Canadian Jacket

Gift of S. West Summers, Jr., 2007.106.001

Gilbert Blackwell, a pilot with the 527th Fighter Squadron was shot down during the Anzio campaign. Badly injured in the crash, Blackwell awoke to find that he was clad only in his winter underwear and socks. He was taken to Mantova, Italy, where he and several Canadian POWs were given medical treatment. One of the Canadian soldiers died during treatment, and Blackwell was able to take his jacket and pants to stay warm.