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Description
This is an original WWII U.S. Army Ike jacket. It is identified to Sergeant Ray R. Leach, 38192662. View the Veteran's Information section for more details regarding Sgt. Leach's life and military service. It was manufactured by the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot. It is labeled size "34R" but please refer to the Measurements section for more details. Twice inscribed on its original lining is Sgt. Leach's laundry number, "L-2662" and the placket is marked "SGT, LEACH, 7". Additionally, it appears to have once had a name tag stitched into the collar. Its insignia has also been removed, but we can see evidence of a shield-shaped shoulder sleeve insignia, sergeant rank insignia, overseas service patch, as well as awards over the wearer's left pocket. Interestingly, the buttonholes appear to have been reenforced with blue thread.
Provenance
Personal Collection of Chelius Carter
Condition Report
Fair
Good
Excellent
This jacket is in good, used condition. There are two small holes on the reverse, and one button is missing on the wearer's left cuff.
Measurements
Chest: 18.5 inches
Length: 20.5 inches
Sleeve: 25 inches
Veteran's Information
Ray Roy Leach was born on July 12, 1920, in Stillwater, Oklahoma. On September 23, 1942, Leach enlisted in the U.S. Army in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He served as a medic in the European Theater of Operations, first with the 493rd Medical Collecting Company, then with the 74th General Hospital. Interestingly, as of his last known "Morning Reports", on December 27, 1944, Leach was still listed as a private, indicating he likely acquired (or at least personalized) this Ike jacket sometime after this date. Leach survived the war and died on April 6, 1992, at the age of 71 and is buried at Old Mission Cemetery in Wichita, Kansas. Made available to the new owner below are Leach's enlistment records from the National Archives, draft registration cards, "Morning Reports" from the National Archives, and his gravesite.
