Uniform Details

This uniform dates anywhere from the end of WWII to approximately the late 1950's period. It is a US Army, 1942 Pattern, Officer's, Summer, Tropical Worsted, Khaki Service Coat. This uniform belonged to a Infantry, Brigadier General, named: "William Esbitt." It is known that General Esbitt was the Assistant Division Commander, of the famous 77th Infantry Division, varriously known throughtout it's history as "Metropolitan", or Statue of Liberty", or (are you ready for this?), "Old Bastards" (must be a family member!). This uniform is custom tailored. It has a perfect condition, higher than average, 1/2 lining that is partially quilted, and even has never seen before internal pocket flaps! (why?). Above the inside pocket is a Bevo-like cloth tag embroidered with "Custom Tailored", and much other contractual information. Inside the inside pocket is another cloth tag with "Tailored for, Mr. ........" printed on. There is the hand written name of "W. Esbitt" inked on this tag. The outside condition rates a low excellent. There is 1 faint water stain hardly noticable, and then only is looking very close up from behind, on the rear left elbow.

The buttons are the 2 piece eagle types, and are all matching back marks. Their attaching thread is also all original and of the correct type. There are single Brigadier General's stars on each epaulette which are un-hallmarked and show edge scuffing evidence of much wear. Each upper collar lapel has matching, and hallmarked "US" pin insignia (that's amazing as they almost never match!). Each lower collar lapel has the crossed rifle insignia of Infantry service. They are both hallmarked and are very slighty, mismatched (not noticable even when observed up close). There is a correct Presidential Unit Citation ribbon pinned above the top right breast pocket. General Esbitt's name tag is also included (now under repair). Pinned above his left breast pocket is a magnificent "Sterling" hallmarked, "Expert Infantry Badge" which was awarded to the 100th Infantry Division. This is a correct original replacement as his original badge was lost. The upper right sleeve has a cloth patch for former combat service in the 100th Infantry Division "Century". This division saw much combat in Europe in WWII and several of it's Battalions were awarded the "Presidental Unit Citation", and the Division the "Expert Infantry Badge". Sewn on his upper left sleeve is a cloth patch for current service in the 77th Infantry Division. The 77th was the oldest Infantry unit in the Army at the start of WWII. They saw much combat on Guam, Okinawa and on the island of Ie Shima (where Ernie Plye was killed). Sewn on General Esbitt's uniform are his kahki backed award ribbons. They are for: the "Legion of Merit Medal", the "Bronze Star Medal" with 1 oak leaf cluster and which is missing a 2nd device (a "V" for valor or perhaps a 2nd oak leaf cluster device), the "American Campaign Medal", the "European/African/ Middle Eastern Campaign Medal" with 3 bronze stars, the "Army of Occupation Medal", the "WWII Victory Medal", and the "Armed Forces Reserve Medal" with 10 years of service device.

The uniform includes his matching khaki color trousers. They have a matching "Custom Tailored" tag, the same as in the uniform. In addition there is another matching tailor's tag, the same as in the uniform, which reads: "Tailored for, Mr....." The name has not been filled-in in this case. The condition of these matching trousers is mint! To help complete this uniform the museum has added a proper June 23rd, 1948 dated, "Shirts, Poplin, Khaki Stand-up Collar, USA Spec. 6-241-A, Patt. Date 9 July 1946" (for Officer's), a Officer's, Khaki belt and buckle, and a 1950 dated, Officer's dark OD color tie. A proper Army Green color Cap, Service, Wool Fur Felt, Field Grade Officer's, and a pair of proper brown color shoes can be purchased at additional cost. Included with this uniform grouping is a great 17 page biographical military career file which delineates all of General Esbitt's long Army career - including all of his WWII Combat assignments.

Comments from the Curator:

The biographical military career, information on Infantry Brigadier General Esbitt is fully researched. General Esbitt saw much Infantry Combat Service. This beautiful, attributed, combat General's uniform is hard to beat or upgrade. If a collector/buyer wants a superior combat General's uniform grouping, this is it.

Buy it Now - $7000.00

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
3401 U.S. Hwy 29B
Danville, VA  24540
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