WW2 Ike Jacket

Unidentified - 83rd Infantry Division & 8th Armored Division

This is a nice unnamed 83rd Infantry / 8th Armored Division Ike Jacket. The jacket has the 83rd Infantry Division patch on the right shoulder and 8th Armored Division on the left shoulder, indicating the soldier saw combat with the 83rd Infantry and was later transferred to the 8th Armored Division. Most notable is that this soldier was awarded the Soldier's Medal. This was awarded to soldiers who distinguished themselves by heroism not involving conflict with the enemy. It is a rather rare award and only 25 were awarded to members of the 83rd Infantry Division during WW2.

The jacket has infantry collar disks and the soldier was awarded the Combat Infantryman's badge and a Distinguished Unit Citation. As seen above his left pocket his other medals include the Soldiers Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with four Bronze campaign stars (a fifth star is missing), American Campaign Medal and WW2 Victory Medal.