What’s in our Collections? An Eisenhower Jacket from the Korean War

In our history collections, we have an Eisenhower Jacket that was used during the Korean War.

The Eisenhower or “Ike” Jacket is a type of waist-length jacket developed for the U.S. Army during the later stages of World War II. It was intended to be worn on its own or as an insulating layer beneath a field jacket. It featured a pleated back, adjustable waist band, fly-front buttons, bellows chest pockets, slash side pockets, and shoulder straps.

The jacket was modified several times from its original design. With the introduction of the army green service uniform, the Ike jacket began to disappear domestically but was still an option for troops stationed internationally.

This jacket was used as such during the Korean War (1950-1953) by a local man. He donated the uniform to the museum in the early 2000’s.