WWII USN 2nd Model Deck Hook Jacket & Foul Weather Deck Cap Identified to Arne A. Hautala Size 36 & 7 (1943)

Description

This is an original WWII U.S. Navy 2nd model deck hook jacket from the NXss14681 contract. It is identified to Arne A. Hautala, 9613808. View the Veteran's Information section for more details regarding Hautala's life and military service. The 2nd model deck jacket saw the introduction of six hook fasteners on its placket, as the prior model's zipper would often seize up when sprayed with freezing salt water. The deck hook jacket was introduced in 1943 and was discontinued that same year, making them exceedingly rare and highly desirable among collectors. It is labeled size "36" but please refer to the Measurements section for more details. Stenciled on the jacket's front is the name of its original owner, "ARNE HAUTALA". On the jacket's reverse is a stenciled "18". It comes complete with Hautala's original size 7 foul weather deck cap, which was modified with the addition of two red panels for fire control identification purposes.

Provenance

Private Collection, Dodgeville, Wisconsin

Condition Report

This jacket is in fair, well used condition. One of the hooks is pulling away from the fabric, there are stains and fading throughout, and on the wearer's right sleeve there is both a tear and a section of failed stitching. Interestingly, the foul weather cap is faded to a much lesser degree, indicating Hautala wore it less frequently than his jacket. The cap's chinstrap has pulled away from one side.

Measurements

Chest: 22 inches

Length: 24 inches

Sleeve: 22.5 inches

Veteran's Information

Arne Andy Hautala was born on November 23, 1909, in Harrison, New Jersey. On July 1, 1944, Hautala was received at the U.S. Naval Training Center in Farragut, Idaho. His service began as a seaman first class aboard the USS Cahaba (AO-82). The Cahaba was an Escambia-class replenishment oiler, which had the harrowing task of providing fuel to vessels in combat zones primarily in the Pacific Theater of Operations and even received eight battle stars during the war. The last image was captured in 1945 and shows the Cahaba refueling the USS Iowa (BB-61) and the USS Shangri-La (CV-38). Hautala survived the war and eventually attained the rank of fireman first class. It was likely at this time that he modified his foul weather cap. Hautala died on June 27, 1993, at the age of 83 and is buried at Evergreen Cemetery in Spencer, New York. Made available to the new owner below are Hautala's draft registration cards, USN Muster Rolls from the National Archives, and gravesite. At Gustafson's request, the National Archives is currently processing Hautala's Official Military Personnel File, which will soon be made available below.

• Draft Registration Cards & USN Muster Rolls
• Gravesite
• Official Military Personnel File (Coming Soon)