number
A19590109000
Credit Line
Donated by Lt. Gen. James H. Doolittle (USAF, Ret.)
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.
You may also like
A Curator on Configuring WWII Military Medals
April 18, 2018
Jimmy Doolittle: Daredevil Pilot & Fun-Loving Friend
August 07, 2016