Uniform, Military
Object number2017.91.3 a,b
Manufacturer
S. Rosenbloom Inc.
Manufacturer
Perfect Trousers Company
Date1943-1945
MediumFabric; Metal; Paint; Paper; Ink; Rope
Credit LineIn memory of Harry "Bus" Means
DescriptionUnited States Marine Corps (USMC) military uniform comprised of utility coat and pants.
Military uniform utility coat, size 40. Olive drab herringbone twill fabric. Collared with long-sleeves. Four black metal buttons down front opening and two one each cuff; military branch name on each button. One proper left breast pocket and one pocket on each front panel at hip-level. Above breast pocket is stamped name in black ink and painted in black on the pocket is military branch name and emblem. Upper section of each sleeve has black painted Staff Sergeant rank insignia.
Military uniform utility pants, size 34. Olive drab herringbone twill fabric. Four dark gray metal buttons down front opening, and one inside waistband to secure front fabric flap. One large cargo hip pocket on each side each with two buttons, and one large cargo rear pocket with three buttons. All aforementioned buttons have military branch name. Waist has seven belt loops and six eyelet holes. Two lengths of light green plasticized rope tied through proper left hip belt loop. DimensionsHeight x Width (a - Width between shoulder seams): 31 x 20.75 in. (78.7 x 52.7 cm)Height x Width (b - Width at waist): 44.25 x 16.25 in. (112.4 x 41.3 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
Each button has raised text "U.S. MARINE CORPS".
Above breast pocket is stamped text in black ink "H. E. MEANS".
On proper left breast pocket is painted black text "USMC" above United States Marine Corps emblem.
Inside collar at back center is stamped text black ink "H. E. MEANS".
(b)
Each button has raised text "U.S. MARINE CORPS".
Marks(a)
Inside collar at back center is stamped text in black ink "40".
Inside proper left front panel on the back of the pocket is stamped text in black ink "S. ROSENBLOOM INC. / CONTRACT NOM 39853 / DATES APR. 3, 1943 / COATS, UTILITY".
(b)
Waistband has black stamped text at the proper right rear "34 / PERFECT TROUSERS CO. / CONT. 48 70 / MAY 30, 1945".
Front and back of each pant leg has orange paper sales tags with black text "20 / SIZE 34 / LOT69 B 9".
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
On View
Not on view1943-1945
1941-1953