Item Description
Original Item: Only one available. WWII 82nd Airborne material is some of the hardest and most sought after most collectible items on the market. This excellent condition WW2 Class A Uniform jacket was worn by a member of the 82nd Airborne who participated in one invasion landing and served during three of the 82nd’s campaigns. Offered in every good original condition in size 36R. 82nd Airborne Shoulder Sleeve Insignia on right shoulder, and 1st Allied Airborne Insignia on the left. Both insignias are stitched on the coat with wonderful period hand-applied stitching. Collar insignia are of the earlier screw-back variety. Ribbons (awards) are as follows:
- Purple Heart
- European, African, Middle East Campaign Ribbon (1 Invasion Arrow Head, 3 Battle Stars)
- Army Good Conduct Medal
- Presidential Unit Citation
Partial Laundry Number, 2530, is written in the lining of the collar.
Approximate Measurements:
Collar to Shoulder: 6”
Shoulder to Sleeve: 23”
Shoulder to Shoulder: 15.5”
Chest Width: 14.5”
Waist Width: 14”
Hip Width: 17”
Front Length: 25”
82nd Airborne Divison in Operation Market Garden:
On 2 August 1944 the division became part of the First Allied Airborne Army. In September, the 82nd began planning for Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands. The operation called for three-plus airborne divisions to seize and hold key bridges and roads deep behind German lines. The 504th, now back at full strength, was reassigned to the 82nd, while the 507th was assigned to the 17th Airborne. On 17 September, the 82nd conducted its fourth World War II combat assault. Fighting off German counterattacks, the 82nd captured its objectives between Grave, and Nijmegen. In the afternoon of Wednesday 20 September 1944 the 82nd Airborne conducted a successful assault on the river crossing of the Waal river, capturing the north end of the Nijmegen road bridge. War correspondent Bill Downs, who witnessed the assault, described it as "a single, isolated battle that ranks in magnificence and courage with Guam, Tarawa, Omaha Beach. A story that should be told to the blowing of bugles and the beating of drums for the men whose bravery made the capture of this crossing over the Waal possible."[14]
British XXX corps land forces failed to follow up the 82nd's success by advancing across the bridge toward Arnhem, leading to some friction between 82nd's Captain Burriss, Major Cook, Colonel Tucker and General Gavin and the British Grenadier Guards in their Sherman tanks. So the success of 82nd's Nijmegen drop was short-lived, because of other Allied units at the Battle of Arnhem. After a period of duty on the Arnhem front, the 82nd was relieved by Canadian troops, and sent to France.
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