Uniform, Military
Object number2017.91.2 a-d
Manufacturer
College Hall Fashions
Datec. 1943
OriginLos Angeles, CA
MediumWool; Fabric; Metal; Brass; Plastic
Credit LineIn memory of Harry "Bus" Means
DescriptionUnited States Marine Corps (USMC) military uniform comprised of jacket, belt, and two ribbon bar racks each with three ribbon bars.
Military uniform service jacket. Olive drab wool long-sleeve jacket. Single-breasted with four metal buttons down front opening. One breast pocket on each side and one hip pocket on front of each hip; each pocket has button. One interior pocket inside proper left front panel. Shoulder straps each have one button. All aforementioned buttons are bronze-colored metal and have the USMC emblem. Each sleeve has embroidered Sergeant rank insignia patch on upper arm and decorative chevron cuff. Proper left sleeve shoulder has 1st Marine Aircraft Wing shoulder sleeve insignia patch. Collar lapels have pair of USMC lapel pins. Above proper left breast pocket is USMC Combat Aircrew Wings Badge. Lined with olive drab green fabric.
Military uniform belt. Olive drab wool with brown metal slide buckle.
Ribbon bar rack with three ribbon bars. Silver metal rack has two posts on reverse with two brass clutch back fasteners. Ribbon bars, from viewer's left to right: Presidential Unit Citation ribbon bar, Good Conduct ribbon bar, and unknown ribbon bar. Each ribbon bar has a clear plastic covering.
Ribbon bar rack with three ribbon bars. Silver metal rack has two posts on reverse with two brass clutch back fasteners. Ribbon bars, from viewer's left to right: American Campaign ribbon bar, Asiatic Pacific Service ribbon bar, and World War II Victory ribbon bar. Each ribbon bar has a clear plastic covering.DimensionsHeight x Width (a - Width between shoulder seams): 37 x 17.25 in. (94 x 43.8 cm)Length x Width x Depth (b): 39.25 x 2.438 x 0.625 in. (99.7 x 6.2 x 1.6 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (c): 0.563 x 4.375 x 0.5 in. (1.4 x 11.1 x 1.3 cm)
Height x Width x Depth (d): 0.563 x 4.375 x 0.5 in. (1.4 x 11.1 x 1.3 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
USMC Combat Aircrew Wings Badge above proper left breast pocket has text at bottom "AIR CREW".
Proper left sleeve lining has stamped text "H.E. MEANS".
Marks(a)
Proper left sleeve lining has stamped text "5S / COLLEGE HALL FASHIONS / CONTRACT NOM-39434 / DATED FEB. 22, 1943".
(c)
Reverse of left and right ribbon bars have text "LOS ANGELES, CALIF."
(d)
Reverse of left and right ribbon bars have text "PAT. NO. 2392351"
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
Related institution
1st Marine Aircraft Wing
On View
Not on view
1941-1953
1944-1945
1941-1953
c. 1945
