2159 - Mae Vest B4 from the 502nd PIR. Made of yellow waterproof canvas. All straps are present. The mouth-inflated hoses are missing. The automatic inflation cylinders are present with their cords. Inspection stamp from March 1944. Marked “Vest Life Preserver Type B4,” dated January 20, 1943. Manufactured by United States Rubber Co. Stamped markings on the side read “GVM,” corresponding to the initials of Colonel George Van Horn Moseley Jr., commander of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) of the 101st Airborne Division. During World War II, certain commanders and units of the 101st Airborne, such as G.V.M. (for George Van Horn Moseley Jr.), marked their equipment (B4 life jackets, T5 parachute harnesses, Griswold bags) to identify ownership or assignment. On the night of June 5–6, 1944, the 502nd PIR was parachuted over the Cotentin Peninsula during Operation Neptune (D-Day). Despite being scattered, small isolated groups managed to destroy the German artillery batteries at Saint-Martin-de-Varreville and secure the beach exits. On June 11, pinned down on the road leading to Carentan under heavy fire, Lieutenant Colonel Robert G. Cole (commander of the 3rd Battalion) ordered a memorable bayonet charge to capture a fortified enemy position (the Ingouf farm). This heroic action earned him the prestigious Medal of Honor. Note: the item shows slight wear and patina. Condition I. B4 Mae West Life Vest of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR). Made of yellow waterproof fabric. All straps are present. The oral inflation tubes are missing. The CO₂ inflation cylinders are present, along with their pull cords. Inspection stamp dated March 1944. Marked “Vest Life Preserver Type B4,” dated January 20, 1943. Manufactured by United States Rubber Co. Stamped “GVM” on the side, corresponding to the initials of Colonel George Van Horn Moseley Jr., commanding officer of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 101st Airborne Division. During World War II, certain commanders and units of the 101st Airborne Division used identifying markings, such as “G.V.M.” for George Van Horn Moseley Jr., on their equipment (B4 life vests, T5 parachute harnesses, and Griswold bags) to indicate ownership or assignment. On the night of June 5–6, 1944, the 502nd PIR parachuted into the Cotentin Peninsula during Operation Neptune (D-Day). Despite the paratroopers being widely scattered, small isolated groups succeeded in destroying German artillery batteries at Saint-Martin-de-Varreville and securing the beach exits. On June 11, while pinned down by heavy enemy fire on the causeway leading to Carentan, Lieutenant Colonel Robert G. Cole, commanding the 3rd Battalion, ordered a memorable bayonet charge to capture a fortified enemy position at Ingouf Farm. This heroic action earned him the prestigious Medal of Honor. Some light wear and age-related patina on the item. Condition I.