Description:

MARS TASK FORCE SERGEANT'S JACKET WITH THEATER MADE PATCHES AND BLOOD CHIT
Rare lightweight field jacket once belonging to a sergeant who served in the with the famous Burma Theater raiders of the MARS TASK FORCE. The left shoulder of the garment bears a very rare theater-made "MARS TASK FORCE" patch hand-sewn just above a set of non-regulation sergeant's stripes. The opposite shoulder has a similar theater-made C.B.I. patch which has also been placed above similar sergeant's stripes. The back of the jacket has a finely-crafted 10" x 9 1/2" leather "blood chit", undoubtedly theater-made with separate sections of red, white and blue leather and Chinese characters painted at lower-right. On the front right breast of the jacket, the owner penned his military travel history: "MARS TASK FORCE C.B.I. 1944 1945 CHINA-BURMA-INDIA" and lists 28 different locales in which he had served. On the left breast is a Combat Infantry Badge and two sewn-on service ribbons. Fourteen additional locations are listed as well. Finally, service bars showing two years overseas are sewn at the end of the left sleeve. The owner of this jacket also penned his name on the fabric within, behind the buttons: "Edward [?] Group 5Cadre 9824 G3", and added the names of about 37 other non-coms he apparently trained with in Hawaii. Bears a tear at the upper left sleeve and typical wear. The 5332nd Brigade (Provisional) was activated on July 26, 1944 and soon became known as the MARS TASK FORCE. It was designed as a Long Range Penetration Force and was given the mission of cutting the Burma Road at Namhpakka. For the mission to be achieved, it was necessary to seize extensive objectives, including the seizure of broad hills and high ranges controlling approaches. Merrill's Marauders were a key component of this highly succesful force.

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August 23, 2016 10:30 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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