Uniform Details

This uniform is dated 1976, and from the included documents, known to have been worn in 1979. It is a US Army, "Coat, Hot Weather, Camouflage Pattern, 100% Cotton", or "B.D.U.'s" (i.e.: "Battle Dress Universal"). This uniform belonged to a Infantry, General (i.e.: a 4 Star General), named: "Volney Frank Warner." This uniform was recently acquired from a very advanced uniform collector who is slowly liquidating pieces of his fine collection. This Tank Museum actively acquires Tank, Cavalry and General Officer's uniforms/groupings for both the Museum's collection and for re-sale. This uniform has much interest for collectors as General Warner had many intriguing commands. He commanded: a Tank Company, was the Commanding General of the 3rd Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division in VIETNAM!, had many Airborne and Infantry Divisional commands thereafter, and was the Commanding General of the famous XVIII Airborne Corps!

This uniform is in almost Mint condition. Sewn on his right breast is his Vietnam period, embroidered (not inked) "Warner" name tape. What a nice touch for him to be wearing his old combat tape! Sewn to each upper collar lapel are his subdued rank patchs of 4 stars each. They are in the rare miniature size hardly ever encountered these days. Sewn above his left pocket are 3 more subdued patches. One patch is for a Combat Infantryman's Badge for 2 awards, the 2nd is a Master Parachutist Badge (he was "Ariborne" all the way with an amazing 251 jumps!!!), and lastly a comtemporary bevo-style "U.S. Army" tape (how out of character of him!). The uniform is inked inside with a large numerical "2", as are the 1979 dated B.D.U. trousers - perhaps indicating this is his No. 2 set of duds. His name "Warner" is also inked twice in his trousers, which is nice of him as manu collectors add trousers and hats etc. to a uniform so that they can sell it as an original grouping and not one which was made up. (Note: any items that have been added to any of the uniform groupings offered by the museum will be clearly notated as such for each grouping). Also included is his magnificent 1979 period, US Army, M-1 Model, Steel Helmet with the liner and camouflage cover - and Airborne chin strap. This helmet is described in one of his (included) letters as having been worn on his 251st jump in 1979 - WOW! The helmet shows moderate wear on the camo cover while the steel pot, liner and suspension look almost like new. The camo cover has a 4 star subdued cloth rank tape sewn on in front, and unlike his stars on his uniform collar, these helmet stars are in the full size. The stars sizing should have been reversed as in most instances - but who is going to tell a 4 Star General what to do anyway! With well over 2,000 uniforms in the museum's collection, it is just amazing how many of them don't conform to regulations. Unknowledgeable uniform collectors who love to call themselves "Experts" just can't recognize this fact, but a fact it remains.

Comments from the Curator:

As if I didn't preach enough already, now here are a few more snippets for your to savor. First, this uniform is a genuine Airborne piece. This is attested to by a 17 page biographical file that is included with this grouping. In this file are several letters all signed by Warner, and on his letterhead, stating the circumstances of the donation of this helmet and uniform to different collectors. Sorry, but our source names have been crossed out on each. These letters are quite enlightening, especially the one telling about his 251st jump in this helmet, and the 3 kegs of beer and the pig - picking! It's great stuff like this that makes such groupings a real treasure. Add to the above items an autographed photo of him in his class "A's" as well. General Warner saw combat in Vietnam, making this uniform very desirable. Add to that his 9th Infantry Division Command, and you get the best here. But, also enjoy the wonderful fact that General Warner was also the Commanding General of the famous XVIII Airborne Corps. - and this grouping is hard to beat.

Buy it Now - $3200.00

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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