Uniform, Military
Object number2017.91.1 a,b
Date1941-1953
MediumWool; Fabric; Metal; Brass; Plastic
Credit LineIn memory of Harry "Bus" Means
DescriptionUnited States Marine Corps military uniform comprised of jacket and pants.
Military uniform jacket. Eisenhower jacket or "Ike" jacket. Olive drab wool hip-length long-sleeve jacket. Single-breasted with seven dark green plastic buttons down front opening. One pocket on each breast and one interior pocket inside proper right front panel. Shoulder straps each have one brown button with U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) emblem. Each cuff has strap with two dark green plastic buttons. Each hip has strap with metal buckle. Collar lapels have pair of USMC lapel pins. Each sleeve has embroidered Staff Sergeant rank insignia patch on upper arm and lower arm has patch with two embroidered service stripes. Above proper left breast pocket, from top to bottom: USMC Combat Aircrew Wings Badge and two ribbon racks each with three ribbons and two clutch back fasteners; top ribbon rack has, from viewer's left to right: Presidential Unit Citation ribbon bar, Good Conduct ribbon bar, and China Service ribbon bar; bottom ribbon rack has, from viewer's left to right: American Campaign ribbon bar, Asiatic Pacific Service ribbon bar, and World War II Victory ribbon bar. Lined with olive drab green fabric.
Military uniform pants. Olive drab wool. Five black plastic buttons down front opening. Seven belt loops around waist. One pocket on each hip and one coin pocket on front of proper right hip. Hard crease down front and back of each pant leg. White fabric lining on waistband and pockets. DimensionsHeight x Width (a - Width between shoulder seams): 26.125 x 19.25 in. (66.4 x 48.9 cm)Height x Width (b - Width at waist): 43.5 x 16 in. (110.5 x 40.6 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
USMC Combat Aircrew Wings Badge above proper left breast pocket has text at bottom "AIR CREW".
(b)
Stamped black text inside waistband on front of proper right hip "H. E. MEANS" and stamped blue text inside waistband on front of proper left hip "4-M".
Historical NotesPart of a collection related to Harry "Bus" Means. This extensive collection of military uniforms and equipment relates to the life and career of U.S. Marines Corps chief flight mechanic Sergeant Harry “Bus” Means of New Wilmington, Pennsylvania. Means served with multiple units during WWII and immediately afterwards, including the “Bombing Banshees” VMSB-244 flight squadron that participated in the occupation of China and the Philippines. Means served through 1946, then returned to service during the Korean War, so his story represents the Cold War history of those whose military participation did not end with the official surrender of the Japanese in WWII. The collection contains artifacts representing the post-War occupation of China and the Pacific Islands, and also reminders of the regional tensions that led to conflict again in Southeast Asia within ten years. The collection also includes more general materials from Mean’s childhood in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania, and his civilian occupations, such as his role as a USPS mail carrier.
Previous owner
Sergeant Harry E. Means
Related institution
United States Marine Corps
Related institution
Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 244
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