Bill Bainter's Jump Jacket

Gift in memory of Willard "Bill" Bainter, 2014.061.001

Due to the nature of their combat roles, paratroopers required a more robust uniform than standard infantry. The M42 Jacket had numerous large pockets for carrying additional ammunition and supplies behind enemy lines, and canvas reinforcing for surviving combat jumps. This example has the name of each location 11th Airborne Paratrooper Willard “Bill” Bainter visited during the course of his service.