1969 Dated, Vietnam Conflict Period, US Army, "Coat, Man's, Wool Serge, AG-44, 100% Wool", Belonging To A Engineer, Staff Sergeant (Or "E-6"), Named: "Ralston", Serving In The 47th Infantry Division

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Description

This uniform is dated 1969 during the Vietnam Conflict Period. It is a US Army, "Coat, Man's, Woll Serge, AG-44, 100% Wool", or "US Army Uniform". This uniform was purchased at a local antique shop along with a few other Army Green uniforms and a few WWII IKE jackets. This uniform was stacked on an old chair and was stuffed in the middle of a large pile of US Navy uniforms that all had the name of "Ralston" inked on/in them. Ralston apparently was a US Navy Petty Officer and then re-enlisted in the Army! We thought that was kinga cool, so we bought only his Army Green uniform as we have no room for so much Navy stuff. This uniform is in EXCELLENT condition with no mothing or staining.

There are proper period "US" and Engineer, Enlisted Man's style metal discs found pinned to the upper collar lapels. They are clutch backs as is proper. Sewn near the top of his left current service side of his sleeve is a cloth patch for service in the 47th Infantry Division. Sewn in the middle of each sleeve are the cloth rank patches of a Staff Sergeant (or "E-6"). Ralston has a single slash shape cloth patch found sewn on his lower left sleeve indicating that he served for 3 years (sorry-can't count the Navy time!). Pinned on his upper right pocket flap is a proper period plastic name tag with "Ralston" engraved on it. It has standard clutches. Ralston has 2 badges pinned on his upper left pocket flap. The 1st is for the award of a Sharpshooter, 1 Class Gunner Badge for the pistol, and the 2nd is a Driver and Mechanic Badge for the Drive-Wheeled.

The buttons are of the deluxe 2-piece eagle types, appear all matching are of the unhallmarked type (correct for this style of a modern button), and are sewn on with correct thread. The 2 top pocket flap buttons are pinned on with hidden safety pins. The inside of this uniform is of the partial lining type. It is in EXCELLENT condition with only 1 stain where a holster might have rubbed against the lining. There are indication marks on the lining of ribbon bars and/or award badges being pinned on at one time over the pockets. There is a small cloth size tag found sewn in the neck area. Another cloth contract information tag is found sewn in the inside pocket with the contract information delineated above. Another larger size cleaner's tag is found sewn on the outside of the inner pocket. This uniform includes a pair of EXCELLENT condition, 1963 dated, "Trousers, Man's, Wool Serge Army Green 44 Type 1 Class 1, 100% Wool". They are not named but do have a large cloth size tag found sewn inside. There are 2 inked in soldier's re-issued type serial numbers inside.

Comments from the Curator:

This is not the 1st time that we have seen a soldier retire from one branch of the service and then re-enter into a different branch - but it is a VERY RARE practice. This is why we acquired this uniform. Ralston's Navy uniforms that we did not purchase had no unit/ship identification or rank/speciality patches so they were of no use in further tracing his career. We have included a brief one page biographical synopsis on the 47th Infantry Division "Viking" and it surprised us to learn that the patch was not to be worn after 1991 (Desert Shield?). This uniform represents a nice multi-service career veteran of the Vietnam Conflict period.

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