AAF TANK MUSEUM Militaria Uniforms

1961 Period, US Army, 1942 Pattern, Officer's, Summer, Tropical Worsted, Khaki Service Coat, belonging to an Infantry, Major General, named: "David W. Gray", the Commanding General of the 7th (Light) Infantry Division (AND much Airborne service!)

Uniform Details

This uniform is of the 1961 period (by the dating of his rank), but quite probably dates into the late 1950's. It is a US Army, 1942 Pattern, Officer's, Summer, Tropical Worsted, Khaki Service Coat. This uniform is named on it's inside cloth tag to David Gray, who was an Infantry, Major General, and the Commanding General of the 7th (Light) Infantry Division. As additional proof of provenance, sewn above his inside pocket are the custom embroidered initials of "G.D." For General David Gray. The uniform is all custom tailored and has a beautiful, bevo-style "Hand Tailored Schwartz Clothing" (etc.) colorful tailor's tag. The lining is extra padded and in perfect condition. The exterior buttons are the higher quality multi-piece eagle types. Backmarks are of 2 "Waterbury" designs. Button attaching threads is a combination of original tailor's thread and some evidence of additional repair threads. Both "U.S." pins are matching, and hallmarked. All 4 silver stars have matching hallmarks (that almost never happens!), and show nice aging patina.

Machine sewn at the top of his left sleeve is a merrowed edge cloth patch for former combat service in the 25th Infantry Division. Machine sewn at the top of his left sleeve is a early green merrowed edge cloth patch for service in the Army Ground Forces. The white center field on this patch shows a wonderful age-yellowed patina attesting to it's age/period. Pinned on his left breast is a very nice early General Staff Badge which is nicely hallmarked. He wears his "Gray" plastic name tag on his right top pocket flap. It is of the proper period and is hallmarked as well. Pinned above that same pocket are 4 awards for: the "Presidential Unit Citation", the "Meritorious Unit Citation", the "Philippine Presidential Unit Citation", and lastly the "Korean Presidential Unit Citation".

Pinned on his left breast is a "Combat Infantryman's Badge" of average quality (we are suprised he did not opt for a sterling piece). The 14 ribbon bar is absolutely spectacular quite unique. Firstly all the ribbons are custom hand embroidered and not the plain - Jayne regulation types. They are embroidered on paper backed cloth. The rear backing material is made of a european looking, dark green cloth (not wool), reminicent of German uniform material sold to US soldiers doing time in Germany. The backing is hand sewn using what very much looks like WWII period, German Army, tropical green thread (what a story this thread could tell!). The backing has 6 small snaps that attach the ribbon bar to a SECOND! backing of khaki color uniform cloth which is hand sewn to the uniform. The purpose of this second backing is unknown as it provides no extra stiffening, and it does not portrude beyond the ribbon bar's edges as is sometimes done to give a thicker "framed" look. And the best yet is that the devices found on the ribbons are not the usual metal, but are instead beautiful hand embroidered gold bullion wire! And yes - they are all done in gold not the expected bronze color. Obviously General Gray appreciated the finer things in life as these ribbons attest.

His awards are for the following: the "Silver Star Medal", the "Legion of Merit Medal" with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the "Bronze Star Medal" with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, the "Army Commendation Medal" with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, the "American Defense Service Medal", the "American Campaign Medal", the "Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Medal", the "WWII Victory Medal", the "Army of Occupation Medal", the "National Defense Service Medal", the "Korean Service Medal" with 2 (gold) stars, the "Philippine Liberation Ribbon", the "United Nations Service Medal", and the "Armed Forced Expeditionary Medal". The last award is a "Basic Parachutist Badge", which is also hallmarked. Each lower sleeve has the mohair cloth rings of Officer staus. The uniform exterior is in MINT condition. No trousers or hat came with this uniform, but could be provided at extra cost. To help complete this uniform the museum has added a correct period and style, lightweight khaki shirt, and a correct period, "Necktie, Man's, Wool Trop., Black, Class 1, 100% Wool". See below for more items included with this grouping.

**Also included with this uniform but in the photos is a custom made Officer's Belt and Buckle**

Comments from the Curator:

General David Gray had a spectacular Army career. He had much training, even some in the Tank School. Identified groupings such as this are precious and rare indeed. This uniform grouping also includes 6 pages of his every detail of his long military career. There are another 2 pages written in his own hand (a high quality copy) also delinating his full Army career. Another inclusion is a 1966 dated potrait photo of him in his Army Green uniform wearing what appears to be the same above mentioned ribbon bar (perhaps that is the reason it had 2 backings - so it could be worn on either color uniform?). The last inclusion is another photo of Gray that is dated 1963 which shows him wearing a similar khaki color uniform in Korea, but with slight differences. This is a great amount of items all belonging to a senior Officer who served in the Pacific in WWII. But there is one last part well worth listing here, and that is General Gray's absolutely huge number of combat unit assignments after the war. He was the Assistant Division Commander of the 11th Airborne Division. The Assistant Division Commander of the 24th Infantry Division (2 times!), Brigade Commander of Task Force 201 of the 24th Airborne Brigade, Assistant Division Commander of the 8th Infantry Division, and the Commanding General of the 7th (Light) Infantry Division. WOW! Here is your chance to get an acomplished Infantryman with lots of neat additional Airborne commands, in his long career, who served through Korea into the 1960's. If he had more front line combat service in his career, then the price on this grouping would be a whole lot more. This is a great grouping with excellent character.

Buy it Now - $2800.00

This item is in stock. Quantity 1. Item is not listed on the museum's shopping cart, and payments can not be made directly from the site. If you have interest in this item, please contact the museum by E-Mail, or by phone at 434-836-5323.

A.A.F. Tank Museum
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Danville, VA  24540
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