2159 - Mae Vest B4 du 502eme PIR. En toile impermeabilisee jaune. Toutes les sangles sont presentes. Les flexible de gonflage bucaux sont absents. Les bombonnes de gonflage automatique sont presentes avec leurs cordelettes. Tampon d inspection en mars 1944. Marquages Vest Life Preserver Type B4, datee du 20 janvier 1943. Fabrication United States Rubber Co. Marquages au tampon sur le cote GVM, correspond aux initiales du Colonel George Van Horn Moseley Jr., commandant du 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) de la 101st Airborne Division. Durant la Seconde Guerre mondiale, certains commandants et unites de la 101e Aeroportee, comme G.V.M. pour George Van Horn Moseley Jr, marquaient leur materiel (gilets B4, harnais de parachute T5, sacs Griswold) pour en identifier la propriete ou l attribution. Dans la nuit du 5 au 6 juin 1944, le 502nd PIR est parachute audessus du Cotentin lors de l Operation Neptune (DDay). Malgre la dispersion, de petits groupes isoles parviennent a detruire les batteries d artillerie allemandes a SaintMartindeVarreville et a securiser les sorties de plage. Le 11 juin, bloque sur la chaussee menant a Carentan sous un feu nourri, le LieutenantColonel Robert G. Cole (commandant le 3e bataillon) ordonne une charge memorable a la baionnette pour capturer une position ennemie fortifiee (la ferme Ingouf). Cette action heroique lui vaudra la prestigieuse Medal of Honor. A noter une legere usure et patine de la piece. Etat I. B4 Mae West Life Vest of the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR). Made of yellow waterproofed fabric. All straps are present. The oral inflation tubes are missing. The CO₂ inflation cylinders are present, together 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 (DDay). Despite the widespread scattering of the paratroopers, small isolated groups succeeded in destroying German artillery batteries at SaintMartindeVarreville 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 agerelated patina to the item. Condition I.