Coat

1917-1918

Place madeUnited States, North America

Wool, cotton, metal

Overall: 3 x 23 x 31 1/2 in. ( 7.6 x 58.4 x 80 cm )

Gift of Mrs. John B. Walker

1942.444a

This coat was worn by Dr. John B. Walker, while he served as a colonel in the Medical Corps of the U.S. Army during World War I. He was commanding officer of Base Hospital No. 116, Army Expeditionary Forces, and later consultant to the government during demobilization. He was awarded a distinguished service medal in 1922 for his work "standardizing and supervising the treatment of the wounded suffering from gun-shot fractures."

DescriptionKhaki-colored wool single-breasted Army officer's coat; 2" closed stand-up collar (2 sets hooks and eyes), with "U.S." and caduceus insignia at the corner of each side; shoulder loops which button at the collar end; 5 buttons down the front, 4 front pockets with flaps which button closed, 2 campaign bars above left pocket; closed sleeves (no cuffs) with a band of yellow lacing around each wrist, left shoulder patch, with "A" encircled in red against dark blue ground, 2 stripe chevron on left wrist above lacing; 3 panels on the back; coat lined with green twill-weave cotton, sleeves lined with white cotton.

Markingscast: corners of collar, insignia: "U.S."

ClassificationsMILITARY TOOLS & EQUIPMENT: UNIFORM