WWII Mae West

I never know what I'm going to find next. Saw this, asked the price, walked away. Looked up how much they go for and went back. About a third the going rate. Not initially something I would be interested in, but it was standard issue for bomber crews which my uncle was and for paratroopers and glider troops so would be good for their displays

The date of manufacture is too faded to read but was before February 28, 1944 based on the inspections which seem to be every 5 months or so, so likely sometime in 1943.

Everything appears to be present and in good shape. It remains soft and pliable and there are no cracks in the rubber.

I can't make out the name unfortunately. James A DR##N. Found a surname sight and the only five letter name that fits is DRAIN and it does look like that is a possibility.

Service number is clear. He was from NY, NJ or Delaware and enlisted.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../hDWD1p0-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../rZMd5QC-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../vFRZKvZ-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../MlHTUiH-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../F4cnGdi-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../QD6cqbP-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../nvnzFlz-1.jpg

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../VjSx9f0-1.jpg

Found him, James A Drain Essex County New Jersey. Born 1923. Enlisted in the Air Corps December 8, 1941. This is pretty cool.

James Albert Drain Sr.

BIRTH 7 May 1923, Bridgeton, Cumberland County, New Jersey, USA

DEATH 18 Jul 1991 (aged 68), New Castle County, Delaware, USA

BURIAL Gracelawn Memorial Park. New Castle, New Castle County, Delaware, USA

Earned the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters.

Unfortunately, I can't access his obituary. I may be able to see it when Ancestry offers a free weekend.

Here's a photo of him wearing the vest:

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo.../iUfEiP9-1.jpg

That is some outstanding detective work ! Thank you for posting the picture because it is mind blowing seeing the person wearing that same vest back in his prime. Very cool little piece of History you have there